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.
EMA electricians can count as T at L1 and L2; electrical engineers or technicians at L3–L5. M&E Coordination certificate holders can count as T for ME05 at L1–L5 under the applicable conditions. CRS does not replace any separate electrical licensing obligations.
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.
Check BCA registration and electrical-work permissions separately
Describe the actual electrical installation work, contract values and completion evidence. Then check the proposed grade’s CRS personnel and financial requirements. BCA workhead registration should not be treated as a replacement for the relevant EMA licensing or supervision requirements for electrical work.
If relying on a licensed electrical worker as technical personnel, verify the licence category and whether the current CRS table accepts it for the intended grade. A route accepted at L1 or L2 must not be assumed to cover higher grades. If using a course-based alternative, confirm the precise award and permitted workhead/grade combination.
- Identify who performs and supervises the regulated electrical work.
- Verify current licences and the qualification documents.
- Keep project evidence specific to electrical scope.
- Review replacement arrangements if the registered person leaves.
For combined electrical and communication work, compare ME04 rather than treating both categories as interchangeable.
Frequently asked questions
Does ME05 approval replace an EMA licence?
No. Check the applicable electrical-work rules separately.
Official sources
Related guides
Enquire about BCA registration
Tell us the work your company performs and the workhead, grade or licence you need.