Mechanical services licences

Do you need a Mechanical Services – Plumbing licence?

For information about the work performed under the Mechanical Service - Plumbing licence refer to the scope of works below:

• Mechanical Services- Plumbing licence - applicable for contractor, nominee supervisor, site supervisor and company licences
• Mechanical Services - Plumbing licence occupational - applicable for occupational licence only

The following fact sheets provide information about what is and is not mechanical services – plumbing work:

• ­­ Mechanical services - exemptions from licensing requirements (PDF)
• Mechanical Services – Plumbing 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 - plumbing work requires a licence.

We offer four types of licence to cover different roles and responsibilities in the building industry. You can choose the licence type that suits you. You must ensure that you only carry out building work covered by your licence type.

Please note, a company licence is required to operate as a company. 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 fact sheet 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 sheet:

• Technical qualifications and experience for Mechanical Services – Plumbing licence

Alternative qualifications that aren’t listed in the Technical Qualifications document may be considered on a case-by-case basis

Recent amendments to the QBCC Regulation will allow applicants for some Mechanical Services licences to benefit from a broader scope of alternative pathways.

All prescribed qualifications for the Mechanical Services – Plumbing licence are in the Technical Qualifications document. However, in most circumstances for all licence types, there is a provision that the QBCC can consider an alternate qualification as equivalent.

If your qualifications differ from those prescribed in the Technical Qualifications document, the QBCC encourages you to submit your application, requesting the qualification be considered as equivalent. The decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Existing plumbers and drainers - applying using the alternative qualification pathway

In response to industry feedback, transitional eligibility criteria have been expanded for Mechanical Services –Plumbing licences. Applicants with relevant experience and a plumbing apprenticeship may be eligible to apply under the alternative qualification pathway.  Such applications must be approved by 31 December 2020 for contractor and nominee supervisor licences.  Applications under the alternative qualification pathway for site supervisor and occupational licences must be approved by 31 December 2021. To allow time for processing you should apply at least 6-8 weeks prior to deadline.

For examples of the experience required use the  Mechanical Services – Plumbing Experience fact sheet.

More information about the transitional arrangements are available on the  Transitional Arrangements for Mechanical Services – Plumbing licence webpage.

Existing air-conditioning and refrigeration contractors 

Existing QBCC air-conditioning and refrigeration contractors have until 30 June 2020 to submit an application for a free Mechanical Services – Plumbing licence.They must ensure that: 

• they have the required technical qualifications, 
• can show that they have performed mechanical services plumbing work (or employed workers to carry out this work) for a minimum period of six months prior to 1 January 2020;
• apply by 30 June 2020. 

More information about the transitional arrangements are available on the  Transitional Arrangements for Mechanical Services – Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration licence webpage.

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 fee exemptions will be automatically calculated when you lodge online before 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)
• Licence application form -  Mechanical Services - Site Supervisor and Occupational  (PDF)
• Mechanical Services - plumbing only - experience form (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?

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.

Nominee Supervisor, Site Supervisor and Occupational licence fees are 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.