Why Is Getting a Trade Licence So Complicated?
You've been doing the trade for years. So why is proving it on paper so difficult?
This is one of the biggest frustrations experienced by builders, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and other experienced tradespeople.
You know how to do the work.
But licensing authorities need more than "I've been doing this for 10 years."
They need evidence.
The five reasons licensing applications become complicated
1. Every state has its own system
A licence that allows you to perform certain work in Queensland doesn't automatically mean you can perform the same work in NSW.
The categories, terminology, qualifications and application processes can differ.
2. Experience needs to be relevant
Your work history needs to demonstrate experience relevant to the licence class you're applying for.
Queensland, for example, specifies the type of experience that needs to be demonstrated for particular licence classes. QBCC may require details such as dates, employers, work performed and appropriately qualified referees.
3. Qualifications aren't the whole story
Having a trade qualification is important, but some licence classes also require experience, managerial qualifications, financial requirements or other eligibility criteria.
QBCC identifies technical qualifications, managerial qualifications, experience, financial information, fit-and-proper requirements, insurance and business structure among its eligibility considerations.
4. Your evidence needs to tell a consistent story
Imagine an assessor looking at:
your qualification
your employment history
your referee
your project history
your application form
Everything needs to make sense together.
5. Regulators are assessing risk
Licensing isn't simply about checking whether someone has completed a course.
The regulator is assessing whether the applicant meets the requirements to undertake the relevant work and operate within the licensed scope.
Not sure what the licensing authority is looking for?
Get professional support with your licence application, documentation and evidence requirements before you submit.