Registered builders Victoria

To become a registered domestic builder in Victoria, you must lodge an application with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and then complete an assessment to prove you have the skills and knowledge to effectively carry out domestic building work. When lodging the application, there are a few requirements you must meet. Firstly, you need to demonstrate sufficient practical experience in the building and construction industry. Secondly, you must have references from a builder in the same or higher class of registration you are applying for. Finally, you need to provide evidence of a good job history with relevant project examples. Many people think you need a Certificate IV in building and construction but this is not a mandatory requirement. However, you can include this on your application if you have completed the qualification as it shows a broader range of knowledge. The first part of the assessment is the VBA’s analysis of your application. If you fail to complete it in any way, the whole application will be rejected. For example, if you don’t pay the application fee, it will be delayed or even returned, or if you make mistakes in the contract, there is a high chance you will fail.Next is the multiple-choice and plan mistakes test held at the VBA office at Docklands, in Melbourne’s CBD. Within a month or so of completing this test, the VBA will arrange your one-on-one assessment which will last around 3-4 hours. You will likely be tested on the following competencies:Business managementBuilding works management (operational)Building works management (supervision)LegislationBuilding technologyOnce you pass the application and assessment, you will be recognised as a registered domestic builder in your chosen class.

The timeline can vary depending on a number of factors, such as your experience, whether you complete the application yourself, and VBA processing times.If, for example, you meet all the eligibility requirements and are ready to apply for your builders registration, you can choose to do this manually or with a training provider. Manually applying can take months, especially if your application is not prepared sufficiently. Completing a training course with someone like Builder Registration though will speed up the process - we can have your application ready in two weeks and provide you with all the necessary training in as little as 7 weeks so that you can attend your 1-1 interview fully prepared and with the confidence to pass.

According to the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995, domestic builders registered in Victoria must provide domestic building insurance, also known as builder’s warranty insurance when they enter into contracts valued over $16,000. You will also need to supply a letter of eligibility which we can organise for you.

Domestic building work includes everything related to home construction, renovation, maintenance, or enhancement. There are two primary classes - Domestic Builder Unlimited (DB-U) and Domestic Builder Limited. Those with DB-U registrations can engage in all areas of domestic building work, whereas those with limited licences, such as chippies or plasterers, are restricted to their specified class.

While the Certificate IV can assist you in achieving your domestic registration, it is not included as part of the minimum requirements outlined by the VBA. The qualification can be waived if you have sufficient building experience and a relevant reference. Take our 60-second eligibility test to see if you qualify for pre-approval, or reach out to our friendly support team.

No. You can submit separate applications at the same time but you’ll have to pay the application fee twice. You can apply for multiple domestic builder limited categories at the same time though, as they are all deemed to be at the same level.

Assessors will normally inform an unsuccessful applicant that they can re-apply, having to re-submit the full application and pay the fee again. They will also inform you of the areas in which you were deemed “not competent” in a formal letter.