Western Australia regulates most building and trade activities through a licensing system administered by the Building Services Board (building, painting, cabinetmaking), the Electrical Licensing Board (electrical), and the Plumbers Licensing Board (plumbing, gasfitting, drainage).
For building work, you need a Building Services Registration and a contractor licence for the relevant class of work. The classes range from building contractor (unlimited) to specialist categories like wall and ceiling lining, painting, and cabinetmaking. Working without a licence, or beyond the scope of your licence, is an offence carrying fines of up to $50,000 for individuals.
Electrical work requires an Electrical Worker's Licence (for employees) or an Electrical Contractor's Licence (to contract directly with clients). All electrical work must be done by or under the supervision of a licensed person, and Certificates of Compliance must be lodged for notifiable work.
Plumbing and gasfitting require a Plumber's Licence and, for contractors dealing directly with the public, a Plumbing Contractor's Licence. All regulated plumbing work must be inspected and signed off.
Licence renewals are typically annual or triennial depending on the licence class. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements apply to some categories. Set calendar reminders well ahead of expiry — working on a lapsed licence carries the same penalties as working unlicensed.