New registration pathways for building surveyors and building inspectors

Monday, 9 December 2019

To help alleviate the pressure of entry and support registration retention, the VBA is now considering applications for the classes of Building Surveyor (Limited) and Building Inspector (Limited), where the applicant’s practical experience is restricted to class 1 and 10 buildings.

The VBA has also formalised its position regarding the consideration of applications in the category of Building Inspector (Limited), again, where the applicant’s practical experience is restricted to class 1 and 10 buildings.

Previously, to obtain registration as a Building Surveyor (Limited) or a Building Inspector (Limited), applicants needed to demonstrate work experience in both commercial and domestic buildings.

This change is being implemented to reflect current industry practices, as building surveyors and inspectors are increasingly specialising in either commercial or domestic work. The change will also assist with career progression from building inspector to building surveyor and support the supply of registered building practitioners in Victoria.

How to apply

Applicants seeking to be assessed only for work related to class 1 and 10 buildings should attach a cover letter to their application confirming this request. To obtain registration, these applicants will still need to demonstrate that they hold the required level of knowledge and experience in building surveying or inspecting work relevant to class 1 and 10 buildings.

Suitably qualified and experienced Building Surveyor (Limited) applicants will be restricted to class 1 and 10 buildings up to three storeys in height, with a maximum floor area of 500m² excluding basements. Building Inspector (Limited) applicants will also be restricted to class 1 and 10 buildings, up to three storeys in height (excluding buildings with a basement) and a floor area of up to 500m².

The other Building Inspector (Limited) class that the VBA offers (for inspections of buildings up to three storeys in height and with a floor area of up to 2000m²) is not impacted by this change because practitioners in this class commonly undertake a mix of commercial and domestic work.