Hiring a tradie in Canberra or elsewhere in the ACT? Before you agree to a quote, take a few minutes to confirm the person or business is licensed for the work. In the ACT the checking is free, and it's done through public registers kept by Access Canberra.
This guide covers who needs a licence, how to search the registers, what to read on a result, and what else to check.
Who needs a licence in the ACT?
The ACT planning directorate's construction licences page says you need a licence under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 if you're a:
- builder, including an owner-builder
- electrician
- plumber, drainer or gasfitter
- building surveyor (private certifier)
- building assessor
- gas appliance worker
- works assessor or plumbing plan certifier
The same page notes that trades like carpenters and bricklayers do not currently need a licence in the ACT. Rules change, so check the official page before relying on this for a particular job.
Where to check
Access Canberra's choosing a tradesperson page explains that Access Canberra maintains the public registers for business licences, and you search for the tradie or their business on the relevant register. Its public registers page is the starting point.
The construction occupation registers include:
- licensed builders
- licensed electricians
- licensed plumbers
- licensed drainers
- licensed gasfitters
- licensed certifiers and building assessors
- building and pest inspectors
- licensed architects and registered land surveyors
Step 1: Ask for the licence details
Ask the tradie for their full name, business name and licence number before they start. A genuine licence holder won't mind. Make sure the name on the quote, the invoice and the licence all match the person or company you're contracting with.
Step 2: Search the right register
Pick the register that matches the work. A builder goes on the licensed builders register, an electrician on the licensed electricians register, and so on. Search by name, business name or licence number. If you can't find them, try a different spelling or the licence number from their card.
Step 3: Read the whole entry
Access Canberra says it has updated the construction occupation registers to show more detail. According to its page, you can now see licence statuses including expired, suspended, surrendered and cancelled licences, and any disciplinary action appears under the licence holder's Details tab.
When you open a result, check:
- Status: is the licence current?
- Class or type: does it cover the work you want done? Builders are licensed in classes, and a licence may carry conditions that limit the scope of work.
- Holder: is it the person or company you're actually hiring?
- Details tab: any disciplinary action on record.
The same Access Canberra page suggests checking whether it has issued a public warning, an enforceable undertaking or taken disciplinary action against the tradie.
Step 4: Check insurance too
A licence isn't the same as insurance. Access Canberra says to check that the tradie is appropriately insured as well as licensed. Ask for a certificate of currency for public liability insurance and keep a copy with your job paperwork. Our guide on whether your tradie needs public liability insurance has more detail.
Step 5: Get it in writing
Once the licence checks out:
- Get a written quote that lists exactly what's included. Our guide to comparing tradie quotes shows what a good one looks like.
- For bigger jobs, use a written contract. See what to put in a building contract.
- Be wary of big upfront payments. Read our tips on deposits and progress payments.
What if the licence doesn't check out?
If you can't find the tradie, the details don't match, or the licence is expired, suspended or cancelled, don't sign or pay yet. Ask them to explain and show you their licence card. If you're still not comfortable, find someone else, or contact Access Canberra to confirm.
Keep a record
Save a screenshot of the register result with the date, the licence number and the class. Check again if the job runs long, the scope changes, or another tradie joins the project.
Find a tradie in the ACT
Browse builders in North Canberra, builders in South Canberra, electricians in North Canberra or plumbers in South Canberra, or search builders, electricians and plumbers across Australia. For other states and territories, see our guide to checking a tradie's licence across Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Who keeps the licence registers in the ACT?
Access Canberra maintains the public registers for construction occupations, including builders, electricians, plumbers, drainers and gasfitters.
Do carpenters need a licence in the ACT?
The ACT planning directorate says trades like carpenters and bricklayers do not currently need a licence in the ACT. Check the official page, as rules can change.
Can I see if a tradie has been disciplined?
Access Canberra says that where disciplinary action applies, it appears under the licence holder's Details tab on the register. It also publishes public warnings and enforceable undertakings.
Is checking a licence enough?
No. Also check insurance, get a written quote, and keep records of the job. A licence only tells you the person is authorised to do certain work.
This guide is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official sources linked above for your state.