It Might Cost More Than You Think - Your Job.
In Queensland, every construction site runs on trust, teamwork, and compliance.
But there’s one rule many supervisors still overlook. Holding the right QBCC Site Supervisor Licence.
If you’re managing trades, overseeing safety, or making site decisions without a licence, you’re not just bending the rules. You’re breaking them.
And it’s not just about paperwork. It’s about protecting your job, your income, and your reputation.
What the Law Says
Under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) Act, anyone supervising building work must hold a valid QBCC Site Supervisor Licence for the level of work being done: Low Rise, Medium Rise, or Open.
It’s not optional.
It’s a legal requirement.
If you step onto a site and make decisions without the correct licence, you’re taking a serious personal and professional risk.
What Happens If You Don’t Hold a Site Supervisor Licence?
Here’s what’s really at stake:
For individuals:
- QBCC can fine you up to $30,000.
- They can also record the breach against your name.
- That record follows you into future licence applications or tenders.
For companies:
- Fines climb even higher.
- You risk stop-work orders, voided insurance, and terminated contracts.
- Reputational damage can also affect future clients and government projects.
Karen Zhang - Project Manager
Once a breach is on record, it’s not easy to rebuild trust.
Even one mistake can slow your career for years.
The Real Cost of “Saving Money”
Some professionals skip licensing because they think it’s just another fee or form to fill in.
But the truth is, not being licensed costs more. In lost time, lost income, and lost credibility.
Licensing isn’t an expense.
It’s protection.
- It keeps your projects legal.
- It keeps your insurance valid.
- It keeps your reputation clean.
Think of your QBCC Site Supervisor Licence as your professional shield. It shows you know what you’re doing, that you care about doing it right, and that you take responsibility for your site.
Why So Many Professionals Delay It?
The most common reasons people give are:
- “I don’t have time for the paperwork.”
- “I’m already doing the work. I’ll apply later.”
- “My company hasn’t asked for it yet.”
But all it takes is one inspection or one complaint for the issue to surface.
Then it’s not just a delay. It’s a legal problem.
At QBCC Express, we’ve seen experienced Site Managers, site supervisors lose valuable opportunities because they didn’t formalise their licence early, so as the project Managers, and Contract Administrators who cover the site solo while licenced site supervisor is on leave.
The fix is simple: do it now, before it becomes urgent.
What a QBCC Site Supervisor Licence Lets You Do?
Holding the right licence allows you to:
- Supervise building work legally under the QBCC Act.
- Communicate with certifiers, engineers, and inspectors with authority.
- Lead site teams with confidence, knowing you’re compliant.
- Apply for promotions or new roles that require licensing.
There are three licence classes:
- Site Supervisor Low Rise – covers houses, small residential, and low-risk projects.
- Site Supervisor Medium Rise – covers buildings up to three storeys.
- Site Supervisor Open – covers all building types, including high-rise and complex structures.
Each level requires certain qualifications and experience, but with the right help, the process doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing.
Getting Licensed the Smart Way
At QBCC Express, we make the process faster and easier.
You focus on your job; we handle the admin.
Here’s how it works:
- Eligibility Check: We confirm your qualifications and experience.
- Experience Mapping: We prepare your QBCC-compliant documentation.
- Application Support: We draft, lodge, and track your application with QBCC.
- Ongoing Guidance: We stay with you until your licence is approved.
Whether you’re a Site Supervisor, Contract Administrator, or Project Manager, we help you turn your experience into a formal licence that secures your future.
The Bottom Line
If you’re on site today, ask yourself:
- Am I licensed for the work I’m supervising?
- Could my insurance or employer be at risk?
- What would a fine or suspension mean for my family or business?
You’ve worked hard to build your reputation.
Don’t risk it for something as preventable as missing paperwork.
Licensing isn’t about red tape; it’s about respect for your trade, your team, and yourself.
So before you clock in tomorrow, ask one simple question:
Can I afford the fine?
Who needs a QBCC Site Supervisor Licence?
Anyone who supervises building work in Queensland, including Site Supervisors, Foremen, site managers. However, if Project Managers, and Contract Administrators are supervising building work solo while the licenced persons are leave, even for one day, they will also require to have the right supervisor licence.
What are the different classes of Site Supervisor Licences?
There are three classes: Low Rise, Medium Rise, and Open. Each tied to the type and size of building you work on.
Can I apply for my licence without a qualification?
You’ll need a relevant qualification recognised by QBCC. If you don’t have one, you can often use Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to assess your experience and obtain the right certification.
How long does the process take?
If you already hold the right qualification, your licence can be submitted within 1–2 weeks. If you need RPL first, it may take 3–6 weeks.
Can QBCC Express help with my application?
Yes. We provide a done-for-you licensing service. From eligibility checks to full application lodgement and QBCC submission, so you can stay focused on your work while we handle the rest.