Clear, practical help with your builder licence
The paperwork and requirements behind builder registration can be slow and confusing. We help you understand what applies, prepare the right evidence and move forward with confidence.
WA builder registration
In Western Australia, builders are registered by the Building Services Board under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011. There are two classes of registration, and choosing the right one at the start saves time.
Building practitioner
An individual registered to carry out or supervise building work, including as an employee of a registered contractor.
Building contractor
An individual, partnership or company that contracts directly with clients to provide building services.
The Board looks at
Your qualifications, your building experience and any other requirements set out in the regulations.
Contractors also show
Financial and management or supervision requirements, on top of qualifications and experience.
How we help
- Work out which class of registration suits how you work or plan to work
- Match your qualifications and experience to what the Board asks for
- Prepare your experience statements and supporting documents in the right shape
- Review the full application before it is lodged, so gaps are found early
- Point you to RPL if a building qualification is the missing piece
The Building Services Board makes all registration decisions. We help you prepare; we do not guarantee outcomes.
Mutual recognition
Already registered or licensed in one state or territory? Under Australia’s mutual recognition scheme, you can generally apply to be registered for an equivalent occupation in another, without starting from scratch.
Who it suits
Builders moving interstate or taking on projects in a second state.
The idea
A licence held in one jurisdiction is recognised for an equivalent occupation in another.
Things to expect
The regulator may check you are in good standing and can apply conditions or local requirements.
What matters most
Matching your current licence class to the right equivalent class in the new state.
How we help
- Identify the equivalent registration class in the state you are moving to
- Confirm what the regulator needs to see from your current licence
- Prepare your application and supporting documents clearly and completely
- Flag likely conditions or extra local requirements before you apply
- Plan your timing so licensing does not hold up your next project
Rules and equivalent classes differ between states and change over time. We confirm what applies to your situation.
Company licensing
If your building business operates as a company, the business itself is licensed, not just the person running it. In WA, a company applies as a building contractor and is generally supported by a registered individual who takes responsibility for supervision.
Who it suits
Sole traders moving to a company structure, new building companies and growing businesses.
Two layers
The company, plus the qualified individual who supervises the building work.
What is assessed
Qualifications and experience of the supervisor, plus the company’s financial and organisational position.
Keep in mind
If your supervising individual leaves, the company needs a plan to stay compliant.
How we help
- Confirm whether sole trader, partnership or company is the right structure for you
- Line up a suitably registered individual to supervise the company’s building work
- Organise company documents and financial evidence the regulator will ask for
- Coordinate the individual and company applications so neither stalls the other
- Prepare for changes, such as a new supervisor or a change in structure
Requirements for companies vary by state. We will confirm the specifics for where you plan to work.
What to have ready
You do not need everything on day one. These are the details that help us give you accurate advice quickly.
- Your current licence or registration details, if any
- Evidence of qualifications and building experience
- Your business structure (sole trader, partnership or company)
- The state or territory you plan to work in
Licensing only
You already hold the qualification and experience. We focus on the application.
Qualification first
You have the experience but not the certificate. RPL can help close that gap, and licensing follows.
Requirements differ by state and change over time. We provide application assistance and are not the licensing authority.
Need help with your builder licence?
Tell us where you are working and what you hold today. We will come back to you with the next steps.