Owner builder course and builder’s licence guide for New South Wales

For nearly 30 years, Back to Basics Business Training Pty Ltd has supported construction professionals across New South Wales with flexible online training, nationally recognised qualifications and practical industry guidance.


Whether you are exploring owner builder requirements, formalising your experience or working toward a builder’s licence, our team can help you understand the next steps and suitable qualification pathways.

How to get a NSW builder’s licence

Becoming a licensed builder in NSW requires a combination of formal qualifications and practical industry experience. Whether you are pursuing a full builder’s licence or starting with an owner builder course NSW, understanding the requirements is essential.

Option 1: Applicants with a trade qualification

If you already hold a recognised trade qualification, you may follow this pathway:


  • Hold a current Carpentry or Bricklaying contractor licence, or a Qualified Supervisor Certificate


  • Complete at least two years of on-site industry experience across a broad range of building and construction work (This experience can be gained at the same time as your qualification but must be completed before applying for your builder’s licence)



This pathway is ideal for those progressing from trade work or transitioning from an owner builder course NSW into a fully licensed builder role.

Option 2: Applicants without a trade qualification

If you do not hold a Carpentry or Bricklaying qualification, you will need:




  • At least two years of on-site industry experience across a wide range of construction work (This experience can be undertaken alongside your studies but must be completed prior to licence application)


This option suits individuals entering the industry through training pathways such as an owner builder course NSW, then advancing towards a professional builder’s licence.

Construction worker in a hard hat and safety vest using a tablet at a building site.

Dual qualification builder’s management package

Back to Basics offers the DQBMP Builder’s Management Package, a structured pathway combining:


  • CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
  • CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)


This integrated training pathway is designed to help students complete both qualifications through one streamlined program while building practical knowledge and management capability.

Course Overview

Duration: 30 Months

Units: 32 Core + 8 Elective

Delivery: Flexible Online Learning

Support: One-on-One Student Support

Obtaining a builder’s licence can be a complex process

You do not have to navigate it alone. Our experienced team provides personalised support to help you translate your existing skills and industry experience into nationally recognised qualifications.

Start your builders licence journey

Contact us to discuss the qualifications required for your state.

Continue building your skills

Expand your skillset by exploring and enrolling in our range of additional short courses and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) micro-credentials. Visit our course hubs today to learn more.

Stay compliant and up-to-date with our CPD programs. These individual micro-credentials focus on high-impact technical skills and are delivered via flexible distance learning.

Short courses

Complete in less than 6 months

Long courses

Long-term study from 6+ months

Our comprehensive programs are designed for those seeking trade licensing, site supervisor roles, or project management positions. We offer streamlined RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) for experienced tradespeople to fast-track their certification.

Ready to start your qualification?

Whether you are beginning your training journey, formalising existing industry experience or planning your next career move, Back to Basics is here to support you with practical guidance and flexible online learning.



Submit your details through the enquiry form and our team will get back to you shortly. If you need immediate assistance, feel free to contact us directly.

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