Understanding What’s Mandatory, What’s Optional, and What Builds Your Future
In Queensland, holding the right QBCC licence isn’t just about ticking a box.
It determines what you can legally do, how much responsibility you can take on, and how far your career can go.
But not all licences are the same, and understanding the difference between a Site Supervisor Licence and a Builder Licence can protect both your career and your company.
The Site Supervisor Licence. It’s Not Optional
If you’re supervising building work in Queensland, a Site Supervisor Licence isn’t negotiable, it’s mandatory.
Every person who directs trades, checks workmanship, or ensures a project meets plans and specifications must hold their own licence under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).
If you don’t have it, you’re performing unlawful work.
And the consequences are serious:
- Fines of up to $30,000 for individuals
- Stop-work orders that can delay projects
- Voided insurance if something goes wrong
- A record with QBCC that follows you into future applications or job opportunities
Even if your employer has a builder licence, that does not cover you as a supervisor.
Your licence is your personal responsibility and your legal protection.
It shows that you’re qualified, compliant, and accountable for the work happening under your supervision.
The Builder Licence - Mandatory for Companies, Optional for Employees
While the Site Supervisor Licence is legally required for individuals overseeing work, the Builder Licence works differently.
A Builder Licence is mandatory for companies that contract, manage, or take financial responsibility for building projects.
But for employees, such as Construction Managers, Project Managers, Contract Administrators, or Site Managers, it’s optional.
You can work under your employer’s builder licence (except site supervisor) without needing your own.
That means if you’re employed full-time by a licensed builder, you can legally perform your role without holding a Builder Licence yourself as long as you’re not contracting or signing building agreements in your own name.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth having.
Karen Zhang - QBCC Express Founder
Your licence is more than compliance, it’s your career safety net. Get it right the first time, and it’ll carry you further than any project ever could.
Why a Builder Licence Still Matters for Your Career
Even though a Builder Licence isn’t mandatory for employees, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your future.
Here’s why:
✅ It gives you options.
If you ever decide to step out of employment, to consult, subcontract, or start your own business, you’ll already be ready.✅ It gives you credibility.
Clients, developers, and builders recognise a licensed builder as a professional who understands both the construction process and compliance.✅ It gives you freedom.
You can choose the projects you want to work on, negotiate better rates, and design a lifestyle that fits your priorities, whether that’s flexibility, family time, or career growth.Holding a Builder Licence doesn’t mean leaving your job; it simply means you have choices.
You control your next move, instead of waiting for opportunity to appear.
The Legal Difference
Here’s a quick summary of how the two licences work under QBCC:
Licence | Mandatory For | Covers | Main Purpose |
Site Supervisor Licence | Individuals who supervise or direct building work | On-site supervision, quality control, compliance | Ensures all site work is led by qualified professionals |
Builder Licence | Companies and individuals contracting for building work | Project management, contracting, financial responsibility | Allows the licence holder to legally operate a building business |
If you’re on site and leading trades, you need the Site Supervisor Licence.
If you’re running the business or contracting directly with clients, you need the Builder Licence.
If you are holding builder licence, you can legally supervise building work, you don’t need to apply a separate site supervisor licence.
The Risks of Ignoring Licensing
The QBCC takes licensing seriously, and so should you.
Unlicensed supervision or contracting can lead to:
- Severe financial penalties
- Voided insurance and warranty claims
- Delays in future licence applications
- Public disciplinary action
Beyond the fines, it damages trust, both with your employer and the clients who rely on your professional judgement.
Licensing isn’t just about compliance.
It’s about credibility.
When you hold the right licence, you show that you respect the laws that protect Queensland’s building industry and that you take your responsibilities seriously.
How to Get Licensed the Right Way
At QBCC Express, we specialise in helping busy professionals get licensed properly, quickly, and without the confusion.
We handle everything from checking eligibility to preparing documents and lodging the application, so you can keep working while we do the admin.
Here’s how it works:
- Eligibility Check: We confirm your experience and qualifications.
- RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning): We assess your background and help you meet qualification requirements if required and if you are eligible.
- Document Preparation: We create a QBCC-compliant resume, referee reports, and project summaries.
- Application Lodgement : We submit your application and track it until approval.
Whether you’re applying for a Site Supervisor Licence or Builder Licence, we make sure it’s done right, the first time.
The Bottom Line
If you’re supervising work in Queensland, you must hold your own Site Supervisor Licence.
Working without it is unlawful and the consequences are serious.
If you’re working for a licensed builder, you don’t need a Builder Licence to stay employed.
But if you want more options, flexibility, and long-term independence, getting one can transform your career and life.
Your licence isn’t just a formality, it’s a foundation.
It’s what keeps you compliant today and opens new doors tomorrow.
Because in construction, the people who stay ahead aren’t the ones who wait for time or permission.
They’re the ones who build their own path, licence in hand.
Do I need a Site Supervisor Licence if my company has a Builder Licence?
Yes. Every individual supervising or directing work on site must hold their own Site Supervisor Licence, even if their employer holds a Builder Licence.
Can I work as a Project Manager without a Builder Licence?
Yes, as long as you’re employed by a licensed builder and not contracting or signing building agreements yourself.
What happens if I supervise work without a licence?
You can face fines up to $30,000, lose your job, and have a QBCC breach recorded against your name.
What’s the main difference between a Site Supervisor Licence and a Builder Licence?
A Site Supervisor Licence is mandatory for individuals overseeing site work.
A Builder Licence is mandatory for businesses or individuals who contract and manage building work for clients.
Can QBCC Express help me apply for both?
Absolutely. We help with both Site Supervisor and Builder Licence applications, including qualification checks, RPL, evidence collection, and full document preparation.