Yes. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) requires a relevant licence for building work involving plumbing and drainage, drainage or gas fitting, regardless of its value—including work worth $3,300 or less. The QBCC’s general building-work threshold is $3,300, while Hydraulic Services Design has a separate threshold of $1,100. Figures checked 1 October 2026.
Does a plumbing job worth $3,300 or less still need a licence?
Yes. QBCC’s value-based exemption does not apply to plumbing, drainage or gas fitting simply because the job is small. The any-value rule covers:
- drainage;
- plumbing and drainage; and
- gas fitting.
A licence is therefore required even where the work is valued at exactly $3,300 or less. The relevant licence class must cover the scope of work being undertaken or overseen.
How do the QBCC’s value thresholds differ?
| Type of work | QBCC licensing position |
|---|---|
| Plumbing and drainage, drainage or gas fitting | A relevant licence is required regardless of the value of the work |
| Hydraulic Services Design | A licence is required where the work is valued over $1,100 |
| General building work | A licence is generally required where the work is valued over $3,300 |
The general $3,300 threshold is not a blanket exemption for every trade. Work involving plumbing, drainage or gas fitting remains subject to the any-value rule, while specific legislative exemptions may affect other work.
Can a handyman carry out a $3,300 plumbing job without a licence?
No. QBCC’s handyman provision only applies when the work:
- is worth no more than $3,300;
- is not electrical or plumbing work; and
- does not require an occupational licence.
A handyman cannot rely on that provision for plumbing work at or below the value limit because the work must also be outside the electrical and plumbing categories.
Which licence class should a plumber hold?
The licence must be the relevant class for both:
- the scope of work the person intends to undertake or oversee; and
- their role and responsibilities in the industry.
More than one licence class may be needed to cover the full scope of intended building work. The QBCC guidance does not justify selecting a class solely because the worker is trading as a plumber; the class must match the work and responsibilities.
Could an exemption or subcontracting arrangement change the answer?
Possibly, but the job’s value alone is not enough. QBCC identifies 53 exemptions in Schedule 1 of the QBCC Regulation where specified work is not defined as building work. Schedule 1A of the QBCC Act also contains situation-specific exemptions relating to areas including public-private partnerships, partnerships, prescribed government projects, landscape gardeners’ design work, owner-builders and consumers.
Subcontracting requirements vary according to:
- the type of work being undertaken; and
- the contracting arrangements.
Business structure can also matter. A trust cannot obtain a QBCC licence; the individual or company acting as trustee for building work must apply.
How should a tradie check before taking the job?
- Identify whether the work involves plumbing, drainage, gas fitting or Hydraulic Services Design.
- Check whether the relevant licence class covers the full scope and the worker’s role.
- Review any claimed exemption with the current QBCC guidance rather than assuming it applies because the job is small.
- If the work is subcontracted, check both the work type and the contracting arrangement.
- Contact the QBCC if the individual circumstances remain unclear.
Licensing and insurance are separate questions. This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the current regulator page before acting and read the policy’s PDS for the applicable insurance terms and conditions.
Sources
FAQ
Is a plumbing job worth $3,300 exempt from QBCC licensing?
No. Plumbing and drainage fall within QBCC’s any-value licensing rule, so the relevant licence is required even when the work is worth $3,300 or less.
Does the general $3,300 building-work threshold override the any-value rule?
No. The general threshold concerns building work valued over $3,300, but plumbing, drainage and gas fitting require the relevant licence regardless of value.
Can a handyman undertake a $3,300 plumbing job without a licence?
No. The handyman provision excludes electrical and plumbing work even when the job is worth no more than $3,300.
Which QBCC licence class should cover the work?
The class must match the scope of work being undertaken or overseen and the worker’s industry role and responsibilities. More than one class may be required.
What should a subcontractor check?
Check the work type, the relevant licence class and the contracting arrangements. QBCC says subcontractor licensing requirements vary, so the general handyman or value thresholds should not be applied automatically.
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