Does this category match your work?
Describe the relevant installation and maintenance work in your contracts. Separate unrelated activities and provide the scope and value breakdown. The workhead is not established merely by an ACRA activity code or the company’s name.
What does L1 require?
For ME01–ME13 Grade L1, review both $50,000 paid-up capital and $50,000 net worth, $300,000 of relevant track record over the preceding three years, and one qualifying T technical person. L1 does not impose the three-year personnel-experience condition used at L2. New or additional entry-grade applications can use relevant ongoing as well as completed projects.
Paid-up capital is the amount shareholders have paid for their shares. Net worth is assets minus liabilities, supported by accounts; a $50,000 bank balance alone does not establish $50,000 net worth. Management accounts can be used at L1, while L2–L6 require audited accounts. Requirements vary by workhead; do not apply an ME table to every CRS category.
Which technical person can qualify?
CRS technical personnel are different from a builder’s Technical Controller. They must be full-time and employed only by the applicant. Local or PR technical personnel need evidence of at least $2,400 monthly salary. For ME workheads, relevant mechanical, electrical or electronics diploma routes and BCA-approved alternatives apply. Some workheads allow specific EMA or M&E Coordination credentials; check the actual category before hiring or enrolling in a course.
M&E Coordination certificate holders can count as T for ME04 at L1–L5 where the current SRR conditions are met. Check the actual certificate and appointment evidence.
L1 or L2?
L2 has higher financial and track-record requirements and a three-year relevant personnel-experience condition. Do not assume meeting L1 also qualifies the company for L2. Review the full current SRR before choosing a grade.
A route for new companies.
Eligible new firms without the full entry-grade track record may be considered for probationary L1, C3 or Single Grade registration, excluding CR10A, if other requirements are met. Relevant ongoing or completed projects must start during the probation period and total at least $100,000. Successful assessment can give a further two years. Repeat-application restrictions also apply, including through certain shareholders. Probation is a route for BCA to assess, not an automatic approval.
What documents should you gather?
- Company profile, ownership and relevant business scope.
- Accounts establishing the required paid-up capital and net worth.
- Personnel qualifications, identity, employment and experience records where required.
- Contracts with relevant scope and value breakdowns, plus evidence of ongoing or completed work.
- Workhead-specific licences, certificates and other supporting documents.
Understand the public tender ceiling.
| Grade | CR / ME tender limit |
|---|---|
| L1 | $800,000 |
| L2 | $1.6 million |
| L3 | $5 million |
| L4 | $8 million |
| L5 | $16 million |
| L6 / Single Grade | Unlimited |
These public-sector tender limits apply from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. They do not replace the tender’s workhead and other conditions, guarantee an award, or set the separate GB2 builder licence’s $6 million ceiling.
Describe the systems installed in each contract
For communication and security-related systems, identify the equipment, installation work and testing scope. A contract described only as “IT services” may not show the work relevant to ME04. Separate installation and system work from unrelated supply, maintenance or general consultancy when preparing the project schedule.
- List the systems involved, such as communication, CCTV, alarm or access control, where relevant.
- Match completion records and contract descriptions to the claimed scope.
- Check the proposed technical person’s qualification route for the intended grade.
- Assess whether electrical installation also creates a separate ME05 or regulator requirement.
A person’s familiar job title is not enough to establish eligibility. Prepare the actual award, institution and duties. Where relying on a permitted alternative qualification, check the grades and workheads it covers. The ME05 guide addresses electrical work separately.
Frequently asked questions
Does installing CCTV automatically establish every ME04 requirement?
No. Scope, financial, track-record and personnel conditions still need to be checked.
Official sources
Related guides
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