No—not as a general rule. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) says that, although some exemptions exist, in most cases where building work exceeds $3,300 including labour and materials, the company must hold its own licence under the QBCC Act (figures checked 1 October 2026). Employing a QBCC-licensed individual or having a QBCC-licensed director is not sufficient, even if that person’s licence number appears on the contract, because the company is a separate legal entity.
Why does the company need its own QBCC licence?
The QBCC describes a company as an independent legal entity with separate legal capacity under the Corporations Law. The company can enter contracts and perform its obligations in that capacity, so the licensing requirement follows the company rather than the person directing or working for it.
A director’s authority to act for the company does not turn the director’s individual licence into a company licence. The QBCC’s position is entity-specific: in ordinary cases, the company carrying out the building work must be licensed.
Does a licensed director or employee cover the company?
No. The QBCC expressly identifies each of these arrangements as insufficient:
| Arrangement | Enough for the company? |
|---|---|
| The company holds its own QBCC licence | This is the arrangement required in ordinary cases |
| A company director holds a QBCC licence | No |
| An employee holds a QBCC licence | No |
| An individual’s licence number appears on the contract | No |
The licence number identifies the licensed individual; writing it on a contract does not substitute for the company holding its own licence.
Are there exceptions to the $3,300 threshold?
Yes. The QBCC states that some exemptions exist under the QBCC Act, so the $3,300 threshold should not be treated as a complete test for every project.
Its guidance refers to most cases where the value of building work exceeds $3,300, including labour and materials. Whether an exemption applies depends on the actual work and circumstances. Check the current QBCC guidance before assuming that a director’s or employee’s licence, or the contract’s licence details, removes the company’s licensing obligation.
What should the company check before starting work?
- Confirm which legal entity will enter the building contract.
- Check the contract value, including labour and materials.
- Determine whether the company must hold its own licence or whether a specific exemption applies.
- Do not rely on a director’s or employee’s licence as a substitute for company licensing.
- Review the relevant insurance policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) separately.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Check the current QBCC regulator page and your policy’s PDS before acting.
Sources
FAQ
Can a Queensland company use its director’s QBCC licence?
No. A director’s licence is not sufficient for the company, even if the director’s licence number appears on the contract. In ordinary cases, the company must hold its own licence.
Can a company rely on a licensed employee instead?
No. The QBCC says that employing a QBCC-licensed individual is not sufficient to satisfy the company’s licensing requirement.
Could an exemption apply?
Possibly. Some exemptions exist under the QBCC Act, but they must be assessed against the particular project and checked against current regulator guidance.
Does the $3,300 threshold include labour and materials?
Yes. The QBCC’s stated threshold is building work exceeding $3,300, including labour and materials.
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