Fire protection—water-based fire system—certify
Scope of work
Includes
- Certify fire sprinkler systems.
- Certify fire hydrant systems, with or without pumps.
- Certify fire hose reels, with or without pumps.
Does not include
- Inspect and test work.
From 1 May 2021, certify licensees seeking to inspect and test fire equipment must obtain the relevant class for inspect and test work by stream.
Definition of certify for fire protection work
Certify—in relation to fire protection—means:
- prepare a certificate stating that, after carrying out an annual survey of the equipment, it is considered no changes have affected the equipment that would cause it not to meet any of its design requirements
- prepare one or more certificates relating to either or both of the following matters:
- the installation of the equipment
- whether the equipment meets its design requirements.
If two or more certificates are prepared for an item or system of fire protection equipment: the certificates need not be prepared by the same person.
Certificate—includes a statement and record, however it is called.
Survey—means a visual inspection of fire protection equipment to identify if the equipment has been altered, damaged or compromised.
Eligibility
As well as the eligibility requirements for each licence-type, you need to be fit and proper to operate and:
- have permission to work in Queensland (citizen, visa, Immicard)
- provide photographic proof of your identity
- provide evidence of your business structure—if operating under a trading name, company, partnership or trust.
-
To hold a licence, you need to demonstrate that you have the technical skills to perform the scope of work relevant your licence class. Look up the requirements using the tool or document below:
Fire protection licence lookup tool
Technical qualifications for QBCC licensing
Find a training provider
To find a training provider to complete the required course or qualification:
- go to myskills.gov.au
- follow the steps to find a training provider for your course
Show proof of your qualifications
Proof of your qualifications can be in the form of:
- apprenticeship papers
- formal qualifications issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) - training.gov.au
- documentation showing you successfully completed an appropriate course for this licence class
- certificate from an RTO as recognition of prior learning (RPL)
- qualification statement by an approved authority for the licence class.
-
You will need to demonstrate two years experience, that may include experience gained during an apprenticeship or other training in either:
- the licence class scope of work
- other work QBCC is satisfied is at least equivalent to experience in the scope of work for the class.
This can be documented on the application form.
-
On the application form you will need to provide the names and contact details of 3 referees who can confirm your competency in the scope of work.
A person suitably qualified to verify the experience is a person who both:
- holds a licence or qualification at the same or greater level that the licence that you are applying for
- can confirm your onsite experience.
-
You must complete the following approved managerial qualification:
- BSBESB402 - Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures.
To find training providers for this unit, please refer to the training.gov.au.
NOTE: The prescribed course, BSBSMB401 - Establish legal and risk management requirements of small business, has a teach out period. We will still accept this course during this teach out period and a short time afterwards.
-
You must demonstrate you meet the relevant minimum financial requirements by providing an MFR report or declaration with your application.
If you are applying for this class as an additional licence and you are not increasing your maximum revenue you do not need to provide additional financial information.
Holding PI insurance in this class does not exempt you from your financial reporting obligations. -
You must demonstrate you have professional indemnity (PI) insurance to apply for a contractor licence in this class. This can be demonstrated by
- a copy of the certificate of currency for the insurance
- a statutory declaration (PDF, 43KB) verifying your insurance complies with the minimum standard of PI insurance
- if the insurance has been arranged by an insurance broker, a receipt from the broker showing the premium has been paid.
Learn more about the requirements of PI insurance, including:
- the level of cover required
- when we may grant you an exemption from holding PI insurance.
-
To hold a licence, you need to demonstrate that you have the technical skills to perform the scope of work relevant your licence class. Look up the requirements using the tool or document below:
Fire protection licence lookup tool
Technical qualifications for QBCC licensing
Find a training provider
To find a training provider to complete the required course or qualification:
- go to myskills.gov.au
- follow the steps to find a training provider for your course (PDF, KB)
Show proof of your qualifications
Proof of your qualifications can be in the form of:
- apprenticeship papers
- formal qualifications issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) - training.gov.au
- documentation showing you successfully completed an appropriate course for this licence class
- certificate from an RTO as recognition of prior learning (RPL)
- qualification statement by an approved authority for the licence class.
-
You will need to demonstrate two years experience, that may include experience gained during an apprenticeship or other training in either:
- the licence class scope of work
- other work QBCC is satisfied is at least equivalent to experience in the scope of work for the class.
This can be documented on the application form.
-
On the application form you will need to provide the names and contact details of 3 referees who can confirm your competency in the scope of work.
A person suitably qualified to verify the experience is a person who both:
- holds a licence or qualification at the same or greater level that the licence that you are applying for
- can confirm your onsite experience.
-
You must complete the following approved managerial qualification:
- BSBESB402 - Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures.
To find training providers for this unit, please refer to the training.gov.au.
NOTE: The prescribed course, BSBSMB401 - Establish legal and risk management requirements of small business, has a teach out period. We will still accept this course during this teach out period and a short time afterwards.
-
You must demonstrate you have professional indemnity (PI) insurance to apply for a contractor licence in this class. This can be demonstrated by
- a copy of the certificate of currency for the insurance
- a statutory declaration (PDF, 43KB) verifying your insurance complies with the minimum standard of PI insurance
- if the insurance has been arranged by an insurance broker, a receipt from the broker showing the premium has been paid.
Learn more about the requirements of PI insurance, including:
- the level of cover required
- when we may grant you an exemption from holding PI insurance.
-
To hold a licence, you need to demonstrate that you have the technical skills to perform the scope of work relevant your licence class. Look up the requirements using the tool or document below:
Fire protection licence lookup tool
Technical qualifications for QBCC licensing
Find a training provider
To find a training provider to complete the required course or qualification:
- go to myskills.gov.au
- follow the steps to find a training provider for your course
Show proof of your qualifications
Proof of your qualifications can be in the form of:
- apprenticeship papers
- formal qualifications issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) - training.gov.au
- documentation showing you successfully completed an appropriate course for this licence class
- certificate from an RTO as recognition of prior learning (RPL)
- qualification statement by an approved authority for the licence class.
Application fees
Set out below are the fees for each licence-type.
If you are applying for a contractor-type licence the fees you pay will be determined by your annual turnover (maximum revenue—MR).
If you hold a current individual QBCC licence and are applying for another licence class you will pay a reduced fee.
If you are changing your type or are a contractor increasing your Maximum Revenue, there will be an adjustment to your licence fee. QBCC will contact you with details of the adjusted fee.
Our fees and charges increase on 1 July each year. On 1 July 2023 our fees and charges were increased in line with legislative requirements. You can contact us to find out details about specific fees, charges or prices
Certificate
You have the option of receiving a printed certificate stating which QBCC licence you hold. The certificates costs an additional $32.91 and can be selected on the application form.
$724.04—SC1
$410.54—SC1
$861.36—SC2
$469.16—SC2
$1104.15—Cat 1-2
$634.99—Cat 1-2
$1587.19—Cat 3-7
$881.44—Cat 3-7
$469.16
$234.58
$267.02
$133.51
$1,312.44—SC1
$685.56—SC1
$1,565.30—SC2
$782.65—SC2
$2,016.17—Cat 1-2
$1075.95—Cat 1-2
$2,877.64—Cat 3-7
$1468.26—Cat 3-7
How to apply
Before you apply and pay fees, ensure you can meet all eligibility requirements to hold the licence.
-
Review the scope of work above and ensure it covers all work you intend to undertake. If you intend to undertake work outside this scope that is beyond incidental work, then you may need to hold additional licences.
-
Choose the type of licence you will need to hold based on your intended role in the industry.
-
Review both the general eligibility requirements and the specific requirements for the type of licence you wish to hold. Gather the supporting documents that demonstrate you meet the criteria and provide a certified passport photo for inclusion on your licence.
Learn more about new photo-ID licence cards.
If applying by mail, only provide us with certified copies of your original documents, as we cannot return them to you
-
Download and complete the relevant forms for the licence-type you are applying for.
-
To lodge your application you need to provide us with:
- the completed form
- all supporting documentation
- the application fee.
You can lodge the application:
- in person at a QBCC service centre and pay the fees by eftpos
- by mail — add credit or debit card details to the application form and post it to us with all supporting documentation.
-
Review the scope of work above and ensure it covers all work you intend to undertake. If you intend to undertake work outside this scope that is beyond incidental work, then you may need to hold additional licences.
-
The company nominee must be an individual licensee with technical qualifications and experience in the same scope of work being contracted by the company.
The nominee must be an employee, secretary or director of the company. They are responsible for keeping the site safe, supervising the work and ensuring it meets the required codes and standards. The nominee must hold either:
- a nominee supervisor-type licence
- an individual contractor-type licence.
If not already licensed, you can submit the individual application for the nominee at the same time as submitting the application for the company licence.
You will need to provide evidence that the nominee is either
- an employee—PAYG payment statement
- officer of the company—ASIC historical extract.
-
Gather the supporting documents for your application:
- director's proof of id—see section 4 of application
- copy of licence information (if applicable)—see section 8 of application
- partnership agreement (if applicable).
-
Download and complete:
-
To lodge your application you need to provide us with:
- the completed form
- all supporting documentation
- the application fee.
You can lodge the application:
- in person at a QBCC service centre and pay the fees by eftpos
- by mail — add credit or debit card details to the application form and post it to us with all supporting documentation.
-
We may accept applications for mutual recognition from:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
- New Zealand.
The QBCC may only issue a licence that is equivalent to the licence you already hold.
If your interstate or New Zealand licence is subject to a condition or restriction, the QBCC must impose the same condition on your Queensland licence.
Where there is no QBCC licence equivalent to your interstate or New Zealand licence, we will not be able to issue you a licence.
Learn more about what licences we can accept through mutual recognition.
-
Review the scope of work above and ensure it covers all work you intend to undertake. If you intend to undertake work outside this scope that is beyond incidental work, then you may need to hold additional licences.
-
Your interstate licence must remain active to qualify for a QBCC licence. Be sure to renew your licence on time and pay any outstanding fines.
If your interstate licence is cancelled or suspended prior to approval of a Queensland licence, you will not be entitled to a Queensland licence under mutual recognition.
-
Some building work requires you to also hold an occupational licence covering the same scope of work for you to be able to personally perform the work.
As a contractor—you require an occupational licence to perform work that is:
- plumbing
- drainage
- gasfitting - issued by Chief Gas Examiner and Resources Safety and Health Queensland
- termite management—chemical - issued by Department of Health.
As a nominee supervisor —you require an occupational licence to perform work that is:
- fire protection
- mechanical services
- plumbing
- drainage
- gasfitting - issued by Chief Gas Examiner and Resources Safety and Health Queensland
- termite management—chemical - issued by Department of Health.
If you do not hold the relevant occupational class you can apply for this at the same time as submitting the mutual recognition form.
NOTE: Gasfitting and termite management—chemical occupational licences are not issued by the QBCC. You will need to apply for these prior to submitting your application and provide us with a certified copy before we can approve your mutual recognition.
-
Gather any relevant supporting documents including:
- details of your current interstate or NZ licence
- photographic proof of your identity
- evidence you have permission to work in Queensland(citizen, visa etc.)
- evidence of partnership, company or trading names, where relevant.
If applying by mail, only provide us with certified copies of your original documents, as we cannot return them to you.
-
Download and complete:
-
To lodge your application you need to provide us with:
- the completed form
- all supporting documentation
- the application fee.
You can lodge the application:
- in person at a QBCC service centre and pay the fees by eftpos
- by mail—add credit or debit card details to the application form and post it to us with all supporting documentation.
What happens next?
Usually, most types of applications are fully processed within a few weeks, however sometimes it can take longer. As a guide, allow around 8 weeks.
Some applications take longer to process than others, such as where:
- financial information needs analysis
- a technical qualification is not the prescribed and requires comparison mapping
- experience claimed needs assessment against scopes of work for a particular licence class
- verification of the experience is problematic
- fit and proper assessments are required
- problems with fee payment or application form not completed in full
- other reasons.
If your licence is approved, we’ll post you your printed licence card and licence letter, which includes your licence number and scope of work for the licence class.
If your application is unsuccessful we will refund you the licence fee, however we will retain the cost of processing the application.
About former fire protection licences
On 1 May 2021, a new fire licensing framework commenced. Most licence classes automatically transitioned to the relevant new licence class. The QBCC contacted existing licensees directly to explain what changes applied to their licence.
Depending on the licence class held, existing licensees were either:
- automatically transitioned – no upskill required and same scope of works
- automatically transitioned – no upskill required with a new scope of works
- automatically transitioned – upskill required and may also include a new scope of works
- hold a continuing class of licence.
Learn more about changes to former licences.
Find out how to reapply for fire continuing classes by 1 May 2022.
Frequently asked questions
To be allowed to perform incidental work that is outside the scope of your class, you must:
- be permitted to do so in the scope of work for your licence class
- only perform work that is valued at less than $3,300
- not perform occupational work such as plumbing, drainage, pest control, or fire protection work (unless you hold the appropriate occupational licence).
Read more about who and when work is permitted to be performed as incidental work.
If you are an existing QBCC licensee we would already hold documentation about you and your business.
If you are applying for an additional licence class you may only need to demonstrate you meet the technical requirements and any required experience for the new class.
If you are a contractor changing your maximum revenue (MR) you will need to demonstrate you meet the minimum financial requirements for the new financial category you are applying for. However, if your financial category remains unchanged you may not need to provide us further financial information.
Application fees are reduced when applying for an additional licence where you are not changing your MR.
Contact us if you are unsure what documents you need to provide with your application.
If you hold a licence in another state or New Zealand you may be eligible to apply for a QBCC licence through the mutual recognition program.
If you are from a country other than Australia or New Zealand, you will need to follow the usual application process to work in Queensland. You will need to:
- demonstrate you have permission to work in Queensland
- get your qualifications recognised or assessed to see if it is equivalent to the one listed for the licence you wish to apply for.
Read more about the application process if you are from interstate or overseas.
Unlike a company, a partnership is not recognised as a separate legal entity and can't be licensed. However, at least one of the partners must hold a contractor-type license as an individual or company.
Applying for a licence as a partnership
The partner applying for the licence will need to follow the same process outlined above for either an individual contractor licence or a company licence. The application must include either a:
- Statutory declaration for partnership (PDF, 503KB)
- copy of a formal partnership agreement where a formal partnership agreement is in place.
Visit financial requirements for licensees to understand meeting minimum financial requirements in a partnership.
Read more about the responsibilities of licensees in partnerships.
Some trade classes also require you to maintain an occupational licence covering the same scope of work to be able to personally perform the work.
As a contractor—you require an occupational licence to perform work that is:
- plumbing
- drainage
- gasfitting - issued by Chief Gas Examiner and Resources Safety and Health Queensland
- termite management—chemical – issued by Department of Health.
As a nominee supervisor or site supervisor—you require an occupational licence to perform work that is:
- fire protection
- mechanical services
- plumbing
- drainage
- gasfitting - issued by Chief Gas Examiner and Resources Safety and Health Queensland
- termite management—chemical – issued by Department of Health.
