No. The ACT Government’s Construction licences guidance from the City and Environment Directorate states that carpenters and bricklayers do not currently need a construction licence in the ACT (figures checked 1 October 2026). By contrast, people working as builders—including owner-builders—electricians, plumbers, drainers, gasfitters or private certifiers are listed as needing a licence under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004.
Which occupations require a licence in the ACT?
The regulator separates carpentry and bricklaying from the following licensed occupations:
| Occupation | ACT licensing position |
|---|---|
| Carpenter | No licence currently required |
| Bricklayer | No licence currently required |
| Builder, including owner-builder | Licence required |
| Electrician | Licence required |
| Plumber, drainer and/or gasfitter, including medical gas installer/technician | Licence required |
| Building surveyor or private certifier | Licence required |
| Building assessor | Licence required |
| Gas appliance worker | Licence required |
| Works assessor | Licence required |
| Plumbing plan certifier | Licence required |
All occupations marked “Licence required” must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004. The statement about carpenters and bricklayers is occupation-specific: it does not mean the ACT has no construction licensing requirements.
What must licensed tradespeople do?
For an occupation that requires a licence, the ACT guidance sets out these requirements:
- Maintain a current licence and ensure it remains valid whenever working in construction.
- Renew the licence before it expires by completing the licence renewal form and paying the licence term fee.
- If applying to renew after expiry, pay the application fee.
- Advise the Registrar within 14 days of changes to an address, email address, phone number, name, directors or partners, using the registration form.
- If a licence card is lost, stolen or damaged, complete the replacement-card form. Replacement fees apply.
The regulator says fees are determined by the Fee Determination for the relevant financial year. Its published guidance does not state the fee amounts.
How can I check a licence or confirm an occupation?
A register of licensed construction practitioners is available through the Access Canberra website.
The Construction and Work Place Licensing team listed by the ACT Government can be contacted on 02 6207 8096 or at cwpl@act.gov.au. If your work spans carpentry, bricklaying and another listed occupation, ask the regulator to confirm the licensing requirements for that scope of work rather than relying only on the job title.
What should I check alongside my insurance?
A construction licence does not by itself establish whether an insurance policy covers particular work. This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the current ACT regulator page for licensing requirements and review the PDS for any insurance policy you are considering.
Sources
FAQ
Do carpenters need a construction licence in the ACT?
No. The current ACT guidance states that carpenters do not need a construction licence.
Do bricklayers need a construction licence in the ACT?
No. The current ACT guidance also states that bricklayers do not need a construction licence.
Do builders and owner-builders need a licence?
Yes. Builders, including owner-builders, are listed as occupations that require a licence.
Which related trades need a licence?
Electricians; plumbers, drainers and gasfitters; building surveyors or private certifiers; building assessors; gas appliance workers; works assessors; and plumbing plan certifiers are listed as licence-required occupations.
Does not needing a licence determine my insurance requirements?
No. The licensing answer does not establish whether insurance cover is available or sufficient. Check the current regulator page for licensing requirements and the relevant policy PDS for its terms, conditions and exclusions.