ACT Construction Licence Verification
Verify construction occupation licences issued by Access Canberra. Check that builders, electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople are licensed to work in the ACT.
About Access Canberra
Access Canberra is the ACT Government's central regulatory agency responsible for construction occupation licensing in the Australian Capital Territory. It administers the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, which governs the licensing of individuals and companies performing construction work in the ACT.
The ACT has a unique position in Australian building regulation — as a territory rather than a state, it operates under the National Capital Plan alongside its own territory planning framework. The ACT also has some of the highest energy efficiency requirements for new buildings in Australia, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.
Our ACT licence data includes:
- Licensed builders — Classes A, B, C, and D covering different scales of work
- Licensed electricians — electrical work in the ACT
- Licensed plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers
- Licence status and conditions for all listed practitioners
ACT Construction Occupation Licences
The ACT issues construction occupation licences across these categories:
All building work without restriction
Buildings up to 3 storeys
Residential buildings up to 2 storeys
Specific building work (e.g., fencing, carports)
Electrical installation and maintenance
Plumbing and water supply systems
Gas appliance and pipe installation
Stormwater and sewerage drainage work
Building compliance inspections and certification
Plumbing, electrical, and gas compliance
Building in the ACT
Energy Efficiency Requirements
The ACT has the highest minimum energy efficiency standard for new residential buildings in Australia. All new homes must achieve a minimum 6-star energy efficiency rating under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). The ACT government has signaled intentions to increase this to 7 stars. Builders working in the ACT must be familiar with these requirements.
Leasehold Land System
Unlike other Australian jurisdictions, the ACT operates on a 99-year leasehold system rather than freehold land ownership. This affects building approvals, land use changes, and compliance requirements. Builders and developers need to understand lease purpose clauses and the development application process through the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD).
Rectification Orders
The ACT Construction Occupations Registrar can issue rectification orders against licensed practitioners for substandard work. These orders are published on the Access Canberra website and can result in licence conditions, suspension, or cancellation. Checking a builder's licence status before engagement helps identify any compliance history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check a construction licence in the ACT?
Use our ACT licence search to verify any construction occupation licence holder. Enter their name, licence number, or ABN. Access Canberra also provides a public licence register through their online services portal.
What information is available for ACT licences?
Our ACT data includes the licensee's name, licence number, licence class (A, B, C, D for builders), occupation type (builder, electrician, plumber, etc.), and current status. This allows you to confirm both the practitioner's identity and what scale of construction work they're authorised to perform.
How current is the ACT data?
ACT construction licence data is updated regularly from Access Canberra public records. Check our Status page for the latest data refresh date. The ACT has a relatively compact licensing register, allowing for thorough and frequent updates.
Can NSW-licensed builders work in the ACT?
Not automatically. Despite the proximity of Canberra to NSW, builders need a separate ACT construction occupation licence to perform building work in the Territory. However, the ACT recognises equivalent interstate qualifications under mutual recognition arrangements, which can streamline the application process. Always verify a builder holds a valid ACT licence before engaging them for work in the Territory.
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