Yes: the NSW Government’s General building work page, updated 03 September 2026, says applicants can apply for a 1, 3 or 5 year licence or certificate (figures checked 1 October 2026). These are licensing periods, not HBC cover periods. Check the policy and its PDS for the HBC cover period.
What do the 1, 3 and 5 year terms mean?
The NSW Government lists three terms available for licence and certificate applications:
- 1 year
- 3 years
- 5 years
The term is separate from the type of licence or certificate. The correct credential depends on the work involved and whether the applicant intends to contract to do the work, supervise it, perform it or combine those roles.
The available credential types named by the NSW Government are:
- Individual contractor licence or endorsed contractor licence
- Company or partnership contractor licence
- Qualified supervisor certificate
Does a 5 year licence give me 5 years of HBC?
No. A 5 year licensing term does not confirm 5 years of HBC. The licence term applies to the NSW credential, while HBC is an insurance policy matter.
Renewing the licence or certificate also does not, by itself, confirm that HBC has been renewed or extended. Check the insurance policy and its PDS for the applicable cover period, rather than using the licensing term as a guide.
How do I renew a licence or certificate?
An existing licence or certificate holder can renew using either route:
- Use the details on the renewal form; or
- Renew through Service NSW.
Someone starting a new licence or certificate application can also begin the application through Service NSW.
Individual holders of a building or swimming pool building licence or certificate must complete continuing professional development (CPD) each year as a condition of renewal. They must keep a diary record of their CPD participation, including documentary proof where possible. The records do not need to be sent to Fair Trading, but the licence holder must be able to prove compliance with the CPD requirements.
What should I check before applying?
Approved qualifications and experience must be held before applying for a licence or certificate. All individual applicants must also submit a National Police Check no older than 4 months from the application.
Because the available type and term must match the work and role, check the current NSW Government page before applying or renewing. This is general information, not legal or financial advice; readers should also check their policy’s PDS for HBC terms.
Sources
FAQ
Can a NSW building licence or certificate run for 1, 3 or 5 years?
Yes. The NSW Government says applicants can apply for a licence or certificate using a 1, 3 or 5 year term.
Is a 5 year licence the same as 5 years of HBC?
No. The 1, 3 and 5 year figures are licensing terms. Check the insurance policy and its PDS for the HBC cover period.
How do I renew an existing licence or certificate?
Use the details on the renewal form or renew through Service NSW.
Is CPD required for renewal?
Individual holders of a building or swimming pool building licence or certificate must complete CPD each year. They must keep a diary and be able to demonstrate that they met the requirements, even though the records do not need to be sent to Fair Trading.