What is mutual recognition?
Mutual recognition entitles the holder of a licence in one State to become licensed in another State to perform the same building work. Holders of a New Zealand licence are also able to apply under the Mutual Recognition principle. This process allows you to apply for a licence without having to provide evidence of your technical qualification or experience. If you hold an interstate/New Zealand licence you will have to obtain a BSA licence BEFORE you can undertake any building work in Queensland.
How does an applicant start the process?
You must complete a Mutual Recognition application form and provide ALL requested information. You must:
Provide evidence of a current interstate licence
Demonstrate financial capacity by meeting the Financial Requirements for Licensing (unless applying for a nominee or site supervisor licence where no financial information is required. For more information on nominee supervisor - click here, or site supervisor click here)
In addition the following will also be required:
If applying for an occupational licence - a copy of the current occupational licence issued by the relevant occupational licensing body.
If operating under a trading name - a copy of your Record of Registration from ASIC, which has not expired.
If operating under a partnership - an original or certified copy of BSA's Statutory Declaration for Partnership.
Applicants from South Australia holding ONLY a supervisor licence - evidence of completion of a BSA approved Managerial Course (copy of certificate - does not need to be certified).
Applicants from New Zealand
Holders of a New Zealand licence will need to complete a BSA approved Managerial Course. BSA must place a condition on your licence requiring you to complete this course within a specified timeframe. To avoid this condition, complete the course prior to lodging your application.
New Zealand Trade licence applicants can apply following the normal process, however, any person holding a New Zealand Site licence in Area of Practice 1, 2 or 3 must contact BSA prior to applying for a BSA licence and prior to undertaking any managerial course. BSA will determine your eligibility status prior to any application.
If you do not hold a New Zealand licence but have a relevant technical qualification you must convert your New Zealand qualification to an Australian qualification. See Applying for a Licence and Recognition of Prior Learning.
Lodging your Mutual Recognition application
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 (see application form for physical addresses). Warning: Please do not send in original documents unless required.
Can a company apply through mutual recognition?
No - Companies cannot use the mutual recognition process. The process of how to apply for a Company Licence can be found on the Applying for a Company Licence page.
How long will it take to process my application?
All mutual recognition applications MUST be actioned within one month from the date of RECEIPT. The interstate licence must remain active during this period until the Queensland licence is approved. You will be contacted by BSA if outstanding/additional information is required.
How do I remove the restriction on my licence?
If you receive a licence under Mutual Recognition, you may have restrictions imposed on it, depending on the licence you hold in the other state. In certain situations, it may be possible for the work restriction or condition on your BSA licence to be lifted. To have the work restriction/condition lifted, you must meet the requirements as specified on the Mutual Recognition application form
Your request must be submitted to BSA in writing and must include the relevant supporting documentation. Requests to remove the restrictions to the licence can be made at the time of application or after the licence has been granted.
No additional fee is required if there is no change to your Allowable Annual Turnover.
Please note: Not all applicants under Mutual Recognition can apply to have the restrictions/conditions removed.
Can work be commenced before the licence is granted?
No - Carrying out building work or giving quotes (tenders) for building work before a licence is granted is unlicensed contracting. Click here for more information.
Searching for an equivalent licence?
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has established a Licence Recognition search facility to assist applicants with finding out what equivalent licences are available by State. Click here to access the facility and find out about equivalent licences in Queensland or other States.
What should I receive from BSA once my licence is approved?
A letter granting the licence
Information about applying for a PIN for insurance purposes
When to expect to receive the licence card
Depending on supply, you should also receive the following documents (if any of these are not received, click on the links below to download):
Facts for Licensees Booklet
A copy of the latest of Building Links (if stock is available)
BCIPA "Get Paid Quicker" Brochure
Fact Book - Contractor Information on Contractual Obligations, Demerit Points & Bans
Subsidence Booklet
The Domestic Building Contracts Act 2000 Fact Book
Insurable Work
Useful Contacts Fact Sheet
Replacement Card and Certificate Form
