Yes—but only if all the stated conditions are met: a handyman may carry out work valued at no more than $3,300 without a QBCC licence if it is not electrical or plumbing work and does not require an occupational licence. That is the handyman test in the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) guidance; figures checked 1 October 2026.
What conditions must the handyman meet?
The value limit is not a stand-alone exemption. The job must meet every condition in the QBCC handyman statement:
| Check | Condition for the handyman no-licence position |
|---|---|
| Work value | The work is valued at no more than $3,300. |
| Type of work | The work is not electrical or plumbing work. |
| Other licensing | The work does not require an occupational licence. |
If any condition is not met, the particular job does not fit that handyman statement.
QBCC says sole traders, partners, trustees and companies must hold a QBCC licence to carry out or contract for building work valued over $3,300. Where a licence is required, it must be the relevant class for the scope of work and the person’s industry role. More than one licence class may be needed.
How can a landscaper test a gardening or maintenance job?
Use the actual scope and value of the proposed job:
- Set out the full scope. Record what you will carry out or contract for, including every component. Calling work gardening, handyman or maintenance work does not replace the licensing check.
- Apply the value test. If the work is valued at more than $3,300, the handyman statement does not apply. If the method for assessing the value is unclear, ask QBCC rather than assuming the job is under the limit.
- Check the type of work. If any part is electrical or plumbing work, the job fails the handyman test even when its value is no more than $3,300.
- Check for other licensing requirements. If an occupational licence is required for any part of the job, that condition also fails. The QBCC handyman statement does not identify every occupation that may require such a licence.
- Combine the results. The job fits the handyman statement only when the value, work type and occupational-licence checks all pass. If any result is unclear, do not rely on the statement until it has been checked.
Which work needs a closer licensing check?
Do not stop at the dollar limit. QBCC says its licensing requirement applies regardless of value to building work involving:
- drainage;
- plumbing and drainage;
- gas fitting;
- chemical termite management;
- fire protection;
- completed residential building inspection;
- building design in the low-rise, medium-rise and open-site classifications; or
- mechanical services.
These are separate QBCC scope rules, rather than extra conditions in the handyman statement. A proposed gardening or maintenance job may therefore need a closer check even when the handyman value test is satisfied.
What should you do if the job is unclear?
QBCC advises contacting it for assistance with individual circumstances. If the work is subcontracted, explain the type of work and the contracting arrangements because QBCC says subcontractor licensing requirements vary according to both.
Before accepting the job, check the current QBCC regulator page and read your insurance policy’s PDS. A licensing check does not determine what an insurance policy covers.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice.
Sources
FAQ
Can a handyman do any job worth no more than $3,300?
No. The job must also be outside electrical and plumbing work, and it must not require an occupational licence. All of the QBCC handyman conditions must be met.
Does a gardening or maintenance label make the job eligible?
No. Check the complete scope, value and any licensing requirements. The label used in the quote does not determine whether the handyman statement applies.
What if the job includes electrical or plumbing work?
The job does not meet the handyman statement. QBCC also identifies drainage and plumbing and drainage as licensing scopes that apply regardless of value.
What if an occupational licence is separately required?
The job does not meet the handyman statement, even if its value is no more than $3,300. Check the relevant regulator before proceeding.
Does passing the QBCC check determine my insurance cover?
No. Licensing and insurance are separate checks. Read the policy PDS for the terms that apply to the proposed work.
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