RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec)
The RBQ is Quebec's building board. It issues and oversees mandatory contractor licences for construction work in the province.
Quick definition
RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) means The RBQ is Quebec's building board. It issues and oversees mandatory contractor licences for construction work in the province.
What is the RBQ?
The RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) is the Quebec government agency that licenses and supervises contractors and owner-builders in the construction industry. In plain terms, it is Quebec's building board.
If you execute construction work, have work executed, or bid on construction contracts in Quebec, you almost always need a valid RBQ licence. Clients, insurers, and general contractors often ask for your licence number before signing.
The RBQ is separate from municipal building permits. A provincial licence does not replace a city permit, and a permit does not replace an RBQ licence. You may need both.
What the RBQ does
The RBQ:
- Issues contractor and owner-builder licences by category and subcategory
- Maintains the public licence registry so anyone can verify if a contractor is licensed
- Checks that licence holders meet requirements (financial guarantee, integrity, continuing education)
- Can refuse, restrict, suspend, or cancel a licence when rules are not followed
The RBQ licence covers the business, not individual workers on site. Tradespeople often need separate competency certificates (often tied to the CCQ for regulated construction work). The company licence and worker credentials are related but not the same thing.
Who needs an RBQ licence?
In general, anyone who executes or has construction work executed for others needs a licence. That includes people who submit bids intending to perform or have that work performed.
Owner-builders (building for yourself) have their own licence categories and rules. Even if you are not running a commercial contracting company, you may still need RBQ coverage depending on the project.
Some minor work and specific situations are exempt under Quebec's Building Act (Loi sur le bâtiment). Do not assume you are exempt based on word of mouth. Check the official RBQ list of work that does not require a licence or use their licence guide.
Licence categories
The RBQ issues four main licence categories:
| Category | Who it covers |
|---|---|
| General contractor (1) | Broad construction management and execution |
| Specialized contractor (2) | Specific trades or scopes (roofing, excavation, etc.) |
| General owner-builder (3) | Owner doing general construction on own property |
| Specialized owner-builder (4) | Owner doing specialized work on own property |
Within each category, subcategories match the type of work (structural, interior renovation, roofing, electrical, plumbing, and others). Your licence must cover every type of work you plan to perform.
Common mistake: getting a subcategory that is too narrow, then taking a job outside that scope. That creates compliance risk with the RBQ and with clients.
Licensed respondent (répondant)
Every licence application needs a licensed respondent: a real person who proves the company has minimum skills in administration, site safety, project management, and work execution. The respondent must be genuinely involved in the business (officer, director, or qualifying shareholder). The RBQ does not accept paper names with no connection to the operation.
For a general contractor licence, the respondent usually must qualify in all four domains, often through RBQ exams, a professional file, or other approved pathways.
Financial guarantee (cautionnement)
Applicants must provide a financial guarantee (not a fee paid to the RBQ). Typical amounts:
- $40,000 for a general contractor licence
- $20,000 for a specialized contractor licence
This guarantee protects clients if the licence holder fails to meet certain obligations.
RBQ vs CCQ vs trade corporations
| Body | What it governs |
|---|---|
| RBQ | Whether the company may execute construction work |
| CCQ | Labour rules on Quebec construction sites (wages, levies, worker competency certificates) |
| CNESST | Workplace safety and workers' compensation |
| CMEQ / CMMTQ | Trade qualification paths for electrical and plumbing/heating/gas work before RBQ licensing in those subcategories |
If you hire workers in construction, you need to understand both RBQ (licensing) and CCQ (workforce rules). On-site safety falls under CNESST. Invoices often need your NEQ and GST/QST numbers too.
How to verify a licence
Before hiring a subcontractor or signing with a GC, check the RBQ licence registry. Confirm the licence is active and that subcategories match the work being done.
Disclaimer
This glossary entry is general information only, not legal advice. RBQ rules, categories, and exemptions change. For your situation, consult the Régie du bâtiment du Québec directly or a qualified professional.
Related glossary terms
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