What you need to know about the Building Practitioners Board (BPB)
If you are involved in the business of building then chances are that you should be registered with the BPB.
The BPB is an independent statutory body established under the Building Act 1993. It 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 ability to be registered is based upon the nature and extent of your qualifications and experience.
The following categories and classes of building practitioners are currently required to be registered with the BPB:
- Building surveyor
- Building inspector (Unlimited/Limited)
- Quantity surveyor
- Engineer (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Fire Safety)
- Draftsperson (Building design - architectural, interior, services)
- Builder (Commercial builder - unlimited/limited)
- Builder (Domestic builder - unlimited/limited/manager)
- Builder (Demolisher - low rise buildings/medium rise buildings/unlimited)
- Erector or supervisor (temporary structures - Class 1 and 2).
For more information regarding the registration categories and classes, please contact the BPB on 1300 360 320.
If you need to register as a building practitioner, you must submit an application available from the BPB or under RBP Applications and Information in the Registered Building Practitioners section of this website. Applications can also be made in person, by fax or by mail. The application must be accompanied by an application fee and proof of required insurance cover.
As part of their 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.
