Licence classes

Each licence class has different scopes of work and may be subject to conditions. You need to know your class before applying.

Class Scope of work

Class A building assessor — Energy efficiency

Prepare an energy efficiency certificate under the Building Act 2004 or an energy efficiency rating statement in relation to new (plans) or an existing building.

Prepare an energy efficiency certificate under the Building Act 2004 or an energy efficiency rating statement in relation to a new building (plans) only.

Class B building assessor — Energy efficiency

Prepare an energy efficiency certificate under the Building Act 2004 or an energy efficiency rating statement based on the plans of a building.

Other building assessor licences and endorsements

Corporation or partnership licence

If a corporation or partnership wants to provide or advertise building assessor services in the ACT, it will need a licence. For more information, see corporation or partnership licence.

Software Endorsements

Software endorsements allow building assessors operate endorsed software for the purposes of providing a building assessment service.

Endorsement Scope of work

House Energy Rating Software (For Class A and Class B Building Assessors)

Energy efficiency certificate under the Building Act 2004.

First Rate 4 Version 4.05 or later (For Class A Building Assessors)

Energy efficiency rating statement.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a licence, you need to meet relevant mandatory qualifications outlined in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration.

Where multiple methods are listed for a particular licence class, you are only required to meet one of the methods listed.

Insurance

You must also provide evidence of insurance coverage before you can be licensed as a building assessor, to cover:

  • indemnity against claims for breach of professional duty as a building assessor
  • a minimum limit of indemnity of $1,000,000 for a single claim
  • Evidence of your qualification
  • Evidence of insurance
  • Evidence of training to operate one or more House Energy Rating Software
  • A criminal history check.

Applying for a licence

Step 1 – Gather required evidence to support your application

Access Canberra will not accept checks that are more than 6 months old.

Step 2 – Start your application

Note: you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won’t be submitted until the documents are lodged and the fee is paid.

Step 3 – Assessment

Once submitted, your application will be assessed to ensure you meet:

  • Fit and proper person requirements
  • Insurance requirements
  • Qualification requirements.

Step 4 – Decision

Once the assessment of your application is complete you will either be offered a licence, or your application will be refused.

Please note, you may be offered a licence with conditions restricting the scope of works that can be undertaken under your licence.

If you are offered a licence you will need to pay a licence term fee. Fees are determined by the Fee Determination for the relevant financial year.

Note: It will take up to 7 days for your licence to be published on the public register after your licence term fee is paid, and up to 21 days for a licence card to be printed and sent to you.

Timeframe

The assessment of your application will take at least 4 weeks.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

As a building assessor licensee you are responsible for:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • undertaking work in a proper and skilful way
  • understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations.

Further information can be found on the licence responsibilities page.