Start with the right application.
- Know which trade category applies
- Understand whether you can contract or must work under supervision
- Prepare your qualifications and lodgement documents
Building Commission NSW
Ready to quote and contract under your own NSW trade licence ?
Going out on your own changes which NSW licence or certificate you need. BLS checks the trade category and helps prepare your qualification and lodgement documents.
At a glance
What the regulator will ask for
Which NSW trade credential gives you the authority you need?
A contractor licence, qualified supervisor certificate and tradesperson certificate do different jobs. Start with how you plan to work, then check the regulated category and its qualification requirements.
- 01
Which regulated trade category covers your work?
The category must cover the work you will carry out, supervise, contract or advertise.
- 02
Will you contract or work under supervision?
A contractor licence allows contracting and advertising. A tradesperson certificate is narrower, and the work must be signed off by someone with a current contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate.
- 03
Do your qualifications and experience meet the category?
Building Commission NSW directs applicants to check the qualifications and experience required for their category before applying.
- 04
Where will you lodge?
Some applications are online, while individual contractor licence and qualified supervisor applications are commonly lodged in person through Service NSW.
What BLS does for you
Move into direct contracting with the right NSW application.
BLS checks the trade category and credential before you pay for more training or start the wrong form.
Help with the application
You know the work. We help get the application sorted.
- Check which NSW category covers your trade work.
- Confirm whether you need a contractor licence, qualified supervisor certificate or tradesperson certificate.
- Prepare qualification, experience and referee documents before lodgement.
- Show you what is missing if you are not ready to apply yet.
Who this is for
- Trades moving from subcontracting or employment into direct contracting.
- Applicants adding a regulated work category.
- Trades unsure whether their current certificate lets them sign off or contract.
When another service may fit better
- Applications that need legal, financial or disciplinary advice outside BLS’s service.
- Situations where the required work history, qualifications or records cannot be provided.
Service and cost
Know what is included before you proceed.
Licence and registration applications vary by state, class and how much preparation is needed. The free check gives BLS enough information to explain the service and provide a quote.
What affects the quote
The quote depends on where you are applying, the type of application, what records you already have and how much preparation is still needed.
- Included work
- BLS confirms the included application and evidence work before you proceed.
- Other fees
- Regulator, RTO, insurance, police check and other third-party fees are separate unless a proposal expressly includes them.
- Qualification gaps
- RPL or training is recommended only where a genuine qualification gap is identified.
- Assessment
- The regulator or RTO assesses the application or qualification and makes the final decision.
Your next step
Start with where
you are.
Get clear on your likely licence, gaps and next step before you pay for training or start pulling the paperwork together.