RBQ Licensed Respondent (répondant)

What is an RBQ licensed respondent?

The licensed respondent (répondant) is the individual named on an RBQ licence application who demonstrates that the company has the minimum skills to manage and execute construction work properly. French forms and RBQ documentation use répondant. English RBQ materials often say respondent or licensed respondent.

Without a qualified respondent, you do not get an RBQ licence. The respondent is not a figurehead title. The RBQ expects real involvement in the business.

Why the respondent exists

Quebec's Building Act (Loi sur le bâtiment) requires the RBQ to ensure licence holders can:

• Run the business side (administration, legal obligations)
• Manage safety on construction sites
• Plan and supervise projects
• Execute the types of work covered by the licence

The respondent is how the RBQ tests those capabilities before issuing a licence. Exams, professional files, and exemptions all flow through this person.

Who can be a respondent?

The respondent must be genuinely tied to the company. Typically they must be one of:

• A corporate officer (president, vice-president, etc.)
• A director (for corporations)
• A shareholder with at least 10% of voting shares

The RBQ rejects nominee respondents (someone listed on paper who is not involved in decisions, site safety, or operations). If the person cannot describe how the business runs, that is a problem.

One respondent, multiple companies

A single person can act as respondent for more than one licensed company in some situations. Rules tighten when one respondent backs multiple licences:

• For one company, the 10% shareholder threshold often applies
• For two or more companies, the respondent may need 50% ownership in each

Corporate structures with shared ownership between siblings or partners need careful planning. Check current RBQ rules before assuming one person can cover three separate entities.

Four qualification domains

RBQ qualification splits into four domains:

A respondent may qualify in one or more domains. An general contractor (category 1) licence usually requires the respondent to cover all four domains for the relevant subcategories.

Specialized contractors may need fewer domains depending on licence category and subcategory.

How respondents prove qualification

The RBQ offers three main pathways:

1. Qualification exams

The most common route for new entrepreneurs. The respondent passes RBQ exams by domain and subcategory. Prep courses from industry associations (ACQ, APCHQ, and others) are optional but help.

Plan for multiple exams if you pursue a broad general contractor licence.

2. Professional file (recognition of prior learning)

Experienced respondents may submit a professional file instead of writing an exam in a domain where they have sufficient work history and training. The RBQ reviews evidence of experience and education.

Strong documentation (project lists, roles, certificates, references) matters. Vague resumes get rejected.

3. Exemptions

Exemptions may apply if, within the last five years, the respondent already acted as respondent on a licence for the same domain and subcategory, or if the RBQ previously recognized their competency for that scope.

Exemptions are narrow. Do not skip exam prep assuming you qualify.

Respondent vs worker credentials

English speakers in Quebec often confuse these roles:

The owner can be respondent and hold trade credentials, but the titles are not interchangeable.

Respondent duties after licensing

Getting licensed is not the finish line. The respondent remains accountable for:

• Continuing education declarations required by the RBQ
• Safety and compliance culture on active jobs
• Licence scope (not taking work outside subcategories)
• Financial guarantee and licence renewal obligations

If the respondent leaves the company or stops meeting ownership thresholds, the licence can be affected. Update the RBQ when leadership changes.

Common mistakes

Naming a spouse or friend with no site experience. The RBQ checks involvement, not just the org chart.

Assuming your lead carpenter can be respondent without ownership role. They need qualifying officer, director, or shareholder status.

One respondent, three companies, wrong ownership percentages. Invalid for one licence can cascade into project delays.

Ignoring exam prep for "administration" and "safety." Tradespeople strong on execution still fail domains they dismiss as office work.

Changing corporate structure after licensing without RBQ review. Mergers, new partners, or share transfers can trigger compliance issues.

How this connects to other Quebec rules

• RBQ licence: the respondent unlocks it. See RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec).
• Building Act: sets respondent requirements in law. See Building Act (Loi sur le bâtiment).
• CNESST: safety domain qualification aligns with real prevention duties on site. See CNESST.

Disclaimer

This glossary entry is general information only, not legal advice. Respondent rules, exam requirements, and ownership thresholds change. Consult the Régie du bâtiment du Québec or a qualified advisor before structuring your licence application.