General contractor

GSC supports you at every step of the process, from understanding the RBQ exams to preparing for and passing them, to simplify your procedures and avoid mistakes.

Here is the general process for obtaining a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Keep in mind that Groupe GSC supports you at each of these steps.

• Determine whether an RBQ licence is required

You must check whether the construction or renovation work you want to carry out or bid on requires an RBQ licence. Some exceptions exist, notably for very limited work or in specific situations.

• Choose the legal form of your business

You must determine whether you will operate as a sole proprietorship, a legal person (corporation) or a partnership, depending on your situation.

• Register your business

If you are creating a business, you must register it with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ) to obtain a Quebec enterprise number (NEQ).

• Determine the RBQ licence subcategory or subcategories

The RBQ licence is divided into categories and subcategories based on the types of work you want to carry out or bid on (e.g. general contractor for all work, specialized contractor).

• Verify criminal and tax records

The RBQ requires that the company's officers, directors or lenders have no recent criminal or tax offences of certain types.

• Complete and submit the RBQ licence application

You must fill out the application form that matches your situation and send it to the RBQ with all the required documents (business, surety bond, supporting documents).

• Qualify professionally

You must demonstrate your professional skills by passing the required RBQ exams or by completing a training program recognized by the RBQ.

• Review of your file by the RBQ and issuance of the licence

Once your file is complete and compliant, the RBQ carries out the final review and issues the licence. As a member of Groupe GSC, each of these steps in the RBQ licence application process is simplified and guided by experts, so you can move forward efficiently, without mistakes or unnecessary delays.

Obtaining the RBQ general contractor licence requires passing 3 core exams (Administration, Safety management on construction sites, and Project and job site management) as well as the appropriate Schedule I exams required for the candidate (Execution of construction work). They are designed to validate the technical, regulatory and administrative skills required by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.

General information about the exams

• Passing grade: 60 %
• Exam language: French or English
• Exam type: multiple-choice exam (4 choices)

Only the documents and materials provided by the invigilator (calculator, ruler, paper, pencil, etc.) may be used during the exam session.

Step 1: Core exams (3 courses, 6 sessions)

Administration (1 exam lasting 3 hours)

• Financial management
• Management
• Labour relations system
• Legislation and regulations

Safety management on construction sites (1 exam lasting 1 hour 30 minutes)

• Prevention management
• Compensation claims management
• Contribution management
• Legislation and regulations

Project and job site management (1 exam lasting 3 hours)

• Management of construction activities
• Reading and interpreting plans and specifications
• Cost estimating and preparing bids
• Quality control activities
• Legislation and regulations

Step 2: Execution of construction work exams

This step validates your skills according to the types of buildings you want to build.

Most frequently requested subcategories

• 1.2 Small buildings
• 1.3 Buildings of all types
• 1.1.1 New buildings covered by a guarantee plan, Class I (new houses)
• 1.1.2 New buildings covered by a guarantee plan, Class II (new condominiums)

Other Schedule I subcategories

• 1.4 Roads and sewer and water main contractor
• 1.5 Civil engineering structures contractor
• 1.6 Underwater civil engineering works contractor
• 1.7 Telecommunications, electrical power transmission, transformation and distribution contractor
• 1.8 Petroleum equipment installation contractor
• 1.9 Building mechanical systems contractor
• 1.10 Ski lift contractor

GSC's RBQ exam pass rate is over 95%, but it is directly tied to the candidate's level of commitment and effort. Be wary of non-accredited organizations promising an RBQ exam pass rate of 100% or close to it, which may prove misleading.

Note that candidates who take their RBQ training with GSC and are in an active process with us can access their training at no charge until they obtain their licence.

Yes, absolutely. All our courses are offered in French and in English, both for online training and for support from our instructors. We are in fact one of the very few references in Quebec offering fully bilingual RBQ training, which lets contractors and future contractors learn, study and ask their questions in the language they are most comfortable with. This bilingual approach makes it easier to understand technical concepts, prepare for the exams and integrate regulatory requirements, while ensuring the same quality of guidance in both languages.

Whatever type of training you choose, 100 % online, in class or via Zoom, you always benefit from the RBQ educational support provided by our RBQ instructors. Their role goes beyond teaching the material: they are available to answer your questions, guide you and help you better understand the essential concepts.

With our online training platform, contacting the instructors is quick and easy, directly from your student portal through the built-in messaging. You can get support for your contractor training, whether for a general question or a clarification about a specific course.

This ongoing educational support considerably reduces the stress of the RBQ exams and increases your chances of success, letting you move forward with clear, professional and prompt answers instead of lingering in uncertainty.

• Rest assured that you are never alone in your dealings with the RBQ. The RBQ support offered by GSC is available to you as a member and continues until you obtain your licence, and throughout your journey afterwards.

Our team provides human, accessible and ongoing support, in particular for:

• your RBQ exam application;
• scheduling or retaking an exam;
• following up on your file;
• communicating with the RBQ, when needed.

This RBQ support is included according to your GSC membership status, so you can move forward with peace of mind, avoid mistakes and complete your steps with confidence.

Advantages of taking a course with GSC

By choosing Groupe GSC, you get quality RBQ training designed specifically for construction contractors and aligned with RBQ requirements.

Here are the main advantages of our RBQ courses:

Flexibility

• Courses offered online, in class or by Zoom, according to your schedule and constraints.

Personalized support

• Human, ongoing support before, during and after the training.
• Help with exams, administrative steps and understanding the material.

Exclusive member benefits

• RBQ licence surety bond included (depending on the membership).
• Discounts with many partners in the construction industry.
• Free consultation time with our team or one of our many partner professionals.

Recognized expertise and a unique network

• Courses developed by construction experts.
• Access to a network of more than 7,000 active members, encouraging sharing, opportunities and comprehensive support, well beyond training alone.

Thanks to this complete approach, our RBQ general contractor courses are not limited to passing the exams: they let you build your business on solid, compliant and lasting foundations.