If you supervise building work, you must hold the correct QBCC licence.
Not “maybe”.
Not “if the licensed supervisor is away today”.
Not “I’ve done this before so it’s fine”.
The law is clear.
The consequences are real.
And the financial risk can be huge.
Yet unlicensed supervision still happens every single week across Queensland, not because people want to break the law, but because they simply don’t understand how the rules work.
This blog breaks it down in simple, plain language so you can protect yourself, your company, and your career.
What counts as “supervision”?
This is where most people get confused.
Supervision is not just walking around checking work.
You are supervising building work if:
- You give instructions to trades
- You approve stages of work
- You check compliance
- You oversee day-to-day site progress
- You tell someone “go ahead” or “stop”
Even if it’s only for a few hours.
Even if you’re “just covering for the day”.
Even if you’re experienced.
If it looks like supervision, the law treats it as supervision.
Who needs a licence?
Simple rule:
If you supervise building work in Queensland, you must hold a Site Supervisor Licence of the correct class.
That includes:
- Site Supervisors
- Site Managers
- Project Managers
- Contract Administrators
- Engineers
- Foremen
- Anyone who gives direction on the physical work
It doesn’t matter what your job title says.
The law looks at what you actually do, not what’s printed on your business card.
Karen Zhang - QBCC Express Founder
In the Queensland construction industry, there’s one rule that never changes: If you supervise building work, you must hold the correct QBCC licence.
What “unlicensed supervision” really means
If you supervise work without the correct licence, you are legally seen as: Unlicensed.
This triggers two issues:
- You can be fined
The QBCC can issue fines to individuals who supervise without the right licence.
These fines can be thousands of dollars, and they apply whether you’re a junior, senior, or long-term industry professional.
- Your employer can be fined
Most people don’t realise this. If a company allows an unlicensed person to supervise work:
- The company gets fined
- The individual gets fined
- The nominee supervisor may face consequences
It’s not one or the other.
Everyone is exposed.
Why experience doesn't protect you
Many construction professionals believe:
“I’ve been doing this for years. I know what I’m doing.”
Experience helps you do the job well, but it does not protect you from the law.
You can have 20 years of site management experience and still be considered “unlicensed” under QBCC rules if you don’t hold the correct supervision licence.
Compliance is based on:
- Licence type
- Licence class
- Project type
Not experience.
What companies risk when supervision is unlicensed
It’s more than just fines.
Companies risk:
- Insurance issues
- Defect liability disputes
- Contract disputes
- Delays
- Legal claims
- Damage to business reputation
- Suspension of licences
One unlicensed supervisor can create massive consequences for an entire company.
“Just covering the site” is not an excuse
This is the most common scenario.
The licensed supervisor is:
- Sick
- On leave
- At another site
- In a meeting
- Stuck in traffic
And someone says:
“Can you cover for a bit?”
“It’s only today.”
“Just deal with the trades until he gets back.”
But the moment you step in and supervise, the law applies.
This is how almost every accidental breach happens.
Why the right licence protects your career
Holding your own Site Supervisor Licence gives you:
✓ Legal protection
✓ Career flexibility
✓ Better job opportunities
✓ Pay negotiation power
✓ Ability to cover sites legally
✓ Confidence that you’re not at risk
It protects you, not just the company.
How QBCC Express can help
If you need a Site Supervisor Licence and you’re unsure:
- Which class you need
- What evidence to collect
- What technical qualifications are requried
- Whether your past experience counts
- How to fill out the forms
- What documents QBCC expects
We can help you prepare everything properly the first time.
Simple. Clear. Fast.
Unlicensed supervision isn’t a “small mistake”.
It’s a legal issue that affects your job, your company, your insurance, and your future.
The safest path is simple:
If you supervise work, get licensed.
If you’re unsure, ask.
Your licence protects you long before you realise you need it.
What happens if you supervise building work without a QBCC licence?
If you supervise building work without the correct licence, both you and your employer can be fined.
You’re also legally unprotected if something goes wrong on the project.
This includes defects, safety issues, insurance problems, or complaints.
Can a Project Manager supervise work without a Site Supervisor Licence in Queensland?
No. If a Project Manager supervises physical building work, even for a few hours, they must hold the correct Site Supervisor Licence.
The law looks at what you do, not your job title.
Does “just helping out” count as supervision under QBCC rules?
Yes. If you give instructions to trades, approve stages of work, or oversee site activity, you are supervising.
Even short-term or accidental supervision still requires the correct licence class.
Who gets fined for unlicensed supervision, the worker or the company?
Both. The individual supervising without the licence AND the company that allowed it can be fined.
The QBCC can take disciplinary action against the nominee supervisor too.
How do I know which Site Supervisor Licence class I need?
It depends on the type, size, and height of the buildings you work on.
Low Rise, Medium Rise, and Open classes each have limits.
If you’re unsure, QBCC Express can assess your projects and tell you exactly which licence class fits your role.