Mechanical services licences

Do you need a Mechanical Services – Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration licence?

For information about the work performed under the Mechanical Service – Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration licence refer to the scope of works below:

•   Mechanical Services - Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (Unlimited Design) licence - Applicable for contractor, nominee supervisor, site supervisor and company licences
•   Mechanical Services - Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (Limited Design) licence - Applicable for contractor, nominee supervisor, site supervisor and company licences
•  Mechanical Services - Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration occupational licence - Applicable for occupational licence only

The following fact sheets provide information about what is and is not mechanical services – air-conditioning and refrigeration work:

• Mechanical services - exemptions from licensing requirements (PDF)
• Mechanical Services – Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Licence Reference Guide (PDF)

What licence type do you need?

The QBCC licence type you require is determined by the type of work you need to perform. All mechanical services - air-conditioning and refrigeration work requires a licence.

QBCC licence types available for mechanical services – air-conditioning and refrigeration  work are listed below. The work allowed under each licence type is outlined under each heading:

Company:

• Company operation  

Example: Trading company

Contractors can:

• Personally perform work
• Supervise work
• Contract for work
• Be nominee for a company

Example: Individual or company contracting with the public

Occupational licensees can:

• Personally perform work
• Supervise work

Example: Employee of a company

Nominee Supervisors can:

• Supervise work
• Be nominee for a company

Example: Employee of a company

Site Supervisors can:

• Supervise work

Example: Employee of a company

Note: When applying for a company licence, you must nominate a nominee supervisor who is licensed for the same scope of work. For more information read our factsheet  Companies and licensing (PDF).

How to apply

All licensing applications require proof of identity and evidence of your technical qualifications. 

Details of the required technical qualifications can be found on the following fact sheets:

• Technical qualifications and experience for Mechanical Services – Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (Unlimited) licence (PDF)
• Technical qualifications and experience for Mechanical Services – Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (Limited) licence (PDF)
• Technical qualifications and experience for Mechanical Services – Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (Occupational) licence (PDF)

For more information about the documents needed to support an application for each licence type use the  Journey fact sheet for mechanical services - air-conditioning and refrigeration (PDF).

How to lodge your application

Did you know you can lodge your application form online with myQBCC? If you’re an existing licensee user of myQBCC, applicable fees will be automatically calculated when you lodge online by 1 July 2020.

Visit  my.qbcc.qld.gov.au/s/licence-app

For more information, see  myQBCC Mechanical services licence application user guide (PDF)

Alternatively, you can complete an application form and include all the supporting documents and correct application fee by completing the appropriate PDF form/s:

• Individual contractor/nominee supervisor licence application (PDF)
• Company licence application (PDF) (if applicable)
• Fire or Mechanical Services Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Occupational (PDF)

If you completed a PDF form, you can lodge:

• By post: to GPO Box 5099, Brisbane QLD 4001 (please don’t send in original documents, such as qualifications, unless we request them)
• In person: at your  nearest QBCC Office

What are the fees?

Please note: Refer to Transitional arrangements for Mechanical services – air-conditioning and refrigeration work.

Licence fees vary depending on what type of licence you are applying for. For contactors, fees vary depending on whether you are applying for an individual or a company licence, and the financial category you are applying for.

Nominee Supervisor, Site Supervisor and Occupational licences require a set fee.

Licence fee information is available on the  Licence Fees page.

How long will it take to be processed?

We will take up to 6-8 weeks to process your application. This includes checks to confirm you are a  fit and proper person to hold a licence. 

For contractors, this includes time to assess your ability to meet the Minimum Financial Requirements. 

We will contact you if we need any further information.

After you've applied

If your licence is approved, you'll receive a letter, which includes your licence number and scope of work for the licence class.

Can I work while my application is being processed?

If you have applied for a Contractor or Nominee Supervisor licence, you cannot lawfully work until your licence is granted.

Site Supervisors and Occupational applicants do not need to hold a licence until 1 January 2022 as long as they are working for a licensed contractor or company.