Do plasterers and insulation installers need a licence in Australia?
Plasterers need a licence in NSW (over $5,000), Queensland (over $3,300) and South Australia (any value). Insulation needs a licence in South Australia but not in Queensland or Victoria on its own.
Licence by state
| State | Licence needed? | Licence and who issues it | Check a licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSWNew South Wales | Over a job value More than $5,000 incl GST (labour and materials) |
Contractor licence - Dry plastering, or Wet plastering Building Commission NSW Dry plastering covers plasterboard, cornices and suspended ceilings. Wet plastering covers rendering walls and ceilings. |
NSW Government Verify a licence |
| VICVictoria | Over a job value More than $10,000 (labour and materials), if more than one trade |
Registration as a domestic builder (only when combining trades or permit work) Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) Plastering on its own and insulating on their own need no registration. Plastering plus painting over $10,000 does. |
BPC Find and check a practitioner |
| QLDQueensland | Over a job value Over $3,300 incl GST (labour and materials) |
QBCC licence - Plastering drywall, or Plastering solid Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) Drywall covers plasterboard, cornices and suspended ceilings. Installing home insulation in Queensland needs no licence. |
QBCC licensee register |
| WAWestern Australia | No | No trade licence for plastering or insulation Building and Energy (WA Government) Plastering is not a registered trade. Builder registration only applies to permit work of $20,000 or more. |
Building and Energy licence and registration search |
| SASouth Australia | Yes No minimum value |
Building work contractor's licence (conditions limit the type of work) Consumer and Business Services (CBS) Installing, repairing and removing insulation is listed as building work, so it needs a licence. Plastering is building work too. |
CBS find a licence holder |
| TASTasmania | Depends on the work | Builder licence (for building work that is not low-risk work) Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) Plastering and insulation are not named in the licensing rules. Ask CBOS if your job needs a licensed builder. |
CBOS find a licensed tradesperson |
| ACTAustralian Capital Territory | No | No territory licence for plastering or insulation ACT Planning / Access Canberra (Construction Occupations Registrar) Trades do not need a licence in the ACT. Work that needs building approval needs a licensed builder. |
Ask the regulator |
| NTNorthern Territory | No | No territory licence for plastering or insulation Building Practitioners Board (NT) Plastering is not prescribed residential building work. A registered builder is only needed for prescribed work over $12,000. |
Ask the regulator |
Jobs that need an extra licence
Moving or fitting downlights, power points or wiringElectrical licence
All states
Removing old ceilings or sheeting that may contain asbestosAsbestos removal licence (state work health and safety regulator)
All states
Plastering combined with other trades over $10,000Domestic builder registration
VIC
Waterproofing in wet areasWaterproofing licence
NSW
Hiring? How to check a licence
- Ask for the licence number and the name on it.
- Check it on the state register (links above) and make sure the class covers plastering or insulation.
- For insulation, ask what product and R-value will be used and how they keep clear of downlights and wiring.
- If the house is older, ask how they will check for asbestos before removing ceilings.
- Ask for public liability insurance and a written quote.
Find local businesses: PlastererInsulationCeiling InstallerInsulation Businesses
On ServiceTasker, a business uploads its licence and our team checks it before a licence badge shows on its profile. You see what it holds, never the number or the document.
For businesses: how to get this licence
- Qualify: complete CPC31220 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining (NSW dry plastering) or CPC31020 Certificate III in Solid Plastering (NSW wet plastering).
- Experience: work in the scope of the licence class; QLD and NSW assess experience against the listed work.
- Documents: identity, qualification, police check (NSW) and, in QLD, a managerial unit and financial declaration.
- Apply to your state (links below): Building Commission NSW, QBCC Queensland or CBS South Australia.
- Licensed in another state? Check automatic mutual recognition with the state regulator before you start work.
| State | Who issues it | Apply here (official) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Building Commission NSW | How to apply | Requirements |
| VIC | Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) | How to apply | Requirements |
| QLD | Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) | How to apply | Requirements |
| WA | Building and Energy (WA Government) | How to apply | Requirements |
| SA | Consumer and Business Services (CBS) | How to apply | Requirements |
| TAS | Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) | How to apply | Requirements |
| ACT | ACT Planning / Access Canberra (Construction Occupations Registrar) | How to apply | Requirements |
| NT | Building Practitioners Board (NT) | How to apply | Requirements |
Last checked: 12 November 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change: always check with the regulator in your state before you hire or apply. Some details could not be confirmed online and are left out; the regulator can confirm them.
Official sources (23)
- nsw.gov.au /business-and-economy/licences-and-credentials/building-and-trade-lice...
- nsw.gov.au /business-and-economy/licences-and-credentials/building-and-trade-lice...
- nsw.gov.au /business-and-economy/licences-and-credentials/building-and-trade-lice...
- nsw.gov.au /business-and-economy/licences-and-credentials/building-and-trade-lice...
- verify.licence.nsw.gov.au /home
- consumer.vic.gov.au /housing/building-and-renovating/plan-and-manage-your-building-project...
- consumer.vic.gov.au /licensing-and-registration/builders-and-tradespeople/checklists/becom...
- consumer.vic.gov.au /licensing-and-registration/builders-and-tradespeople/becoming-a-regis...
- qbcc.qld.gov.au /licences/apply-licence/available-licences
- qbcc.qld.gov.au /licences/apply-licence/available-licences/other-trade/plastering-dryw...
- qbcc.qld.gov.au /licences/apply-licence/available-licences/other-trade/plastering-soli...
- qbcc.qld.gov.au /licences/start-your-career/when-you-need-licence
- qbcc.qld.gov.au /glossary
- my.qbcc.qld.gov.au /myQBCC/s/qbcc-licensee-register
- wa.gov.au /government/publications/do-i-need-be-registered-building-contractor
- wa.gov.au /organisation/building-and-energy/building-and-energy-licence-and-regi...
- wa.gov.au /government/multi-step-guides/builders-registration/apply-building-con...
- sa.gov.au /topics/business-and-trade/licensing/building-and-trade/building-work-...
- legislation.sa.gov.au /_legislation-documents/lz/c/r/building-work-contractors-regulations-2...
- sa.gov.au /topics/housing/buying-building-selling/building-a-home/choosing-a-bui...
- legislation.tas.gov.au /view/whole/html/inforce/current/sr-2016-112
- planning.act.gov.au /professionals/regulation-and-responsibilities/construction-licences/a...
- nt.gov.au /property/building-and-development/building-and-renovating-a-home/what...
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