If you're looking to establish yourself as a professional painter and decorator in Queensland, getting the right licence is a must. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) oversees the licensing process, ensuring that tradespeople meet industry standards and are qualified to handle building projects. If you want to start contracting or grow your painting and decorating business, securing a QBCC licence is your first step. In this blog, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a painting and decorating licence and how Licensing Advice can help streamline the process.

Why Do You Need a Licence?

Holding a QBCC Painting and Decorating Licence gives you the credibility and legal backing to operate as a qualified tradesperson in Queensland. Not only does it assure clients of your professionalism, but it also opens up a wider range of business opportunities. Without the correct licence, you could face hefty fines, and you're limited to smaller, low-value projects.

Types of Painting & Decorating Work Covered by the QBCC Licence

A QBCC Painting and Decorating Licence allows you to carry out the following tasks:

• Surface preparation, including sanding, priming, and filling.
• Applying various paints, varnishes, and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces.
• Using wallpaper and other wall coverings.
• Decorative finishes, such as textures, stencils, or specialty paints.

If you're planning on offering these services on larger projects, having a licence is crucial.

QBCC Licensing Requirements for Painting & Decorating

To qualify for a QBCC Painting and Decorating Licence, you'll need to meet specific criteria, including:

1. Technical Qualifications:

You must have the relevant qualifications, such as:

• A Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30611 or its equivalent).

This certificate ensures you have the skills to perform painting and decorating tasks safely and professionally.

2. Experience:

QBCC will assess your work history, requiring you to demonstrate a certain level of experience within the painting and decorating industry. Typically, you'll need to prove several years of practical work experience, which can be verified by references or employer statements.

3. Financial Requirements:

If you're applying for a contractor's licence, you’ll also need to meet specific financial requirements. This is to ensure that you can handle the financial responsibilities that come with running a painting and decorating business. QBCC requires you to submit documentation proving your business's solvency, such as financial statements.

The Application Process

The application process for a QBCC licence can be time-consuming and complex, especially if it's your first time applying. Here's a brief overview of the steps involved:

1. Complete Your Application Form:
   You'll need to fill out the correct QBCC licence application form and provide detailed information about your qualifications, experience, and financials (if applicable).
2. Gather Documentation:
   Compile all necessary paperwork, including your Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, work references, and financial documents. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to delays, so it’s crucial to be thorough.
3. Submit Your Application:
   Once your form is complete and all documents are in order, submit your application to QBCC. Depending on the completeness and accuracy of your submission, the process can take weeks or even months for approval.
4. Wait for Review:
   QBCC will review your application, and if additional information is required, they'll let you know. This step can extend the timeline if any documents are missing or need further clarification.
5. Approval or Further Steps:
   If your application is successful, congratulations—you’re licensed! If your application is denied, QBCC typically doesn't provide detailed feedback, and you'll need to reapply, often at additional cost.

Why Getting the Application Right is Crucial

The QBCC licensing process is strict. If your application is denied due to incomplete or incorrect information, you will not receive a refund of your application fees. Furthermore, you won't be given specific feedback on why your application was unsuccessful, leaving you to figure out where you went wrong. You then need to fix the errors and reapply, paying the fees all over again.

This is why it's essential to ensure your application is completed correctly the first time. That's where Licensing Advice comes in.



How Licensing Advice Can Help

At Licensing Advice, we have a 98% success rate in getting clients licensed on their first application. Here's how we make the process easier for you:

• Expert Guidance: We understand the QBCC’s requirements inside out and ensure your application meets all criteria.
• Document Preparation: Our team will help you gather and prepare the necessary documentation, ensuring everything is complete and accurate.
• Application Submission: We handle the entire submission process for you, so you don't have to worry about missing details or paperwork errors.
• Ongoing Support: We keep you updated on the progress of your application and provide any necessary follow-up, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.

Ready to get licensed? Don’t leave it to chance—let us take care of the hard work. Take our 60-Second Eligibility Check or book your FREE 15-minute consultation today, and let’s get you on the path to becoming a licensed painter and decorator.