How to get a QBCC Trade Contractor Painter’s Licence in Queensland

To obtain a painters license in Queensland you will need to complete Certificate III Painting and Decorating, and a Business Management Course.

It can be confusing for painters to find the correct pathway to get licensed. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is the regulator for the industry, and assesses applications for the licence.

There are two licence classes for painters in Queensland. The first licence class is called ‘Painting and Decorating’ and includes a mandatory qualification for trowel on texture coat (CPCCSP3003). Do not choose this licence class if you do not plan to do rendering or trowel-on texture coating. If you don’t plan to do rendering or trowel-on texture coating, choose the second option; Painting and Decorating excluding Rendering.

If you have completed a painting apprenticeship at any time you do not need to get qualified again. Your apprenticeship papers will be recognised for the purposes of meeting the Technical Qualifications.

If you have completed CPC30611 or CPC30620 Certificate III Painting and Decorating you will be able to use these certificates as Technical Qualifications. If you completed an older certificate prior to 2011 without completing an apprenticeship, you may be asked to upgrade your qualification to the latest version (CPC30620). This is because there are new safety standards and skills required by the industry.

Certificate III Painting and Decorating is the nationally recognised qualification for painters and can be obtained by completing an apprenticeship, or by a skills assessment called Recognition of Prior Learning.

Getting Qualified and Certified

To be eligible for RPL Skills Assessment for CPC30620 Certificate III Painting and Decorating you must have a minimum of 4 years full-time experience as a painter.

The National Institute of Painting and Decorating, in partnership with Best Option Training RTO41246 is the leading training provider for painters, and can help you get qualified and licensed.

Training will be provided in any subjects you don’t already know. The training will be provided on your work-site and through our e-learning system, which means you don’t need to take a lot of time off work to complete it.

Once you get qualified and licensed you will get free mentoring, stickers, a web-page and brochures to promote your business.

If you have more than 4 years experience you may eligible for funding to help you get Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and gap training. You have up to 3 months to complete the course.

QBCC Trade Contractor Course

If you are already qualified you only need to complete the QBCC Business Contractors Course, BSBSMB401 Establish legal and risk management requirements of small business, which costs $350 for Queensland residents and takes 8 hours to complete.

Once you have completed all required training, you can apply to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) for your painting contractor licence. You will need to provide copies of the certificates, a public liability insurance certificate, and evidence that you are not bankrupt.

Enrol, pay online and start today.