When does a Queensland trade business need a QBCC licence?

The thresholds

QBCC's current licensing guidance lists these starting thresholds. Match the class and type to your scope and role, then check whether a specific exemption or occupational licence requirement changes the result.

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Class, type and your role

You must hold a licence of the relevant class for the scope you intend to undertake or oversee, and of the type that suits your role. You may need more than one class to cover a job.

Employees of a licensed contractor usually do not need their own licence. They do if they become responsible for overseeing the work, its standard or its compliance with plans, as a nominee or site supervisor would be. Regardless of value, an occupational licence is needed to oversee or do plumbing, drainage, gas fitting, chemical termite management, fire protection or mechanical services work.

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Exemptions and subcontracting

QBCC lists exemptions in Schedule 1 of the Regulation and Schedule 1A of the Act, including conditional exemptions for some work on an owner's own property and some minor handyman work. Each has limits and exclusions. Electrical work is licensed separately through the Electrical Safety Office; check whether any separate building work needs a QBCC class.

Subcontracting changes the answer. In most cases you do not need a licence as a subcontractor for a licensed trade contractor, but you do need an appropriate contractor licence working for a licensed builder, and for an unlicensed principal on commercial work.

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Scope-before-quote check you can copy

Run this before you price a job. It is our suggested check, not a QBCC form.

Job: [address] | Customer: [name]
Work involved: [list each type of work]
Any item on the any-value list? [yes / no: which]
Value of the work I would contract: $[amount]
Licence class needed: [class] | Held by: [business or person]
Role: [contractor / nominee or supervisor / occupational]
Who I am contracting with: [owner / licensed builder / licensed trade contractor / unlicensed principal]
Exemption I am relying on: [none / name it and the date QBCC confirmed it]
Decision: [quote / ask QBCC first / decline]

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Common questions

Who is required to have a QBCC licence?

Individuals and companies that contract for building work over $3,300, or over $1,100 for Hydraulic Services Design, or work of any value in categories such as plumbing, drainage, gas fitting and fire protection. The class and type must match the work and your role.[1]

What are the exemptions from having a QBCC licence?

QBCC lists work-specific and situation-specific exemptions in its Regulation and Act, including conditional exemptions for certain work on an owner's own property and minor handyman work. Check the exact scope, value and occupational requirements before relying on one.[1]