Who is it for?
The Builder – Medium-Rise Licence is designed for construction professionals who want to expand beyond small residential projects but aren’t yet looking for the unlimited scope of the Open licence. It suits Builders, Construction Managers, Project Managers, and Business Owners delivering projects up to three storeys, including townhouses, apartments, schools, and commercial buildings. It’s also a strong next step for Low-Rise licence holders who are ready to scale their business or career.
What does the licence allow?
With a QBCC Builder – Medium-Rise Licence, you can:
- Carry out and manage building work on Class 1 or Class 10 buildings (houses, garages, sheds).
- Build and supervise up to 3 storeys on Classes 2–9 buildings (apartments, offices, schools, retail, hospitality), excluding Type A construction.
- Oversee non-structural building work on any building, regardless of size or classification.
- Prepare plans and specifications for your personal use, or for building work you personally perform.
- Until 2 May 2030, you may also 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?
This licence does not allow you to:
- Perform a completed building inspection for a buyer or interested 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
- Supervise or contract work involving: Type A construction on Classes 4–9 buildings, or any building taller than three storeys
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 – Medium-Rise Licence bridges the gap between small-scale and open-class construction. It gives you legal authority to manage and deliver projects up to three storeys, positioning you for larger tenders and a broader project portfolio. You 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 in medium-rise building work or QBCC-approved equivalent experience.
- OR 2 years’ experience if you hold a trade qualification in carpentry or bricklaying/blocklaying.
- Evidence must cover supervisory, administrative, and management responsibilities, supported by referee reports
Commonly Asked Questions
Who needs a QBCC Builder – Medium-Rise Licence?
Builders and managers delivering projects up to three storeys, including apartments, schools, retail, and commercial developments.
What building work can I carry out with this licence?
You can manage all Class 1 and 10 projects, plus Classes 2–9 up to three storeys, and oversee non-structural work on any building.
What work is excluded from this licence?
You cannot work on Type A construction, buildings taller than three storeys, or personally perform work that requires another occupational licence.
Do I need both qualifications and experience to apply?
Yes. You must hold a relevant qualification (or RPL) and demonstrate 2–4 years of industry experience, depending on your trade background.
How is this licence different from Low-Rise or Open?
Low-Rise limits you to buildings under 2000m², while Open removes all restrictions. Medium-Rise gives you a middle ground: up to three storeys, non-Type A construction.
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 upgrade to Medium-Rise?
It broadens your project scope, boosts your business’s competitiveness, and sets you up for the eventual move to an Open Licence.
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.