Who is it for?
The Builder – Low-Rise Licence is the entry-level licence for builders wanting to legally contract and manage small to mid-scale projects in Queensland. It suits Builders, Site Managers, Project Managers, and Business Owners delivering houses, duplexes, townhouses, small commercial builds, and non-structural work. It’s also ideal for construction professionals looking to establish their own business or take the first step towards larger projects.
What does the licence allow?
With a QBCC Builder – Low-Rise Licence, you can:
- Build and manage Class 1 or Class 10 buildings (houses, townhouses, garages, sheds).
- Deliver Classes 2–9 buildings up to 2000m² gross floor area, provided they are not Type A or Type B construction (such as complex fire-resistant structures).
- Carry out and oversee non-structural building work on any building, regardless of class or size.
- Prepare plans and specifications for your personal use, or for building work you personally perform.
- Until 2 May 2030, you may also install and maintain: Fire collars and fire-rated penetrations, Fire-rated joint sealing, Fire and smoke walls and ceilings
What is not covered by this licence?
This licence does not allow you to:
- Conduct a completed building inspection for a buyer or interested party.
- Personally carry out building work requiring: A separate fire protection licence (beyond the temporary allowances above), or Another occupational licence (e.g. plumbing, electrical) unless you also hold that licence
- Supervise or contract non-structural building work if: A fire protection licence is required, and the work involves Type A or B construction on Classes 2–9 buildings, or it is on Classes 2–9 buildings exceeding 2000m²
Eligibility criterias
To apply, you must satisfy QBCC’s licensing standards:
- Be assessed as fit and proper to operate.
- Hold valid permission to work in Queensland (citizenship, visa, or Immicard).
- Provide photographic proof of identity.
- Provide evidence of your business structure (sole trader, company, partnership, or trust).
Technical classification
The Builder – Low-Rise Licence gives you the authority to manage small to medium-sized building projects. It’s a foundational licence for builders starting their own operations or moving from site-based roles into contracting and management. You must demonstrate technical qualifications through:
- A formal qualification from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
- Successful completion of the appropriate course for this class
- A Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certificate issued by an RTO.
- A qualification statement from an approved authority
Commonly Asked Questions
Who needs a QBCC Builder – Low-Rise Licence?
Builders and contractors managing small to medium-scale projects like homes, townhouses, and small commercial buildings under 2000m².
What building work can I do with this licence?
You can manage Class 1 and 10 projects, plus Classes 2–9 buildings up to 2000m² (excluding Type A or B construction), and oversee non-structural work on any building.
What work is excluded from this licence?
You cannot work on Type A or B construction, large Class 2–9 buildings over 2000m², or personally carry out specialist trade work unless licensed.
Do I need a qualification to apply?
Yes. A relevant qualification (or RPL) is required to demonstrate your technical competence.
How is Low-Rise different from Medium- or Open-Licence?
Low-Rise restricts you to projects up to 2000m², Medium-Rise expands this to three-storey projects, and Open removes all limitations.
How long does the application process take?
If you hold the required qualification and documentation, approval may take 4–6 weeks. If you need to complete RPL or a new qualification, expect 6–10 weeks.
Why should I start with a Low-Rise Licence?
It’s the first step to legally contract and deliver projects as a builder, unlocking business opportunities while setting a pathway towards Medium- and Open-class licences.
Pricing packages
Fees are excluding QBCC application fee, excluding QBCC first 12-month licence fee, excluding RPL fee. All prices exclude GST. All fees are tax deductible for work related costs.
You have the required qualifications
$4,490
- Licence Eligibility Check
- QBCC-compliant resume and experience mapping
- Documents collection and preparation
- Application draft, lodgement and submission
- Progress tracking and Ongoing advice until licenced
You need to obtain the require qualitification
$5,789
- Licence Eligibility Check
- QBCC-compliant resume and experience mapping
- Documents collection and preparation
- Application draft, lodgement and submission
- Progress tracking and Ongoing advice until licenced
- RPL enrolment, assessment, documents collection and preparation, obtain Statement of attainment to meet the qualification requirement.