WA builder registration: practitioner versus contractor
Understand which registration belongs to the individual, which belongs to the contracting business and how the two fit together.
Read the application guide Western Australia · Building and Energy
Supervising or contracting building work in WA starts with the right registration.
WA separates the person supervising the work from the business signing the building contract. BLS helps individuals, sole traders, partnerships and companies work out whether they need practitioner registration, contractor registration or both, then prepares the application material.
Regulator
Building and Energy
Building and Energy (LGIRS)
formerly the Builders Registration Board of WA
Visit Building and Energy What you need to know
How builder licensing works in Western Australia.
The Building Services Board is the registration authority, supported by the Building and Energy division of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS). WA has two distinct positions: practitioner registration is for an individual who can act as a nominated supervisor, while contractor registration is for an individual, partnership or company intending to trade as a builder.
WA application guides
Get ready for a Western Australia licence application.
Use these guides to understand the classes, experience requirements and application steps before you apply.
Licences we can help with
What are you applying for in Western Australia?
Choose the option closest to your situation. You do not need to know the exact licence class before speaking with BLS.
Practitioner + contractor registration
Going out on your own as a builder? You may need practitioner registration for yourself and contractor registration for the business. BLS helps prepare both applications together.
View this serviceTrade contractor pathway
Planning to offer painting or another regulated trade service? Check whether WA licensing applies before you quote the work or pay for an application.
Nominated / practitioner supervisor
Setting up a company or partnership to contract building work? BLS helps prepare the business registration and the nominated practitioner details it relies on.
View this serviceMutual recognition into WA
Already registered elsewhere in Australia? Your current registration may be recognised in WA, subject to the equivalent class and any local requirements.
What BLS does for you
Get the application sorted before you lodge.
We check what you can apply for, show you what is missing and help prepare the forms and supporting documents.
Know what to apply for
Tell us what you do now and what you are trying to move into. We check the licence or registration that fits.
Find out what is missing
We review the qualifications, projects, licences and referees you already have, then tell you what else is needed.
Get the application ready to lodge
We help complete the forms, prepare the supporting documents and check the details before you submit them.
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.