Holding a QBCC licence is not the same as joining a professional association. It’s not about membership benefits or optional affiliation. A QBCC licence is a legal requirement for carrying out building work in Queensland valued more than $3,300. It shows you’ve met the necessary standards to work safely and professionally in the building and construction industry.

Think of it like a driver’s licence. Holding a driver’s licence means you're legally allowed to operate a vehicle—and that you’ve demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and responsibilities required to do so safely.

Similarly, your QBCC licence means you have the right qualifications, experience, and financial standing to legally carry out building work in your class.

And just as driver’s licence fees contribute to road safety programs, traffic enforcement, and licensing services, your QBCC licence fees support industry regulation—such as education, compliance and enforcement activities—to help maintain a fair and safe construction industry for all Queenslanders.

This distinction is important.

Your QBCC licence plays a critical role in building trust with customers. It assures home owners that you’re qualified to undertake the work, that you understand your legal responsibilities—including contracts and the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme—and that you’re committed to meeting the standards required in Queensland’s building industry.

It’s also worth noting that like other highly regulated professions—such as medicine or accountancy—building and construction involves ongoing responsibilities and the need to keep up with changes in standards, laws, and expectations. Doctors and chartered accountants must maintain registration and certifications to continue practising, because their work carries significant responsibilities. So does yours. As of the 2024–25 financial year, there were more than 122,700 licensees registered with the QBCC—representing around 2.2 per cent of the Queensland population when including both individuals and companies.

With numbers like that, it’s more important than ever to make sure your work speaks for itself.

So, while we’re not a member organisation, as part of the Queensland Government we play a vital role in supporting licensees and protecting their lives and livelihoods. A QBCC licence isn’t a subscription—it’s a professional obligation, backed by the systems and services that keep Queensland’s building and construction industry resilient and thriving.

Why we conduct audits 

Audits are about maintaining the integrity of the plumbing profession. By verifying that notifiable work is correctly documented, we can:

• provide in-person support and guidance to licensees
• catch problems early to avoid costly issues
• ensure work meets safety and compliance standards. 

What to expect if you're selected 

If you’re selected for an audit, you’ll be asked to provide recent invoices for plumbing work. To make the process smooth and efficient, it’s important to make sure your invoices: 

• are clear and legible (no blurry scans or photos)
• include specific details about the work performed
• list the correct site address and building reference (if applicable). 

Once your documents are submitted, a member of the QBCC audit team will review them and get in touch if anything further is needed. 

Tools to help you stay compliant 

To help you stay on top of your obligations, the QBCC website offers a range of practical tools and resources: 

• a breakdown of what counts as notifiable work
• an interactive checker to see if your job needs a Form 4
• tips on how to lodge your Form 4/4A correctly. 

These resources are designed to make compliance easier and more accessible, so you can focus on doing great work. 

We’re for supporting licensed professionals, and you can help 

Unlicensed contracting is against the law and undermines the time, training, and investment that licensed plumbers put in to do things the right way. It diverts work away from legitimately qualified professionals and puts public safety at risk.

That’s why we’ve also made it easier to report wrongdoing through our updated complaints form.

If you’ve seen something that doesn’t sit right, you can raise a concern without revealing your identity. And while we’ll do our best to act on anonymous reports, our investigations team may need to follow up for additional details, some of which could be identifiable. Rest assured, we’ll maintain strict confidentiality throughout the process.

Have something to report? Submit your plumbing or drainage complaint here

Let’s work together to keep our high standards and protect the trade for all the future plumbers out there. 

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.