Assessment process and time frames for licence and registration applications

Key information

• Applications need to be made for new, renewed, restored or varied licences, certificates or registrations.
• There is an assessment process for every application for a licence, certificate or registration.
• Estimated processing time frames vary and do not include waiting time for applicants to provide additional information if required.
• Make sure you include everything in your application because the the processing time will increase if we need to ask you for more information. 
• Applications may be refused for several reasons. It is an offence to provide a false statement or leave out information on an application.

Estimated processing times

Estimated processing time does not includes waiting time for applicants to provide additional information if required.

The current estimated processing times for applications recorded below are as at 1 December 2024.

We may need to contact you about your application. To help reduce delays in your application, please check your emails regularly (including spam) and make sure your contact details are up to date. 

What happens if an application is refused

If your application is refused, we will notify you in writing, outlining the reason(s) for the refusal and your available options. You will be advised if you are eligible for a partial refund of the application fee paid.

See a list of reasons why an application may be refused

Assessment process for new or variation applications

This information is for both new applications and applications to add a category to a licence or certificate or a new class to a registration. If you want to add an additional class to your design or building practitioner registration, or an additional category of work to your home building licence or certificate, you will need to satisfy the eligibility requirements.

Applications are assessed against set criteria

Building Commission NSW will assess your licence, certificate or registration application based on set criteria for qualifications and experience (if required) as well as fitness and propriety. For design and building practitioners, this also includes assessing skills and knowledge.

This assessment includes consideration of:

• financial and criminal history
• disciplinary and compliance actions
• complaints and Tribunal orders.

Note: Make sure you include everything in your application. If you are required to provide additional information the processing time may increase.

Find out if we have approved your application

• Check your inbox for any emails from Building Commission NSW.
• If your application is approved, we will send you a new licence card or certificate of registration.
• For some licence types, you can also get a digital licence card.

You can also check the:

• public register for contractor licences, qualified supervisor and tradeperson certificates
• public register for design and building practitioner registrations

to see if your application has been granted.

Do not start work until you have your approved licence

• Under the Home Building Act 1989, it is an offence to carry out, advertise or contract for work while not appropriately licensed.
• You cannot work as a builder or tradesperson or work on a regulated building under the Design and Building Practitioner (DBP) scheme until your application has been assessed and approved.
• If a valid mutual recognition notification has been lodged and no postponement has been issued, you can commence work.
• Work valued at under $5,000 is permitted under the Home Building Act 1989 unless it is specialist trade work.

If your application has been refused, find out why

Sometimes we do not approve applications. Find out more about reasons for refusal.

Assessment process for renewal and restoration applications

This information is for individuals or companies and partnerships applying to renew or restore a licence, certificate or registration.

We will send you a renewal form by mail or email several weeks before your licence or certificate is due to expire.

Find out more about renewing or restoring a licence.

Your status on the public register

You can check your status on the:

• public register for contractor licences, qualified supervisor and tradeperson certificates
• public register for design and building practitioner registrations

See how these details are displayed, depending on your application status:

A renewal application lodged on or before expiry date

• The licence or registration remains in force until a decision is made and the licensee or practitioner notified.
• You can continue to contract or work while a decision is pending.
• There will be a green tick above the licence or registration holder’s name however the expiry date will remain unchanged until the licence or registration is renewed.
• If the renewal is approved the new expiry date will be updated.
• If the renewal is refused the licence or registration will show a red cross above the name.

A restoration application lodged within 3 months* of expiry date

• Once an application to restore is made, the licence or registration remains in force until a decision is made and the licensee or practitioner is notified. Once the expiry date passes the licence or registration will display a red cross above the name.
• The red cross will be updated to a green tick if an application to restore the licence or registration is submitted. The expiry date will remain unchanged and the public register will note that your licence or registration is current.
• If the restoration is approved the new expiry date will be updated.
• If the restoration is refused the licence or registration will show a red cross above the name.

*Note: if the licence or registration is expired for a period exceeding 3 months, restoration may not be an option and you may need to reapply.

If your application is refused, we will contact you in writing and outline the reason(s) for refusal as well as details of your options. You will not receive a refund for a refused trade or building licence, as the fee paid consists only of a processing fee.

You will receive a refund (minus the non-refundable processing component) for a refused design and building practitioner application.

More about categories for building and trade work

Need to know more about what qualifications and experience you may need for a specific licence, certificate or registration class?

See a list of all building and trade work categories