Get your domestic builder unlimited or limited licence

The process to get your domestic builder limited/unlimited licence starts with pre-approval, where we’ll tell you in less than a minute whether you hit the requirements to get registered. If you don’t qualify, we’ll provide you with a personalised pathway so you can work towards being eligible. Next, you’ll choose your preferred training type (such as Zoom or class-based) and enrol onto an upcoming course.

Once you start training, we’ll work with you to complete your application which we’ll then submit to the relevant body. The focus will then be on the interview process - we’ll make sure you’re fully trained up so that you’re prepared and confident when it comes to sitting the assessment. If you pass the application and interview, you’ll achieve your licence and will officially be a registered domestic builder.

Not necessarily. While the Certificate IV in building and construction provides foundational knowledge that can assist you on your registration journey, it is not a mandatory requirement if you can have building experience and a reference from a qualified builder. Complete our 60 second eligibility check to see if you qualify or get in touch with our friendly team.

The Building Act 1993 states that people carrying out building work (where more than one trade is involved), with clients – for work valued $10,000 or more – need to become registered builders and the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 states that if a builder enters into a contract over $16,000, they must have home warranty insurance.

For registration and building permit purposes, domestic builders can only engage in Class 1 and Class 10 construction, as per the National Construction Code.

Building above $10,000 without registration often ends up with prosecution in the Magistrates Court.

The main advantage of becoming a domestically registered builder is that it opens up your capacity to earn serious income and build the career you’ve always wanted. Many of our successful students go on to be project managers or run their own businesses thanks to the opportunities that open up once they achieve their licences.

To obtain your DB-U in Victoria, you must meet the requirements outlined by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). That includes:

• At least three years of experience
• A comprehensive work history
• Proof that you have built or can build an entire house
• Competence with AS 1684 – Timber Framing Manual and AS 2870 – Slabs and Footings
• Being able to convince an assessor that you have the skills and knowledge

DB-U is the most difficult domestic building registration category to obtain and requires the highest standard of competence to be demonstrated on the day of your assessment.

Detailed technical references are required for all classes of registration. These are now an integral part (M) of the application, and must attest to your ability & strengths in the specific tasks required by the class of registration that you seek. The referee must hold at least the equivalent class of registration that you seek.

If you are applying for a DB-U, you must have a reference from a DB-U, not a Project Manager or a commercial builder.

The VBA charges a one-off registration fee when you lodge your application. In May 2022, the domestic registration fees were updated to the below:

• Domestic Builder (Unlimited) - $956.80
• Domestic Builder (Limited) - $765.40

Enrolling with Builder Registration is a one-off cost of $6,995 (or $6,500 if you pay upfront) which covers full application handling, small group training, assistance with home warranty insurance application to achieve your letter of eligibility, and post-registration support. If you have already started your application, we can look at what needs to be done and provide you with a quote, usually within 24 hours.

Domestic building work refers to any work associated with home constructions, renovations, maintenance, or improvements. There are 30 classes in total. Domestic builders registered as unlimited can undertake all aspects of domestic building work, whereas those in limited classes can only work within their chosen class, such as carpentry or roof tiling.