When applying for a QBCC Builder Restricted, Low Rise, Medium Rise or Open Licence, applicants must provide evidence of their relevant building experience, supported by appropriately licensed builder referees.
One question we regularly hear is: “Will the QBCC contact my referee, and what should they expect?”
Your referee should be prepared for the possibility of being contacted by the QBCC to discuss the experience they have confirmed.
Why Does the QBCC Contact Referees?
The QBCC assesses whether applicants have gained the practical building and supervisory experience required for the licence class they are seeking.
As part of this process, the QBCC may contact nominated referees to verify information provided in an application.
This is a normal part of the assessment process and should not be viewed as a cause for concern.
What Should Your Referee Expect?
There is no guarantee that every referee will be asked the same questions.
Generally, the QBCC may seek to confirm the referee’s knowledge of the applicant, their working relationship and the building experience being claimed.
The referee should be familiar with the projects and experience they have agreed to verify and be comfortable discussing their own observations.
The important point is that referees should only confirm experience they genuinely know about and can independently verify.
QBCC Referee Requirements – What’s Changed in 2026?
The QBCC’s updated Builder Licence application documentation places greater emphasis on the verification of building experience.
Referees are now required to review and sign the relevant project experience statements rather than completing the previous separate referee forms.
This makes it particularly important that applicants and referees carefully review the declaration before signing.
The QBCC may also contact referees directly to clarify or confirm details during its assessment.
Choosing the Right Referee Matters
Selecting a referee isn’t simply about finding someone who holds the appropriate QBCC Builder Licence.
Your referee must also have sufficient firsthand knowledge of your building experience to confidently verify the information provided.
A referee who is unfamiliar with your responsibilities or the work undertaken may not be in a position to adequately support your application.
Choosing an appropriate referee early can make a significant difference to the quality of your supporting evidence.
Specialist Assistance With Your QBCC Builder Licence Application
At Construction Licensing, we understand the importance of presenting clear, accurate and properly supported evidence of building experience.
With more than 30 years of experience in the building and construction licensing sector, we provide independent licensing advice, application assistance and documentation reviews to help applicants understand and address the QBCC’s evidence requirements.
Applicants and their referees remain responsible for the accuracy of the information provided and the independent verification of the experience claimed.
Need Assistance With Your QBCC Builder Licence?
Whether you’re preparing your first application or have already gathered your supporting documentation, Construction Licensing can assist.
Our Initial Licensing Consultation provides an opportunity to review your circumstances and identify an appropriate licensing pathway.
For applicants who have already prepared their documentation, our Lodge-Ready Review provides an independent review of the application before lodgement.
Make An Enquiry Contact Construction Licensing for experienced assistance with your QBCC Builder Licence application.
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This article provides general information only. QBCC assessment and referee verification requirements may vary depending on the licence class and individual application. Referees must independently verify information based on their own knowledge of the applicant’s experience.
