If you are considering a career in painting or looking to offer your painting services in Australia, it’s important to understand the requirements for obtaining a painter’s trade licence. While the regulations vary from state to state, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the licensing requirements in your specific region. In this guide, we will provide an overview of painter’s licences Australia-wide, highlighting the variations between different states and territories.

Do painters require a licence?

The need for a painter’s licence depends on the state or territory in which you intend to work. Let’s explore the licensing requirements for painters in different parts of Australia:

Painters Licence Requirements Victoria

In Victoria, the state government does not issue specific painter licences. However, to undertake painting work on projects valued over $5,000, it is recommended to register under a Domestic Builder Licence (DB-L) class. This registration qualifies you as a tradesperson to advertise and conduct paintwork independently.

Painters Licence Requirements New South Wales

In New South Wales (NSW), a painter’s licence is required before undertaking residential building work valued at more than $5,000 (including GST) in materials and labour. To obtain a painter’s registration in NSW, you need to hold one of the following qualifications: CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, BCG30498 Certificate III in General Construction (Painting & Decorating).

Painters Licence Requirements Queensland

To obtain a painter’s licence in Queensland, it is advisable to complete specific certificates and a course in Business Management. If you plan to undertake painting projects valued at $3,300 and above, it is essential to acquire the licence before starting significant projects. Relevant qualifications such as CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, experience from an apprenticeship, and a statement of attainment for required competencies are necessary.

Painters Licence Requirements South Australia

In South Australia, no specific painter licences are issued. However, it is recommended to hold a building work contractor’s licence issued under the Government’s Consumer Builder Services (CBS). Obtaining the CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating and providing a National Police Check (not older than 12 months) are common requirements for obtaining a building work contractor licence.

Painters Licence Requirements Western Australia

In Western Australia, if you plan to work on painting projects valued over $1,000, becoming a registered painting contractor is typically required. Another option is to become a registered painting practitioner, allowing you to be nominated as a supervisor under a contractor while not providing painting services directly to the public. To obtain these licences from the Building Services Board, you will generally need to complete the CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, as well as fulfil additional qualifications and demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of experience in paintwork with recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Painters Licence Requirements Tasmania

In Tasmania, a specific painter’s licence may not be mandatory. However, it is recommended to have insurance, an Australian Business Number (ABN), and a business licence. To be recognized as a qualified painter by professional trade organisations, obtaining the CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating or an equivalent qualification through recognition of prior learning (RPL) is often recommended.

Painters Licence Requirements Northern Territory

In the Northern Territory, although there is no specific painting licence issued, it is highly recommended that individuals in the painting profession obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) to establish their professional identity. While licensing requirements may not be mandatory, acquiring industry recognition and credibility is essential.

How do I obtain a painter’s licence?

For the states that require a painter’s licence, the process of obtaining one typically involves meeting specific requirements set by the respective licensing authorities. Here is an overview of the steps involved: It is important to note that the information provided in this guide is a general overview of painter’s licences Australia-wide. Due to potential