Choose the Right One or Risk Big Trouble
Working in construction in Queensland? Good. But you also need to pick the correct licence type under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). Because doing the wrong job under the wrong licence isn’t just awkward, it’s illegal.
Here are four main licence types you’ll hear about, and what each one actually lets you do:
- Contractor licence: This is the big one if you run a business. It lets you sign building contracts, manage a company, and be the legal party taking on work.
- Nominee Supervisor licence: This is the person in a company who is nominated to make sure the building work meets QBCC standards, even if they aren’t the business owner. They must hold the right licence class for the company’s scope.
- Site Supervisor licence: Employed by a licensed contractor, this person supervises work on-site for a builder who holds the contractor licence. The site supervisor also requires holding individual site supervisor licence to be able to legally supervise building work.
- Occupational licence: For tradespeople or those carrying out specific building work as employees under a licensed contractor. They don’t run the business or sign contracts.
Why It Matters
Because doing work outside your licence type = trouble.
- If you sign contracts when you only hold a Site Supervisor licence (and thus don’t have contracting power) you’re stepping outside your legal scope.
- If your company has the Contractor licence, but the person in charge onsite doesn’t hold the right Supervisor licence or Occupational licence, the project may not be “adequately supervised” under QBCC rules.
- Insurance, warranties, disputes, everything gets harder if your licence type isn’t right from the start.
So yes, this isn’t just ticking a box, it’s responsibility.
What You Should Do
At QBCC Express we help builders, supervisors and trades make sense of this, so you don’t end up on the wrong side of things.
For Builders / Company Owners:
- First, identify what your company does: Do you run the business? Sign contracts? You’ll likely need the Contractor licence.
- Then check the person nominated as the technical lead: They need to hold a licence at the same class as the company. (That might be a Nominee Supervisor or Contractor licence).
- Before handing over a project, verify that the supervisor onsite has the correct licence at the same class as the project classification.
For Supervisors / Trades:
- If you’re managing build work but not signing contracts, maybe you need a Site Supervisor licence.
- If you’re doing specific trade work under a builder/contractor, maybe you need an Occupational licence.
- If you’re aiming to run a business one day, you might need to move on from Site Supervisor to Contractor.
- We’ll show you the pathway, handle the paperwork, match your experience to the correct licence class.
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.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Assuming one licence covers all roles → It doesn’t. One person could hold a Contractor licence, but the company still needs a nominated person holding the correct licence class.
- Doing work outside your licence scope → Big risk. You’re vulnerable to fines, insurance headaches, reputational damage, and licence suspension or cancellation.
- Thinking this is just “more admin” → It’s not. It’s the foundation of a career, business and safety in construction.
Final Word
Get the licence right from the start. Don’t view it as “just paperwork”.
It’s what protects your business, your team, your reputation and the people you build for.
If you’re unsure which licence you need or what class of work you can undertake under your licence, let’s talk. At QBCC Express we guide you honestly, clearly and legally.
Can I carry out building work if I hold the wrong licence type?
No. You must hold the correct licence type for your role and the scope of work you’re responsible for.
What happens if a company doesn’t have a suitable nominee supervisor?
The company risks penalties; the nominee (or lack of one) may mean the licence is invalid.
Does holding a contractor licence automatically mean I can supervise on-site?
Yes, but only for the same class of licence scope. For example, if you are holding contractor licence low-rise, you can’t supervise mid-rise projects. However, if you are holding contractor licence mid-rise, you can supervise both mid-rise and low-rise projects, but not open projects. If you are holding contractor licence open, you can supervise low-rise, mid-rise, and open projects.
How do I know which class (Low Rise, Medium Rise, Open) my licence must cover?
It depends on the scope of the building work (storey, size, Type A projects). Match the class to your actual projects.
Can I upgrade or change my licence type later?
Yes. If your role changes (e.g. you move from supervising to running contracts) you’ll need to apply for the correct licence type and meet the eligibility requirements.