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 criterias
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
Fees are excluding QBCC application fee, excluding QBCC first 12-month licence fee, excluding RPL fee. All prices exclude GST. All fees are tax deductible for work related costs.
You have the required qualifications
$4,490
- Licence Eligibility Check
- QBCC-compliant resume and experience mapping
- Documents collection and preparation
- Application draft, lodgement and submission
- Progress tracking and Ongoing advice until licenced
You need to obtain the require qualitification
$5,789
- Licence Eligibility Check
- QBCC-compliant resume and experience mapping
- Documents collection and preparation
- Application draft, lodgement and submission
- Progress tracking and Ongoing advice until licenced
- RPL enrolment, assessment, documents collection and preparation, obtain Statement of attainment to meet the qualification requirement.