Each QBCC licence type reflects your qualifications, skills and the type of work you’re experienced to do—much like how we have different licences for different types of vehicles.  

Holding the right licence protects your business, boosts your reputation, and sets you up as a trusted professional. Here’s a breakdown of the most common licence types:

• Contractor licence—This licence allows individuals or businesses to undertake building work. It’s ideal for sole traders, subcontractors, or companies wanting to engage in building contracts directly with clients.
• Nominee supervisor licence—This is for individuals who supervise building work on behalf of a company and are responsible for ensuring the work meets  Australian standards and the National Construction Code[?].  
• Site supervisor licence—This allows site supervisors to oversee on-site building work, but not to enter into contracts.
• Occupational licence—This is for specialist trades, such as plumbing, drainage, gas fitting, fire protection, and many others.  

How to choose the right licence for you

The right licence depends on what kind of work you’ll be doing and the level of responsibility you’ll have. Are you contracting directly with clients? Are you supervising work for a company? Or are you specialising in a regulated trade? These questions will help shape your path.

If you’re unsure where to start, the QBCC has a helpful licence information tool to guide you. By answering a few quick questions about your work, you will be advised of which licence class you need to hold to do the work.

If you’re still unsure, we encourage you to reach out to our helpful contact centre. They will be able to steer you in the right direction. Phone us on 139 333.  

It’s important to keep on top of your licence so you don’t get caught out with the wrong licence or no licence at all.

Set yourself up for success

Getting the right QBCC licence is more than just ticking a box—it’s an essential part of doing the job properly and earning your clients’ trust. Whether you’re just starting out or taking the next step in your building career, take the time to understand which licence suits your role. It’s not only an investment in your future, your reputation, and the quality of work delivered across Queensland, it is also a legal obligation that ensures you’re operating within the rules. 

Keeping your licence current is essential for staying compliant and maintaining credibility. 

Whether you’re renewing, replacing, or restoring your licence, here’s how to get it sorted.

Step 1: Know your licence status

First, determine what action you need to take:

a)    Renew—if your licence is due or recently expired (within 3 months)

b)    Replace—if your licence is lost, stolen, damaged, or your details have changed

c)    Restore—if your licence was cancelled after being expired for more than 3 months.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to Queensland's building and construction industry, maintaining your QBCC licence is crucial.  
 

Step 2: Prepare your documents 

Before applying, make sure you’ve got everything you need:

• a QBCC renewal notice (usually sent a month before expiry)
• payment details (bank card, account info, or BPAY)
• valid ID
• relevant forms based on your update type.

Step 3: Choose your method

The QBCC offers convenient, simple ways to meet your individual needs including:

• online through myQBCC
• phone – 139 333
• mail
• in person at one of our service centres.
   

Step 4: Submit your application

Once your documents are ready, submit your application through your chosen method. Make sure all details are accurate to avoid delays.
 

Step 5: Receive confirmation

After processing, you’ll receive:

a)    a confirmation email or payment receipt

b)    your new licence card by mail

c)    all future notifications from the QBCC to your registered contact information.  
 

The new Builder—low rise application guide was developed in collaboration with Master Builders Queensland, and the Housing Industry Association and is designed to help applicants understand: 

• the different QBCC licence types available for this licence class 
• what is considered eligible experience  
• practical tips for gathering evidence to support applications.  

The guide can be found by clicking through website tabs relevant to a builder licence application. Experience requirements on the Builder—low rise licence webpage promote the guide and other valuable resources to understand and complete applications. 

With the Builder—low rise licence making up almost half of all builder licence applications received by the QBCC, from the 8 different builder classes available, the new Builder—low rise application guide provides a good road test for other builder and trade class application guides in the pipeline.