RBP Registration

Becoming a Registered Building Practitioner

To become a registered building practitioner in the Category of Draftsperson, Class of Building Design (Architectural), an application must be lodged with the Building Practitioners Board (BPB).

Building Practitioners Board

The BPB is an independent statutory body established under the Building Act 1993. The BPB is administered by the Building Commission. The BPB oversees the quality and standard of professional services in the Victorian building industry. In doing so, it administers a registration system and monitors the conduct and ability of registered building practitioners.

The Building Act 1993 requires most people who work in building to be registered as building practitioners with the BPB. Registered building practitioners are generally required to carry the appropriate insurance to provide consumers with better protection. The BPB registers individuals not companies or businesses.

The Building Regulations 2006 outline the various categories and classes of building practitioners. The following categories and classes of building practitioners are currently required to be registered with the BPB:

• Builder (Commercial builder - unlimited/limited)
• Builder (Domestic builder - unlimited/limited/manager)
• Builder (Demolisher - low rise buildings/medium rise buildings/unlimited)
• Building surveyor
• Building inspector (Unlimited/Limited)
• Draftsperson (Building design - architectural, interior, services)
• Engineer (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Fire Safety)
• Erector or supervisor (temporary structures - Class 1 and 2).
• Quantity surveyor

For more information regarding the registration categories and classes, please contact the BPB on 1300 360 320 or visit www.buildingcommission.com.au

As part of its role, the BPB has the facility to conduct an inquiry or hearing into the conduct and or ability of a registered building practitioner to practise. The hearings concern building practitioners who are currently registered, as well as building practitioners who were registered at the time of the alleged offence or misconduct.

Registration Process

Application forms for registration in the Category of Draftsperson, Class of Building Design (Architectural) are available from the Building Commission’s website or CLICK HERE for a direct link to the relevant section. This section also contains information sheets and a summary of competencies required to register in this category, as well as a list of useful contacts.

Applications for registration may be made in person, by fax or by mail. The application must be accompanied by an application fee and proof of required insurance cover.

Initially, a BPB staff member will ensure that all the required information is provided with your application. When complete, this person will then forward your application for assessment to the Board member responsible for your registration category for final review and decision.

During the assessment process, applicants may be asked to provide additional information in support of their application, or may be asked to attend an interview to demonstrate their competencies in the category of registration being sought.

The recommendation of the Board member is then made to a full meeting of the Board. These meetings are held once a month. In order for an application to be considered by the Board at its monthly meeting, it must be submitted with all the required information.

For further information, please contact the BPB on 1300 360 320.

As with many decisions of the BPB, applicants who are refused registration in the category being sought have a right to appeal through the Building Appeals Board.