Becoming a Licensed Builder in NSW is a key milestone for anyone pursuing a career in construction. It is an indication of your technical expertise, as well as, legal and professional qualification to head projects, manage teams, and operate your own building company. However, experience on-site is not the only thing that is necessary to earn that licence and maintain it. You will have to deal with training requirements, you will need to produce comprehensive documentation and you will have to undergo continuous CPD training on an annual basis.
Whether you are just embarking on your builder’s journey or you are a licensed builder seeking to maintain compliance, this guide takes you through the entire landscape; including the process to getting licensed, to the annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. Getting all the information you need to know can be broken down with the help of CPD Points for Builders.
Why obtain a Builders Licence in NSW?
Any person or company that carries out residential building work over $5,000 dollars in New South Wales is required to have a current builders licence that is issued by NSW Fair Trading. This is whether you are constructing new houses, doing renovations or multi-trade projects.
A licence is not simply a matter of lawful operation- it is a matter of trust too. Homeowners, developers, and contractors would much prefer to hire a licensed builder since it is an indication of professionalism, responsibility, and capability of working to the current industry standards.
Besides being fined or even prohibited to work, by not having a licence, you forego better-paying jobs, expansion of your business and a long-term reputation in the industry.
Step 1: Meet the Qualification Requirements
The first step toward becoming a Licensed Builder in NSW is gaining the necessary formal education. This typically involves completing a Builder License Course from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The most common options include:
- Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120): This course covers essential areas like interpreting building codes, preparing estimates, supervising site work, and understanding construction contracts.
- Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220): A more advanced qualification, this diploma is ideal for those looking to work on larger or more complex construction projects. It includes training on managing budgets, overseeing teams, and dealing with compliance.
The right course for you depends on your background and your career goals. Some learners pursue both over time, starting with the Certificate IV and then upgrading to the diploma.
Step 2: Get Recognition of Your Experience
In addition to completing your formal studies, you must also demonstrate practical experience in the building and construction industry. This typically involves a minimum of three to four years working in relevant roles, including:
- Supervising construction projects
- Working under the direction of a licensed builder
- Applying building codes and standards on-site
- Managing safety and compliance responsibilities
Your experience should align with the scope of the licence you’re applying for. Be prepared to back it up with evidence like:
- Employment history
- Supervisor references
- Examples of past work
- Project documentation and photos
The more thorough your records, the smoother your application process will be.
Step 3: Submit Your Application to NSW Fair Trading
Once you’ve met both the education and experience requirements, the next step is to lodge your application through NSW Fair Trading. The application process includes:
- Identity verification
- Submission of your qualifications and experience documents
- Business and financial declarations (if applying as a company)
- Payment of the applicable fees
NSW Fair Trading will assess your application and confirm whether you’re eligible. If approved, you’ll be issued your builder’s licence, allowing you to carry out building work legally and independently.
Holding the Licence: What CPD Means for You
Now that you’re a licensed builder, the journey doesn’t stop. One of the most important obligations for Class 1 licensed builders in NSW is staying up to date with CPD—Continuing Professional Development.
This is where CPD Points for Builders becomes your go-to resource.
What Is CPD and Why Does It Matter?
CPD is a structured way to ensure that licensed builders remain current with:
- Industry regulations
- Legislative changes
- Workplace health and safety
- Sustainable construction practices
- Building code updates
- Business operations and contracts
NSW Fair Trading requires Class 1 builders to complete 12 CPD points each year. These points must be earned through approved Category 1 training courses, and cannot be skipped, delayed, or lumped together across multiple years.
At CPD Points for Builders, we provide builders with a flexible and fully compliant platform to complete these courses online, at your own pace, anytime and anywhere.
How CPD Points Work
Each year, your licence renewal depends on whether you’ve completed your 12 CPD points. If you haven’t, you risk serious consequences. Here’s how it works:
- 1 year = 12 CPD points
- Over 3 years = 36 points, but broken down into 12 points per year
- Over 5 years – 60 points, still broken down into 12 points per year.
- You must declare that you’ve completed the CPD requirements each year
- If audited, you must present certificates of completion as proof
Failing to comply, or falsely claiming completion, could lead to licence suspension, cancellation, or even a $20,000 fine.
CPD Audits: What You Need to Know
Audits are conducted at random. When selected, you must provide certificates for each course you’ve taken in the relevant CPD year.
If you’re found to have declared CPD without completing it, penalties include:
- Immediate licence suspension
- Full cancellation of your builder’s licence
- Financial penalties up to $20,000
This is why it’s critical to use a trusted provider like CPD Points for Builders, where you’ll receive verifiable certificates for every course you complete. Our courses are designed specifically for Class 1 builders and meet the criteria set by NSW Fair Trading.
Topics Covered by CPD Points for Builders
Our CPD courses are created with the real-world needs of builders in mind. Topics may include:
- Construction law updates
- Building codes and compliance
- Workplace health and safety (WHS)
- Risk and contract management
- Environmental building practices
- Communication and project leadership
- Client relationship management
You’ll find courses that are practical, engaging, and immediately applicable to your work.
Benefits of Staying On Top of CPD
Keeping your licence active is the most obvious benefit of completing CPD training. But there are others:
- You stay competitive – Clients prefer builders who understand new methods, codes, and technologies.
- You avoid legal trouble – CPD compliance protects you from licence-related fines and suspensions.
- You grow as a professional – Courses improve not just your compliance, but also your business, leadership, and decision-making skills.
Think of CPD not just as an obligation, but as an opportunity to evolve in your career.
Smart CPD Habits for Busy Builders
Here are some practical tips to make sure CPD doesn’t feel like a burden:
- Don’t leave it to the last minute – Spread your 12 points across the year.
- Use reminders – Set calendar alerts a few months before your renewal date.
- Keep all your certificates organized – Use digital folders or cloud storage for easy access.
- Stick with one provider – Using a trusted CPD partner like CPD Points for Builders helps keep everything streamlined.
- CPD Points For Builders will send email reminders every 12 months, or when anniversary dates approach.
With our easy-to-use online platform, you can log in anytime and complete your training from your phone, laptop, or tablet—no classroom needed.
Final Thoughts: Building a Career with Confidence
Becoming a Licensed Builder in NSW takes effort, experience, and formal qualifications. But holding onto that licence—and keeping your business compliant—requires ongoing attention, especially when it comes to CPD.
At CPD Points for Builders, we make that part simple. We understand the builder’s lifestyle—early mornings, tight schedules, and nonstop demands. That’s why our CPD training is designed for convenience, compliance, and professional growth. With approved courses, downloadable certificates, and full support, we’re here to help you meet your annual CPD obligations with ease.
