QBCC Builder Licence Application Changes 2026 | Referees

As of February 2026, QBCC has made changes to the Builder Licence application forms, impacting how they will assess future applications.  If you are preparing a QBCC Builder Licence Application, you need to be aware of these important changes, including the stronger and pivotal role that Referees now play.

Key Points

Do QBCC Builder Licence Applications Still Require Referee Statements?

Since the “dawn of time” Referee Statements, separate referee forms are no longer compulsory at time of submitting your application. Instead, referees must now review and sign off the work history section for your nominated projects. This is where you are required to prepare statements outlining practical examples of how you carried out management/supervision responsibilities for each site. This should be prepared in conjunction with your main referee.

Whilst this change may appear to simplify the application requirements, this new process now places greater responsibility on your referee to declare your work history as true and accurate, so they have to know what you’re writing about each project.
It is expected that the QBCC will also contact each of your referees as a part of the builder licence application process, to verify their confirmation of your experience. You may also have to supply other forms of evidence from your time on site.

Increased Responsibility for the Referee

Your referee will be confirming:

• • The specific building projects nominated in your application;

• • Your supervision and management roles and responsibilities; and

• • Making a declaration about your work history portfolio.

With these changes, the evidentiary weight appears to be shifting more heavily toward the referee’s verification as the primary form of eligibility.  The declaration carries weight, and both the applicant and referee should clearly understand the implications of the statements being made.

Choosing the Right Referee

You should ensure that your referee:

• • Has direct knowledge of the projects being nominated;

• • Is comfortable with the content of your work history portfolio and has participated in the process; and

• • Understands the legal significance of signing the declaration.

Maintaining professional relationships within the industry is important — particularly when those relationships form part of the evidence supporting a builder licence application.  No applicant should place their referee in a difficult position if the information contained within the application cannot be properly verified.

Active participation by your referee is critical to the success of your licence application.  Construction Licensing has the right tools to assist you in that process.

QBCC Verification of Projects

The QBCC has extensive powers to review and verify the information provided in your licence application.  This may include:

• • Cross checking applications that reference the same construction sites and/or referees;

• • Historical licensing information including compliance activity or breaches under the QBCC Act; and

• • Home warranty insurance records for residential projects.

Similarly, the QBCC can examine how you gained the experience, including:

• • Whether you were paid as an employee or licensed subcontractor under an ABN;

• • Whether the work formed part of a lawful building contract specifically for residential construction;

• • Whether your role on site is consistent with the responsibilities of a site supervisor; and

• • Interviewing your referees by phone or email.

The QBCC licence application process can be complex and needs to be carefully considered before submitting your application.

Do Not Rush Your Licence Application

One of the biggest risks applicants take is applying too quickly without properly reviewing the requirements and preparing the supporting evidence.  Before lodging a QBCC builder licence application you should ensure:

• • You have enough experience to meet the minimum volume of time;

• • Your claimed experience is lawful and accurately documented;

• • Your referee can confidently validate your supervisory experience; and

• • Your referee understands that the declaration carries real responsibility.

If you do not yet have the required experience, develop a clear plan to obtain relevant experience before applying.  Making an application without addressing these issues can create unnecessary risk for both you and your referee.

Professional QBCC Licence Application Assistance

QBCC’s licensing policies and the expectations placed on applicants and referees can be unclear. What is clear, is that a successful licence application will require you to collate careful presentation of:

• • A summary of your all-round experience and work history;

• • Evidence of your experience on a site-by-site basis aligned with builder licence class that you are applying for;

• • Referees who can verify your documented experience directly with QBCC.

For many applicants, preparing this documentation can get complicated, particularly where experience has been gained across different companies, subcontracting arrangements, or project types.

Our team provides a tailored approach to the QBCC licence application requirements, to help builders understand the process and avoid common mistakes.  We work with you to ensure that your licence application is accurate, detailed and built on a solid foundation of your genuine industry experience.

If you are considering applying for a QBCC builder licence, the best starting point is:

→ Initial Licensing Consultation

This allows us to provide a preliminary review of your experience, possible referees and project history before preparing your application.  We can provide our assessment as to your general eligibility and confirm a framework to move forward.

Or, if you have already prepared your documents and want an expert review before you lodge your licence application, then you may prefer:

→ Lodge-Ready Review Service

We provide a final review to ensure your application is properly structured before submission.  If there are any red flags, we provide recommendations on how to rectify or top up your application to provide a higher probability of success with the QBCC. While your Referee doesn’t have to provide a formal statement, it’s still critical to ensure they’re onboard and supportive of your licence application.

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