QLDVICSATASNTACT
Building
Certificate IV in Building and Construction
CPCBC40120 - CPCBC40120 - Your pathway to becoming a licensed low-rise builder. Nationally recognised qualification for builders, site supervisors, and construction managers.
Queensland Builder Licensing 2026
QBCC Builder's Licence Guide
Three licence classes. Three qualifications. One clear pathway. Everything you need to get your QBCC builder's licence in Queensland — from choosing the right class to submitting your application.
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Active Builder Licences
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New Licences Annually
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Typical Processing
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Application Fee
The Foundation
What Is a QBCC Builder's Licence?
A QBCC builder's licence is the legal authority to carry out building work in Queensland. Issued by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission under the QBCC Act 1991, it confirms you have the qualifications, experience, and financial capacity to operate as a licensed builder.
Without one, you cannot contract directly with homeowners, tender for building projects, or legally supervise construction work above certain value thresholds. Queensland's licensing framework is risk-based — the scope of work you can perform, and the financial backing you need, scale with your licence class.
There are currently 28,845 active builder licences in Queensland, with 8,175 new licences granted in 2024–25 alone. The Queensland construction pipeline is forecast to reach $77 billion by 2026–27 — and licensed builders are at the centre of it.
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Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Building without a licence is a serious offence. Infringement fines start at $3,338, with court-imposed penalties up to $41,725 for individuals and $20,625 for companies. Repeat offenders (3 or more offences) face up to 1 year imprisonment. The QBCC maintains a zero-tolerance enforcement policy.
Choose Your Path
Three Licence Classes Explained
Each licence class maps directly to a nationally recognised qualification. Choose the class that matches the scale of work you want to perform.
Scope of Work
Class 1 and 10 buildings up to 2 storeys. Includes residential homes, granny flats, sheds, and carports. Class 2–9 buildings up to 2,000m² in Type C construction only.
Ideal For
Builders focused on residential construction — new homes, renovations, extensions, and smaller commercial projects. This class represents nearly half of all QBCC builder applications.
CPC40120
Certificate IV in Building and Construction
19 Units
QBCC Required Units
2–4 Yrs
Experience Required
Technical Requirements
Qualifications You Need
Each QBCC licence class requires a specific nationally recognised qualification. No other publisher maps the exact unit codes — here they are.
The Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works sets the technical qualifications for QBCC licensing (this responsibility transferred from the QBCC on 1 July 2024). You can meet the requirements through formal study at a Registered Training Organisation, or through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you already have industry experience.
Builder — Low Rise
19 Units RequiredCPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction
View All 19 Required Units
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
CPCCBC4001 | Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 1 and 10 buildings | Core |
CPCCBC4002 | Manage work health and safety in the building and construction workplace | Core |
CPCCBC4007 | Plan building and construction work | Core |
CPCCBC4008 | Supervise site communication and administration processes | Core |
CPCCBC4009 | Apply legal requirements to building and construction projects | Core |
CPCCBC4010 | Apply structural principles to residential and commercial low-rise constructions | Core |
CPCCBC4012 | Read and interpret plans and specifications | Core |
CPCCBC4014 | Prepare simple relevant forms for small scale building projects | Core |
CPCCBC4018 | Apply site surveys and set-out procedures | Core |
CPCCBC4021 | Minimise waste on the building and construction site | Core |
CPCCBC4053 | Apply principles of professional practice to manage projects | Core |
CPCCBC4003 | Select, prepare and purchase materials | Elective |
CPCCBC4004 | Identify and produce estimated costs | Elective |
CPCCBC4005 | Produce labour and material schedules for ordering | Elective |
CPCCBC4006 | Select, procure and store construction materials | Elective |
CPCCBC4011 | Apply structural principles to commercial low-rise buildings | Elective |
CPCCBC4013 | Prepare and evaluate tender documentation | Elective |
CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures | Elective |
BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements | Elective |
Builder — Medium Rise
27 Units RequiredCPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction
View All 27 Required Units
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
CPCCBC5001 | Apply building codes and standards for Type B construction | Core |
CPCCBC5002 | Monitor costing systems on complex projects | Core |
CPCCBC5003 | Supervise the planning of on-site building work | Core |
CPCCBC5005 | Select and manage building contractors | Core |
CPCCBC5007 | Administer legal obligations of a building contractor | Core |
CPCCBC5009 | Identify services layout for medium rise buildings | Core |
CPCCBC5010 | Manage construction work | Core |
CPCCBC5011 | Manage environmental management processes | Core |
CPCCBC5013 | Manage professional development of self and others | Core |
CPCCBC5018 | Apply structural principles to medium rise buildings | Core |
CPCCBC4001 | Apply building codes (Class 1 and 10) | Core |
CPCCBC4003 | Select, prepare and purchase materials | Core |
CPCCBC4004 | Identify and produce estimated costs | Core |
CPCCBC4005 | Produce labour and material schedules | Core |
CPCCBC4008 | Supervise site communication | Core |
CPCCBC4009 | Apply legal requirements | Core |
CPCCBC4010 | Apply structural principles (Low Rise) | Core |
CPCCBC4012 | Read and interpret plans | Core |
CPCCBC4013 | Prepare and evaluate tender documentation | Core |
CPCCBC4018 | Apply site surveys | Core |
BSBWHS513 | Lead WHS risk management | Core |
BSBPMG532 | Manage project quality | Core |
CPCCBC5004 | Supervise and manage conformance to quality standards | Elective |
CPCCBC5006 | Apply economic principles to construction management | Elective |
CPCCBC5012 | Manage innovative building materials and methods | Elective |
CPCCBC5019 | Manage limited height scaffolding and rigging | Elective |
BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements | Elective |
Builder — Open
10 Units RequiredCPC60220 Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management)
View All 10 Required Units
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
CPCCBC6001 | Apply building codes and standards for large building projects | Core |
CPCCBC6003 | Establish, maintain and review external mid-level project management systems | Core |
CPCCBC6005 | Manage tender developments for major projects | Core |
CPCCBC6006 | Manage procurement of resources on large building projects | Core |
CPCCBC6007 | Establish, maintain and review stockpile and waste management systems | Core |
CPCCBC6013 | Determine construction methods and renew materials for large projects | Core |
CPCCBC6014 | Apply structural principles to large, high rise and complex buildings | Core |
CPCCBC6016 | Assess construction faults in large building projects | Core |
BSBPMG633 | Provide leadership for the program | Core |
BSBPMG637 | Engage in collaborative alliance | Core |
Alternative pathway: A relevant university degree (Bachelor of Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or Quantity Surveying) is also accepted.
Practical Experience
Experience Requirements
You do not need a trade apprenticeship to get a QBCC builder's licence. The experience requirement is about supervisory, management, and administration work — not tool-based trade work. Project managers, estimators, and site coordinators can all qualify, provided they hold the right qualification and can evidence their experience.
Experience by Background
| Your Background | Experience Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carpentry or Bricklaying qualification | 2 years | Reduced requirement recognises trade competence |
| Other trade or no trade background | 4 years | Must demonstrate supervisory/management experience |
Referees Matter
Your referees must hold a licence at the same level or higher than the class you are applying for. A Site Supervisor referee is not sufficient for a Contractor licence application. Prepare 6–10 detailed project examples with addresses, date ranges, your role, and the trades you supervised.
Step by Step
How to Apply for Your QBCC Licence
According to industry data, 4 out of 5 applicants receive a request for additional information from the QBCC. Getting your documentation right the first time is the single biggest thing you can do to speed up the process.
QBCC Application Process
1
▼
Complete Your Qualification
Obtain the nationally recognised qualification for your target licence class — CPC40120 (Low Rise), CPC50220 (Medium Rise), or CPC60220 (Open). Prepare Training delivers all three 100% online.
2
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Document Your Experience
Download the Experience Declaration Form from qbcc.qld.gov.au. Document 6–10 significant projects with addresses, date ranges, your supervisory role, and the trades you coordinated. Have licensed builder referees verify and sign each entry.
3
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Prepare Financial Documentation
SC2: calculate your Net Tangible Assets to confirm you meet the $46,000 threshold. Category 1+: engage an accountant to prepare your MFR Report (must be signed within 30 days of application submission).
4
▼
Complete Identity and Character Checks
Obtain a National Police Certificate (no older than 30 days). Prepare certified photo ID. If applying as a company, obtain an ASIC Company Extract and evidence of your nominee supervisor arrangement.
5
▼
Submit Your Application
Lodge via email, post, or in person at a QBCC service centre. Pay the application fee. QBCC will contact you for payment if lodging by email or post.
6
Receive Your Licence
Processing averages 31 days but builder applications typically take 6–8 weeks. If approved, you receive a licence card and letter confirming your licence number and scope of work.
Investment
Fees and Financial Requirements
QBCC licence fees are determined by your annual turnover category. For Contractor licences, you must also meet Minimum Financial Requirements — a solvency test that protects consumers and subcontractors.
Individual Contractor Application Fees (from 1 July 2025)
| Category | Max Revenue | New Applicant | 1-Year Renewal | 3-Year Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC2 | Up to $800,000 | $890.61 | $405.52 | $1,034.08 |
| Cat 1-2 | Up to $12 million | $1,141.65 | $485.09 | $1,236.95 |
| Cat 3-7 | Over $12 million | $1,641.10 | $729.72 | $1,861.01 |
Minimum Net Tangible Assets by Category
| Category | Maximum Revenue | Minimum NTA |
|---|---|---|
| SC1 | Up to $200,000 | $12,000 |
| SC2 | Up to $800,000 | $46,000 |
| Cat 1 | $800,001 – $3,000,000 | $46,001 – $156,000 |
| Cat 2 | $3,000,001 – $12,000,000 | $156,001 – $480,000 |
| Cat 3 | $12,000,001 – $30,000,000 | $480,001 – $1,200,000 |
| Cat 4 | $30,000,001 – $60,000,000 | $1,200,001 – $2,400,000 |
| Cat 5–7 | $60,000,001+ | $2,400,001+ |
NTA Calculation
NTA = Total Assets − Intangible Assets − Disallowed Assets − Total Liabilities
Disallowed assets include recreational vehicles, cryptocurrency, racehorses, collectors' items, and inaccessible superannuation. You must also maintain a current ratio of at least 1:1 (current assets ≥ current liabilities).
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SC1 Is Not Available to Builders
The SC1 financial category (up to $200,000 revenue, $12,000 NTA) is available to trade contractors only. Builders must start at SC2 ($800,000 revenue, $46,000 NTA) at minimum. Plan your finances accordingly before applying.
After You're Licensed
Insurance and Ongoing Obligations
Getting the licence is the first step. Keeping it requires ongoing compliance with financial reporting, insurance, and notification obligations.
Queensland Home Warranty Scheme
Most residential building work valued over $3,300 (including materials, labour, and GST) must be insured under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme. You must pay the premium to the QBCC before work starts or within 10 business days of signing the contract — whichever comes first.
$200K
Standard Cover (per claim)
$300K
Optional Extended Cover
6.5 Yrs
Cover Period
$3,300
Work Value Threshold
Annual Financial Reporting
Due by 31 December each year. Required for all contractor licensees except SC1 and SC2 individual contractors (under $800K revenue). Company licensees must report regardless of category. Non-compliance is an offence under the QBCC Act.
Notification Obligations
Notify the QBCC within 14 days of any change to your contact details (phone, email, address). Company licensees must also notify within 14 days of changes to directors or nominees. The February 2026 amendment regulation reinforced this requirement.
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CPD Is Not Yet Mandatory
Unlike NSW, Queensland has not yet legislated compulsory continuing professional development for builder licensees. A pilot programme with 160+ participants has been completed, and a framework is under development — but for now, CPD remains voluntary. This is likely to change, so staying current with industry training is still recommended.
What's Changed
Recent QBCC Changes: 2024–2026
Queensland's licensing framework is actively evolving. Here are the changes that affect builder licence applicants and holders right now.
1 July 2024
Technical Qualifications Governance Transfer
Setting of technical qualifications for licensing transferred from the QBCC to the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works. No qualification codes changed — the same CPC40120, CPC50220, and CPC60220 qualifications apply.
10 February 2025
Building Reg Reno: SC1/SC2 Reporting Relief
Sole traders with individual QBCC licences and approved maximum revenue under $800,000 (SC1 and SC2 categories) are now exempt from annual financial reporting. You must still maintain required NTA — but no longer need to submit annual reports.
2025 (Paused)
Trust Account Framework Pause
Lower contract thresholds for project trust accounts were paused. Trust accounts currently only apply to government contracts $1M+ and private/local government contracts $10M+. The pause is not permanent — thresholds may be reintroduced.
1 February 2026
QBCC Amendment Regulation
Clarified fee terminology (distinguishing "licence application fee" from "licence fee"), updated infringement notice references, and added a formal 14-day contact detail notification obligation under section 109C.
2 May 2030
Fire Protection Work Deadline
Temporary authorisation for builders to install and maintain fire collars, fire-rated penetrations, fire and smoke walls, and fire-rated ceilings expires. After this date, separate fire protection licensing will be required.
Get It Right First Time
Common Mistakes to Avoid
According to industry consultants, 4 out of 5 QBCC applicants receive a request for additional information. These are the mistakes that cause delays.
01
Referee Mismatch
Your referees must hold a licence at the same or greater level than the class you are applying for. A Site Supervisor referee cannot verify a Contractor application.
02
Trade-Only Experience
Listing trade work ("Installed cabinets") instead of supervisory work ("Coordinated kitchen renovation including plumbing, electrical, and cabinetry trades"). The QBCC needs evidence of management, not tool use.
03
Pre-Qualification Experience
Experience gained before obtaining the prerequisite qualification does not count — unless it was performed as an employee for an employer with the appropriate class of licence.
04
Expired Financial Documents
MFR reports must be signed within 30 days of application submission. National Police Certificates must also be no older than 30 days when received by the QBCC.
05
Wrong or Outdated Qualification
Ensure your Statement of Attainment includes all QBCC-required units for your target class — not just the minimum for the qualification itself. Superseded training packages may not be accepted.
06
Owner-Builder Work
Work performed under an owner-builder permit cannot be counted toward your experience requirement, regardless of how complex the project was.
Your Questions Answered
QBCC Builder Licence FAQs
PTET
Prepare Training Editorial Team
RTO 45384 | Building & Construction Qualifications
Our editorial team includes practising construction professionals, qualified trainers, and industry experts who create comprehensive guides for builders across Australia.
Relevant Qualifications
Courses for This Pathway
These nationally recognised qualifications meet the licensing requirements discussed in this guide.
QLDVICSATASNTACT
Building
Diploma of Building and Construction
CPCBC50220 - CPCBC50220 - Your pathway to a medium-rise builder's licence. Nationally recognised qualification for builders, site managers, and construction professionals across QLD, VIC, SA, TAS, NT, and ACT.
QLDNSWVICSAWATASNTACT
Building
Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction
CPCBC60220 - CPCBC60220 - The pinnacle qualification for unlimited builder licensing. Manage high-rise, commercial, and complex construction projects of any scale across Australia.
QLD
Building
Open Class Site Supervisor (QLD)
CPCBC60220 - CPCBC60220 - Streamlined 4-unit pathway to QBCC Open Class Site Supervisor licence. Supervise high-rise and complex projects of unlimited height in Queensland.
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Ready to Start Your Licence Pathway?
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