Understanding Your Legal Responsibilities in Queensland Construction
If you work in construction in Queensland, chances are you need a QBCC licence.
But not every role or project requires one.
Knowing where the line is can save you thousands in fines and protect your reputation.
Here’s a simple guide to help you understand when you need a licence and when you don’t straight from the QBCC framework.
When You Do Need a Licence
If you’re an individual, company, or partnership carrying out or contracting building work in Queensland, you generally need a QBCC licence if the work is:
- Valued over $3,300 (labour and materials combined)
- Valued over $1,100 if it involves hydraulic services design
- Any value at all if the work involves:
- Plumbing or drainage
- Gas fitting
- Termite management (chemical)
- Fire protection
- Drainage work
- Mechanical services
- Building design (Low Rise, Medium Rise, or Open)
- Site classification
- Completed residential building inspections
To put it simply, if you’re responsible for managing, designing, or physically carrying out building work above those values, you need a licence.
You also need to make sure you hold the correct class for the work you’re doing, for example, Builder Low Rise vs Builder Open, and the right licence type for your role, such as Contractor, Site Supervisor, or Nominee Supervisor.
If You’re an Employee
If you’re an employee working under a licensed contractor, you usually don’t need your own licence.
But there are important exceptions.
You do need a licence if you are personally responsible for:
- Supervising or directing building work
- Ensuring work meets plans, specifications, and standards
- Overseeing quality control or defect management
For example, Nominee Supervisors and Site Supervisors must hold a licence for the class of work being performed.
You also need an Occupational Licence if your job involves any of the following, no matter the value of the work:
- Plumbing
- Drainage
- Gas fitting
- Termite management (chemical)
- Fire protection
- Mechanical services
If you’re unsure, the rule of thumb is:
If you take responsibility for how the work is done, not just perform it, you probably need 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.
If You’re a Subcontractor
The rules for subcontractors depend on who you’re working for and what type of work you’re doing.
Working for a licensed trade contractor:
- Usually you don’t need your own licence if the trade contractor is licensed for that scope.
- You do need an occupational licence if you personally perform or supervise the work in plumbing, drainage, gasfitting, termite management (chemical), fire protection, or mechanical services.
Working for a licensed builder:
- You need the relevant contractor licence for the building work you’re subcontracted to perform.
Working for a licensed building inspector:
- You need a contractor licence for the inspection-related work.
Working for a licensed mechanical or fire protection contractor:
- You need the relevant contractor licence for that class.
- You also need an occupational licence if you personally perform or supervise the work.
Working for an unlicensed principal contractor or developer (commercial only):
- The unlicensed principal can contract commercial work but cannot carry out the work themselves.
- You, as the subcontractor, must hold the correct contractor licence for the work you perform.
When You Don’t Need a Licence
There are genuine exemptions under the QBCC Act and Regulation.
You don’t need a QBCC licence if you are:
- A trust (trusts themselves can’t hold licences; the trustee must hold it)
- An unlicensed partner working with a licensee who holds the correct licence (but you can’t sign contracts yourself)
- An owner doing work on your own property valued under $11,000
- An owner-builder working under a valid owner-builder permit
- A handyman, as long as:
- The job value is under $3,300
- It’s not electrical or plumbing work
- It doesn’t require an occupational licence
- An electrician, demolition worker, asbestos removalist, or insulation installer, provided you’re licensed under other relevant legislation (e.g. Workplace Health & Safety or the Electrical Safety Office)
- An architect, carrying out design or inspection work under the Board of Architects Queensland
There are also specific project exemptions under Schedule 1 and 1A of the QBCC Regulation and Act, including government projects and certain design work.
If you’re not sure whether your situation qualifies, it’s always safest to check with QBCC or QBCC Express before starting work.
Why Getting It Right Matters
Working without the correct licence isn’t just risky, it’s illegal.
Penalties can include:
- Fines up to $30,000 for individual for the first time offence
- Stop-work orders
- Voided insurance coverage
- Delays in future licence approvals
- Permanent QBCC compliance records
More importantly, unlicensed work can damage your professional reputation.
Clients and builders rely on your licence to prove you meet industry standards and understand your legal obligations.
The Smart Way to Get Licensed
At QBCC Express, we help individuals, supervisors, and businesses get licensed properly without the confusion.
Our team can:
- Check whether you actually need a licence for your role
- Identify the right class and type of licence for your work
- Help with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to speed up qualification
- Handle your QBCC application from start to finish
You focus on your projects; we’ll make sure you’re compliant.
Final Word
If you work in construction in Queensland, don’t guess about licensing.
It’s not just paperwork, it’s protection for you, your team, and your clients.
When in doubt, check first.
Because having the right QBCC licence doesn’t just keep you legal, it keeps your career strong.
Do I need a licence if I’m an employee?
Usually no, unless you supervise or take responsibility for the quality and compliance of the work. For example, if your role is site supervisor / site manager / site foreman, if you supervise building work solo under a licenced builder, you will need site supervisor licence.
How much work can I do without a licence?
You can carry out building work up to $3,300 (or $1,100 for hydraulic design) as long as it doesn’t require an occupational licence.
What if I’m a subcontractor under a licensed builder?
You’ll need the relevant contractor licence for your trade unless the builder’s licence already covers that scope.
Can I do my own home renovations without a licence?
Yes, if the work is valued under $11,000 and you’re not carrying out regulated trades like plumbing or electrical.
Who can help me figure out what licence I need?
QBCC Express can assess your qualifications and experience, identify the correct licence, and handle the application process for you.