The best builders never stop checking.
Every contractor and every employee on your job, checked against licence, ABN, ASIC and financial standing, continuously, not once at onboarding.
Who is it for?
The Builder Open Licence is the highest-level QBCC builder licence. It’s designed for Construction Managers, Project Managers, CEOs, and experienced Builders who want full authority to contract, manage, and deliver any building project in Queensland. From multi-storey apartments and hospitals to shopping centres and stadiums, this licence is essential for leaders running large-scale operations and securing major commercial or government contracts.
What does the licence allow?
This licence gives you the ability to tender, contract, and deliver unlimited projects across both residential and commercial sectors.
- Carry out and manage building work on all classes of buildings (Classes 1–10, unrestricted).
- Prepare plans and specifications for your own use, or for building work you personally perform.
- Until 2 May 2030, you are also authorised to install and maintain: Fire collars and fire-rated penetrations, Fire-rated joint sealing, Fire and smoke walls and ceilings
What is not covered by this licence?
The Open Builder Licence does not authorise you to:
- Perform a completed building inspection for an interested buyer or party.
- Personally carry out building work requiring: A separate fire protection licence (beyond the temporary allowances above), or Another occupational licence (e.g. plumbing, electrical) unless you also hold that licence
Eligibility criteria
To apply, you must satisfy QBCC’s licensing standards:
- Be assessed as fit and proper to operate.
- Hold valid permission to work in Queensland (citizenship, visa, or Immicard).
- Provide photographic proof of identity.
- Provide evidence of your business structure (sole trader, company, partnership, or trust).
Technical classification
The Builder – Open Licence is the ultimate classification. It allows full control of every type of project, making it the licence of choice for top-tier builders and businesses delivering high-value, complex developments. Applicants must demonstrate both qualifications and experience:
- A formal qualification from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
- Successful completion of the appropriate course for this class
- A Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certificate issued by an RTO.
- A qualification statement from an approved authority
- At least 4 years’ experience performing or supervising open-class building work (or QBCC-approved equivalent work).
- Must demonstrate supervisory, administrative, and project management experience, supported by referee reports
- If qualified in carpentry or bricklaying/blocklaying, you may apply with 2 years’ experience.
Commonly Asked Questions
Who needs a QBCC Builder – Open Licence?
Builders, construction managers, and business owners running large-scale residential, commercial, or industrial projects in Queensland.
What building work can I carry out with this licence?
All classes of building work (1–10), from houses to hospitals, without restriction.
What work is excluded from this licence?
You cannot perform building inspections, nor personally carry out specialist trade work (fire protection, plumbing, electrical) unless you hold those occupational licences.
Do I need both qualifications and experience to apply?
Yes. You’ll need a formal qualification (or RPL) plus at least 4 years’ industry experience.
How is the Open Licence different from Low- or Mid-Rise?
Low-Rise limits you to buildings under 2000m², Mid-Rise limits you to three storeys. The Open Licence has no limits – it covers every building type and scale.
How long does the application process take?
If you hold the required qualification and documentation, approval may take 4–6 weeks. If you need to complete RPL or a new qualification, expect 6–10 weeks.
Why should I pursue the Builder – Open Licence?
It maximises your business and career opportunities, qualifies you for Tier 1 and government contracts, and legally authorises you to lead the most complex, profitable projects in Queensland.
Pricing packages
Our 15-min Free consultation helps us understand your licensing enquiry, your background, and confirm whether QBCC Express is the right partner for you. There’s no pressure to commit to anything on the spot.
If it’s a good fit and you want to take the next step, you can then choose to book a 30-min Strategy Session ($352), which is where we dig into your eligibility and map out your pathway. Until then, the choice is entirely yours.
If you proceed with our All-done-for-you licence support package, the QBCC application fees are included in the package price, so there are no surprise government charges on top. One package, one price. All prices exclude GST and are tax deductible.
For applicant who hold the right qualification and experience
- Licence eligibility and scope confirmation
- Correct licence class selection
- QBCC-compliant resume and experience mapping
- Evidence checklist and Document Collation Plan
- Referee strategy and statement support
- Licence Application preparation and lodgment
- QBCC follow ups and progress tracking until outcome
For applicants who need fast track RPL to meet QBCC technical requirements
- Include Licence Support Package
- RPL Enrolment fees for required units from Cert IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Building and Construction
- Fast track RPL coordination with partner RTO
- Gap identification and unit mapping to QBCC licence requirements
- Done for you RPL evidence build and submission support
- RTO liaison and assessment management
- Qualification completion confirmation
- Certification or Statement attainment
Strategy Session
$352
Include GST.
- Correct Licence class
- Qualification and RPL Requirements
- Risk flags and experience gap
- Timing and sequencing
- Strategy and Next steps