According to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), most application types are usually fully processed within a few weeks, but applicants should allow around 8 weeks (QBCC’s Builder—open guidance, updated 23 July 2025). That is a planning guide rather than a guaranteed decision time, because financial analysis, qualification mapping, experience evidence, fit-and-proper assessment, form problems and payment issues can require additional work.
Figures checked 1 October 2026.
What can make an application take longer?
QBCC identifies several circumstances that may extend processing:
| Issue | Why processing may take longer |
|---|---|
| Financial information | The submitted financial information may need further analysis. |
| Technical qualification | If the qualification is not the prescribed qualification, QBCC may need to compare and map it against the requirements. |
| Claimed experience | QBCC may need to assess the experience against the scope of work for the particular licence class. |
| Experience verification | Problematic verification can require additional follow-up. Where applicants rely on referee evidence, incomplete or unclear information can make that verification harder. |
| Fit-and-proper assessment | The applicant may need to complete a fit-and-proper assessment. |
| Form or payment problems | An incomplete application form or a problem with the fee payment can hold up processing. |
| Additional assessment or demand | High application volumes, requests for further information and other reasons may also add time. |
Referee evidence should not be read as a universal formal requirement. Its practical relevance depends on the evidence being used to support the applicant’s experience, so confirm the requirements for the particular licence class with QBCC.
What work does a Builder—open licence cover?
The scope is broad, but it has defined inclusions and exclusions:
| Scope | Building work |
|---|---|
| Included | Building work on all classes of buildings. |
| Included | Preparing plans and specifications for the licensee’s personal use, or for building work performed personally by the licensee. |
| Temporarily until 2 May 2030 | Installing and maintaining fire collars, fire-rated penetrations, fire-rated joint sealing, fire and smoke walls, and fire-rated ceilings for the building work described in the scope. |
| Not included | A completed building inspection for an interested party for the building. |
| Not included | Personally carrying out building work that requires a fire protection licence, apart from the specified temporary fire protection work. |
| Not included | Personally carrying out work that requires an occupational licence unless the licensee holds that occupational licence. |
This means the broad description of building work does not remove the separate licensing requirements for fire protection work, occupational work or completed building inspections.
What general eligibility requirements must applicants meet?
As well as satisfying the requirements for the relevant licence type, applicants must:
- be fit and proper to operate;
- have permission to work in Queensland, whether as a citizen, visa holder or Immicard holder;
- provide photographic proof of identity; and
- provide evidence of the business structure if operating under a trading name, company, partnership or trust.
Check the current QBCC page for the detailed requirements attached to the proposed licence type before applying or paying fees.
How much does a Builder—open application cost?
For a contractor-type licence, QBCC determines the fee using annual turnover, described as maximum revenue (MR). The QBCC page provides these company application figures:
| Company category | Maximum revenue | Total application fee | Current QBCC licence-holder fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC2 | Up to $800,000 p.a. | $920.68 | $501.47 |
| Cat 1-2 | Up to $12 million p.a. | $1180.19 | $678.72 |
| Cat 3-7 | Over $12 million p.a. | $1696.50 | $942.15 |
An applicant who holds a current individual QBCC licence pays a reduced fee when applying for another licence class. If the applicant changes licence type, or is a contractor increasing MR, an adjustment applies and QBCC will contact the applicant with the adjusted amount.
QBCC’s fees and charges increase on 1 July each year. Its fees and charges were increased on 1 July 2025 in line with legislative requirements, so contact QBCC for the specific fee that applies when applying.
An optional printed certificate identifying the licence held can be selected on the application form for an additional $35.18.
What are the application steps?
Before applying and paying, QBCC advises applicants to ensure they can meet every eligibility requirement. The application process is:
- Confirm that the licence class covers the intended scope of work.
- Identify the licence type required.
- Gather the supporting documents.
- Download and complete the application form.
- Pay the fees and lodge the application.
To reduce avoidable delay, check any non-prescribed qualification against the relevant requirements before submission. Make sure the claimed experience can be assessed against the licence-class scope, and ensure that any referee information relied upon is complete and clear. A fully completed form and a payment free of problems also help QBCC progress the application without additional follow-up.
What happens after QBCC decides the application?
If the licence is approved, QBCC posts a printed licence card and a licence letter. The letter includes the licence number and the scope of work for the licence class.
If the application is unsuccessful, QBCC refunds the licence fee but retains the cost of processing the application.
What should applicants check before relying on this guide?
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the QBCC regulator page for current licensing requirements, fees and class-specific evidence, and check your policy’s PDS for the insurance terms that apply to you. Use those documents rather than this summary if the details differ.
Sources
FAQ
Does QBCC guarantee that an application will be processed within eight weeks?
No. QBCC says most application types are usually fully processed within a few weeks, but its guide is to allow around 8 weeks. That period is not a guaranteed decision time.
What are the most common reasons for a longer processing time?
Common issues include financial analysis, comparison mapping for a non-prescribed technical qualification, assessment of claimed experience, problematic verification, fit-and-proper assessments, incomplete forms, payment problems, high application volumes and requests for additional information.
Does the Builder—open licence cover every type of building work?
It covers building work on all classes of buildings, but subject to stated exclusions. These include most personally performed work requiring a fire protection or occupational licence, unless the relevant authorisation is held, and a completed building inspection for an interested party.
How are contractor-type licence fees determined?
QBCC determines contractor-type fees from annual turnover, described as maximum revenue. Different MR bands attract different fees, and a current individual QBCC licence holder receives a reduced fee when applying for another licence class.