Do I need a qualification to be a cleaner?
Most cleaning jobs in Australia don’t require formal qualifications or a licence. You can work as a residential, office, or retail cleaner without a certificate, though many employers prefer candidates with training in workplace safety, chemicals handling, or infection control. Certain specialised roles—like biohazard cleaning, crime scene cleaning, or asbestos removal—do require formal certification and licences. Do you need a qualification to be a cleaner? For general cleaning roles such as domestic or commercial work, there is no legal requirement for a qualification. Many people start with no experience and learn on the job. However, vocational courses like a Certificate III in Cleaning Operations can help improve skills, safety knowledge, and job prospects. Employers may see these as a sign of professionalism and reliability. What about working in retail cleaning in Australia? Retail spaces—shopping centres, supermarkets, and chain stores—often require cleaners to work ou...