Carpentry, like many other building professions, requires a trade qualification in Australia. Many carpentry professionals also hold Registered Builder certification from the Australian Building Practitioner’s Board.

Apprenticeship and trade qualifications

To become a qualified carpenter, a person must complete a Certificate III in Carpentry at a Registered Training Organisation, which is usually a TAFE college. In addition, they must complete a four year apprenticeship for on the job training. Trade qualification ensures that a carpenter or joiner is fully trained and experienced in all facets of carpentry and woodworking, to the standards set for training in Australia.

Registered Builder

It is a legal requirement for all carpenters, together with other building trades people, who undertake work valued at $5,000 or more to be registered with the Building Practitioners Board. To be able to register, the carpenter or joiner must be able to comply with the standards set by the Board. Carpenters who have achieved this will have a Registered Builder’s number. Registration with the Building Practitioner’s Board ensures that carpenters and joiners, who are undertaking anything other than minor carpentry and joinery works, are able to demonstrate their achievement of an industry best practice standard, for their works and other business practices.

If you are in doubt about the qualifications of a carpenter or other tradesperson, you can request to see their trade qualifications and, for larger jobs, to quote their Registered Builders number