Licence classes
Each licence class has different scopes of work and may be subject to conditions. You need to know the licence class you are eligible for before applying.
Note: to perform work as government building surveyor you must be appointed to the building work by the Construction Occupations Registrar under section 20 of the Building Act 2004.
| Class | Scope of work |
|---|---|
Principal building surveyor | Perform building certification work or supervise building certification work on behalf of a corporation. |
Principal building surveyor employee | Perform building certification work as an employee of a principal building surveyor. Usually applied for by an individual who works under a licensed building surveyor corporation's insurance policy. |
General building surveyor | Perform building certification work or supervise building certification work on behalf of a corporation in relation to a building that is three storeys or lower and that has a floor area of 2000m2 or less. |
General building surveyor employee | Perform building certification work in relation to a building that is three storeys or lower and that has a floor area of 2000m2 or less, as an employee of a principal building surveyor or general building surveyor. Usually applied for by an individual who works under a licensed building surveyor corporation’s insurance policy. |
Principal government building surveyor | Perform building certification work. |
Government building surveyor | Perform building certification work in relation to a building that is 3 storeys or lower and that has a floor area of 2000m2 ;or less. |
Other building surveyor licences
Corporation or partnership licence
If a corporation or partnership wants to provide or advertise building surveyor services in the ACT, it will need a licence. For more information, see corporation or partnership licence.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a licence or permit, you need to meet relevant mandatory qualifications outlined in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration and the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Regulation 2004.
The following are the main eligibility requirements under the Declaration:
Accreditation
You must be accredited under the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) National Accreditation Scheme in the category required by the licence class you are applying for.
Online course
Within one year of making the application, successfully completed the Introduction to the ACT Building Regulatory System online course.
Insurance
You must provide evidence of insurance coverage before you can be licensed, to cover:
- indemnity against claims for breach of professional duty as a building surveyor
- a minimum limit of indemnity of $1,000,000 for a single claim
- a minimum limit of indemnity of $1,000,000 for the total of all claims made against the applicant during the period of cover
- a minimum limit of indemnity for the costs and expenses of defending or settling a claim of 20% of the limit of the indemnity for the claim (this is in addition to the indemnities mentioned in points two and three).
Interstate licence holders
You may be able to apply for an ACT licence if you’re already licensed in another state or territory. Find out more about mutual recognition.
Applying for a licence
Step 1 – Gather required evidence to support your application
- Evidence of your AIBS accreditation
- Evidence of you have completed the Introduction to the ACT Building Regulatory System online course and asbestos management training course
- Evidence of insurance (where required)
- A criminal history check.
Access Canberra will not accept checks that are more than 6 months old.
Step 2 – Start your application
- Apply for a new licence via the Application for construction occupation licence - individual building surveyor
- Pay the application fee. Fees are determined by the Fee Determination for the relevant financial year.
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 (where applicable)
- Qualification and experience 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 surveyor licensee you are responsible for:
- complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
- undertaking work in a proper and skilful way
- rectifying issues that may arise with the quality of your work
- understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations.
Further information can be found on the licence responsibilities page.
