Trades & businesses Licensing & qualifications Erecting prefabricated metal-framed home additions and structures

Erection of prefabricated metal-framed home additions and structures

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When you need a licence or certificate to erect prefabricated metal-framed home additions and structures, including eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

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Key information

When you need a licence or certificate

Licence types

Qualifications and experience needed

Apply for a licence or certificate

Renew a licence

Change the details on a licence

Working interstate and mutual recognition

Insolvency matters

Cancelled or suspended licences

Contact us

Key information

  • In NSW, you need a licence or certificate to do any residential building work valued at more than $5000 in labour and materials (including GST). This includes the erection of prefabricated metal-framed home additions and structures.
  • There are different types of licences available depending on the work you need to do.
  • You must have a separate building licence to construct prefabricated secondary dwellings such as a granny flat.
  • You must have the right qualifications and experience before you can apply for a licence or certificate.
  • You can apply for a 1, 3 or 5 year licence or certificate.

When you need a licence or certificate

In NSW, you must have a licence before you can do any residential building work that is valued at more than $5000 in labour and materials (incl GST). This includes work involved in the erection of prefabricated metal-framed home additions and the following structures:

  • decks
  • patios
  • gazebos
  • awnings
  • porches
  • verandas
  • pergolas
  • screened or glass enclosures
  • modular rooms
  • carports
  • garages
  • workshops
  • sheds
  • other similar additions and structures, including any residential building work related to erecting such additions or structures.

A licence in the category of erecting prefabricated metal-framed home additions and structures does not allow you to erect prefabricated secondary dwellings such as granny flats.

You must have a building licence to construct secondary dwellings.

Any contract for the erection of prefabricated metal framed home additions and structures can include any specialist work that needs to be done as part of the overall job, and any specialist work can be appropriately subcontracted.

However, this work must be carried out by the holder of an endorsed contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate in that specialist category.

To learn more about what is considered erection of pre-fabricated metal-framed home additions and structures, see schedule 4 of the Home Building Regulation 2014.

Licence types

The erection of prefabricated metal-framed home additions and structures is building work.

There are different types of licences available in NSW depending on whether you want to contract for another party, supervise work, do the work, or a combination of these roles.

Contractor licence

A contractor licence allows you to contract and advertise to do work. You can only do the types of work described on your licence card. Contractor licences can be issued to individuals and to companies and partnerships.

You can apply for a 1, 3 or 5 year licence.

Qualified supervisor certificate

A qualified supervisor certificate allows you to supervise and do the work described on your certificate. Qualified supervisor certificates are only issued to individuals. A qualified supervisor certificate does not allow you to contract for work.

You can apply to have a qualified supervisor certificate issued for 1, 3 or 5 years.

Endorsed contractor licence

An endorsed contractor licence is issued to individuals who apply for a contractor licence and who also have the qualifications and experience needed to be a qualified supervisor. Endorsed contractor licence cards have ‘contractor licence (Q)’ printed on them to show they are also equivalent to a Qualified Supervisor Certificate.

Qualifications and experience needed

To get a licence or certificate to erect prefabricated metal framed home additions and structures, you must meet one of the qualification options below.

To find organisations that deliver nationally recognised training, go to training.gov.au and search for the course code or name.

If you are currently an apprentice or trainee, you cannot apply for a licence or certificate.

You must apply as soon as you finish your apprenticeship or traineeship to be able to keep doing electrical work.

If you hold a licence from interstate or New Zealand, and want to work in NSW, see Working interstate and mutual recognition.

If you trained overseas, see Overseas Trained Applicants.

Qualifications - option 1

Complete the following units of competency:

  • CPCWHS1001 (current)/ CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry, and
  • CPCCOM1012 (Current)/ CPCCCM1012/ CPCCCM1012A/ CPCCCM1002A Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry, and
  • CPCCOM1013 (Current)/ CPCCCM1013/ CPCCCM1013A/ CPCCCM1003A Plan and organise work, and
  • CPCCOM1014 (Current)/ CPCCCM1014/ CPCCCM1014A/ CPCCCM1004A Conduct workplace communication, and
  • CPCCOM1015 (Current)/ CPCCCM1015/ CPCCCM1015A/ CPCCCM1005A Carry out measurements and calculations, and
  • CPCCOM2001 (Current)/ CPCCCM2001/ CPCCCM2001A Read and interpret plans specifications, and
  • CPCPRF3023 (Current)/ CPCPRF3023A/ CPCPRF3013A/ CPCPRF3003A Fabricate and install external flashings, and
  • CPCCCM1011 (Current)/ CPCCCM1011A/ CPCCCM1001A Undertake basic estimation and costing, and
  • CPCPCM3021 (Current)/ CPCPCM3021A/ CPCPCM3011A/ CPCPCM3001A Flash penetrations through roofs and walls, and either:
    • CPCCCM2005 (Current)/ CPCCCM2005A   or B Use construction tools and equipment, or
    • MEM18001(Current)/ MEM18001C — Hand Tools and MEM18002 (Current)/ MEM18002B — Use power tools/hand held operations and MEM05005 (Current)/ MEM05005B — Carry out mechanical cutting, and
  • CPCCBC4008 (Current) - Supervise site communication and administration processes for building and construction projects (Release 3)/ CPCCBC4008A/ CPCCBC4008B Conduct on-site supervision of the building and construction projects; and either:
    • BSBCMN209A Provide information to clients, or
    • BSBOPS203 (Current)/ BSBCUS201/ BSBCUS201A or B Deliver a service to customers, and
  • CPCCCA3002 (Current)/ CPCCCA3002A Carry out setting out, and
  • CPCPCM2048 (Current)/ CPCPCM2048A/ CPCPCM2028A/ CPCPCM2008A Cut and join sheet metal, and
  • CPCPRF2022 (Current)/ CPCPRF2022A/ CPCPRF2012A/ CPCPRF2002A Select and install roof sheeting and wall cladding, and
  • CPCCCO2013 (Current)/ CPCCCO2013A/ CPCCCO2003A Carry out concreting to simple forms, and
  • CPCCCA3010 (Current) Install windows and doors/ CPCCCA3010A Install and replace windows and doors, and either:
    • BSBESB406 Establish operational strategies and procedures for new business ventures (Current)/ BSBSMB420 Evaluate and develop small business operations/ BSBSMB405/ BSBSMB405A/ BSBSMB405B Monitor and manage business operations, or
    • BSBESB407 Manage finances for new business ventures (Current)/ BSBSMB421/ BSBMB406, BSBSMB406A Manage small business finances.

Qualifications - option 2

Completion of the following units of competency:

  • BCGCM1001B Follow OH&S policies and procedures, and
  • BCGCM1002B Work effectively in the general construction industry, and
  • BCGCM1003B Plan and organise work, and
  • BCGCM1004B Conduct workplace communication, and
  • Carry out measurements and calculations, and
  • BCGCM2001B Read and interpret plans and specifications, and
  • BCPRF3003A Fabricate and install external flashings, and
  • BCGVE1004B Undertake basic estimation and costing, and
  • BCPCM3001A Flash penetrations through roofs and walls, and
  • BCGCM2005B Use construction tools, and either:
    • BCGBC4008A Conduct on-site supervision of the building and construction project, or
    • ABC082 Building Site Supervision, and
  • BSBCMN209A Provide information to clients, and
  • BCGCA3002B Carry out setting out, and
  • BCGVE2001B Produce construction drawings, and
  • BCPCM2008A Cut and join sheet metal, and
  • BCPRF2002A Select and install roof sheeting and wall cladding, and
  • BCGCO2003B Carry out concreting to simple forms, and
  • BCGCA3010B Install and replace windows and doors, and
  • BSBSBM405A Monitor and manage business operations.

Previous licence or supervisor certificate holders

You do not need to show your qualifications if:

  • You have ever held an endorsed contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate in erecting prefabricated metal-framed home additions and structures that had no restrictions or conditions. If you apply for a new endorsed contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate, we will accept your previous licence or certificate in place of the current qualification requirements.
  • You have held an endorsed contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate in erecting prefabricated metal-framed home additions and structures in the last five years that was subject to restrictions or conditions. We will assess your application and reissue you a licence or certificate that reflects the scope of work that your licence or certificate covered. This may include some conditions or restrictions.

You will be issued the same licence or qualified supervisor number you had before if your application is approved.

Apply for a licence or certificate

This information is for individual applications. See information for company and partnership licences.

Once you know what type of licence you want, and you have checked you have the right qualifications, you can apply for a licence or certificate.

Note: if you’re an apprentice or trainee, you can’t apply for a licence or certificate.

What you need

Before you begin your application make sure you have:

You can also ask for these forms at your nearest Service NSW centre.

You will also need:

  • proof of identity (such as driver’s licence or passport)
  • an original copy of your qualifications
  • details of any licence or certificate you currently hold (or previously held)
  • details of your employment and experience
  • details of any past compliance issues, insolvency matters, or criminal offences (if applicable)
  • certificate of eligibility to obtain insurance (if applicable)
  • one passport sized photo
  • payment for the fee.

How to apply

Licence applications are lodged with Service NSW. If needed, you can book an appointment online to complete your application at a Service NSW centre.

This is for new applicants only. Find out how to renew your licence below.

What happens next?

Review application

Your application will be reviewed and assessed to check it meets eligibility requirements.

We might contact you (by email or SMS) if we need more information.

Note: If we need to request additional information, the processing time will increase, so it’s important that you submit all the required information and documents with your original application.

Outcome advised

If your application is successful, we will contact you via SMS and send you a licence card in the post. Your approved licence details will be added to the public register.

If your application is unsuccessful, you’ll be advised of the reasons in writing and be provided with your options. For more information about the internal review process see Reviews of Fair Trading decisions.

Detailed information about application reviews and current processing timeframes can be found on Our assessment process page.

Renew a licence

You need to renew your licence or certificate before it expires.

If your licence or certificate isn't renewed by the due date it will expire, and you will no longer be authorised to work in NSW.

We will send you a renewal form 6 weeks before the expiry date with details of how to renew. We may also send you an SMS reminder.

If your licence is going to expire soon and you have not received your renewal form, contact us on 13 32 20. It is your responsibility to renew your licence on time.

If eligible, you can renew your licence or certificate online.

You're not able to renew online if you need to make changes to your licence other than your contact details and address.

If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, you can also renew in person at your nearest Service NSW centre.

If we approve your application, we will post your new licence to you. Read about reasons why an application may not be approved.

Restoring your licence after expiry

If your licence or certificate expired less than three months ago, you can restore it for a fee at a Service NSW Centre.

You can use the details on your renewal form to apply to restore your licence or certificate.

If your licence is renewed or restored, you’ll keep your existing licence number. In this instance, your licence is considered to have been renewed from the day the licence expired.

If your licence has been expired for more than 3 months, restoration may not be an option and you will need to reapply. You cannot trade until your new licence is issued.

To check the status of your licence, you can search the public register.

Replace your licence

If your licence or certificate has been damaged, lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement at a Service NSW Centre.

To replace your licence you will need:

Change the details on a licence

This information is for individuals. See information for companies and partnerships.

As a licence holder, it is your responsibility to tell us within 7 days if your name, address or other details change.

Change of address and contact details

If you hold a current licence or certificate and your address or contact details have changed, you can update them online, as long as your current email address or mobile phone number is recorded with NSW Fair Trading.

You can also update your details in person at a Service NSW centre by completing the notification of change of address form.

Note: Only your address and contact details can be changed online.

Update your name

If you want to change the name on your licence, you'll need to visit a Service NSW Centre with:

Change of licence class

If you gain further qualifications that allow you to work in additional classes, you can add or change a class on your contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate at a Service NSW Centre.

Before you begin your application, make sure you have:

Change the conditions on a licence

Your licence or certificate allows you to do and/or supervise the work described on your licence card, subject to any specified conditions.

These conditions may be imposed for a number reasons to limit the scope of work you are able to do, or place other requirements on the licence or certificate holder.

They may be as a result mutual recognition processes, disciplinary action, bankruptcy, external administration or other factors.

If your circumstances change (such as your qualifications), and this affects the conditions under which your licence or certificate has been issued, you must let us know within 7 days and you'll need to amend your details. You can do this at a Service NSW Centre.

Before you begin your application, make sure you have:

  • an Application Form - Individual, or a letter explaining the details of the condition change
  • proof of identity
  • one passport size photograph (if applicable)
  • evidence of qualifications or documentation to validate the change of condition
  • payment for the fee. See our fees page for details.

Working interstate and mutual recognition

There are different ways that make it easier for many licensed or registered professionals to work interstate.

If you trained overseas see Overseas Trained Applicants. Qualifications from overseas are not approved for licensing in NSW.

Automatic mutual recognition

Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) allows individuals who hold some specified licences issued in other Australian States and Territories to work in NSW under that licence without the need for a local licence or paying additional fees (please note: Queensland is not a participating state).

The AMR scheme does not apply to New Zealand occupational registrations and licences. However, existing processes under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangements continue to apply.

Recognised interstate licensees will not need a NSW licence unless they relocate their primary place of residence to NSW. This is similar to someone with a driver’s licence issued by another state being able to legally drive on NSW roads; only if they move to NSW do they need a NSW driver’s licence.

While working in NSW, a recognised interstate licensee must follow the same laws as NSW licence holders. Fair Trading can take disciplinary and enforcement action if these obligations are not met.

AMR only applies to specific occupations. If your occupation is included in the AMR scheme, you may need to notify NSW Fair Trading of your intention to work in NSW.

You can check if your occupation is included in the AMR scheme, and if necessary, how to meet notification requirements.

If not eligible, other licence holders may still be able to apply under mutual recognition to have their licence recognised in NSW.

Mutual recognition

Mutual Recognition (MR) arrangements enable a licensed tradesperson or registered professional to work in another state or territory by having their qualifications recognised in NSW and vice versa.

Under MR you can practise an equivalent occupation in NSW if the activities you're authorised to carry out under your original licence are substantially the same as those under the occupational licence in NSW.

To apply for recognition of your existing licence, you need to:

Applications, payment and supporting documents must be lodged at a Service NSW Centre.

For more information see Working interstate and in New Zealand.

Insurance requirements

If you are a licensed builder or tradesperson in NSW, you need to get home building compensation (HBC) cover for each home building project over $20,000 including GST.

HBC cover, which used to be called ‘home warranty insurance’, protects homeowners as a last resort if you cannot complete building work or fix defects.

Visit the State Insurance Regulatory Authority website for more information.

Insolvency matters

Current bankruptcy

A contractor’s licence in the categories of building or swimming pool building cannot be issued if you are currently bankrupt.

Current external administration

If you are applying for a licence in the categories of building or swimming pool building and are currently the director of a company that is under external administration (other than external administration resulting from a member's voluntary winding up of the body corporate), and if we grant you a contractor licence, it may come with certain conditions.

Bankruptcy or external administration within three years

If you are applying for a licence and have been discharged from bankruptcy or were previously a director of a company in external administration (other than external administration resulting from a member's voluntary winding up of the body corporate), and if we grant you a contractor licence, it may come with the condition:

  • contracts not to exceed $20,000 in value, or
  • contracts not to exceed $20,000 in value, except for subcontract to licensed contractor.

Cancelled or suspended licences

Your licence or certificate can be cancelled or suspended if you:

  • become involved in unlawful activity
  • get a licence by misrepresentation or fraudulent means
  • become bankrupt or subject to a winding up order.

Also, if the holder of a company or partnership licence goes more than 30 days without an acceptable nominated supervisor, without prior consent from Fair Trading, the licence will be cancelled.

If your licence is cancelled, we will not refund any of the fees paid.

Immediate action required

If your licence or certificate has been cancelled or suspended you must immediately:

  • stop all business activity that relates to the licence or certificate
  • remove any sign or advertisement which indicates the conduct of business activity that relates to the licence or certificate
  • return the licence or certificate to NSW Fair Trading by mail or at a Service NSW centre.

You should also let your clients know, either verbally or in writing, that your licence has been cancelled or suspended and you are unable to complete any unfinished work.

Automatic licence suspension

Your licence will be automatically suspended if you do not comply with an order by a court or the NSW Civil or Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to pay money for a building claim.

Read more about automatic licence suspension.

Contact us

Need help applying?

If you need help with your application or have a question, please call 13 32 20.

Unsuccessful applications

If your application is unsuccessful, you can ask for a review.

A review involves another officer from Fair Trading, who was not involved in the original decision, reviewing the decision on your application.

For more information about the process see reviews of Fair Trading decisions.

 
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