How do I apply?
To apply for registration as a painting practitioner you must complete an application form from one of the sets below. Choose the set with the requirements that best match your qualifications and experience.
When you have completed the application form submit it and your supporting documentation to Licensing Services with the applicable fees. Your application can be submitted online, by post or in person.
Set 1
To apply under set 1, you must have the following qualifications and experience:
Required qualification
- Certificate III in Painting and Decorating and two units offered as part of the Course in Painter's Registration in small business management and estimating and specification; or
- an equivalent qualification as determined by the Board.
Required experience
- Completed an apprenticeship in painting; or
- at least the equivalent of four years of full-time experience in carrying out painting work.
Application form
Set 2
To apply under set 2, you must have the following qualifications and experience:
Required qualification
- Completed the course in Painters' Registration, or an equivalent qualification.
- Confirmation of a completed practical trades test.
Required experience
- Five years of experience in carrying out painting work.
Application form
Changes to application forms
All building service provider initial application forms have been revised and are available above. Older versions of these forms can no longer be accepted when submitting online. Any applications received online that include a form with payment details will be deleted.
Still unsure which set to use?
If you are unsure which set to apply under or any of the above information, contact the Licensing Services on 1300 489 099 or email be.info@demirs.wa.gov.au.
Automatic mutual recognition and Mutual recognition
If you are registered or licensed as a painter elsewhere in Australia or New Zealand, and want to carry out painting work in Western Australia, you can find out more information about having your licence recognised in WA.
Fees
Current application fees for painters can be found in the fee schedule.
Documenting your experience and qualifications
Show moreTo be considered for registration as a painting practitioner, qualifications and experience need to be correctly documented on your application form.
Experience
To become a painting practitioner, there are two registration pathways, called ‘sets’, that applicants can register under. Each of these sets requires specific qualifications and/or a particular period and type of experience.
Types of experience
What is 'painting work'?
For registration purposes, painting work is described as the application of paint, varnish, stain or wallpaper or similar material to a building or building fixture. The range of painting techniques includes but is not limited to:
- applying paint by brush and roller;
- applying paint by spray;
- applying texture coat paint finishes by brush, roller and spray; and
- applying stains to clear timber.
Painting work does not include:
- marine or automotive painting;
- industrial painting, such as pylons, bridges or mine sites;
- painting a floor, path or driveway composed of concrete or a similar material;
- the application of a protective coating to a building which has first been treated by abrasive blasting or mechanical cleaning; and
- signwriting.
What does 'carrying out painting work' mean?
'Carrying out' refers to performing painting work as an apprentice or tradesperson. If you performed a variety of work on a building project, some of it being carrying out painting work and some of it being other kinds of work such as labouring and bricklaying, you can only record the time spent carrying out actual painting work.
What is 'painting experience'?
Painting experience is time you have spent carrying out painting work. For example, if a set requires four years of experience, it means you need to have carried out painting work for four years on a full-time basis. If you were not working full-time on a project, calculate how much of your time was actually spent in carrying out painting work.
The Board does not recognise experience obtained while performing unlawful work, such as performing painting work with a value over $1,000 when not registered.
How to document your experience
All experience documented must be independently verified and signed as a true record by a relevant and credible and independent person. Do not claim experience than cannot be verified. Record and verify your experience using the templates at attachments 1 and 2 located at the back of the registration application form. Alternatively, you can attach a statement of verification of your experience to the registration application form.
Who is a credible and independent person?
A credible and independent person is in a position and has the skills to assess the scope and quality of the experience you are claiming.
For experience gained while employed, a credible and independent person is your employer or an authorised representative of your employer.
For experience gained while a contractor or subcontractor, a credible and independent person is the client, or the painting contractor. If it is not possible to obtain a signed verification from the client or contractor, obtain verification from a supervisor or manager.
A credible and independent person is not:
- a relative;
- under potential conflict (your employee);
- a co-worker or subordinate worker; or
- an office manager or HR manager.
Your credible and independent persons may be contacted by Licensing Services to verify your experience. It is an offence to falsely verify experience.
What is a statement of verification?
A statement of verification is a written document that outlines and verifies your experience. A statement of verification must include the following details of your experience:
- your duties and occupation;
- the type of work;
- the start and finish date; and
- the address of the building project.
A statement of verification must be signed and dated by a credible and independent person. It must also include the contact details of the credible and independent person.
Qualifications
What are equivalent qualifications?
The Board is empowered to accept equivalent qualifications. If you have a different qualification to that stated in the application form, the Board may accept your qualification as equivalent to the usual qualification. For further information see the Board's policy regarding equivalent qualifications.
What is a registered training organisation (RTO)?
Registered training organisations (RTOs) are training providers who are registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority or the Training Accreditation Council of Western Australia to deliver vocational education and training services. RTOs are recognised as providers of quality-assured and nationally recognised training and qualifications.
Before you enrol in a training course, check that the training provider is an RTO and is authorised to offer the training course. To search for an RTO, visit or
South Metropolitan TAFE (Thornlie), South Regional TAFE, MPA Skills Maylands and the Wall and Ceiling Institute are the only RTOs approved to deliver the new 52921WA Course in Painters Registration. South Metropolitan TAFE (Thornlie), South Regional TAFE, MPA Skills Maylands and Best Option Training are the only RTOs approved to deliver the previous 52784WA Course in Painters’ Registration.
What is recognition of prior learning?
If you already have some of the skills and knowledge related to the qualification you need to obtain, you may be eligible to be assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL) by an RTO. Through the RPL assessment you might find you have all the skills required to obtain a qualification, or the assessor might recommend that you undertake further training to help you gain a qualification.
To find out if RPL is the right option for you, contact an RTO that provides your preferred training course.
Painting practitioner scope of work
Show moreThe below information provides a description of activities which Western Australia (WA) registered painting practitioners are permitted to perform. If you are a WA licensee visiting another state under AMR, you are only allowed to perform the activities listed below.
Licence identifier: PP00 – PP00000
Scope of work
To act as a nominated supervisor for a registered painting contractor for the application of paint (which includes varnishes and stains), wall paper or a similar substance or material to a building or fixture.
Does not include:
- industrial painting;
- the application of paint to a floor, path or driveway composed of concrete or a similar material;
- the application of a protective coating to a building which has first been treated by abrasive blasting or mechanical cleaning, if both processes are undertaken by the same contractor; or
- signwriting.
Specific activities
- can apply paint by brush and roller;
- can apply paint by spray;
- can apply texture coat paint finishes by brush, roller and spray;
- can apply stains and clear timber finishes;
- can apply wall paper; and
- can apply decorative finishes.
Compliance requirements in WA
To get a WA registration
- Must have an appropriate qualification or equivalent.
- Must have appropriate experience.
- Must have an Australian Police Check.
- Must be a fit and proper person to hold a registration.
- Must pay an application fee.
To keep a WA registration
- Must renew the registration every three years.
They must comply with the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011, Building Regulations 2012, and Building Services (Registration) Regulations 2011, Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011 and the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Regulations 2011.
