How much does an RBQ license cost in 2026?
Here are the main official fees charged by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) for a construction contractor licence in 2026: licence application, exams, amendments and annual maintenance. The amounts come from the RBQ's fee schedule (checked October 31, 2026). They are not taxable and are indexed every January 1.
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Quick answers
How much does an RBQ license cost in 2026?
RBQ fees for a new licence are $849.41 for a specialty contractor and $1,291.69 for a general contractor, plus $105.27 per exam. For example, a specialty contractor with one Schedule II subclass who passes all 4 exams on the first try pays $1,270.49 in RBQ fees, not counting the licence security or exam preparation.
How much is the annual RBQ licence maintenance fee?
In 2026, annual maintenance costs $547.53 per year for a specialty contractor and $989.81 for a general contractor. The RBQ normally sends the notice of assessment about 60 days before the due date.
Is licence security (a bond) required for an RBQ license?
Yes, unless exempt: $20,000 for a specialty contractor and $40,000 for a general contractor. It is most commonly a surety bond obtained from an insurer or an authorized association, which charges a premium; the amount is not paid to the RBQ.
Source: RBQ 2026 fee schedule, checked October 31, 2026 (indexed every January 1).
New licence (2026)
| Licence type | Duties | Fees | Total | Priority processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty contractor (Schedules II and III) | $442.26 | $407.15 | $849.41 | $1,256.56 |
| General contractor (Schedule I) | $884.54 | $407.15 | $1,291.69 | $1,698.84 |
| General and specialty contractor (Schedules I, II and III) | $884.54 | $407.15 | $1,291.69 | $1,698.84 |
Priority processing is subject to the RBQ's eligibility conditions.
Exams and recognized training (2026)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam | $105.27 per exam |
| Exam retake after a failure | $105.27 per exam |
| RBQ fee for recognition of eligible training (RBQ-recognized program; tuition not included) | $105.27 per training |
A licence application generally requires respondents qualified in the three management areas (Administration, Construction site safety management, Project and construction site management) and, where applicable, in work execution for each Schedule I or II subclass (none for Schedule III). One or more people can act as respondents. Everything about the exams: RBQ license 2026 and RBQ Administration exam.
Sample start-up budgets
| Situation | Calculation | Total RBQ fees |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty contractor, 1 Schedule II subclass, all exams passed on the first try | 4 exams × $105.27 + $849.41 | $1,270.49 |
| Specialty contractor, Schedule III subclass only | 3 exams × $105.27 + $849.41 | $1,165.22 |
| General contractor, 1 subclass, all exams passed on the first try | 4 exams × $105.27 + $1,291.69 | $1,712.77 |
| Each exam retaken | + $105.27 |
These are simplified scenarios that count RBQ fees only: they exclude the security premium, insurance, business registration or incorporation, and exam preparation. The number of exams can be reduced if recognized training or an exemption applies: the RBQ fee calculator gives the exact amount for your file.
Amending a licence (2026)
| Amendment | Total | Priority processing |
|---|---|---|
| Adding or replacing subclasses | $105.27 | $210.54 |
| Adding or replacing a respondent | $105.27 per respondent | $210.54 per respondent |
Adding a Schedule I or II subclass also requires, unless exempt, passing the corresponding Work execution exam ($105.27 per exam).
Annual licence maintenance (2026)
| Licence type | Duties | Fees | Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty contractor | $442.26 | $105.27 | $547.53 |
| General contractor (or general and specialty) | $884.54 | $105.27 | $989.81 |
The RBQ normally sends the notice of assessment about 60 days before the due date; the licence holder remains responsible for paying on time. If payment is not made by the due date, the licence ceases to have effect and a new application is required.
Licence security
- Specialty contractor: security of $20,000.
- General contractor: security of $40,000.
- Exception: a holder of subclasses 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 only (new residential buildings covered by a guarantee plan) does not have to provide this security.
The security must be provided in a form accepted by the RBQ, most commonly a surety bond obtained from an insurer or an authorized association, which charges a premium; the security amount is not paid to the RBQ. A draft regulation published for comment on February 25, 2026 proposes raising it ($30,000 and $60,000). Check whether it is in force before you apply.
Keeping costs down
- Pass on the first try: each retake costs $105.27 and, after failing the retake, a 4-month wait applies.
- File a complete application: an incomplete file that is not corrected within the deadline is closed and the fees are kept.
- Practise with quizzes: see our English courses RBQ Administration, Safety management, Project management, RBQ 1.2 and RBQ 1.3.
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.
Official sources
- RBQ – Fees for construction contractors (2026, in French)
- RBQ – Paying your licence maintenance dues
- RBQ – Licence security FAQ (in French)
- RBQ – Draft regulations (February 25, 2026, in French)
Last checked: October 31, 2026. Fees change every January 1: the RBQ is the authority. French version of this guide: Prix licence RBQ 2026.