What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Window Cleaner in Australia?

Have you ever looked up at a sparkling shopfront window and wondered, “What does it take to do that professionally?” Whether you're considering a career change, looking for a side hustle, or just want clarity on how to enter the window cleaning industry, this article is your starting point.

Let’s break down what qualifications to be a window cleaner are legally required in Australia, what skills really matter, and how you can get up and running in this high-demand trade quickly and safely.

Do You Need a License or Certification to Clean Windows in Australia?

The short answer: not usually.

In Australia, there are no mandatory national qualifications for general window cleaning, especially if you’re working on residential or low-rise commercial properties. That means you don’t need a license to clean windows in most everyday situations.

However, there are exceptions and safety considerations:

• If you're working on high-rise buildings or using rope access systems, you’ll need a high-risk work license (like IRATA or equivalent).

• If you’re cleaning windows on construction sites, many require a White Card (CPCCWHS1001).

• Working at heights over 2 meters? Then a Working at Heights certification (RIIWHS204E) is often required or recommended.
  

Regardless of qualifications, you must comply with WHS (Work Health & Safety) regulations at all times. That means having the right gear, using it correctly, and understanding your legal responsibilities as a cleaner.

What Skills Do Window Cleaners Need to Succeed?

You won’t need to spend years in a classroom, but you will need to master a few key skills that clients—and your safety—depend on:

• Physical fitness and balance – Ladders, poles, long hours on your feet

• Attention to detail – One streak can ruin a flawless finish

• Punctuality and reliability – Clients rely on consistent service

• Customer communication – Especially important when working with retail business owners

• Problem-solving – Every building has its quirks; you’ll need to adapt fast

“You won’t need a diploma, but you will need discipline.”

These traits matter more than any formal qualification. They're what separate a good cleaner from a great one—and they can be learned and refined quickly with the right training.

Recommended Safety Certifications for Window Cleaners

Even if not legally required, certain safety certifications are worth their weight in gold. Not only do they give you confidence—they also show potential clients and insurers that you’re serious about doing t

things the right way.

Here are a few to consider:

• Working at Heights – Required for tasks over 2 meters; a smart investment for your safety

• White Card – If you ever plan to work on a site classified as construction

• First Aid + CPR – A must-have if you’re working solo or in isolated areas

These examples of safety training for window cleaners build your credibility, open more doors, and help you secure better-paying clients.

While these may not be prerequisites to start, they can be powerful selling points when pitching your services—especially to larger clients who want to know you're covered and compliant.

Real-World Training vs Online Courses

YouTube might teach you how to hold a squeegee—but it won’t show you how to handle a windy corner outside a café in Parramatta at 6:00am.

The truth is: window cleaning is a skill you master by doing it.

That’s why at Squeegee School; we don’t believe in cookie-cutter classrooms. We offer real-time, one-on-one training with professional cleaners who’ve done the job for years. You learn:

• On-site, in real-world conditions

• With live feedback and coaching

• Using professional equipment

• With guidance on quoting, scheduling, and customer service

  
  

⚡ “Want to learn in 5 days what takes others 5 months?” That’s exactly what our training delivers.

Window Cleaning Courses That Fast-Track Your Success

While you don’t need formal education to start, the right training can fast-track your success.

Here’s what top performers gain from structured learning:

• Avoid common beginner mistakes

• Learn efficient techniques that save hours

• Build trust with clients from day one

• Understand the business side of window cleaning (pricing, quoting, branding)

At Squeegee School, we go beyond just showing you how to clean glass. We equip you to:

• Build your own window cleaning business

• Secure recurring commercial contracts

• Offer professional-grade service with confidence

You’ll also gain clarity on legal requirements for cleaners in different settings, especially when working with councils or retail franchises.

Conclusion: A Career with Low Barriers and High Opportunity

Becoming a window cleaner in Australia doesn’t require a university degree, but it does require the right mindset, practical skills, and a commitment to safety.

If you’re looking for:

• A career that offers freedom and flexibility

• Work that’s hands-on and in-demand

• A fast way to get started with minimal red tape…

Then this may be the perfect path for you.

Ready to become a confident professional window cleaner in Australia? Join the Squeegee School waiting list and get expert-led training that sets you up for success.

Interested in learning more? Stay tuned for upcoming articles on:

• Best Tools for Window Cleaning in 2025

• How Much Can You Make as a Window Cleaner in Australia?

• 5 Mistakes Beginner Window Cleaners Make (and How to Avoid Them)