Carpentry Queensland

Carpentry remains one of the largest sectors of the construction industry, with thousands of graduates and apprentices taking up the craft every year. To work as a carpenter in Queensland, an individual will have to be granted a trade license from the state regulatory body – the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). Skills Certified has put together this brief overview of the application process, helping you better understand your responsibilities under the system.

Requirements

The QBCC requires that anyone looking to become a licensed carpenter have:

• A technical qualification recognised for the license class

If you lack a technical qualification, getting one can be a lengthy and expensive process. Fortunately, the Recognition of Prior Learning framework offers an alternative to costly and time-consuming schooling, allowing those with industry experience and relevant skills to be awarded a qualification with minimal additional education. Your past work and skill set will be taken into account and your assessor will prescribe a series of units of competency to fill any gaps in your knowledge. There is no difference in legitimacy between traditional and RPL pathways; both result in a full, valid license. For more information, speak to the trade licensing experts at Skills Certified.

Who needs a carpentry license?

Anyone who wishes to perform carpentry work for commercial gain is required to hold a valid carpentry license. The QBCC defines a carpenter’s scope of work as including tasks such as:

• the construction and erecting of timber and steel wall framing and roof structures
• the installation of timber and sheet flooring
• the construction of timber stairs
• the installation of doors and windows and door and window locks and furniture
• the installation of fitments
• and others

Without a license, you will not be able to carry out any carpentry work, submit bids or quotes for jobs, sign building contracts or perform any carpentry work in a personal capacity. Penalties for unlicensed carpentry are severe and can include fines in the tens of thousands of dollars.

How to get a carpentry license

1. Select the relevant license type on the QBCC website.
2. Download and complete the Builder and Designer Experience Form and the Builders Licence Application Form, giving specific examples of two to four years of relevant experience, as well as providing your technical qualifications, proof of identity and financial information.
3. Lodge your application in person or through the mail.
4. Successful applicants will be notified by mail within six to eight weeks.

Interstate and New Zealand equivalent license holders may apply through the mutual recognition process. Additional education or taking an approved managerial course may be required.