Who needs a tradesperson’s certificate?

Anyone who does motor vehicle repair work in a motor vehicle repair business, including the owner of that business must hold a tradesperson’s certificate for the class or classes of repair work being performed.

Anyone who does repair work and is employed by a commercial vehicle owner is also required to be certificated.

Apprentices and trainees do not need to be certificated, but can only do repair work as part of their apprenticeship or traineeship and under the supervision of a certificated tradesperson.

Types of certificates

A tradesperson’s certificate will be granted when the applicant meets all the required qualifications and the individual is deemed to be a fit person to hold a certificate.

If Fair Trading is satisfied that an individual is capable of acquiring the skills to meet the requirements of a tradesperson's certificate but the individual does not meet all the required qualifications, they may be granted a provisional tradesperson's certificate. Such a certificate will be subject to restrictions or conditions requiring the applicant to obtain one of the qualifications required for the grant of a tradesperson’s certificate within a specified time.

A restricted tradesperson’s certificate may also be granted to a person working in a limited range of work, for example diesel engine fitter.

The grant of certificates is based on the qualifications and experience provided and may be a restricted certificate. Section 33 of the Motor Vehicle Repairs Act provides an applicant with the opportunity to object to any restrictions noted on the certificate. The applicant can object by contacting Fair Trading, either verbally or in writing.

Apprentices and trainees applying for a certificate

Persons under the age of 21 will not be issued a tradespersons certificate or a provisional tradespersons certificate to work in a declared trade unless that person has completed an Indentured Apprenticeship.

Apprentices and trainees wishing to work as a repair industry tradesperson should apply to Fair Trading for a tradesperson’s certificate on completion of their apprenticeship or traineeship.

A copy of Certificate of Proficiency or Craft Certificate confirming completion of the apprenticeship together with a copy of the Technical College Certificate should be submitted with the application.

Persons above the age 21 who have not completed an Indentured Apprenticeship may apply to Fair Trading for a provisional tradesperson’s certificate to work in a declared trade.

Interstate licences – autogas

Autogas licences granted in other states and territories are recognised in NSW. Under the mutual recognition system, a person who is registered to carry out autogas installation, service or repair in one state or territory is entitled to practice an equivalent occupation in another state or territory, after notifying the local registration authority.