All the information you need to get a licence or certificate in swimming pool building. Use the menu on this page to find what you need.
You must have a licence before you do any residential building work in NSW, including swimming pool building, that is valued at more than $5000 (incl GST) in labour and materials.
Swimming pool building refers to all work involved in the construction, renovation, alteration, repair, extension, maintenance, decorative or protective treatment of a swimming pool. It includes all other work directly associated with a swimming pool installation such as landscaping, safety fencing, pool water filtration and heating. Any other work not directly associated with the correct and safe installation and functioning of a swimming pool is excluded.
Swimming pool building also includes all work referred to in the swimming pool repairs and servicing licence category.
A swimming pool is defined under the Swimming Pools Act 1992 as an excavation, structure or vessel:
- that can be filled with water to a depth greater than 300 millimetres, and
- that is only or mainly used, or that is designed, manufactured or adapted to be only or mainly used, for swimming, wading, paddling or any other human aquatic activity.
It includes a spa pool, but does not include a spa bath or anything in a bathroom.
Any contract for swimming pool building 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.
Licence types
There are different types of licences available in NSW depending on whether you want to contract or supervise work.
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 choose to have a contractor licence issued for one or three years.
A qualified supervisor certificate allows you to supervise and do the work described on your certificate. Qualified supervisor certificates are only issued to individuals. Certificates are issued for three years. A qualified supervisor certificate does not allow you to contract for work.
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.
Apply for a licence or certificate
This information is for individuals. See information for companies and partnerships.
Once you know what licence type you want, and you have checked you have the right qualifications, you can apply for a licence or certificate.
How to apply
You must lodge your application and payment in person at a Service NSW centre.
What you need
Forms you will need:
You will also need:
- details of any past or current licences or certificates you hold
- an original copy of your qualification/s, such as your certificate. See Qualifications for more information on what you need to have
- details of your employment and experience
- details of any past compliance issues, insolvency matters, or criminal offences (if applicable)
- one passport size photo
- proof of identify
- payment
The application form and checklist have more information about each of these items.
You can also ask at your nearest Service NSW centre for these forms.
Fees
These fees are for individual licences. See company and partnership licence fees.
| Licence type | Licence fee* | Processing fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building contractor licence - 1 year | $389 | $296 | $685 |
| Building contractor licence - 3 years | $986 | $296 | $1282 |
| Building qualified supervisor certificate - 3 years | $161 | $88 | $249 |
*Licence fees are refundable if your application is refused or withdrawn. Processing fees are not refundable.
Vary your licence or certificate
The information on this page is for individuals. See information for companies and partnerships.
Add a category to your licence or certificate
If you gain more qualifications that allow you to do more types of work, such as other building work, trade work or specialist work, you can apply to add a category to your individual contractor’s licence and/or your qualified supervisor’s certificate.
How to apply
You must lodge your application in person at a Service NSW centre.
What you need
Forms you will need:
- application form – individual
- the relevant application checklist:
- additional details form/s (if applicable)
You will also need:
- details of past or current licences or certificates you hold
- proof of your qualifications eg a certificate or transcript
- details of your employment and experience
- details of any past compliance issues, insolvency matters, or criminal offences (if applicable)
- one passport size photo
- proof of identify
- payment
The application form and checklists have more information about each of these items.
You can also ask at your nearest Service NSW centre for these forms.
Fees
These fees are for individual licences. See company and partnership licence fees.
| Add a building category to: | Licence fee* | Processing fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building contractor licence | - | $296 | $296 |
| Trade or specialist contractor licence | - | $296 | $296 |
| Building qualified supervisor certificate | - | $88 | $88 |
| Trade or specialist supervisor certificate | - | $88 | $88 |
| Add a trade or specialist category to: | Licence fee* | Processing fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building contractor licence | - | $151 | $151 |
| Trade or specialist contractor licence | - | $151 | $151 |
| Building qualified supervisor certificate | - | $88 | $88 |
| Trade or specialist qualified supervisor certificate | - | $88 | $88 |
| Tradesperson certificate | - | $88 | $88 |
*Licence fees are refundable if your application is refused or withdrawn. Processing fees are not refundable.
Change a condition on your licence
Your licence or certificate allows you to do and/or supervise the work described on your licence card, subject to any specified conditions. Conditions may be imposed for a number reasons and 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 circumstances change, and this affects your ability to do the work described on your licence card, you must let us know within seven days. If you wish to have your licence or certificate updated to remove limitations on your category of work, you will need to make an application to vary your licence or certificate. Refer to the 'Add a category to your licence or certificate' section above.
Qualifications needed
To get a licence or certificate to do swimming pool building, you must complete one of the qualifications listed below.
To find organisations that deliver nationally recognised training, go to training.gov.au and search via 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 working.
If you hold a licence from interstate or New Zealand, and want to work in NSW, see Mutual Recognition.
If you trained overseas, see Overseas Trained Applicants.
Qualifications:
- CPC40808 Certificate IV In Swimming Pool and Spa Building,
OR
- Completion of a Licence Skills Assessment conducted by the Building Industry Skills Centre and a minimum of four years acceptable practical experience if you started or completed both the assessment and experience prior to 29 March 2010.
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 swimming pool building, 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 the last five years in swimming pool building that had 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.
Become a swimming pool certifier
The Building Professionals Board has created the Category E1 – Swimming Pool Certification to increase the number of certifiers who can inspect barriers to pools and spas to make sure they meet legal requirements (set out in the Swimming Pools Act 1992).
You can apply to be a swimming pool certifier if you hold an endorsed contractor licence or a qualified supervisor certificate in swimming pool building or structural landscaping.
For more information visit the Building Professionals Board website.
Renew or restore a licence or certificate
This information is for individuals. See information for companies and partnerships.
We will send you a renewal form in the mail several weeks before your licence or certificate is due to expire.
How to renew
You can use the details on the renewal form to renew your licence online at Service NSW. You can also renew in person at your nearest Service NSW centre.
What you need
- your licence number
- renewal form
- payment
- additional details forms (if applicable)
- details of any past compliance issues, insolvency matters, or criminal offences (if applicable)
- details of change of any circumstances to the licence or certificate
If we approve your application, we will post your new licence to you. Read reasons why an application may not be approved.
If your licence is going to expire soon and you have not gotten your renewal form, contact us on 13 32 20. It is your responsibility to renew your licence on time.
Renewal fees
These fees are for individual licences. See company and partnership licence fees.
A discount of 10 per cent or $5 (whichever is more) applies to the processing fee when you renew your licence online.
| Licence type | Licence fee* | Processing fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building contractor licence - 1 year | $408 | $51 | $459 |
| Building contractor licence - 3 years | $1051 | $51 | $1102 |
| Building qualified supervisor certificate - 3 years | - | $51 | $51 |
*Licence fees are refundable if your application is refused or withdrawn. Processing fees are not refundable.
Late renewals
If you do not renew on time and your licence expires, you may have to apply to have your licence restored and pay a restoration fee. You have three months from the date of expiry to restore your licence or certificate. You can use the details on your renewal form to apply to restore your licence at a Service NSW centre.
Restoration fees
These fees are for individual licences. See company and partnership licence fees.
| Licence type | Licence fee* | Processing fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building contractor licence - 1 year | $461 | $51 | $512 |
| Building contractor licence - 3 years | $1105 | $51 | $1156 |
| Building qualified supervisor certificate - 3 years | - | $51 | $51 |
*Licence fees are refundable if your application is refused or withdrawn. Processing fees are not refundable.
If your licence expires and you do not apply to have it restored within three months, you will have to apply for your licence to be reissued. Follow the steps in ‘Apply for a licence or certificate’. Having your licence reissued takes time and you cannot trade until you have it.
Our assessment process
Once we have your completed application form, supporting documents, and fee payment, we will assess your application.
If your application for a new, renewed, updated or replacement licence is approved, we will send you a licence card.
Sometimes we do not approve applications. Reasons for this can include:
- you have not met the qualification or experience requirements
- you failed to provide details requested by Fair Trading
- you have been disqualified from holding a licence
- you owe money to Fair Trading as a result of a judgement
- you hold a provisional licence or certificate
- you are an apprentice or trainee
- you have not complied or are unable to comply with insurance requirements
- you are bankrupt or were bankrupt within three years before the date of the application
- you are or were a director or a person concerned in the management of a company:
- that is or was the subject of a winding up order or
- for which a controller or administrator has been appointed or
- when a controller or administrator was appointed (within three years prior to your application for licence). This includes where you stop being a director or a person concerned in the management of a company within 12 months prior to the external administration.
- you are subject to an unsatisfied tribunal order
- you have had an unreasonable number of:
- complaints
- penalty notices
- formal cautions
- paid insurance claims
- you used false information in your application
- a close associate (who is not a fit and proper person to hold a licence) has significant influence over you or the operation and management of your business
- you are considered to be an unfit or improper person to hold a licence or certificate.
It is an offence to make a false statement or leave out information when applying for a licence. If it is found that your licence has been issued on misleading grounds, you may be prosecuted and your licence may be cancelled.
If we refuse your application, only part of the fee may be refunded, the rest is to cover processing costs.
Update your licence details
This information is for individuals. See information for companies and partnerships.
If you change your name, address or other contact details, you must let us know within seven days.
Update your address, phone number or email address
How to update
You can update your details online at Service NSW. Your current email address and mobile phone number needs to be registered with Fair Trading to be able to update online.
You can also update your details in person at a Service NSW centre.
What you need
- your licence number
- your new contact details
- completed notification of change of address form (only needed by individuals who want to update their details in person at a Service NSW centre rather than online).
Update your name
How to update
You must lodge your application in person at a Service NSW centre.
What you need
- your licence number
- your name change document, such as a marriage certificate or change of name certificate (original copy to be viewed and verified at Service NSW)
- completed change of name and use of other names or aliases form
Replace a licence
If your licence or certificate has been damaged, lost or stolen, you can order a replacement at a Service NSW centre.
What to do
You must lodge your application form and payment in person at a Service NSW centre.
What you need
- completed application for duplicate licence, certificate or permit form
- your personal and licence details
- your payment
Fees
These fees are for individual licences. See company and partnership licence fees.
| Licence type | Licence fee* | Processing fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement contractor licence or supervisor certificate | - | $47 | $47 |
*Licence fees are refundable if your application is refused or withdrawn. Processing fees are not refundable.
Interstate and New Zealand licences
If you have a licence from interstate or New Zealand, and want to apply to work in NSW, see Mutual Recognition.
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's website for more information.
Insolvency
Current bankruptcy and external administration
If you are applying for a licence in the categories of building or swimming pool building, and are currently bankrupt or 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), we cannot issue you a contractor licence. If you are applying for a licence in other categories, if we grant you a licence, it may come with the condition: 'Only for contracts up to $20,000'.
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 conditions.
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 unfinalised 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.
Builders Continuing Professional Development
If you are an individual who holds a building or pool building licence or certificate, you are required to do Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Read more.