An RBQ licence is Quebec’s construction licence for regulated building work. It is not a HandNorth badge we invented, and it is not the same thing as a U.S. contractor licence. Homeowners should see the number in writing. On HandNorth, a pro either files an RBQ number or marks the work as not requiring one.
1 When RBQ applies
Regulated building work in Quebec — structural, many electrical and plumbing scopes, larger renovations — needs the right RBQ subclass. Furniture assembly or a simple handyman visit may not. If you are unsure, ask the pro to write which rule they are using. Confirm on the government’s RBQ tools; we do not replace that registry.
2 What else we ask for
Alongside RBQ (when it applies) we ask for government ID, proof of liability insurance, and CNESST where the crew is covered. That file lives in Verification. Homeowners see the licence and coverage on a hired job. Full policy: Trust & safety.
3 Canada and the United States
Ontario equivalents such as WSIB are listed when we open there. In the United States, licence names and boards change by state and sometimes by city. We will collect the document that jurisdiction requires — we will not stamp “RBQ” on a U.S. pro.
Professionals apply on Become a pro.
Questions people ask
- Is RBQ the same as a contractor licence in the U.S.?
- No. RBQ is Quebec. A U.S. city will use that state’s licence. We will not mix the two names.
- Can I hire someone without an RBQ number?
- Yes, when the work is not regulated and they marked RBQ as not required. For regulated building work, ask for the number.
