Builders Licensing Scheme (BLS)
Learn about BCA's Builders Licensing Scheme (BLS) requirements, application process, and licence fees for different classes of general and specialist builder licence.
Last updated 12 March 2026
What is the Builders Licensing Scheme?
The Builders Licensing Scheme (BLS) ensures that builders undertaking general and specialist building works as prescribed in the Building Control Act meet minimum financial and technical requirements so as to carry out construction works safely.
All licensed builders are listed in the BCA e-directory.
Who needs to apply for a Builder's Licence?
You must obtain a builder’s licence if you are a builder carrying out:
Building works where plans require approval by the Commissioner of Building Control.
Please refer to the detailed definition of “Building works” in the Building Control Act, In general, only the main contractors are required to apply for a General Builder’s Licence. Subcontractors undertaking construction works (except for Specialist works mentioned below) are generally not required to apply for a General Builder’s Licence.
Specialist works in any of the specialist building work category listed below:
Piling works
Ground support and stabilisation works
Instrumentation and monitoring work
Structural steelwork
Pre-cast concrete work
In-situ post-tensioning work
These requirements apply to both public and private sector construction projects.
Important note: The BLS registration is for the compliance with the Building Control Act. Firms that intend to make new application or renewal of foreign construction workers work passes must register in the Contractors Registration System (CRS).
Types of Licences available
General Builder Licences
Class 1 General Builder: Authorised to undertake projects of any value
Class 2 General Builder: Restricted to projects valued at $6 million or less
Specialist Builder Licences
Specialist builders can undertake specialist works of any value within their licensed categories:
Piling works
Ground support and stabilisation works
Instrumentation and monitoring work
Structural steelwork
Pre-cast concrete work
In-situ post-tensioning work
Builders may register in multiple specialist categories if they meet the qualifications for each.
Licensing requirements
To obtain a Builder’s License, applicants must fulfil these mandatory requirements:
Personnel requirements
Appoint an Approved Person (AP): Must take charge and direct the management of building works. The AP must be the sole proprietor, partner, company director, or member of the board of management with required qualifications and experience [PDF, 713 KB]
Appoint a Technical Controller (TC): Must oversee execution and performance of building works. Specialist builders require TCs with civil or structural engineering degrees from recognised institutions. For more information, see TC’s required qualification and experience [PDF, 713 KB].
Recognised institutions:
Approved qualifications by Professional Engineers Board (PEB)
BCA Acceptable qualifications for Resident Engineer Accreditation
Financial requirements
Minimum paid-up capital (corporations only):
Class 1 General Builder: not less than $300,000
Class 2 General Builder or Specialist Builder: not less than $25,000
Licensing fees
Class 1 General Builder: $1,800
Class 2 General Builder: $1,200
Specialist Builder: $1,500
All licences are valid for up to three years.
For information on the builder’s licensing conditions, please refer to the Conditions of Builder’s License [PDF, 49 KB] document.
How to apply
Submit applications for new builder licensing, additional licences, or licence class variations through the Electronic Builders and Contractors Registration System (eBACS).
The online system provides step-by-step guidance and centralised document submission for all BLS applications.
Please ensure that you have read and understood the BLS Simplified Guide [PDF, 153 KB] (with a brief introduction to the relevant Act and Regulations) before submitting your application.
Documents to prepare before applying
Have the following documents prepared for uploading into eBACS:
Requirements | Supporting Documents |
Company Info & Financial |
For foreign company only
|
Approved Person (AP) and Technical Controller (TC) |
|
Forms and documents
Download the following forms for your Builder License application or to update your particulars with BCA.
Form or document | Description |
|---|---|
Provides a brief overview of the relevant Acts and Regulations. Login to eBACs to apply for additional license(s) or to vary existing license classes. | |
Declaration of Personnel Appointment and Experience [DOCX, 78 KB] | For licensed builders and registered contractors who wish to appoint new or additional personnel. |
For specialist builders to provide a list of projects undertaken by the TC. | |
Notification of Termination of Approved Person / Technical Controller [DOTM, 72 KB] | For builders who wish to update termination of AP or TC. |
For licensed builders and registered contractors who wish to update address and contact details. | |
Update of Foreign Employee’s Work Pass (Employment Pass / S-Pass) [DOCX, 46 KB] | For licensed builders and registered contractors who wish to update personnel's renewed pass. |
Processing time
Builder’s Licence applications will be processed within 14 working days upon submission of complete documents.
Additional resources
BLS Simplified Guide with a brief introduction to the relevant Act and Regulations [PDF, 153 KB]
Building Control (Value of Significant General Building Work Projects) Order 2008
Building Control (Estimated Final Price for Class 2 General Builder's Licence) Order 2008
Building Control (Licensing of Builders) (Amendment) Regulations 2009
Building and Construction Authority (Registration of Construction Personnel) Regulations 2008