What is the RBQ License?
In Québec, many contractors understand that when it comes to construction, renovation, or even home automation, an RBQ licence is often required.
However, obtaining this license involves a complex process that demands decisions at multiple levels.
Our company supports you from start to finish
Our firm, specialized in guiding applicants through the RBQ licensing process, manages your entire file, answers your questions, and provides clear, effective guidance toward the appropriate licence and the business structure best suited to your situation.
A turnkey service for a simple and optimal start
We believe that being supported by experienced professionals — and backed by our turnkey service — ensures that launching your business is simple, seamless, and optimally prepared.
At RBQ Compétence, you are fully relieved of all administrative procedures
- No forms to fill out.
- No links to search or consult.
Our turnkey service takes care of everything
Training, documentation, registrations, and personalized support throughout the entire RBQ licensing process — and even after you obtain your licence.
RBQ License Application
We did not see the benefit of providing multiple links to RBQ licence application forms, instructions, addresses, or other details — because at RBQ Compétence, you simply won’t have to handle any of it.
Throughout the RBQ licensing process, all necessary information will be communicated to you, and every document will be completed and every registration processed on your behalf. In other words, EVERYTHING is fully taken care of through our TURNKEY SERVICE.
Information
RBQ Exam
For the RBQ exams, it is essential to first understand how many qualification domains apply.
For example, a specialized contractor must complete three areas of qualification: Administration, Project Management, and Safety Management. A general contractor must complete four areas of qualification, which include the exam on the Execution of Construction Work.
It is also important to note that for all license applications, if you wish to obtain an additional subclass from Schedule I or II, an exam is required for each subclass requested.
For instance, a specialized Carpentry contractor must complete the three areas of qualification exams plus one additional exam for subclass 6.1. A general contractor applying for subclasses 1.1.1 and 1.3 must complete the three areas of qualification exams plus two additional exams covering subclasses 1.1.1 and 1.3.
Fine
Now that you know that offering construction‑related services in Québec — including even small renovation projects in existing residential buildings — requires an RBQ licence, it is essential to understand the consequences of operating without one.
Fines for performing construction work without a valid RBQ license vary. For a sole proprietorship (individual contractor), fines start at $16,000 and higher. For a corporation (legal entity), fines start at $40,000 and higher.
It is always wise to verify whether a license is required for your specific situation.
RBQ License
Understanding how license subclasses work is not always straightforward, which is why we take the time to explain them clearly to all our clients.
To simplify things, the specialized contractor license is governed by the subclasses listed in Schedule III.
As a general rule, the subclasses in Shedule II may be added to both specialized contractor license applications and general contractor license applications. However, subclasses 2.6, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, and 6.1 are already included in the general contractor license, depending on the subclass selected in Shedule I.
For example, a general contractor applying for subclass 1.1.1 (New Homes) — which includes subclass 6.1 Carpentry — will be authorized to perform carpentry work only for New Homes, not for Renovation projects.
It is also important to remember that all licenses operate under the principle that contractors may subcontract and perform only the work included in the subclasses listed on their license. Only general contractors are permitted to subcontract Schedule II subclasses (and only those) that are not included on their license.
The general contractor license is governed by the subclasses listed in Schedule I. For this schedule, the general contractor must complete exams for each required subclass.
For example, a contractor will need subclass 1.1.1 for New Home contracts, 1.1.2 for New Condominium projects, and 1.3 for Flips or Renovation work.
Guarantor
A guarantor may be a shareholder, a director, or an employee of an incorporated company who is authorized to take the RBQ exams and act as the designated guarantor for the selected qualification areas. When a business is incorporated, it is entirely possible to appoint as many guarantors as desired for each qualification area, provided the candidates meet the RBQ’s eligibility requirements.
Each qualification area assigned to a guarantor carries specific responsibilities that should not be taken lightly.
Once a guarantor has been approved by the Régie, their qualification areas become active, and they may act as a guarantor as long as they remain associated with an active license. When the license becomes inactive, the qualifications are placed on hold for five years, after which requalification is required.
For a sole proprietorship (self‑employed individual), there is no alternative: the individual must take the exams and serve as the guarantor.
NOTE: A license is never issued to an individual. It is issued to a business entity.
NOTE: A bankruptcy or criminal background check must be completed for any guarantor before submitting a license application, as certain restrictions may prevent a guarantor from being approved. If this occurs, that person cannot appear in any of the company’s documents submitted with the application.
CCQ
Competency cards are often a source of confusion. To clarify, you already know that construction work in Québec requires an RBQ license.
It is also important to understand that if the contracts you obtain involve the new residential, commercial, or industrial sectors, every person performing the work must hold the appropriate competency card for each trade covered by the contract.
Competency cards are not obtained in the same way as RBQ licenses. To help address your questions, we invite you to consult our blog posts on the subject..
Time Frame
Processing times for a license application can vary significantly. From the moment we begin working with a new client, we keep them informed of the current processing conditions at the RBQ.
Cancellation
An RBQ license is issued to a business that holds a Québec Enterprise Number (NEQ). If the NEQ is cancelled, modified, or revoked, the license will also be cancelled.
It is therefore important to understand that if you decide to change your business structure from a sole proprietorship to a corporation, the NEQ will change, and a new license application will be required (without the exams), along with the applicable fees.
The same applies if you decide to transfer your license to a new company: a change in NEQ means a new license application will be required.
Only business mergers allow for modifications without the need to submit a new license application.
In the case of bankruptcy, if a sole proprietorship declares bankruptcy, the business will lose its license, since the individual and the business are legally the same entity.
For an incorporated company, the same rule applies: if the company declares bankruptcy, it will lose its license. However, if a guarantor or shareholder of the incorporated company declares personal bankruptcy, that individual can be replaced without affecting the company’s license.
