Start with the legal entity that will quote and contract, then check the individual responsible for supervision.
Contracting and supervision are different roles
A contractor licence can be issued to an individual or a company and permits contracting within its authorised scope. A nominee supervisor licence allows an individual to supervise a licensed company’s work; it does not let them personally contract in that capacity. A site supervisor licence is for supervision as an employee of a licensed contractor.
See QBCC’s licence-type guidance before choosing which individual application belongs with the business application.
The company needs a qualified nominee
Under QBCC’s company guidance, the nominee must be a director, secretary or employee of the company. They must hold a contractor or nominee supervisor licence in the same class as the company licence.
The nominee helps ensure adequate supervision and compliance with plans, standards and codes. It is an ongoing position. The company must maintain the appropriate nominee arrangement, and the nominee must maintain their individual licence.
Where the proposed nominee does not yet hold the required individual licence, prepare the individual application in the same class alongside the company application. Check QBCC’s current instructions for the application sequence.
A nominee leaving needs action
QBCC requires notice within 14 days when a nominee ceases to act. Check the replacement and notification requirements promptly if a director, secretary or employee leaves the role.
Keep the nominee’s contact details, relationship to the company, licence class and status easy to check. The name is recorded on QBCC’s online licence search.
Partnerships and trusts
A partnership is not licensed as a separate entity. At least one partner must hold the relevant contractor licence as an individual or company. QBCC says only that licensed contractor can enter contracts and prepare quotations or tenders for the partnership. All partners’ names must appear on the relevant contracts, advertising and site signage.
A trust cannot hold a QBCC licence. The trustee applies as an individual or company in the class covering the work. Do not assume that an ABN or trading name identifies the licence applicant.
For either structure, check the legal name on the application against the entity that will contract. Ask your accountant or legal adviser to confirm the business structure if it is unclear.
Gather the entity and individual records together
Before preparing the applications, identify:
- The legal entity that will sign contracts.
- The building or trade work it plans to contract.
- The proposed nominee and their current licence class and type.
- Whether the nominee is a director, secretary or employee.
- Any individual application still required.
- The relevant company, partnership or trustee records and financial material.
Use consistent names and work descriptions across both applications. A company quoting whole builds and a nominee qualified only for a narrower trade need the scope checked before lodgement.
Prepare both applications with the same purpose
Builders Licence Success checks the company or trustee structure, intended work and nominee position together. We help organise the individual and business applications; QBCC decides them.
Setting up a company or changing the nominee? Start the next-step check. Tell BLS who will sign contracts and who will supervise the work.