I spent too long assuming I had to start from scratch. The eligibility check showed me there may be a better way forward.
Chosen by 2,700+ tradies for licence advice.
Get your Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC60220) based on experience.
Get your Adv Diploma of Building and Construction from the work you've already done. No apprenticeship needed.
No TAFE required
No apprenticeship
What is the Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction?
The Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC60220) is the highest building qualification and the key to an open/unrestricted builder licence — building projects of any type, height and complexity.
It sits above the Diploma. Two routes: study it, or prove your building-management experience through RPL.
Over 2700+ consultations
Pathways to a Builders licence:
NSW Pathway
In NSW, getting licensed requires:
1. Getting your qualification:
You get a Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120), with specific required units, plus one of the following trade qualifications alongside it:
1. Certificate III in Carpentry
2. Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying
You get a Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120), with specific required units, plus A Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220)
- You get a Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120), with specific required units, plus
- A relevant construction degree (building, construction management, construction economics, applied science (building), quantity surveying, etc.) requiring four years' full-time study plus a mandatory work placement.
1. A Construction Degree + (4 years + placement)
2. A Carpentry or Bricklaying Certificate
3. A Diploma of building and construction.
2. Getting your Experience:
- Experience can be as a subcontractor or an employee.
- Must be supervised by a contractor or supvervisor builder
- Must be confirmed on the referee's statement form.
- Experience in only one kind of work isn't enough.
- Owner-builder experience doesn't count.
3. The application
4. Your insurance
VIC Pathway
In VIC, getting licensed requires:
1. Getting your qualification:
Most applicants hold the Cert IV (or Diploma) and demonstrate the rest through the VBA's assessment.
Registration classes are Domestic Builder (Limited) for single-trade/consumer work and Domestic Builder (Unlimited) to build complete homes.
2. Verified experience
- Domestic Builder (Unlimited) needs about 3 years, gained within the last 7 years, covering quotes and contracts, approvals, engaging workers and completing handovers.
3. Technical referee reports
4. The assessment
Queensland Pathway
In Queensland, getting licensed requires:
1. The Qualification
- Builder — Low Rise = Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120)
- Builder — Medium Rise = Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220) (a Cert IV is not accepted for Medium Rise)
- Builder — Open (unrestricted) = Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC60220)
2. Supervised experience
With more than half in the scope of the class you're applying for, it must be documented on the QBCC experience form and verified by licensed-builder referees.
Experience gained before your qualification generally doesn't count.
3. Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR)
4. The application
5. Your insurance
Getting the Adv Diploma of Building and Construction
You have two options: study the qualification through a course, or earn it through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) based on your experience. RPL suits people already working in the field.
Diploma or Advanced Diploma — which unlocks the open licence?
The Advanced Diploma (CPC60220) is the qualification behind the open/unrestricted builder licence — projects of any type, height and complexity. The Diploma (CPC50220) covers medium classes. We map it to your state.
How to get your advanced building and construction cert through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
1. Check your eligibility
2. Get your skills checked
3. Apply for your licence
What counts as evidence of your experience for CPC60220
Evidence of building-management experience: complex or high-rise projects managed; contracts, budgets, program documentation; references from builders or principals; safety leadership records; your Diploma or Cert IV.
Get assessed by a verified trainer in just a few days.
This pathway suitable for you if:
Built for experienced advanced building and construction workers and trade assistants.
Why students choose this LicencePath
Get your skills checked faster.
See if you Qualify through experience
Gap-train what's missing
Get help with you licence application
No apprenticeship required
Nationally Recognised Pathway
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Common Questions & FAQs
Possibly. It depends on your work history, previous study, and the qualification or licence pathway you’re aiming for. Some people may qualify through RPL, while others may need gap training or extra evidence.
RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning. It’s a process that looks at your past work experience, skills, and previous study to see whether they count toward a qualification.
Gap training is extra training used to fill in the parts you’re missing if your experience or evidence does not fully meet the qualification requirements.
Start with the eligibility check. It only takes a couple of minutes and helps us understand your experience, previous study, and goals so we can review your likely pathway.
It depends on your experience, documents, and whether you need extra training. Some people can move quickly, while others may need more evidence or gap training before progressing.
Not always. We start with a quick eligibility check first. If your situation looks suitable, we’ll let you know what documents or evidence may be needed next.
This can include things like a resume, past qualifications, licences, work references, photos of work, employment history, or other documents that support your experience.
That does not always mean it’s the end of the road. You may still have another option, such as gap training, extra evidence, or a different pathway.
Yes. We only work with recognised, government-approved providers and pathways.
No. Outcomes depend on your experience, evidence, assessment results, and the pathway requirements. What we do is help you understand the best next step and guide you toward the right option if suitable.
Yes. The first eligibility check and pathway review are free.
Only if you choose to move forward with a provider. We do not send your details around without your consent.
Not always. Some people may qualify through experience, while others may need gap training or extra steps depending on the qualification and pathway.
Yes, that is exactly the kind of situation this process is designed to assess. Your experience may count, but it needs to be reviewed properly.
We review your answers, assess your likely pathway, and let you know whether RPL, gap training, or another route may be the best next step.