Get your QBCC structural landscaping licence through RPL
If you’ve been working in structural landscaping in QLD, retaining walls, decking, paving and more, RPL turns that experience into the formal qualifications you need to apply for your QBCC Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping licence.Â
Is RPL right for me?
RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) is a formal process that assesses your existing skills and experience against the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. If you’ve been working in structural landscaping and can demonstrate that experience, you may not need to study from scratch.
Instead of sitting through units you already know, we work through what you’ve done on the job. If there are any gaps, we’ll let you know what gap training looks like before you commit to anything.
Already doing the work, just not licensed to contract for it?
That’s exactly who this structural landscaping RPL is for. Many experienced landscapers hold the Structural Landscaping trade contractor licence but haven’t yet stepped up to the Builder Restricted licence, which opens up a broader scope of work and allows you to contract and subcontract projects directly. If that’s you, we’ll help you work out if your experience is enough to get you there.
What your licence unlocks
In Queensland, you need a QBCC licence to legally contract for structural landscaping building work valued over $3,300. There’s an important difference between the two licence classes available to landscapers:
The Structural Landscaping (trade) licence allows you to personally perform the listed trade works but is limited to retaining walls that do not require engineering certification under local law and other specified items.
The Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping licence has a broader scope: it allows contracting directly with clients, subcontracting to other trades, and managing larger or more complex structural landscaping projects end‑to‑end.
Note that both licence classes share the same retaining wall limitation, neither covers walls requiring engineering certification under local law, and very large or engineered walls will still require separate design and certification regardless of which licence you hold.
The QBCC Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping licence covers:
- Preparing, fabricating and erecting retaining walls and structures
- Carports, decking, fences, gates, gazebos, pergolas and ornamental structures
- Ponds and water features
- Prefabricated sheds including associated concrete slabs (up to 10m²)
- Artificial landform structures requiring a fabricated internal structure
- Site preparation, excavation, paving and concreting associated with landscaping
- Irrigation installation for landscaping works
- Playground equipment construction
- Tennis courts and other sporting courts
Is RPL a real qualification?
Yes. RPL produces the same outcome as completing the units through traditional study, a Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). It’s nationally recognised and accepted by the QBCC as evidence of your technical qualifications when applying for the Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping licence.
Everthought Education is a registered RTO (RTO 32438). The units we assess are from the CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction, the exact units required by the QBCC for this licence class. Structural landscaping RPL isn’t a shortcut, it’s a formal, ASQA-regulated assessment process.
Units
These are the 7 units required by the QBCC for the Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping contractor licence. Your Statement of Attainment will be issued as partial completion of the CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction.
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CPCCBC4002 | Manage work health and safety in the building and construction workplace |
| CPCCBC4003 | Select, prepare and administer a construction contract |
| CPCCBC4004 | Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects |
| CPCCBC4006 | Select, procure and store construction materials for building and construction projects |
| CPCCBC4008 | Supervise site communication and administration processes for building and construction projects |
| CPCCBC4009 | Apply legal requirements to building and construction projects |
| BSBESB407 | Manage finances for new business ventures |
You may be eligible if you:
- 3+ years of demonstrated experience in structural landscaping
- Hands-on experience with retaining walls, decking, paving, pergolas or similar structural work
- Can provide some evidence of your work (photos, references, job records)
- Based in Queensland
Step 1: Eligibility chat
We start with a quick conversation about your work history and experience to make sure RPL is the right fit. No commitment required.
Step 1: eligibility chat
We start with a quick conversation about your work history and experience to make sure RPL is the right fit. No commitment required.
Step 2: Gather your evidence
We’ll guide you through exactly what to pull together, photos, references, job records. If you’re not sure what you have, we’ll work through it with you.
Step 2: Gather your evidence
We’ll guide you through exactly what to pull together, photos, references, job records. If you’re not sure what you have, we’ll work through it with you.
Step 3: Competency conversation
Your evidence is reviewed by one of our trainers, who will have a conversation with you about your skills and experience to confirm competency against the requirements.
Step 4: Receive your qualification
Once competency is confirmed, you’ll receive your Statement of Attainment, which you use to apply for your QBCC licence.
Step 4: Receive your qualification
Once competency is confirmed, you’ll receive your Statement of Attainment, which you use to apply for your QBCC licence.
What qualified tradies are saying
Good experience. The RPL process was explained very well and all evidence was set out and mapped in next to no time. 2 weeks from the initial contact, to explanation, phone call appointment to application acceptance and evidence mapped and submitted, certificate given and QBCC license granted.
Excellent customer service and value for money. The assessor was extremely professional and easy to work alongside, had a fantastic subject knowledge. The whole team was very responsive and helpful throughout.
Had a great experience with Everthought College of Construction. Nickolas, my trade advisor, and Mark, my trainer, were both very knowledgeable and supportive throughout my RPL for Certificate III in Carpentry and Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying. Highly recommend to anyone looking to complete their RPL in the construction industry.
I recently completed my Carpentry Certificate through RPL with Everthought. Nickolas did an excellent job with communication throughout the whole process. I'm very thankful for his support and I definitely recommend Everthought College.
Fantastic from start to finish. Went at my own pace and the support was there 24/7 with my trainer. Even after passing, the trainer allowed me to contact him if I had further questions during my career.
I recently completed a Diploma in Building and Construction with Everthought. Nikolas and Mark were proactive and supportive throughout, making the process smooth and efficient. The program was well-structured and professional — I highly recommend Everthought to anyone pursuing a career in the industry.
Frequently asked questions
If you still have questions, our team will be happy to help.
Yes. If the work is valued over $3,300, you need a QBCC licence. The licence class you need depends on the scope of your work. Working without an appropriate licence can result in significant QBCC fines and penalties.
The Structural Landscaping trade contractor licence allows you to personally perform structural landscaping work, contract with clients, and subcontract work within your licensed scope. The Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping licence goes further, it allows you to contract and subcontract for the full range of work within the structural landscaping scope, and to manage larger projects as head contractor. Both licences cover retaining walls that do not require engineering certification under local law. If you want to run your own structural landscaping business and take on projects as the head contractor, the Builder Restricted licence is what you need.
Structural landscaping RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills and knowledge you’ve built through real work experience and matches them against the required competency standards. Where your experience covers the requirements, you don’t need to sit through additional training.
Evidence can include photos of completed projects, employment references, letters from licensed contractors or supervisors, and documentation demonstrating your involvement in structural landscaping work. We’ll guide you through the specifics once we understand your background.
Yes. The units completed through this RPL are from the CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction. If you later decide to complete the full qualification, these units count toward it.
Take the first step toward your licence
Fill out the form below and one of our RPL advisors will be in touch to confirm your eligibility and walk you through exactly what comes next. No commitment, no obligation.
- info@everthought.com.au
- 1300 728 996
