Building consultancy Licenses

Anyone who carries out pre-purchase inspections of residential properties is required to be licensed under the Home Building Act 1989 and a licence card will be issued to those who successfully apply for a building consultant licence. The online licence check facility makes licence information publicly available.

When do I have to become licensed?

From 1 January 2004, all building consultants need to be licensed.

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Is there a special application form?

Yes, go to the Forms and fees page and select a link under the heading Building Consultancy Licence. For information about the process of applying for a building consultant's licence, go to the Getting and renewing a contractor licence or certificate page.

Caution. Your application will be refused or any licence issued will be cancelled if your application is made using false information or to mask a poor record of compliance.

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I currently hold a builder's licence, can I also hold a building consultancy licence?

Yes, but you will need to lodge a new application for a building consultancy licence and demonstrate you fulfill the qualification requirements. There is no fee for this application, though you will receive a separate building consultancy licence card.

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Can I lend my licence to someone else?

No. It is an offence for you to lend your licence to anyone. You can be fined and your licence cancelled.

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What qualifications do I need to obtain this licence?

From 30 March 2007, applicants for a building consultancy licence must successfully complete the following units of competency:

• BCGSV5001A Assess the Construction of Domestic Scale Buildings
• BCGSV5006A Assess Construction Faults in Residential Buildings
• BCGSV5015A Assess Structural Requirements of Domestic Scale Buildings
• BSBCMN420A Write Complex Documents.

In addition, applicants must hold a current licence to contract to do or supervise general building work, or be eligible for the granting of such a licence.

Transitional arrangements

Transitional arrangements are in place and the following qualification, examination or practical test, or the passing of any examination or assessment, either commenced or completed prior to 30 March 2007, is accepted for the issue of an endorsed contractor licence:

Currently hold or be eligible to obtain a full builders licence, and

• have five years experience in pre-purchase inspection of residential building work evidenced by one of the following industry groups:
  • Archicentre Limited
  • Australian Institute of Building
  • Australian Institute of Building Surveyors
  • Australian Society of Building Consultants
  • Certifiers accredited by NSW Department of Planning
  • Housing Industry Association
  • Institute of Building Consultants
  • Master Builders Association (New South Wales)
  • Master Builders Association (Newcastle); OR
• if some satisfactory experience can be shown, undertake an independent assessment administered by TAFE NSW for the purpose of ascertaining extent of knowledge required in performing pre-purchase inspections.

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How can I undertake the relevant units of competency?

Applicants are required to enrol in an approved course with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), or if you are competent in the selected units of competency, you may apply to the RTO for recognition of prior learning.

The following two RTO's deliver the units of competency for building consultants:

OTEN Building and Construction in conjunction with the Master Builders Association
Tel: 1300 652 947
email: oten.building@tafensw.edu.au or enquiries@mbansw.asn.au

Building Institute of Training and Development in conjunction with the Master Builders Association
9 Borgnis Street
Davidson NSW 2085
Tel: 02 8214 8644
email: bitad@edu2000.net.au or enquiries@mbansw.asn.au
www.bitad.com.au

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What supporting documentation do I need with my application?

Go to the Forms and fees page and select the link under the heading Building Consultancy Licence for more information.

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Am I required to obtain/provide evidence of Professional Indemnity Insurance?

It is advisable to have Professional Indemnity Insurance. However, it is not a requirement for a building consultancy licence at this time. 

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What is the application fee?

The fee will vary depending on the type of licence you want. For more information, view or download licence fees and charges in PDF format (size: 74k).  

Exemptions from the application fee apply where:

• you are the holder of a current building contractor licence
• you are required to be registered under another Act such as:
  • an architect, under the Architects Act 1921 or
  • a Registered Certifier, under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, 1979.

You will need to provide suitable evidence of continued accreditation to qualify for an exemption.

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If I am a director/partner, am I required to have a nominated supervisor?

No, but your company/parternship must:

• while the licence is in force, have at least one director, partner or full time employee, who is the holder of a consultancy licence
• ensure that the work being done, contracted for and carried out, is done either by:
  • an individual who is the holder of a building consultancy licence or
  • under the supervision, and subject to the direction of, a building consultancy licence holder.

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Am I subject to the requirements of Continuing Professional Development?

If you have a current builders licence from the Office of Fair Trading, you are required to participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). However, there are no requirements for holders of a building consultancy licence to participate in CPD. For more information, go to the Continuing Professional Development page.

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Do I renew the licence each year?

Yes, annual renewal is required however exemptions from renewal fees apply if you:

• hold a current builders licence, or 
• are required to be registered under another Act (suitable evidence of continued accreditation must be provided):
  • Architects – Architects Act 1921, or
  • Registered Certifiers under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, 1979.