Then Why Trust an Unlicensed Site Supervisor?
If you were sick, would you let an unlicensed doctor treat you?
Of course not.
You wouldn’t risk your health with someone unqualified.
So why risk your construction project the same way?
Every week in Queensland, jobs are being supervised by people without a QBCC Site Supervisor Licence and most clients don’t even realise it.
It’s a quiet problem across the industry. But the consequences can be loud and expensive.
What Is a QBCC Site Supervisor Licence?
In Queensland, anyone who supervises building work must hold a valid Site Supervisor Licence under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).
It’s not optional. It’s the law.
This licence confirms that a supervisor has:
- The right technical knowledge to manage construction safely and correctly.
- Proven experience overseeing work that meets Australian standards.
- The ability to ensure projects comply with legislation, codes, and contracts.
There are three licence classes:
- Site Supervisor Low Rise – covers small residential and light commercial projects.
- Site Supervisor Medium Rise – covers buildings up to three storeys.
- Site Supervisor Open – covers all building types, including complex or high-rise projects.
Each class reflects a different level of responsibility and the licence itself proves that the holder is competent and legally authorised to manage building work.
The Risks of Working Without a Licence
When unlicensed people supervise projects, they put everyone at risk, themselves, their employer, and the client.
Here’s what can go wrong:
- Compliance risk skyrockets
Without a licence, your project isn’t compliant under QBCC regulations. If something goes wrong, you can’t argue ignorance, the penalties apply regardless. - Insurance might not cover the work
Many construction insurance policies become invalid if the supervisor isn’t licensed. That means if there’s a defect, incident, or injury, the company might have to pay out of pocket. - Reputations get ruined
In construction, reputation is everything. Once QBCC records a breach, it can follow both the individual and the business for years damaging trust and future tenders.
And if QBCC audits the site?
The supervisor can face fines of up to $30,000 and company face much higher penalty points.
Karen Zhang - QBCC Express Founder
A supervisor can face fines of up to $30,000 and company face much higher penalty points.
How It Happens So Often
Sometimes, the person running a site has years of experience but never formalised their licence.
Other times, they believe their company’s builder licence “covers” them.
It doesn’t.
Even if you’ve been managing projects for decades, you must personally hold the licence that matches the class of building you supervise.
This isn’t about punishing experience; it’s about accountability and safety.
Why the Licence Protects Everyone
The QBCC Site Supervisor Licence isn’t red tape. It’s a safeguard.
For supervisors, it protects your career and ensures you can legally perform your duties.
For companies, it protects your projects, contracts, and insurance.
For clients, it ensures qualified people are managing their builds.
Having the licence shows you’re serious about your role, your professionalism, and your integrity.
At QBCC Express, we’ve helped hundreds of Site Managers, Project Managers, and Contract Administrators turn their experience into a formal licence, so they can lead confidently and legally.
The Hidden Cost of Ignoring It
Skipping the licence might save time now, but it costs far more later.
Once a non-compliance is recorded, it becomes part of your QBCC history.
That record can:
- Delay or deny future licence applications.
- Reduce your chances of winning tenders or senior roles.
- Affect your company’s prequalification for government work.
It’s not worth the gamble.
How to Get Licensed the Right Way
If you’re already supervising work or managing trades, you might be closer than you think.
QBCC Express makes the process fast and simple:
- Eligibility check – We review your qualifications and experience.
- Experience mapping – We prepare QBCC-compliant documentation.
- RPL support – If you need a qualification, we connect you with the right Registered Training Organisation.
- Application preparation and lodgement – We handle the paperwork, QBCC forms, and follow-up.
You focus on your projects.
We handle the compliance.
Who needs a QBCC Site Supervisor Licence?
Anyone who supervises building work in Queensland including Site Managers, site supervisors, Foremen. However, Project Managers, and Contract Administrators are also requiring the supervisor licence if they supervise the building work solo without the licenced person on site.
What happens if I supervise without a licence?
You can face fines of up to $30,000, and both you and your employer could receive QBCC penalties. Insurance coverage may also be void.
How long does it take to get a Site Supervisor Licence?
If you already have the required qualification, it usually takes 1–2 weeks.
If you need to complete RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning), allow 3–6 weeks.
What are the different classes of Site Supervisor Licences?
- Low Rise – covers homes and small commercial buildings.
- Medium Rise – covers up to three storeys.
- Open – covers all building classes, including high-rise.
Can QBCC Express help me apply?
Yes. We manage your application end-to-end — eligibility, RPL, documentation, and submission, so you can stay focused on your job.