01
Category of work
The first decision is the regulated category that matches the work you want to carry out, supervise, contract or advertise.
Building Commission NSW
NSW trade contractor licence support for trades ready to contract their own work.
Support for NSW trade applicants who need the work category, qualification evidence and lodgement requirements checked before applying.
Trade category checked
Qualification evidence organised
Contracting and supervision position clarified
What the application needs
What has to be clear before a NSW trade licence application.
NSW trade and specialist categories each depend on the work being performed, the certificate or licence type and the qualification evidence behind it.
02
Licence versus certificate
A contractor licence supports contracting and advertising. A tradesperson certificate is narrower and requires work to be signed off by a current contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate holder.
03
Qualifications and experience
Building Commission NSW directs applicants to check the qualifications and experience required for the category before applying.
04
Lodgement path
Some applications are online, while individual contractor licence and qualified supervisor applications are commonly lodged in person through Service NSW.
How BLS helps
Where BLS fits.
We help trades avoid a course-first or form-first approach by settling the category and evidence requirements first.
Practical support
You bring the experience. BLS carries the application work with you.
Map the trade work to the NSW category list.
Check whether contractor licence, qualified supervisor certificate or tradesperson certificate is the right target.
Organise qualification, experience and referee evidence before lodgement.
Prepare a practical next-step list if the evidence does not yet match the target category.
Who this is for
Trades moving from subcontracting or employment into direct contracting.
Applicants adding a regulated work category.
Trades unsure whether their current certificate lets them sign off or contract.
When another service may fit better
Applications that need legal, financial or disciplinary advice outside BLS’s service.
Situations where the required work history, qualifications or records cannot be provided.
Independent support
Building Commission NSW decides every application.
BLS focuses on what we can control: the right class, clear evidence and properly prepared application material. Building Commission NSW assesses the application and makes the final decision.
Your next step
Start the 60 second check
Start with the 60 second check.
Get clear on your likely licence, gaps and next step before you pay for training or start pulling the paperwork together.