Apply for a tradesperson certificate

Introduction

Tradesperson certificates are issued for the following categories of work: 

• plumbing, draining and gasfitting
• medical gas and related mechanical services.

Provisional certificates can also be issued to overseas-trained applicants for the following categories of work:

• plumbing, draining and gasfitting
• electrical
• air conditioning and refrigeration.

You can apply online if you've never held a tradesperson certificate.

Eligibility

You must:  

• be aged 18 or over   
• be a fit and proper person to hold a tradesperson certificate  
• meet the qualification and training requirements for the category of work you’re applying for 
• not be a ‘disqualified person’ under the Home Building Act 1989 or another Act administered by the NSW Minister for Fair Trading
• not be a current apprentice or trainee in the category of work you are applying for.

What you need

To apply online you need:

• a MyServiceNSW Account
  • you can create one when you start your application
  • you may need details from 2 identity documents (such as Australian driver licence, Medicare card, passport)
• copies of your qualifications in PDF, JPG or PNG format (certificates and transcripts from the registered training organisation)
• for medical gasfitting categories, completed referee statement form showing 24 months' experience:
  • Medical Gasfitter and Medical Gas Technician – PDF
  • Mechanical Services and Medical Gas – PDF
• your fee payment.

How to apply

Apply online

You can apply online if you've never held a tradesperson certificate.

1. Check the eligibility requirements. 
2. Gather the required documents. 
3. Select the 'Apply online' button.
4. Follow the prompts to apply for a tradesperson certificate. 

In person at a Service NSW centre

You need to apply in person at a service centre if you hold or have held a tradesperson certificate, have a superseded qualification, or are applying under mutual recognition.

1. Download and complete:
   • Application Form - Individual – PDF, and
   • Checklist for Individuals – Specialist Work – PDF
     
     or
   • Registration of Equivalent Occupation (Mutual Recognition) – PDF.
2. Gather the required supporting documents as indicated on the form.
3. Visit a service centre to submit your application.

Privacy

To apply for a tradesperson certificate with NSW Fair Trading, you’ll need to create or log in with a MyServiceNSW Account. 

By logging in you consent to sharing your name and email address in your MyServiceNSW Account with NSW Fair Trading, a division of the Department of Customer Service. 

The Home building licences – privacy collection notice explains how your personal information will be handled once it is shared by Service NSW. 

More information

• The holder of a tradesperson's certificate cannot sign off on the work undertaken. Work must be signed off by the holder of a contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate.
• Once your certificate has been granted, you can access it digitally through the Service NSW app.

Payment methods