If you’re a tradie or builder moving to Queensland for work, you may not know the requirements for when you need a construction licence and when you don’t. The QBCC is the regulator for a broad range of trade and builder licences in QLD, including Carpentry, Waterproofing, Swimming Pool Building, Shopfitting, Landscaping, Sheds, Builder Low Rise, Medium Rise, Open and more.
These licences cover residential, industrial and commercial scopes of work. Licensed areas such as demolition or electrical works are regulated by Work Safe, a separate entity to the QBCC. It’s important to make sure you’re going for the right licence for your career, so here are some useful questions to ask yourself.
Which One Are You?
Trade qualified, or completed an Apprenticeship? Your Certificate III proves you have the formal education and training to carry out your area of trade work, but is not a licence by itself. Instead, your trade papers help provide guidance on what kinds of QBCC Licences you can apply for.
If you’re someone who’s done a trade all their life, but never done a Certificate or Apprenticeship, you’ll need to get that in place before looking at a QBCC licence any further. This is because you must be formally qualified in order to obtain the relevant trade licence. Consider reaching out to a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to discuss your options in this area.
Same goes for Builders, we can help determine whether your building qualifications obtained either through formal learning, degree or RPL will meet the QBCC licensing requirements, if you do not already hold a licence in your home State. We strongly encourage any tradie or builder moving to any State, that they check in with their local licensing authority and obtain a licence where they have gained their qualifications and/or experience.
Queensland law requires you to be licensed for any contracted trade or building work above $3,300 (including labour and materials), so getting licensed is the best way to protect yourself.
What’s the Work?
In most cases, as an employee, you’re covered by your employer’s licence. If your employer engages in building work such as new construction or renovations, you should check if you need a Site Supervisor licence. Site Supervisor licences require you to complete a technical qualification, such as specific units from the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120). Your employer may provide support for upskilling on this as a part of your professional development.
If you plan to run a small business as a sole trader, then you need to make sure you have a QBCC licence in your name. You may also need to do the QBCC Managerial Course. This can also be a great option for those starting out for the first time, who just want to concentrate on smaller jobs while building up their pipeline of clients and opportunity.
If you’re bringing a Company with you, or going to set one up, then not only do you need a QBCC Licence in your name – you need one in the Company’s name too. Licences follow the ABN – whether it’s your own number or the company’s, making sure that the right entity is lawfully licensed to contract for building work is an important step in protecting your business.
What Do You Apply For?
Are you an existing licence holder in VIC or any other State? You may be a potential candidate for Mutual Recognition. Mutual Recognition is a Federal piece of legislation, which is intended to assist people and businesses moving across borders, and can be a great option for established tradies or building companies looking to expand or relocate.
For those who are looking to become trade or builder licensed for the first time, we can assist you in identifying:
• If your area of trade or building work requires a licence (including niche businesses)
• If your trade or technical qualifications are relevant to the licence you need
• If any additional certificates are needed
• The right application to lodge based on your needs
• The smoothest option to lodge your licence application with the QBCC
Builder licence candidates may be interested in an Initial Licensing Consultation, to discuss their experience further.
Already in QLD, Already Working?
It’s not unusual for us to encounter people who have moved to QLD and carry on doing the same thing as they’ve always done – without knowing they now need a QBCC licence as well.
Not knowing is OK – what matters is taking the necessary steps to correct the problem, by obtaining that licence as soon as possible. Our licensing specialists can help you make sure the licence application process is smooth and hassle free.
Sole Trader or Company?
If you operate as a sole trader, the licence generally needs to be held in your individual name. If you operate through a company, you may require:
- an individual licence,
- and a company contractor licence.
QBCC Licensing follows the contracting entity. This means it is important to ensure the correct individual and business structure are licensed before entering into building contracts. Getting this wrong can create unnecessary compliance risks or future career pathways.
What About Mutual Recognition?
If you already hold an interstate licence or registration in Victoria or any other State, you may be eligible for Mutual Recognition. Mutual Recognition is designed to assist licensed individuals moving between states and can often provide a simpler pathway than applying from scratch. This can be particularly valuable for:
- established tradespeople,
- company directors,
- and growing construction businesses expanding interstate.
Every situation is different, however, and the right pathway will often depend on:
- the licence class,
- home State eligibility requirements,
- business structure,
- existing registrations,
- and future business/legacy planning.
Choosing the Right Licensing Pathway
Every one’s circumstances are different, we get that. The right solution may depend on whether you are:
- an employee,
- subcontractor,
- sole trader,
- company director,
- supervisor,
- builder,
- existing interstate licence holder,
- or growing construction businesses expanding interstate.
Understanding your options early can save significant time, money and frustration later. For builders and contractors looking at more complex pathways, business growth, company structures or interstate expansion, licensing becomes much more than simply filling out an application form. It becomes part of a broader business strategy.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
Construction Licensing assists builders and tradespeople across Queensland and Australia with:
- QBCC Trade licences
- QBCC Builder licences
- QBCC Site Supervisor licences
- Mutual Recognition applications
- QBCC Company licensing
- Licensing strategy and compliance advice
Whether you are relocating from Victoria, any other State or already working in Queensland, obtaining the correct QBCC licence is one of the most important steps in protecting your business and your future opportunities in the industry.
