FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Builders, Electrical & Plumbing SA Licence Trades
Click on the FAQ tab that applies to you –
1) What is a building supervisor?
A building supervisor is responsible for ensuring that all building work in South Australia is performed properly and meets building standards. You can find an updated definition by CBS on what a supervisors duties are here.
2) Will references help with the SA builders technical interview?
No. How can you or your referees prove to Consumer and Business Services that what is said about you is truthful?
3) Will photos help with the SA builders technical interview?
No. How can you really prove this was you doing the work?
4) Can I take notes into the interview?
Yes. Only a small amount to refresh your memory on the day is acceptable. If you bring in the Code or Standards and look through them for answers, you’ll run out of time.
5) How important is the Schedule 2 Performance Criteria for the SA builders technical interview?
It’s sent out with every interview letter but for most builders conditions it’s not applicable! It can really confuse applicants because it’s not specific to what they’re applying for. SA Trade Licensing will provide the exact information you need via an online folder.
6) Can my qualifications be enough to avoid the SA builders technical interview?
Generally no, especially for major conditions such as residential/commercial construction. Unless you’ve completed an Australian based carpentry or wall and floor tiling apprenticeship, there’s a very high chance you will sit the technical interview under any circumstances.
7) What’s going to be asked in the SA builders technical interview?
There will be an administration section covered which relates to laws/regulations, site issues/safety, bushfire, energy efficiency and council requirements.
Also, depending on what SA builders condition you apply for, you will be asked about codes, standards or manufacturer guides that relate to your building works. You’ll need to take the time to understand and interpret these documents. SA Trade Licensing has these documents highlighted and ready for you.
8) How will the SA builders technical interview be conducted?
It’s face-to-face verbal questions and will usually last for one hour maximum. Usually there’s no calculations or diagrams but it depends on your trade/builders conditions applied for. There is a Microsoft Teams option available as well.
9) If I fail, can I resit it again?
You can resit it again, but you must be able to list new or additional jobs in your new application to prove you’re still doing building work. It’s not recommended to reapply straight away if your feedback from the previous interview shows you have a lot of technical issues to address.
1) Who is a general building contractor?
If you carry on the business of performing building work for others, not the physical work, then you are known as a building contractor – you must apply for a licence. General building work includes residential/commercial construction, additions, alterations, renovations and bathroom renovations.
2) What’s the financial requirement and when does it apply?
If you’re applying for an SA builders contractors license limited to residential/commercial building work for example, then this is known as a general builders license and you’ll need to supply evidence of a Certificate of Eligibility for Builders Indemnity Insurance through a Broker – this is mandatory. This causes many problems during the application process and SA Trade Licensing will complete this with minimal fuss! Please note, the QBE Builders Warranty Insurance is not a simple online insurance application. It takes weeks for approval and there are many documents to provide.
3) What if my business is being a subcontractor for general building work, does my business need a licence?
Yes it does – see this information from the legislation:
“subcontract for the performance of domestic building work means a contract for the performance of domestic building work for a building work contractor who is in turn obliged to perform the work under another contract.”
4) Who needs a National Police Clearance?
If you’re an individual applying for a supervisor or contractors license – you’ll need one, even if you’re upgrading an existing licence. Also, every director too. Remember, if there’s a change of directorship, the new director must supply the licensing department a National Police Clearance. There are some exceptions to the rule so make sure to ask SA Trade Licensing.
5) What if I’m in a partnership with my wife, does she need a licence?
No, as long as she is a non-active partner. A non-active partner may apply for an exemption from holding a CBS building, plumbing, gas fitting or electrical (trade) licence. A non-active partner is a registered business partner who does not independently quote, contract, perform or supervise licensed work or actively manage any trade work. Non-active partners often are undertaking administrative duties only such as book keeping, advertising, purchasing etc.
1) Who is a building contractor?
If you carry on the business of performing building work for others, not the physical work, then you are known as a building contractor – you must apply for a licence. A restricted contractor means you will contract only restricted building work like fencing, tiling, retaining walls or similar.
2) What if I’m a business that does restricted building work like retaining walls and fencing, do I need indemnity insurance or the $100k requirement?
No, there is a question in the application confirming the business has $10,000 in tangible net assets. If you do, then no evidence is required.
3) What if my business is being a subcontractor for general builderds, does my business need a licence?
Yes it does – see this information from the legislation:
“subcontract for the performance of domestic building work means a contract for the performance of domestic building work for a building work contractor who is in turn obliged to perform the work under another contract.”
4) Who needs a National Police Clearance?
If you’re an individual applying for a contractors license – you’ll need one. Also, every director too. Remember, if there’s a change of directorship, the new director must supply the licensing department a National Police Clearance. There are some exceptions to the rule so make sure to ask SA Trade Licensing.
5) What if I’m in a partnership with my wife, does she need a licence?
No, as long as she is a non-active partner. A non-active partner may apply for an exemption from holding a CBS building, plumbing, gas fitting or electrical (trade) licence. A non-active partner is a registered business partner who does not independently quote, contract, perform or supervise licensed work or actively manage any trade work. Non-active partners often are undertaking administrative duties only such as book keeping, advertising, purchasing etc.
1) How long does my licence last for?
In South Australia, if you work as an employee for wages, your registration lasts for 3 years. This can’t be extended unfortunately as it’s legislated this way.
If you hold a contractors licence (sole trader or company), the renewal period is 1 year.
2) I have an apprentice, does he/she need a licence?
Yes. If they perform any electrical work they’ll need to hold an apprenticeship licence.
3) What’s the financial requirement and when does it apply?
If you’re applying for an SA electrical contractors licence with or without restrictions for example, the licensing department has a generic approach for all applicants – you must declare there is $10,000 in tangible net assets under your name or issued to the company. You wont need to supply Indemnity Insurance or physical evidence which will save you some time but they can request it if there’s any concerns.
4) Who needs a National Police Clearance?
If you’re an individual applying for an electrical contractors licence – you’ll need one. Also, every director too. Remember, if there’s a change of directorship, the new director must supply the licensing department a National Police Clearance. There are some exceptions to the rule so make sure to ask SA Trade Licensing.
5) What if I want to register a company (Pty Ltd) down the track?
If you’re thinking of registering a company, then you can’t transfer your SA sole trader electrical licence over to your SA company electrical licence because it’s a separate ABN. That means you’ll need to pay a new company application fee.
SA Trade Licensing can help with the above
What can SA Trade Licensing do for you and your business?
This unique service for SA builders licenses includes compliance on:
– Company directors
– Supervisors
– Subcontractors
– Partners
– Business structures and trading names
– Managing the renewal process which guarantees the licence can’t be cancelled
This is a unique service for SA electrical, plumbing and gas fitting licence contractors and workers which includes licensing compliance on:
– Company directors
– Apprentices
– Subcontractors
– Partners
– Business structures and trading names
– Managing the renewal process which guarantees the licence can’t be cancelled
This is a unique service for SA electrical, plumbing and gas fitting licence contractors and workers which includes licensing compliance on:
– Company directors
– Apprentices
– Subcontractors
– Partners
– Business structures and trading names
– Managing the renewal process which guarantees the licence can’t be cancelled
BUILDERS LICENSE SA PREFERRED PROVIDERS
Click on the logo to be redirected to their website
Contractor Business Units
– Online / Workshop – no books
Tiling, Waterproofing, Bricklaying, Plasterboard
– On-site
Order your National Police Clearance here ($42)
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