Building work contractors work in construction, trade, demolition, site preparation and restoration and repairs - who should apply for a licence.
To complete your registration or licence application you'll need meet certain requirements and supply supporting documents - what you'll need.
After filling out the form you'll need to print and sign it, then scan and upload it (if you can't do this phone 131 882 to discuss your options with CBS staff).
Individuals and businesses must be licensed as building contractors, including subcontractors if they run a business that carries out or organises building work:
Sole traders normally apply for a contractor's licence and building work supervisor registration at the same time as both are required to contract work.
Business partners who don’t organise or do the work no longer need to hold a contractor’s licence and can apply for an exemption - eg administrative partner.
Surrender your licence - for partners who already hold a licence and would like to apply for an exemption.
People who do 'specified building work' - eg bricklayers, carpenters - need to have at least $10,000 in net assets to apply for a contractor's licence. If you don’t have enough in net assets, you can apply for a restricted licence as a subcontractor.
Builders who work in 'major residential construction' must attach a certificate of eligibility for building indemnity insurance to the application.
Industrial, commercial and civil builders must declare on the application form that they have the financial resources needed to carry on this type of business.
Check you have the right knowledge and experience to apply for a building contractor's licence.
Include with your application a copy of your National Police Certificate (NPC) no more than 12 months old.
National police checking service - Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
You don't need an NPC if you:
You'll need to have your photo taken for your registration and undergo an ID check before being issued with a licence card.
If you're an interstate applicant, and not applying through mutual recognition, you'll need to provide evidence that you intend to do contract building work in South Australia.
All building work must be supervised by a registered building work supervisor.
Suggested best practice principles for supervision of building work are outlined in supervision guidance (PDF 158KB).
Companies will need to nominate a building work supervisor when applying for a contractor licence.
Individuals who apply for a contractor licence can also register as a supervisor on the same application. If an individual is only contracting out building work, a supervisor must be nominated.
You must notify CBS within 14 days:
You can download your licence or registration to an Apple or Android smartphone or tablet using the mySAGOV app.
Once registered in the app, press the '+' button in the top right corner, select your 'occupational licence' type, then enter the licence/registration number requested along with your client ID.
Hard copy licences will still be issued and it's a good idea to carry these with you until digital licences become widely accepted.
Phone: 131 882 and press 4