Builder Registration & Training (VBA)

How to Become a Builder in Victoria

Is Registration as a Builder Necessary?

As part of the reforms introduced to the building industry in 2017, it is now necessary to register as a builder if undertaking certain types of work.

Registration with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is necessary for anyone:

Undertaking domestic building work that costs more than $10,000 including material and labour costs.

Carrying out re-blocking, re-stumping, demolition work or any work that involves the removal of a home regardless of cost.

Providing more than one type of building work (e.g. brick laying and painting) that costs more than $10,000 including material and labour costs.

Different Classes of Builder Registration

There are a variety of different registrations, depending on the type of building work intended to be undertaken. The most common types of builder registrations are:

Domestic Builder (Limited)
Domestic Builder (Unlimited)
Commercial Builder (Limited)
Commercial Builder (Unlimited)

Even under the above broad categories, there are further types of registration. For example, the Domestic Builder (Limited) has 29 sub-categories which include things like carpentry, construction of structural landscaping and roof tiling. It is always advised that you check with the VBA about the exact requirements for the registration you are after.

Minimum Requirements

Despite the many categories available for Builder registration, there are minimum requirements that are the same across all categories. These are:

3 years full time experience in the category you’re applying for.

Completion of an application with all the necessary proof of your experience.

Steps to Becoming a Registered Builder in Victoria

These are the 3 key steps that you will be required to undertake to satisfy the VBA’s registration process to become a builder in Victoria.

Step 1

Fill out an application form from VBA from the relevant builder practitioner class that you want to register for.

Complete registration application form.

Complete Technical Referee Report.

Step 2

Undertake an in-person computer-based examination at VBA. This usually includes 53 online multiple-choice questions as well as testing of your plan reading skills. Questions are based on the National Construction Codes, Australian Standards for Building and Construction, Acts and Regulations.

Step 3

Attend an interview with an VBA assessor. These interviews can run from 2-4 hours and will include more questions relating to your knowledge and experience, as well as your ability to read building plans. Having a portfolio that supports your experience is recommended.

How Can we help You Get Registered as a Builder?

Additional Support

We also have a variety of additional support courses to help you prepare for the following components of registration:

Computer/Knowledge Test

You will need to achieve a score of 70% from 50 questions to pass. These questions will test your knowledge of the National Construction Codes and Australian Standards as they apply to your trade.

We have Test Questions and Plans and Designs that provides you with test questions, both multiple choice and written answer. This program also has a component that will prepare you for the Plan and Design part of the test.

Portfolio

A portfolio of evidence demonstrating your experience on job sites and your familiarity with documents like OH&S requirements, site plans and construction schedules amongst other things will also be required.

Our Builders File Review assists you by reviewing your application and portfolio to ensure it is complete and meets all requirements. We will also certify copies of original documents and qualifications, then review your portfolio again once it is ready to be submitted.

Interview

The third component of registration and licensing is an interview our qualified assessor. The interview covers all requirements from, Legal, Building Management and Building Technology.

You are permitted to take in hard copies of any code and regulations to support you. We understand that these interviews can be quite daunting. This is why we also offer special training to prepare you for this component. Builders License Simulated Interview offers a 3-hour simulated interview experience where you will receive feedback and be informed of your strengths and weaknesses.

We believe all three programs are invaluable. However, you can design the course structure that suits you best by choosing a mixture of the programs or just the single program.