Because Integrity Matters More Than Income
He wanted a QBCC Builder Licence.
I said no.
Not because I didn’t want to help, but because he wasn’t qualified, not yet.
I told him,
“You’re not there yet, but I can show you the pathway to get there.”
He didn’t like that answer.
His reply stopped me cold:
“Someone else said they can get me the licence anyway.”
That’s when I drew the line.
Because this industry isn’t built on shortcuts.
It’s built on trust, safety, and responsibility.
Why Shortcuts Damage the Whole Industry?
When unqualified people get licensed, it’s not a small issue, it’s serious.
It puts everyone at risk.
- It puts clients at risk.
When a builder doesn’t have the right technical background or experience, the quality and safety of the project suffer.
Mistakes get buried under walls and floors, only to surface later as costly, dangerous defects. - It undermines safety and compliance.
The QBCC licence system exists to protect the public, workers, and the industry itself.
When someone cuts corners to get licensed, they skip the checks that ensure proper standards. - It’s unfair to every hardworking professional.
Every builder who spent years studying, gaining experience, and passing audits deserves to compete in a fair environment.
Shortcuts devalue that effort and reputation.
You can’t build a strong construction industry on weak ethics.
The Real Purpose of the QBCC Builder Licence
A QBCC Builder Licence isn’t just a piece of paper or a ticket to bid on bigger jobs.
It’s a declaration of trust.
When you hold that licence, you’re telling your clients, your team, and the regulator:
“I have the skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver safe, compliant, high-quality work.”
That’s why the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has clear eligibility requirements for Builder Low Rise, Medium Rise, and Open licences.
To qualify, applicants must show:
- Formal qualifications – either through study or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- Proven experience – at least 4 years of relevant building or supervisory work.
- Financial capacity – meeting QBCC’s minimum financial requirements.
- Good character – being fit and proper to hold a licence.
Karen Zhang - QBCC Express Founder
If someone doesn’t meet those requirements, they shouldn’t be licensed yet. There’s a pathway for everyone, but there are no shortcuts.
RPL Isn’t a Shortcut, It’s the Right Way
Many people confuse RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) with cheating the system.
It’s not.
RPL is how experienced professionals prove their skills formally, through evidence, references, and project history.
It’s designed for those who’ve already been doing the work safely and competently, not for those trying to skip learning altogether.
At QBCC Express, we use RPL responsibly.
We partner with approved Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that assess experience against national competency standards.
If a person genuinely meets those standards, they earn the qualification.
If not, we guide them on how to bridge the gap, properly.
Because real professionals don’t look for loopholes.
They look for growth.
Why Integrity Comes Before Income?
It’s tempting to say yes to everyone.
But in this business, a single wrong yes can cost more than money.
It can cost reputation.
It can cost safety.
It can cost lives.
When I say no to an unqualified applicant, it’s not rejection, it’s respect.
Respect for the licence, for the industry, and for the clients who rely on it.
Every qualified builder, site supervisor, or project manager reading this knows what that means.
They’ve done the hard work.
They’ve earned the trust.
And they deserve an industry that values that effort.
What We Stand For at QBCC Express?
At QBCC Express, we don’t cut corners.
We build professionals, not paperwork.
Here’s what we believe in:
- Transparency – every client understands their eligibility before starting.
- Integrity – we won’t submit false or misleading information.
- Guidance – we show the exact pathway to becoming qualified, even if it takes time.
- Accountability – we protect the reputation of both our clients and the industry.
We work with people who are qualified, or committed to becoming qualified the right way.
Because a Builder Licence isn’t a box to tick.
It’s a responsibility.
The Right Way Always Wins
The professionals who build careers that last are the ones who do it right, step by step, with integrity.
That’s the kind of builder clients trust.
That’s the kind of leader the industry needs.
So yes, I said no. And I’ll keep saying no when the system is being abused.
Because raising standards means standing by them. And integrity will always come before income.
A Builder Licence isn’t just about authority, it’s about accountability.
And the moment you start treating it that way, you’re already miles ahead of the crowd.
Can someone get a QBCC Builder Licence without qualifications?
No. Every applicant must meet QBCC’s qualification and experience requirements. You can, however, use Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to have your experience assessed and recognised.
What’s the difference between RPL and a shortcut?
RPL is an approved process that verifies your skills against national standards. A shortcut skips that verification, which is illegal and unethical.
What happens if someone gets licensed fraudulently?
QBCC can suspend or cancel the licence, issue fines, and record the breach permanently against the person’s name.
How long does it take to get qualified the right way?
If you already meet the experience requirements, the process of getting RPL takes 2-4 weeks. If you need additional training, we’ll guide you on the fastest legal path.
Why should I choose QBCC Express?
Because we’ll never compromise your integrity or your future. We handle your licensing properly, with honesty, compliance, and care, so your success stands on solid ground.