National Occupational Licensing System

The National Occupational Licensing System (NOLS) will provide uniform licensing requirements across all Australian states and territories for a number of specific occupations.

The Occupational Licensing National Law Act 2010 (Vic) sets out the governance and high-level framework for NOLS. The Occupational Licensing National Law (Queensland) Act 2010, which applies the national law in Queensland, was passed by the Queensland Parliament in November 2010.

Occupations transferring to a national system

Occupations transferring to NOLS include plumbers and drainers, electricians, gasfitters, property agents and auctioneers, and refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics. Builders and building-related occupations, conveyancers (excluding Queensland conveyancers), and valuers will be included in NOLS after 1 July 2013.

Benefits of a national system

A national system aims to improve business efficiency, labour mobility and productivity. In practice, a licence under this new national system will allow the holder to work anywhere in Australia. A national licence will replace a state or territory licence for those occupations transferring to NOLS. The national licence will be granted based on a single set of nationally agreed eligibility requirements.

The transition to a national licensing system will make it easier for Australia to respond to skills shortages and to manage recovery operations following a natural disaster. Consumers will also have access to a national register of licence holders.

More information

A draft licensing framework will soon be available for public comment. More information will be posted on this site and made available through occupational regulators. The National Occupational Licensing Authority’s website also provides more information.

Last reviewed 28 November 2011