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How Can I Get a Painter's Licence?

How Can I Get a Painter's Licence?

For information on obtaining a painters license in NSW, QLD, WA or SA, contact the National Institute of Painting and Decorating

Each state has their own requirements for becoming licenced. There are generally two ways:

  1. Completing an apprenticeship over 4 years with an employer and then completing a short course if required in your state
  2. Completing an RPL skills assessment to receive credit for skills you already have, and any required gap training, to achieve Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, which is the nationally recognised qualification for painters. You will also need to complete any relevant short courses for the state you live in.

To check your eligibility for a painters licence, complete the free on-line RPL self-assessment on the National Institute of Painting and Decorating portal.

Start free assessment

Register and log-in, and start the no obligation quiz check.

How do I get a NSW Fair Trading Painters Licence for New South Wales?

In New South Wales, painters only need to complete Certificate III in Painting and Decorating before applying for their licence with New South Wales Fair Trading.

How do I get registered as a painter in Western Australia?

In WA, you need to prove a minimum of 5 years experience in the industry, and demonstrate that you have the skills. You can do this by completing an apprenticeship, or by an RPL Skills Assessment.

In addition, there are two short business courses you need to complete. These two short business courses are available through the National Painting and Decorating Institute. Get painters registration for WA

How do I get a South Australian Painters Licence?

In South Australia you need to prove you have a minimum of four years experience as a painter, and the required skills and knowledge as a painter. The best way to do this is by completing an RPL Skills Assessment in Certificate III in Painting and Decorating with the National Painting and Decorating Institute.

In addition, you need to complete two short business subjects. These short courses are available on-line through the National Painting and Decorating Institute.

Find out more about painter's licencing in South Australia

How do I get a painters licence in Queensland?

In Queensland you need to complete Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, and complete the QBCC Trade Contractor Course, which is a short business course.

You can complete Certificate III in Painting and Decorating by completing an apprenticeship, or through RPL Skills Assessment and gap training. There is funding available for Australian residents based in Queensland.

After completing these courses you can apply for your licence with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). For all your painter's licensing needs, contact the National Painting and Decorating Institute.