Bricklayer Licence Australia | CPC33020 Requirements

Bricklaying might be one of the hardest jobs in all of construction! No matter how many bricklayers we talk to, it's clear that many aren't paid fairly because they aren't qualified and licensed. Don't make the same mistake!

Whether you're already working as a bricklayer in Australia or have overseas experience and want to build a bricklaying career here, we're here to help. This fast-track gap training program is designed specifically for experienced workers looking to gain their qualification and licence without starting from scratch.

Alpha Technical Training works in partnership with recognised colleges and training providers to facilitate the recognition and validation of qualifications and certificates.

At a Glance

Licence status
by state.

NSW

New South Wales

Licence Required Contractor licence for residential bricklaying over $5,000 in labour & materials →

VIC

Victoria

Registration Required DBL — Bricklaying registration via VBA plus 2 years documented experience →

QLD

Queensland

Licence Required Trade licence + mandatory managerial unit BSBESB402 via QBCC →

Western Australia

Conditional No standalone licence under a registered builder — Builder Licence required for independent contracting →

ACT

Capital Territory

Conditional No licence needed under a licensed builder — Builder's Licence (Class C or D) required for independent structural work →

Bricklaying & Blocklaying Licensing Australia — Alpha Technical Training

CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying RPL — Recognition of Prior Learning NSW Contractor Licence VIC Domestic Builder Limited QLD Trade Licence Fast-Track Your Qualification Nationally Recognised Alpha Technical Training CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying RPL — Recognition of Prior Learning NSW Contractor Licence VIC Domestic Builder Limited QLD Trade Licence Fast-Track Your Qualification Nationally Recognised Alpha Technical Training

$0K+ NSW threshold — residential bricklaying jobs above this require a contractor licence

0% More earnings for licensed bricklayers vs unlicensed — industry average

0 wks Typical RPL completion time for experienced bricklayers and blocklayers

0+ Nationally recognised units in the CPC33020 qualification

Why This Matters

Unlicensed Means
Exposed.

01 — Legal Risk

You can't legally contract residential bricklaying above the threshold

In NSW, any home building job above $5,000 in labour and materials requires a contractor licence. Fences, retaining walls, footings — all covered. Operating without a licence means fines, work orders, and voided contracts.

02 — Lost Income

Licensed bricklayers access larger builds and charge premium rates

Structural walls, chimneys, arches, fireplaces, and commercial masonry all require a licensed contractor. Without a licence you're capped at subcontracting rates, with no path to running your own jobs.

03 — No Insurance

Structural masonry liability is void without a valid licence

Bricklaying includes structural work — walls, piers, footings, flashings. One crack, one collapse, one defect claim without a valid contractor licence and your public liability cover is typically unenforceable.

Student Visa Holders

On a visa.
Building a
future.

Australia's trade sector is one of the fastest pathways to permanent residency — but only if you hold the right qualification. The CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying sits on the skilled occupation list, making it a direct route to PR for the right candidate.

Step 01

Complete CPC33020

Get your nationally recognised Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying through RPL or gap training — fast-tracked for experienced bricklayers, including those trained overseas.

Step 02

Obtain Your Skills Assessment

Use your qualification to complete a skills assessment through the relevant assessing authority as part of your skilled migration visa application.

Step 03

Lodge Your PR Application

With your cert and skills assessment secured, you're positioned to apply for a skilled migration visa and build your permanent future in Australia.

Whether you're on a student visa, a working visa, or trained overseas — if you have real bricklaying or blocklaying experience, we can get you certified and on the path to PR.

Talk to Us About PR →

Interactive State Guide

Your State.
Your Rules.

New South Wales

Contractor
Licence

Licence Required

NSW requires a Contractor Licence for any residential bricklaying or blocklaying work valued over $5,000 in labour and materials (incl. GST). Covers brick fences, retaining walls, footings, flashing, and minor concreting to support bricklaying work.

Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020) — mandatory qualification
No prior experience required beyond the qualification
Covers brick fences, retaining walls, footings, flashings and minor concreting
Does not include structural concrete slabs or footings for dwellings
RPL available to fast-track certification based on existing skills

RPL Evidence Required

Government-issued ID
Resume and work history
Reference or employer letter
Site photos or videos
Payslips, invoices, or project records

NSW advantage: No prior experience required. The CPC33020 alone satisfies the licence application — making NSW the most accessible state for bricklayers entering the licensing pathway.

Start My NSW Pathway →

Victoria

Domestic Builder
Limited — Bricklaying

Registration Required

Victoria requires a Domestic Builder (Limited) — Bricklaying and Blocklaying registration through the VBA. Covers internal and external walls, isolated piers, arches, fireplaces, chimneys, rendering, rammed earth, and mud brick footings for homes and Class 10 structures.

Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC30111 or CPC33020) required
Three additional units: CPCCBC4026, CPCCBC4005, CPCCBC4003
Minimum 2 years of practical, documented experience
Must demonstrate setting out, levelling, mortar mixing, flashings, wall ties, and damp proof courses
Registration via the Victorian Building Authority (VBA)

RPL Evidence Required

Government-issued ID
Resume and work history
Reference or employer letter
Site photos or videos
Payslips, invoices, or project records

VIC requires 2 years experience and the most extensive skills demonstration of any state. ATT helps you structure your evidence portfolio to satisfy all VBA requirements including the three additional prescribed units.

Start My VIC Pathway →

Queensland

Trade
Licence

Licence Required

Queensland requires a Bricklaying and Blocklaying Contractor Licence plus an approved managerial unit — BSBESB402. Scope covers brick and block construction, masonry steps, segmental paving, glass blocks, battered masonry, formwork, and incidental work.

Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020) — technical qualification
BSBESB402 — Legal and risk management for new business ventures (mandatory)
Covers brick/block construction, paving, glass blocks, battered masonry and formwork
No experience required beyond the qualification for licensing
Licence application submitted to the QBCC

RPL Evidence Required

Government-issued ID
Resume and work history
Reference or employer letter
Site photos or videos
Payslips, invoices, or project records

Don't miss BSBESB402. QLD is the only state with a mandatory managerial unit alongside the trade cert. ATT covers both in a single enrolment — no chasing multiple providers.

Start My QLD Pathway →

Western Australia

Conditional
Requirement

Conditional

WA does not require a specific bricklaying trade licence for employees working under a registered builder or contractor. However, if you intend to contract independently, Builder Licence rules apply and you must be registered accordingly.

No standalone bricklaying licence required when working under a registered builder
Builder Licence registration required for independent contracting
CPC33020 strongly recommended for professional credibility and commercial work
Qualification underpins the Builder Licence pathway when needed
Most accessible state for bricklayers working as employees or subbies

RPL Evidence Required

Government-issued ID
Resume and work history
Reference or employer letter
Site photos or videos
Payslips, invoices, or project records

WA is flexible for bricklayers. If you're working under a builder, the cert alone is enough. If you want to contract independently, the CPC33020 is the foundation for your Builder Licence application.

Start My WA Pathway →

Australian Capital Territory

Conditional
Requirement

Conditional

In the ACT, bricklayers and blocklayers do not need a specific trade licence when working under the supervision of a licensed builder. However, independent contractors performing structural building work must obtain a Builder's Licence (Class C or D) through Access Canberra.

No specific bricklaying trade licence required when supervised by a licensed builder
Builder's Licence (Class C or D) required for independent structural contracting
CPC33020 is not legally mandated for supervised work but is the industry benchmark
Nationally recognised — fully valid if you relocate to any other state
RPL pathway available to get certified based on existing experience

RPL Evidence Required

Government-issued ID
Resume and work history
Reference or employer letter
Site photos or videos
Payslips, invoices, or project records

ACT is straightforward for subbies. Work under a licensed builder and the cert alone is enough. Want to go independent? CPC33020 is the foundation for your Builder's Licence application through Access Canberra.

Get My CPC33020 via RPL →

The Pathway

From Bricklayer to
Licensed Contractor.

Free Assessment

We review your background and map your fastest pathway — RPL, credit transfer, or gap training.

Enrol & Submit

Securely upload your ID, resume, reference letters, and work evidence through our portal.

RPL Review

Your evidence is assessed against the CPC33020 units. We maximise your RPL credits upfront.

Gap Training

Complete only the theory and practicals you actually need. No repeating what you know.

Certified & Licensed

Receive your CPC33020 and proceed directly to your state licence application.

Every Unlicensed Job
Is a Liability.

The process is simpler than you think. If you've been on the tools, you're closer to your licence than you realise.

Book My Free Assessment

What is the Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020)?

The Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying is a nationally recognised trade qualification covering the full scope of masonry work — erecting internal and external walls, isolated piers, arches, fireplaces, chimneys, brick fences, retaining walls, segmental paving, and minor concreting to support bricklaying work. It is accepted across every state and territory in Australia.

Do I need to be an apprentice to get qualified?

Not at all. If you've got real experience on the tools — whether in Australia or overseas — you can get your qualification through RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). We assess what you already know and have done, so you're not sitting through training you don't need.

How long does it take to get certified?

For experienced bricklayers and blocklayers with substantial site evidence, the RPL process can typically be completed in approximately 4 weeks once all compliant documentation is submitted. Those requiring gap training may take longer depending on the units involved.

What documents do I need to enrol?

You'll need 100 points of valid ID, a current White Card, a valid visa or passport, an up-to-date resume detailing your masonry experience, a supervisor declaration and reference letter from a licensed bricklayer or builder, and site photos or videos where available. Payslips, invoices, or project records also strengthen your RPL evidence.

Can I study while still working full-time on the tools?

Absolutely. The course is delivered in a blended format — self-paced online theory through our LMS, weekly expert-led sessions, and hands-on practical blocks. You keep your job, your income, and your life while you get qualified.

Is this qualification recognised across all states in Australia?

Yes. The Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020) is nationally recognised and accepted across all states and territories. Whether you're based in NSW, QLD, VIC, WA, ACT, or anywhere else, your qualification is valid and respected industry-wide.

Do I need a licence to work as a bricklayer in Australia?

It depends on your state and how you work. NSW requires a Contractor Licence for residential bricklaying jobs over $5,000. VIC requires a Domestic Builder (Limited) — Bricklaying registration with 2 years experience. QLD requires a Trade Licence plus a managerial unit (BSBESB402). In WA and the ACT, no standalone bricklaying licence is needed when working under a registered builder — but a Builder Licence is required for independent structural contracting in both territories.

What can I do once I'm certified?

With your CPC33020, you can apply for a Bricklaying Contractor's Licence in your state, operate as a fully licensed tradesperson, and take on larger residential and commercial masonry contracts independently. It also opens pathways to further qualifications like a Certificate IV in Building and Construction — setting you up for project management or running your own business.

Who is eligible to enrol?

You must be at least 18 years of age, an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid visa with full study and work rights, and be currently employed in bricklaying, blocklaying, or construction — or have arranged employment upon enrolment. You'll also need sufficient language, literacy, and numeracy skills to study at ACSF Level 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews

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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a very positive experience completing my Air-Conditioning Gap training. The course was well structured, practical, and relevant to the HVAC industry. The trainers were knowledgeable, supportive, and provided clear technical guidance throughout the course. I highly recommend this training provider.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently completed my Air Conditioning and Refrigeration course with Alpha Training Center and had a great experience. The trainers were knowledgeable and supportive.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience at the school was very positive overall. The trainers were supportive, knowledgeable, and willing to help students improve both practically and theoretically. I especially enjoyed the hands-on workshop training because it helped build my confidence working on Aircon. The course gave me valuable industry skills and a better understanding of HVAC systems. , but overall the training prepared me well for the industry. THANK YOU EVERYONE Teacher's and Admin staff
  
 
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   Hammad Saleem 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience with Alpha Technical Training. Their teaching techniques are remarkable, practical, and easy to understand. The trainers have excellent technical knowledge and explain complex topics in a clear and professional way, making the learning process much more effective. A special thanks to our trainer, Omar, for providing us with outstanding training. His knowledge, patience, and ability to explain everything with real-world examples made a huge difference. He was always supportive, approachable, and willing to answer our questions. I highly recommend Alpha Technical Training to anyone looking for quality technical education and professional training. Thank you to Omar and the entire team for such a valuable learning experience!
  
 
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Role of Alpha Technical Training

Alpha Technical Training provides guidance on qualification pathways and general information regarding occupational licensing requirements. Where appropriate, we work with partnered Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to facilitate enrolment into nationally recognised qualifications and support students throughout the certification and occupational licensing process. Students remain responsible for confirming their individual licensing eligibility with the relevant licensing authority.

Bricklaying might be one of the hardest jobs in all of construction! No matter how many bricklayers we talk to, it's clear that many aren't paid fairly because they aren't qualified and licensed. Don't make the same mistake!

Licence status
by state.

Unlicensed Means
Exposed.

You can't legally contract residential bricklaying above the threshold

Licensed bricklayers access larger builds and charge premium rates

Structural masonry liability is void without a valid licence

On a visa.
Building a
future.