Yes—at the carpentry-scope level, QBCC’s scope includes exterior cladding, timber stairs, simple-form concreting and the erection and stripping of formwork. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) carpentry page was published or updated on 30 Aug 2021 and says most applications are fully processed within a few weeks, while advising applicants to allow around 8 weeks; figures checked 1 October 2026.
What else is in the Queensland carpentry scope?
QBCC’s current scope wording covers the following work:
| Scope area | Work described by QBCC |
|---|---|
| Framing | Constructing and erecting timber and steel wall framing and roof structures; constructing and erecting non-loadbearing internal partition walls; and erecting ceiling and subfloor framing. |
| Roofing | Installing metal roofing. |
| Doors and windows | Installing windows and doors, including framing; installing door and window locks and furniture; and restoring and renovating doors, windows and frames. |
| Flooring | Installing timber and sheet flooring. |
| Cladding | Installing exterior cladding, fascias and soffits. |
| Stairs | Constructing timber stairs. |
| Linings | Fixing internal linings, panelling and mouldings. |
| Fitments | Installing fitments. |
| Formwork and simple concreting | Concreting to simple forms, including installing formwork, reinforcement and concrete; and erecting and stripping formwork, including slip form and jump form formwork. |
| Incidental work | Incidental work of another class. |
What does “door” include in this scope?
In QBCC’s scope wording, “door” includes a fire door or fire shutter. That definition forms part of the listed doors-and-windows work.
Does the list determine the licence type and class?
No. QBCC separately instructs applicants to identify the licence type they require and confirm that the licence class covers the scope of work. The work list therefore needs to be checked against the selected licence type and class.
What must an applicant be eligible to do?
As well as meeting the eligibility requirements for the relevant licence type, an applicant must be fit and proper to operate. QBCC also requires:
- Permission to work in Queensland; the page lists citizen, visa and Immicard.
- Photographic proof of identity.
- Evidence of the business structure when operating under a trading name, company, partnership or trust.
How is an application lodged?
The application categories shown by QBCC are individual, company and mutual recognition. Applicants should:
- Ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying and paying fees.
- Identify the required licence type.
- Confirm that the licence class covers the scope of work.
- Gather supporting documents.
- Download and complete the application form.
- Pay the fees and lodge the application.
What fees are listed for the different MR bands?
QBCC says contractor-type licence fees are determined by annual turnover, which it defines as maximum revenue (MR). It lists the following application fees:
| Licence category | MR band | Total application fee | Fee for current QBCC licensees |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC1 | MR up to $200,000 p.a. | $773.89 | $438.81 |
| SC2 | MR up to $800,000 p.a. | $920.68 | $501.47 |
| Cat 1-2 | MR up to $12 million p.a. | $1180.19 | $678.72 |
| Cat 3-7 | MR over $12 million p.a. | $1696.50 | $942.15 |
QBCC also states that:
- A current individual QBCC licence holder receives a reduced fee when applying for another licence class.
- Changing the licence type or increasing a contractor’s MR triggers a licence-fee adjustment, and QBCC will contact the applicant with the adjusted amount.
- A printed certificate stating which QBCC licence is held can be selected on the application form for an additional $35.18.
- Fees and charges increase on 1 July each year. They were increased on 1 July 2026 in line with legislative requirements.
- Applicants can contact QBCC for details about specific fees, charges or prices.
Why can processing take longer?
The stated processing time is a guide rather than a guaranteed decision date. QBCC identifies possible delays where:
- Financial information needs analysis.
- A technical qualification is not the prescribed qualification and requires comparison mapping.
- Claimed experience must be assessed against the scopes of work for a particular licence class.
- Verification of experience is problematic.
- A fit-and-proper assessment is required.
- There is a problem with fee payment or the application form is incomplete.
- Application volumes are high.
- Additional information is needed to progress the application, or for other reasons.
What happens after QBCC decides the application?
If the application is approved, QBCC posts a printed licence card and 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.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the current QBCC regulator page and the relevant policy’s PDS before making a licensing or insurance decision.
Sources
FAQ
Are formwork, cladding and stairs in Queensland’s carpentry scope?
Yes. QBCC includes exterior cladding, timber stairs, simple-form concreting, and the erection and stripping of formwork within its carpentry scope wording.
Does “door” include a fire door or fire shutter?
Yes. QBCC’s note states that “door” includes a fire door or fire shutter.
Does the carpentry scope list determine which licence class I need?
No. Applicants must identify the required licence type and confirm that the licence class covers the scope of work.
How long should I allow for a QBCC application?
QBCC says most applications are fully processed within a few weeks but advises allowing around 8 weeks. Some applications can take longer.
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
QBCC refunds the licence fee but retains the processing cost.
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