Yes—according to WorkSafe Queensland’s electrical contractor licence guidance (figures checked 1 October 2026), an applicant must nominate at least one qualified technical person (QTP) and at least one qualified business person (QBP). One person may fill both roles, with both nominations endorsed on the electrical contractor licence, but the application cannot proceed until it receives the required QTP and QBP confirmations.
What must the QTP and QBP do?
An electrical contractor licence must be held to perform electrical work for others as a sole trader, partnership or company.
The two required nominations cover different qualifications:
- The QTP is nominated to perform or supervise the electrical work.
- The QBP fills the required qualified business role.
Section 173 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026 details the eligibility requirements for an electrical contractor licence. WorkSafe Queensland also refers applicants to its electrical licensing eligibility guide for the detailed QTP and QBP requirements.
The QTP and QBP do not have to be different people. The same person may satisfy both roles, but the application must still show how the nominee meets the eligibility requirements, and both roles are endorsed on the licence.
Who may fill the QTP or QBP role?
The person’s relationship to the licence holder depends on the business structure:
| Licence holder | Who may be nominated as the QTP or QBP |
|---|---|
| Individual or sole trader | The applicant or an employee of the applicant |
| Partnership | A partner or an employee of the partnership |
| Company | A director, executive officer, member or employee of the company |
These categories show who may fill either role; they do not remove the need to meet the relevant eligibility requirements. The application must include the nominee’s details and indicate how they meet eligibility.
For example, a partnership is not restricted to using only partners. An employee may fill either role, and an eligible employee could be nominated as both the QTP and QBP.
Can one person also be the Authorised Person?
Yes. WorkSafe Queensland says a person may be nominated for more than one role, including QTP, QBP and Authorised Person.
The person who submits the application and makes the required declaration must be nominated as an Authorised Person. The permitted relationship also depends on the applicant:
| Application type | Authorised Person |
|---|---|
| Individual | The applicant |
| Partnership | A partner of the partnership |
| Corporation | A director or executive officer of the corporation |
For an issued contractor licence, the portal users are the QTP, QBP and Authorised Person. Authorised Persons have authority to make changes to the licence.
How does identity validation and nomination acceptance work?
Access to the ESO Electrical Licensing Portal requires identity verification using a Digital ID. The guidance also describes Digital ID use as voluntary and says an alternative arrangement can be made by contacting 1300 632 993.
The nomination and acceptance process is:
- Provide details of the nominated QTP and QBP and indicate how they meet eligibility.
- Nominate the Authorised Person who will submit the application and make the declaration.
- Submit through the Electrical Licensing Portal and pay the applicable fee. Payment can be made by debit or credit card through BPoint.
- After submission, all nominated persons—including the QTP, QBP and Authorised Person—receive an email to validate their identity and accept their nomination.
- The nominated qualified persons may also be asked to provide evidence of their eligibility.
- The application will not proceed until at least one nominated QTP and at least one nominated QBP has confirmed their details and acceptance.
Submitting the application therefore does not finish the process. The required nominee confirmations must be received before WorkSafe Queensland can progress it.
What insurance must the applying business hold?
An electrical contractor licence applicant must hold a policy meeting section 165 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026.
The same WorkSafe Queensland guidance sets these mandatory policy features:
| Policy requirement | What must be included |
|---|---|
| Insured business | The policy must be issued in the applying business’s legal name |
| Core liability cover | Public and products liability |
| Indemnity limit | At least $5,000,000 |
| Consumer protection insurance | At least $50,000 |
| Testing and certification | Liability arising from testing and certification carried out in accordance with the ES Regulation |
| Design work | Injury or damage arising from faulty design work, including work for which no specific fee was charged |
| Advice | Injury or damage arising from incorrect advice, including advice for which no specific fee was charged |
| Goods | Goods in the licence holder’s care, custody or control |
The applicant must confirm with the insurer that the policy meets the mandatory requirements. When applying or renewing, the applicant must declare that this confirmation has been obtained and provide the policy details.
A copy of the policy does not have to be supplied with the application. However, the Electrical Safety Office conducts periodic audits, and an audited contractor must provide either a copy of the policy or written confirmation from the insurer. Applicants who are unsure should consult their insurer or broker.
How long does the licence last, and can its status be checked?
Electrical contractor licences are issued for one year. The licence holder is responsible for maintaining the eligibility requirements throughout that period.
The status of an electrical contractor licence number can be checked through the online Electrical Licence Holder Search linked from WorkSafe Queensland’s guidance.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Before applying or renewing, check WorkSafe Queensland’s current electrical contractor licence page, read the policy’s PDS and confirm that the cover meets the mandatory requirements.
Sources
FAQ
Can one person be both the QTP and QBP?
Yes. The same person may be nominated in both roles and, once endorsed, both nominations appear on the electrical contractor licence. The application must still include the relevant eligibility details and receive the required confirmations.
Must a partnership use different people for the QTP and QBP?
No. Either role may be filled by a partner or an employee. One eligible person may fill both roles.
Does submitting the application complete nomination acceptance?
No. All nominated persons are emailed after submission to validate their identity and accept their nomination. The application waits until confirmation is received from at least one nominated QTP and at least one nominated QBP.
Can one person be the QTP, QBP and Authorised Person?
Yes. A person may be nominated for more than one role. The person must still satisfy the requirements for each role they hold.
Is public and products liability enough on its own?
No. The policy must also meet the other section 165 requirements, including consumer protection insurance and specified cover for testing and certification, faulty design work, incorrect advice and goods in the licence holder’s care, custody or control.
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