So, You Want to be a Site Supervisor?

Does your construction company employ site supervisors, construction managers, foremen, site managers, or project managers? If so, are you aware that they need to have a QBCC site supervisor licence?

Ensuring your company has adequate supervision by QBCC-licensed site supervisors is not only smart business – it’s a legal requirement. 

At National Licensing, we offer a turnkey solution that covers both qualifications and licences, all under one roof.

1. A brief history of QLD Site Supervisor Licences.

In 2007, a limited licence was created for two key reasons:

1. To provide a way for new entrants in the building and construction industry with a pathway to gain core skills and knowledge.
2. To help principal contractors meet their legal obligation to ensure all building work performed under their licence is supervised by an appropriately licensed person.

Relying solely on fully licensed builders as supervisors can be difficult, especially in large commercial projects or multi-site builds. The limited licence was introduced to solve this challenge.

2. What is ‘Adequate Supervision’?

The QBCC Act defines ‘Adequate Supervision’ as building work that is properly overseen to ensure it meets:

1. The plans and specifications of the contract 
2. The standard expected of a competent contractor in the relevant licence class.

Importantly, supervision doesn’t always mean standing over trades on-site 24/7. It’s about ensuring work is regularly checked and compliant with the Building Code of Australia, relevant Australian Standards, and the contract requirements.

3. Non-Compliance = Heavy fines

Section 43 of the QBCC Act states that a licensed contractor (whether an individual or a company) must ensure building work is personally supervised by:

1. The contractor themselves
2. The company’s nominee
3. An officer or employee holding one of the following:

• A nominee supervisor’s licence.
• A site supervisor’s licence.
• A fire protection occupational licence.
• An occupational licence.
• An individual who holds a contractor’s licence of the relevant class.

    Maximum penalties:

    (a) Individuals: 200 penalty units

    (b) Companies: 1,000 penalty units.

That can mean fines in the tens of thousands of dollars – not to mention reputational damage. 

4. Beating the Challenges

The QBCC makes it clear: if you’re supervising building work, you need the right licence.

While there are limited exceptions (e.g., some employed trades like plumbers or electricians), the safest path is to ensure anyone supervising your sites holds the appropriate licence.

This not only keeps your business compliant but also creates a career pathway for employees, helping them upskill and progress through the licence levels.

5. Criteria for Getting a Licence

The Site Supervisor Licence requires specific units from broader builder qualifications.

• Open Builder Site Supervisor Licence requires selected units from the Advanced Diploma of Building & Construction: CPCCBC6001; CPCCBC6018; CPCCBC6014; CPCCBC6016.
• Medium Rise Site Supervisor Licence requires selected units from the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building); CPCCBC5001; CPCCBC5004; CPCCBC5005; CPCCBC5006; CPCCBC5018; CPCCBC5009; CPCCBC5010.
• Low Rise Site Supervisor Licence requires selected units from the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building); CPCCBC4001; CPCCBC4053; CPCCBC4002; CPCCBC4007; CPCCBC4008; CPCCBC4009; CPCCBC4010; CPCCBC4012; CPCCBC4018; BSBLDR414.

This streamlined approach ensures supervisors only complete the units relevant to their role.

6. Don’t Worry, We’ve Got You Covered. 

At National Licensing, we offer a corporate QA package that:

• Reviews your supervisors’ experience, qualifications, and licences

• Identifies gaps and facilitates applications

• Provides clear career pathways for your team

• Cross-checks subcontractor licences to ensure their scope matches their work

With our sister company,  Techskill Academy (an RTO),

we provide both the qualifications and the licence application support you need — a seamless end-to-end service.

You’ll also have a dedicated client manager to guide you through current and future licensing requirements.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t risk fines, delays, or reputational damage by operating without the correct site supervisor licences.

Book a consultation with our construction licence specialists today for only $200 + GST to check your eligibility, streamline applications, or renew existing licences.

A simple conversation now could save you thousands — and keep your business moving without interruption.