Learn How to Get Your Building Licence in Victoria
Want to find out how to get a builder’s licence in Victoria? To kick-start your career in the building and construction industry, you’ll need a solid combination of experience and education.
However, the depth of this will differ depending on what type of builder you would like to become. This is why it’s important to understand what you need to do to receive your builders licence and become a registered builder.
To save you time and help with the registration process, we’ve put together this handy guide.
How to get a builders licence in Victoria
If you want to become a builder, you’ll need to get registered. Building licenses are managed and regulated by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). While we can give you a rundown on what you need to know, you can find all the information you need on their website.
In Victoria, you must be registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) to:
- Perform domestic building work that costs more than $10,000
- Carry out reblocking, restumping, demolition work or removal of a home (regardless of the cost)
- Provide more than one type of building work that costs more than $10,000
Before you can get your builders licence in Victoria and start working, your application has to be processed and confirmed by the VBA.
What are the different builders licence types
There are different types of building licences in Victoria, referred to as building registrations. For each category, you need to have the right skills, knowledge and experience. To narrow it down, the most common types of builder registration include:
- Domestic Builder (Limited)
- Domestic Builder (Unlimited)
- Domestic Builder (Manager)
- Commercial Builder (Limited)
- Commercial Builder (Unlimited)
It’s important to know exactly the building licence type you want to apply for, as this will determine which building sites and construction projects you can and can’t work on. For example, if you want to become a Domestic Builder (Limited), you won’t be able to work in commercial buildings and construction sites. Same with a commercial building, building inspection, and even demolition work.
What does it take to become a registered builder?
To find out all the requirements you need for each category, check out the VBA’s building registrations page. However, minimum requirements across the board include:
- Three years of full-time experience in the category you’re applying for
- Completing an application with all the necessary proof of experience
Do you tick all the right boxes? You can apply for a licence and submit your registration application form. From there, the VBA will assess whether you’re eligible or not.
If your application is accepted, the VBA will check the accuracy of the information you submit to ensure you have the right level of experience and knowledge requirements to be the type of builder you wish to be.
In some cases, you may need to sit an open book exam (multiple choice), have a face-to-face interview, or provide extra information. But don’t be put off by the thoroughness of the process – it’s simply to make sure that when you get your licence, there won’t be any problems.
Find out how much more you could be earning as a registered builder through BAA.
What qualifications do you need to become a registered builder in Victoria?
Where does it all start? Before you can even go for your building licence in Victoria, you need relevant qualifications or years of solid work experience. For many tradies in the building and construction industry, this starts with an apprenticeship.
You might work as an apprentice carpenter, joiner, bricklayer, or other trades. Either way, this is where you’ll gain the bulk of your hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you can start looking into the building and construction courses that will prepare you for becoming a registered builder.
Not sure how to get a builders licence in Victoria?
- Start by enrolling in our CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building). Because you’re likely to be a busy tradie by day, we offer this Certificate IV in both physical and online classroom environments. If you want to start your own business and prepare for registration, this course will help you get there.
- When you’re ready to take your career up a notch, you can enrol in the CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building). Armed with this nationally recognised accreditation, you’ll be able to apply for building licenses that can help you become a project supervisor, building manager, site supervisor, construction surveyor or estimator.
The path to getting your building licence in Victoria
Want to enjoy a rewarding career in the building industry? At Builders Academy Australia, we’re here to make the process as convenient as possible. If you would like to know how to become a registered builder or how to get a builders licence in Victoria, get in touch with us today.
At Builders Academy Australia (BAA) we feel genuine in helping our students achieve great results in a range of study options – and we believe that our 8000+ successful graduates across 120 locations are a testament to that.
With completion rates well above industry averages, trainers who remain leaders of their professions and free registration mentoring sessions, it’s no wonder that BAA is the 2018 Victorian Training Provider of the Year. Take our quiz to find out how much you could earn as a Registered Builder with a BAA qualification.
Find out how much more you could be earning as a registered builder through BAA.
This article has been updated and republished on 20th March 2023.