Which QBCC Licence Do You Need?
A Simple Guide for Queensland Construction Professionals
Understanding QBCC licence types can feel overwhelming.
Different roles.
Different rules.
Different responsibilities.
Different training.
Different licence classes.
But the truth is simple:
You can only do the job your licence type allows you to do.
And the fastest way to get into trouble is to work outside your licence type, even accidentally.
This blog breaks down the four QBCC licence types in simple, everyday language to help you understand exactly what each one means.
Contractor Licence
(You run the business)
This is the licence most people think of when they hear “QBCC licence”.
It allows you to:
- Run a building business
- Sign building contracts
- Take on clients
- Carry out work through your company
- Engage subcontractors
- Oversee projects
A contractor licence can be held by:
- A company
- An individual (sole trader)
- A partner
- A trustee
To get this licence, you must show:
- Technical skills
- Business training
- Financial capacity
- Experience (for some classes)
This is the licence you need if you want to operate as a builder, trade contractor, designer, inspector, or project manager.
If you want to build under your own name or business, this is the licence.
Nominee Supervisor Licence
(You supervise for the company)
The nominee supervisor is the person who makes sure the company’s building work meets:
- Standards
- Codes
- Regulations
- Contract requirements
They are legally responsible for the quality of the work the company carries out.
A nominee must:
- Work for the company
- Meet the qualification and experience requirements
- Have the same licence class as the company
- Supervise all building work under that class
But here’s the key point:
A nominee supervisor cannot sign building contracts.
Only the company (with its contractor licence) can do that.
Think of the nominee as the “responsible person” inside the company.
Karen Zhang - QBCC Express Founder
The truth is simple: You can only do the job your licence type allows you to do. And the fastest way to get into trouble is to work outside your licence type, even accidentally.
Site Supervisor Licence
(You supervise work on-site)
This licence allows someone to supervise building work on-site, under a licensed contractor.
You must:
- Be an employee
- Hold the right technical qualification
- Supervise work only within your licence class
A site supervisor cannot:
- Sign contracts
- Run a business
- Operate independently
Their job is to manage the day-to-day work safely, correctly, and legally.
Builders rely on site supervisors to maintain quality and compliance at every stage.
Occupational Licence
(You perform the trade)
This licence is for specific trades, including:
- Plumbing
- Drainage
- Gasfitting
- Mechanical
- Fire protection
- Termite management (chemical)
An occupational licence allows you to personally do the trade, but it does not allow you to:
- Run a business
- Sign contracts
- Engage clients
You need an additional contractor licence to legally run a business.
The easiest way to remember it
Here’s the plain-English cheat sheet:
Contractor = runs the business and signs contracts
Nominee Supervisor = supervises for the company
Site Supervisor = supervises work on the site
Occupational = does the trade work
If you mix these up, you can end up working illegally without even realising it.
Why choosing the right licence matters
Having the wrong licence can lead to:
- Big fines
- Project delays
- Contract issues
- Insurance problems
- Liability for defects
- Suspension of work
- Loss of reputation
One wrong licence can affect your entire career or business.
How QBCC Express can help
If you’re unsure:
- Which licence you need
- Which class you qualify for
- What documents are required
- How to apply correctly
We make it easy.
We help you:
✓ Understand the correct licence
✓ Prepare your documents
✓ Match your experience to QBCC requirements
✓ Submit confidently
✓ Avoid delays
Getting licensed should feel clear, not confusing.
QBCC licence types might look complex at first, but once you understand what each one does, it becomes simple:
Contractor runs the business.
Nominee supervises for the business.
Site Supervisor oversees work on-site.
Occupational carries out the trade.
Choosing the right licence keeps your work legal, safe, and compliant.
And if you’re unsure, QBCC Express is here to guide you.
What is the difference between a Contractor Licence and a Nominee Supervisor Licence?
A Contractor Licence lets you run a building business and sign contracts.
A Nominee Supervisor Licence allows you to supervise the building work inside the company — but not sign contracts.
Does a Site Supervisor need a Contractor Licence?
No. A Site Supervisor only needs a Site Supervisor Licence to supervise work on-site.
They cannot run a business or sign building contracts unless they also hold a Contractor Licence.
How do I know if I need an Occupational Licence?
If you work in plumbing, drainage, gasfitting, fire protection, mechanical services, or termite management (chemical), you need an Occupational Licence to perform the trade legally in Queensland.
Can one person hold multiple QBCC licence types?
Yes.
Some people hold:
• Contractor Licence
• Nominee Supervisor Licence
• Site Supervisor Licence
• Occupation Licence
It depends on the work they perform.
How do I choose the right QBCC licence type?
Look at the role you want to perform:
• Running a business → Contractor
• Supervising for a company → Nominee Supervisor
• Supervising on-site work → Site Supervisor
• Doing the trade → Occupational
QBCC Express can review your experience and tell you exactly which licence type fits your situation.