FREE QLD TEMPLATE

Subcontractor prequalification form template

A free, editable Word prequalification form covering what Queensland head contractors usually ask for. Use it to build your own pack before the next invitation, or as a simple starting form.

Built by Tender Ready Tools, a Queensland-based engineer working in HV/LV project delivery. Published 30 October 2026

Items marked verify refer to legislation, standards or regulator guidance that changes over time. Check the linked official source and your contract before relying on them.

Who this form is for

Subcontractors can fill it in once, attach the evidence, and keep it as a master prequalification pack. When a head contractor's portal or form arrives, most answers are already written and checked. Smaller head contractors and builders can use it as a simple starting form for their own subcontractors.

Every head contractor sets its own criteria, and many use online portals. This form covers the common ground; it doesn't replace their process. For the detail behind each section, see our subcontractor prequalification checklist (QLD).

What's in the form

Business details: legal entity, trading names, ABN/ACN, GST, contacts, scope and regions.
Licensing: QBCC licence number, class and expiry, nominee, electrical contractor licence, other authorisations, and a licence search printout. See the QBCC licence classes verify and the QBCC online registers verify.
Financial: turnover, largest contract delivered, statements on request, QBCC financial reporting status verify and references.
Insurance: a table for public liability, workers' compensation, PI, contract works and motor vehicle, with limits and expiry dates.
WHS: policy, SWMS for high-risk construction work, injury statistics, notices or prosecutions, training register and certification. Duties flow from the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 verify.
Quality and environment: quality system, ITPs, test records, nonconformance process.
Relevant experience: three to five projects with value, dates and referees.
Capacity: key personnel, crews, plant and current workload.
Declaration: signed confirmation that the information is true and current.

Filling it in well

Match entity names across the licence, ABN record, insurance certificates and quotes. Mismatches are a common reason for a pack to be put on hold.
Attach certificates of currency, not policy schedules, and diarise expiry dates.
Be specific about SWMS. For electrical work, list energised work controls, isolation and test-before-touch, and work near live parts.
Pick relevant projects, at a similar scale and type, with referees who know they're listed.
Be upfront about notices or incidents and what changed afterwards.
Review it every quarter, so it's current when the invitation lands.

Electrical and HV/LV contractors

Industrial electrical packages often need both QBCC and electrical licensing evidence, depending on scope. Electrical contractor licences are issued under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 through the Electrical Safety Office verify. Add HV switching or access authorisations and test equipment calibration records where relevant.

Why packs get put on hold

An expired certificate of currency, or a public liability limit below what the head contractor asks for.
A licence class that doesn't match the scope being quoted.
Generic SWMS that don't mention the actual tasks or site.
Referees who can't be reached, or don't know they were listed.
No incident records at all over several years, which reads as "not recording" rather than "very safe".

Fix these before you send the form and most reviews move much faster.

Score your pack

Once the form is filled in, check where it's thin. The free Subcontractor Readiness Scorecard is a 30-question Excel self-check across seven areas. It takes about 15 minutes and shows what to fix first. It's a self-check, not an assessment by any head contractor.

Frequently asked questions

What is a subcontractor prequalification form?

A questionnaire a head contractor uses to check a subcontractor's licences, insurance, finances, safety and quality systems, and experience before inviting tenders or engaging them.

What is a certificate of currency?

A document from your insurer confirming a policy is in force, with the insured name, cover type, limit and period. Head contractors ask for it instead of the full policy.

What is a SWMS?

A Safe Work Method Statement: a document setting out high-risk construction work activities, the hazards and the controls. It's required for high-risk construction work under Queensland WHS laws verify.

What is an ITP?

An inspection and test plan: a list of the inspections and tests for a work type, with hold and witness points and the records produced.

General information only, not legal, contractual or tendering advice. The template doesn't make a notice or document valid or effective; your contract and current law decide that. Check each item marked verify against the current official source.