Do termite inspectors and treaters need a licence in Australia?
Yes. Anyone who uses pesticides to treat termites for pay needs a state or territory pest licence that covers timber pests, and in Queensland termite management work also needs a QBCC licence. In NSW, inspection-only work that uses no pesticides does not need an EPA licence.
Licence by state
| State | Licence needed? | Licence and who issues it | Check a licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSWNew South Wales | Depends on the work | Timber pest management technician licence NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Needed to use pesticides on termites. Inspections and non-chemical barriers with no pesticides need no EPA licence. |
Pesticides licences public register |
| VICVictoria | Yes | Pest control licence with General authorisation (including timber pests) Department of Health Victoria A licence without the timber pests authorisation does not cover termite treatment. |
Pest control licence holder register |
| QLDQueensland | Yes | QBCC Termite management - chemical or physical licence, plus Queensland pest management licence Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and Queensland Health QBCC says only a licensed pest controller can do termite inspections for buyers. |
QBCC licensee register |
| WAWestern Australia | Yes | Pest management technician licence with the commercial and domestic pests (including termites and timber pests) endorsement WA Department of Health No online register found. Call the Pesticide Safety team on 9222 2000 to check a licence. |
Ask the regulator |
| SASouth Australia | Yes | Pest management technician licence (full or limited), plus pest controller's licence for the business SA Health (Controlled Substances Licensing) Anyone doing pest control for a fee must be licensed. A limited licence holder works under direct supervision. |
Ask the regulator |
| TASTasmania | Yes | Commercial Operator Licence (business) and Pest Management Technician Certificate of Competency Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE), AgVet Chemicals Program The official page does not name a separate termite licence. Ask NRE what covers termite work. |
Ask the regulator |
| ACTAustralian Capital Territory | Yes | Environmental Authorisation for commercial pest and weed control ACT Environment Protection Authority (via Access Canberra) Subcontractors need their own authorisation. Talk to the EPA before applying. |
Public register of ACT pest and weed control operators |
| NTNorthern Territory | Yes | Pest management technician licence NT Department of Health (Medicines and Poisons) Pest control adverts must show a licence number. |
Pest management technician licence register |
Jobs that need an extra licence
Chemical termite treatment of new building work (pre-slab and perimeter) and termite inspections and reportsQBCC Termite management - chemical licence, plus a Queensland pest management licence from the Department of Health
QLD
Installing a physical termite barrier system (for example a named mesh or stone system)QBCC Termite management - physical licence (the system is named on the licence)
QLD
Termite inspections for home buyersLicensed pest controller only; pre-purchase building inspections need a separate residential building inspector licence
QLD
FumigationFumigator licence
NSW
Termite treatment of power polesSeparate endorsement on the pest management technician licence
WA
Running a pest control businessPest controller's licence (SA) or registered pest management business (WA)
SA, WA
Running a commercial pest spraying businessCommercial Operator Licence, plus a Certificate of Competency for each applicator
TAS
Hiring? How to check a licence
- Ask for the licence number and the name on it.
- Check it on your state's register (links above), or call the regulator if there is no online register.
- Make sure the licence covers timber pests or termites, not just general pests.
- In Queensland, also check the QBCC register for a termite management licence for barrier or building work.
- Ask for a written report and keep the treatment records.
Find local businesses: Termite TreatmentTermite Inspectors
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: finish the pest management units from the national CPP training package, plus the timber pest units (for example inspect for and report on timber pests, and control timber pests) through a registered training organisation.
- Experience: many states offer a trainee, limited or provisional licence so you can work under a fully licensed technician while you finish training.
- Documents: have your Statement of Attainment, proof of identity and age, and any forms your state asks for (WA also asks for a medical form; QBCC asks for financial and insurance papers).
- Apply to your state (links below). In Queensland, termite management for building work also needs a QBCC licence on top of the Queensland Health pest management licence.
- Licensed in another state? Automatic mutual recognition lets many interstate technicians work in VIC, WA, SA and NT on their home licence. Check the state page first, as some ask you to notify them before you start.
| State | Who issues it | Apply here (official) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) | How to apply | Requirements |
| VIC | Department of Health Victoria | How to apply | Requirements |
| QLD | Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and Queensland Health | How to apply | Requirements |
| WA | WA Department of Health | How to apply | Requirements |
| SA | SA Health (Controlled Substances Licensing) | How to apply | Requirements |
| TAS | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE), AgVet Chemicals Program | How to apply | Requirements |
| ACT | ACT Environment Protection Authority (via Access Canberra) | How to apply | Requirements |
| NT | NT Department of Health (Medicines and Poisons) | 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 (18)
- epa.nsw.gov.au /your-environment/pesticides/licences-and-advice-for-occupational-pest...
- epa.nsw.gov.au /Licensing-and-Regulation/Public-registers
- nswepa-rst-prod1.pegacloud.net /prweb/prsext
- health.vic.gov.au /environmental-health/pest-control-licence-applications
- health.vic.gov.au /environmental-health/find-a-licensed-pest-control-operator
- health.vic.gov.au /environmental-health/guidelines-for-pest-control-operators-pcos-in-vi...
- qbcc.qld.gov.au /licences/apply-licence/available-licences/other-trade/termite-managem...
- qbcc.qld.gov.au /termite-management-%E2%80%93-physical
- qbcc.qld.gov.au /node/591
- qbcc.qld.gov.au /about-us/our-lists-registers
- health.qld.gov.au /system-governance/licences/medicines-poisons/pest-management/forms-te...
- health.wa.gov.au /Articles/N_R/Pest-industry-licensing-and-registration
- health.wa.gov.au /Articles/F_I/Frequently-Asked-Questions-Pesticides
- sa.gov.au /topics/business-and-trade/licensing/building-and-trades/pest-control-...
- nre.tas.gov.au /agriculture/agvet-chemicals/licences-and-certificates/ground-spraying...
- accesscanberra.act.gov.au /business-and-work/pest-and-weed-control-operators
- nt.gov.au /industry/licences/apply-for-pest-management-technician-licence
- nt.gov.au /property/homeowners-and-landlords/maintain-and-improve-your-home/hire...
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