Recognition of interstate and overseas work licences

Individual workers and contractors (not companies) who hold licences for occupations that are regulated by Consumer and Business Services (CBS) may be able to apply for the same type of licence in South Australia (SA).

Occupations that are covered by mutual recognition:

Betting operationsBookmaker
Agent
Building and tradesBuilding work contractor
Building work supervisor
Plumbing, gas fitting and electrical contractor
Plumbing, gas fitting and electrical worker
CharitiesCollector
Gaming machinesGaming machine dealer
Gaming machine service licensee
Gaming machine technician
Labour hireLabour hire service provider
Real estateConveyancer
Land agent
Land sales representative
Property manager
Auctioneer
Trainee
Security and investigationsSecurity agent
Security industry trainer
Investigation agent
Vehicle dealingSecond-hand vehicle dealer

Interstate licences

Companies - must apply for a new licence in SA.

Individuals - a number of interstate licences or registrations can be recognised in SA under mutual recognition.

You can't use mutual recognition if your licence or registration:

  • is suspended
  • has conditions due to criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings, or if you are under investigation.

If your home state remains interstate

If you plan to work in SA but will mainly continue to live or work interstate, you can use your current interstate licence or registration in SA. This is called automatic mutual recognition or JobPass.

You must notify CBS before starting any work in SA by using the online notification form - there is no fee to notify. While working in SA you must comply with the same conduct and technical requirements as SA licensees.

If SA becomes your home state

If  SA becomes the main place where you live and work you must apply through regular mutual recognition arrangements to get a new licence or registration in SA.

Select your occupation on the work and business licences page and follow the application process to apply.

While some requirements only apply to new licence applications, mutual recognition requirements will be outlined once you start the online application. You must include a copy of your current licence or registration with your application.

New Zealand licences

You can apply through mutual recognition arrangements to get a new licence for certain occupations in SA.

You can't use mutual recognition if your licence or registration:

  • is suspended
  • has conditions due to criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings, or if you are under investigation.

Select your occupation on the work and business licences page and follow the application process to apply.

While some requirements only apply to new licence applications, mutual recognition requirements will be outlined once you start the online application. You must include a copy of your current NZ licence or registration with your application.

Other overseas licences

Licences from countries other than New Zealand are generally not recognised, but your  overseas qualifications and experience could be assessed to help you get a licence in SA.

Plumbers, gas fitters and electricians

If further training is required to meet SA’s licensing criteria, you can apply for a restricted plumbing, gas fitting or electrical licence.

With a restricted licence you can work under supervision. Once you complete further training you can apply to have the restriction removed.

Things to consider when applying for a restricted licence.

  • You must apply for an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) which is an assessment of your overseas qualifications and experience. This will list any additional unit of competency that needs to be completed.
  • Only certain approved Registered Training Organisations (RTO) can issue an OTSR. Find an approved RTO - Trades Recognition Australia.
  • You must provide a copy of the OTSR certificate when applying for a restricted licence.

Apply for a restricted plumbing, gas fitting or electrical licence

Interstate licences

Companies - must apply for a new licence in SA.

Individuals - a number of interstate licences or registrations can be recognised in SA under mutual recognition.

You can't use mutual recognition if your licence or registration:

  • is suspended
  • has conditions due to criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings, or if you are under investigation.

If your home state remains interstate

If you plan to work in SA but will mainly continue to live or work interstate, you can use your current interstate licence or registration in SA. This is called automatic mutual recognition or JobPass.

You must notify CBS before starting any work in SA by using the online notification form - there is no fee to notify. While working in SA you must comply with the same conduct and technical requirements as SA licensees.

If SA becomes your home state

If  SA becomes the main place where you live and work you must apply through regular mutual recognition arrangements to get a new licence or registration in SA.

Select your occupation on the work and business licences page and follow the application process to apply.

While some requirements only apply to new licence applications, mutual recognition requirements will be outlined once you start the online application. You must include a copy of your current licence or registration with your application.

New Zealand licences

You can apply through mutual recognition arrangements to get a new licence for certain occupations in SA.

You can't use mutual recognition if your licence or registration:

  • is suspended
  • has conditions due to criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings, or if you are under investigation.

Select your occupation on the work and business licences page and follow the application process to apply.

While some requirements only apply to new licence applications, mutual recognition requirements will be outlined once you start the online application. You must include a copy of your current NZ licence or registration with your application.

Other overseas licences

Licences from countries other than New Zealand are generally not recognised, but your  overseas qualifications and experience could be assessed to help you get a licence in SA.

Plumbers, gas fitters and electricians

If further training is required to meet SA’s licensing criteria, you can apply for a restricted plumbing, gas fitting or electrical licence.

With a restricted licence you can work under supervision. Once you complete further training you can apply to have the restriction removed.

Things to consider when applying for a restricted licence.

  • You must apply for an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) which is an assessment of your overseas qualifications and experience. This will list any additional unit of competency that needs to be completed.
  • Only certain approved Registered Training Organisations (RTO) can issue an OTSR. Find an approved RTO - Trades Recognition Australia.
  • You must provide a copy of the OTSR certificate when applying for a restricted licence.

Apply for a restricted plumbing, gas fitting or electrical licence

Contact CBS licensing

Email: occupational@sa.gov.au

Phone131 882 and press 4


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Page last updated 15 February 2023

Provided by:
Attorney-General's Department
URL:
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/business-and-trade/licensing/interstate-and-overseas
Last Updated:
15/02/23
Printed on:
20/04/24
Copyright statement:
SA.GOV.AU is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence. © Copyright 2024
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