Trade Licensing in South Australia
South Australia licenses building trades through Consumer and Business Services (CBS) under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995 and the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995.
Licensing Authority
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) South Australia
Licence Types in SA
Building Work Contractor Licence
For businesses and individuals contracting to perform building work including general building, painting, plastering, tiling and more.
Plumber Licence
Required for all plumbing work in South Australia. Classes include plumbing, drainage, gas fitting and irrigation.
Electrician Licence
All electrical installation work requires a current electrician licence issued by CBS. Classes include Electrical Contractor and Electrical Worker.
Gas Fitting Licence
Required for all gas appliance installation and servicing. Often combined with plumbing licensing.
How to Apply for a Licence
- 1
Complete accredited trade training and apprenticeship
- 2
Gather evidence of qualifications, employment history and competency
- 3
Submit application to CBS SA online or in person
- 4
Pay the application fee
- 5
Provide certificate of currency for public liability insurance
- 6
Wait for assessment and licence issue
Licence Fees
Electrical worker licences are approximately $175 for 3 years. Building work contractor licences range from $200 to $400 depending on the category. Plumber licences are approximately $180 to $250. Fees are updated periodically; check the CBS SA website for current amounts.
Renewal Requirements
Most licences are renewed every 3 years through CBS SA. Continuing professional development requirements apply to some categories. Insurance certificates must be current. Applications can be submitted online through the CBS SA portal.
How to Verify a Licence
CBS SA provides a public licence search tool on their website. You can search by name, business name or licence number to confirm a licence is current and check the specific classes held.
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