No. Figures checked 1 October 2026: the ACT Government’s City and Environment Directorate – Planning states that carpenters and bricklayers do not currently need a construction licence in the ACT. By contrast, builders, electricians, plumbers, drainers, gasfitters and other listed occupations must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004.
The regulator also says a licence is required to provide a construction service in the ACT, so the occupation and service involved must be considered rather than treating the carpentry answer as a blanket project-wide exemption.
Which construction occupations need a licence?
The Directorate’s occupational list separates carpenters and bricklayers from the following licence-required roles:
| Trade or occupation | Current ACT position |
|---|---|
| Carpenter | No licence currently needed |
| Bricklayer | No licence currently needed |
| Builder, including an owner-builder | Licence required |
| Electrician | Licence required |
| Plumber, drainer and/or gasfitter, including a medical gas installer or technician | Licence required |
| Building surveyor or private certifier | Licence required |
| Building assessor | Licence required |
| Gas appliance worker | Licence required |
| Works assessor | Licence required |
| Plumbing plan certifier | Licence required |
These occupations must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004.
Does that mean the whole project is unlicensed?
No. The Directorate says a licence is required to provide a construction service, while separately stating that carpenters and bricklayers do not currently need one.
Do not use the carpenter or bricklayer position to conclude that a builder, electrician, plumber, drainer, gasfitter or another listed practitioner is unlicensed. If the work or a practitioner’s role is unclear, check with the regulator before relying on the carpentry or bricklaying position.
How can I check a practitioner’s current status?
The Directorate says a register of licensed construction practitioners is available through Access Canberra. Use that register for current status information on builders, electricians, plumbers and the other licence-required occupations.
For an unclear licensing question, contact the Construction and Work Place Licensing team rather than assuming that one trade’s status covers the entire project.
What must licensed practitioners keep up to date?
A licensed practitioner must maintain a current licence and ensure it remains valid whenever they are working in construction.
| Task or circumstance | What the regulator says |
|---|---|
| Before a licence expires | Renew it before expiry |
| Renewing a current licence | Complete the licence renewal form and pay the licence term fee |
| Applying after expiry | An application fee applies |
| Setting fees | Fees are determined by the Fee Determination for the relevant financial year |
What if licence details change?
The Registrar must be advised within 14 days of a change to the licence holder’s details.
Reportable changes include:
- Address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Name, including changes for corporations and partnerships
- Directors
- Partners
The registration form must also be completed when relevant details change.
What if a licence card is lost, stolen or damaged?
Complete the application for a replacement card form. That form can only be used for licences, registrations and cards issued in the ACT, and replacement fees apply.
Can a former licensee still face rectification requirements?
Yes. The Constructions Occupations Registrar may make a rectification order on a licensee, former licensee or director of a construction service. A licensee or former licensee must take the action stated in the order.
The Registrar can take action against a licensee, partner and directors of a corporation despite deregistration, for up to 10 years after the construction services are complete, to rectify construction work. This is a rectification power and does not mean that a former licensee still holds a current licence.
Who can answer ACT construction licensing questions?
The regulator lists the Construction and Work Place Licensing team as the contact point:
- Phone: 02 6207 8096
- Email: cwpl@act.gov.au
Does not needing a licence remove insurance requirements?
No. Licensing and insurance are separate matters. Whether a trade needs a construction licence does not determine what insurance a policy requires, whether particular work is covered, or whether any policy conditions apply.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Check the regulator’s page for the latest licensing position and your policy’s PDS for the cover, exclusions and conditions relevant to your work.
Sources
FAQ
Do carpenters and bricklayers need a construction licence in the ACT?
No. The Directorate’s current guidance states that neither trade currently needs an ACT construction licence. That answer does not extend to builders or the other listed licence-required occupations.
What if a carpenter also performs electrical or plumbing work?
If the person is acting in a listed role such as electrician, plumber, drainer or gasfitter, check that role’s current licensing status through Access Canberra or with the regulator.
Where can I verify a current practitioner licence?
Access Canberra provides the register of licensed construction practitioners referred to by the Directorate.
Does not needing a licence mean I do not need insurance?
No. Licensing status and insurance are separate. Check your policy’s PDS and discuss the specific work and contract requirements with your insurer or broker.
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