Building Designers 

Building Design Contractor - can carry out design work under a contract or subcontract for builders or owners.

What is involved in getting a licence?
You must complete an individual application form, provide ALL requested information and be able to:

1. Demonstrate two years relevant experience in the scope of work depending on the class of licence to be applied for (provide job details to demonstrate the experience requirements detailed in the relevant scope of work).

2. Meet the technical requirement by providing documentation to support your application in relation to the technical qualification on the scope of work (e.g. Certificate IV, Diploma, skills recognition certificate). Where you do not hold a relevant technical qualification you may be able to obtain Recognition of Prior Learning through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

3. Obtain three referees details who can confirm your experience (written references can also be provided but are not compulsory).

4. Contractors must demonstrate financial capacity by meeting the Financial Requirements for Licensing.
Note: 
a) Nominee supervisors are not required to meet the financial requirements
b) Under some circumstances, applicants for a Building Design Low / Medium / Open or Hydraulic Services Design licence may not have to provide financial information. Please review the page on Self Certifying or Financial Report for more information.

NOTE: You are not able to utilise this provision if you already hold a contractor licence or are applying for a contractor licence in a class other than those mentioned above e.g you already hold a Carpentry contractor licence or you are applying for a Concreting contractor licence - in these instances you must comply with the full FRL policy. 

5. This class requires Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance, as outlined in Financial Requirements for Licensing booklet. More information can be found on our Professional Indemnity Insurance page.

In addition the following will also be required:

6. Proof of identity (certified copy of drivers licence, passport or provision of 100 points Proof of Identity).

7. If operating under a trading name - a copy of your Business Name Registration or a Business Names Extract, which has not expired.

8. If operating under a partnership - proof of the business partnership or an original or certified copy of BSA's Statutory Declaration for Partnership.

The original completed application form, along with all the required supporting documentation and appropriate fee, should be mailed to GPO Box 5099, Brisbane, Qld 4001 or lodged in person at the nearest BSA office (also listed on application form). Warning: Please do not send in original documents, such as technical qualifications, unless required.

How long will it take to get the licence?
The application process takes between six to eight weeks to complete. You will be contacted by BSA if outstanding or additional information is required. BSA will also undertake checks to confirm an applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

Can work be commenced before the licence is granted?
No - Carrying out design work or giving quotes (tenders) for design work before a licence is granted is unlicensed contracting.

Do you hold a licence in another state?
If yes, you may be able to apply for a BSA licence through mutual recognition.