RBQ license: the essentials
In Quebec, a business that performs or has others perform construction work must hold a license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), unless an exemption applies. The licence (often spelled "license") is issued for one or more licence subclasses (subcategories) that define the construction work the business is authorized to perform. To get it, the business needs qualified respondents (called guarantors in some RBQ forms) whose competency is established by exam or an accepted exemption, licence security (unless exempt) and the fees: $849.41 for a specialty contractor license and $1,291.69 for a general contractor license in 2026. Here are the license types, exams, costs, annual maintenance and steps, based on the RBQ's official pages (checked November 3, 2026).
Prof-RBQ.ca is an independent exam preparation center. It is not affiliated with the RBQ.
RBQ license types
| Type | For whom | Example subcategories |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor (Schedule I) | A business that organizes, coordinates, performs or has others perform work covered by the general subcategories it holds | 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 (new residential buildings covered by a guarantee plan, Class I and Class II), 1.2 (small buildings), 1.3 (all buildings), 1.4 to 1.10 (civil engineering works, infrastructure and specialized installations) |
| Specialty contractor (Schedules II and III) | A business authorized to perform, or have performed where permitted, the specialized work covered by its licence subclasses | 4.1 masonry structures, 6.1 wood structures, 7 insulation, waterproofing and roofing, 13.2 fire alarm systems, 15.8 ventilation |
| Owner-builder | A person who carries out or has construction work carried out for their own account; statutory exemptions may apply, notably for certain work on a personal single-family dwelling or work entrusted to a licensed general contractor | Schedule I except 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 (general); Schedule II (specialty) |
One business can hold both general and specialty subcategories. The work performed must be authorized by the subclasses held, including similar or related work allowed by the regulation. Electrical work (subcategory 16) falls under the Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec (CMEQ), and plumbing and heating (subcategories 15.1 to 15.5) under the Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ), which have their own paths.
RBQ license exams
For a contractor license, one or more respondents must show their competence in the three management areas and, depending on the subcategories requested, in work execution (owner-builders have different requirements):
- Administration (3 hours);
- Construction site safety management (1 h 30);
- Project and construction site management (3 hours);
- Work execution: one exam per Schedule I or II subclass requested; none for Schedule III (e.g. 7 insulation, waterproofing, roofing and exterior cladding; 8 doors and windows; 9 finishing work).
The exams are multiple choice, with a passing mark of 60%. Exam exemptions may be available through RBQ-recognized training, a professional file, previously recognized competencies or qualifying interprovincial arrangements. A person who acted as a qualified respondent within the five years preceding the application may also be exempt from the corresponding exam, if the competency area and the licence class or subclass meet the regulatory conditions.
How much does an RBQ license cost in 2026?
| Item | 2026 amount |
|---|---|
| New specialty contractor license | $849.41 |
| New general contractor license (or general and specialty) | $1,291.69 |
| Exam (or retake after a failure) | $105.27 per exam |
| Annual maintenance, specialty contractor | $547.53 per year |
| Annual maintenance, general contractor | $989.81 per year |
| Licence security | $20,000 (specialty) or $40,000 (general), unless exempt (for example when only subclasses 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 are requested). These are required security amounts, not fees paid to the RBQ: security can be a surety bond policy (for a premium), a certified cheque or a letter of credit. A draft regulation published in February 2026 proposes raising them to $30,000 and $60,000: check the RBQ before applying. |
Example: a specialty contractor requiring four exams for one Schedule II subclass, with no exemptions and no retakes, pays 4 × $105.27 + $849.41 = $1,270.49 in RBQ application and exam fees. This excludes the cost of the licence security and any other qualification-related fees. Amounts are indexed every January 1.
Steps to get your RBQ license
- Check that an RBQ license is required and choose your subcategories.
- Choose the legal form of the business and register it if needed (Quebec enterprise number, NEQ).
- Appoint the respondents and pass the exams (or have training or an equivalence recognized).
- Provide the licence security (unless exempt). For subclasses 1.1.1 and 1.1.2, obtain accreditation with the mandatory new residential building guarantee plan and meet its requirements.
- Declare the relevant criminal record information and complete all the declarations on the form.
- File the complete application and pay the fees.
Keeping your license valid
An RBQ license is not "renewed" every five years: it is maintained every year. The RBQ mails a licence maintenance notice of assessment 60 days before the annual due date, but the licence holder remains responsible for paying on time. As a rule, if the maintenance dues are not paid by the due date, the licence ceases to have effect and a new licence application is needed to keep working. Respondents qualified in carrying out construction work for subclasses 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2 and 1.3 (and certain other regulated subclasses) must meet continuing education requirements, subject to exemptions. Adding or replacing respondents, or adding subclasses without changing licence class, is done through a licence amendment application: $105.27 in 2026, per respondent added or replaced, plus any required exam fees.
Checking a contractor's license
Before hiring a contractor, check the RBQ's Licence holders' repertory (Registre des détenteurs de licence): it shows whether the license is valid and for which subcategories. A license that does not cover the work requested is not enough.
RBQ or CCQ?
The RBQ license is for the business. The Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) issues competency certificates (apprentice, journeyman, occupation) to workers on construction sites covered by Act R-20. A contractor who does the work personally may need both.
FAQ
How much does an RBQ license cost?
In 2026: $849.41 for a specialty contractor license, $1,291.69 for a general contractor license, plus $105.27 per exam and the licence security ($20,000 or $40,000, unless exempt).
Can you get an RBQ license without an exam?
Yes, if the required competencies are recognized through an applicable exemption, such as RBQ-recognized training, a professional file or previously recognized qualifications. Qualification remains mandatory even when exams are not required. Schedule III subclasses require no work execution exam.
Are the RBQ exams available in English?
Yes. The RBQ licence application forms let you choose French or English for your exams.
What is the passing mark for RBQ exams?
60%, for all exams.
Does an RBQ license need to be renewed?
It is maintained every year by paying the maintenance fees: $547.53 (specialty) or $989.81 (general) in 2026.
Prepare with Prof-RBQ
Our online courses in English prepare you for the RBQ license exams: Administration, Safety management, Project management, and work execution exams such as 1.2 Small buildings and 1.3 All buildings. The first lessons are free. French version of this guide: Licence RBQ 2026 : types, examens, prix et étapes.
Save with a path
Our paths bundle the exam-preparation courses generally required for a licence, with 15% to 25% off and 6 months of access. Compare them on the Choose my path page.
More RBQ guides in English
- RBQ Administration exam: the 2026 guide
- RBQ license cost 2026: fees, exams, security and annual maintenance
- RBQ 1.2 Small buildings exam
- RBQ 1.3, 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 exams
- CCQ Roofer exam 2026 (Quebec roofing certification)
Official sources
- Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) – licenses, fees, license holder registry
- RBQ – Paying your licence maintenance dues
- LégisQuébec – Regulation respecting the professional qualification of contractors and owner-builders (B-1.1, r. 9)
Last checked: November 3, 2026. The RBQ is the authority.