Principal Certifier
Behind every approved NSW project is a Principal Certifier (PC) making sure things stay safe, legal, and on schedule. With Buildcert, you get a partner who knows the system and keeps your project moving.
Certification sorted with Buildcert.
In NSW, once you’ve got your Construction Certificate (CC) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) sorted, you’ll need to appoint a Principal Certifier, also called a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA). The Principal Certifier (PC) needs to be appointed before construction can commence.
The PC’s job? Carrying out the mandatory inspections at key stages, keeping your build compliant, and signing off with the final Occupation Certificate.
With Buildcert, you’re backed by a team with the experience, accreditations, and know-how to keep your project running smoothly from the first inspection right through to the finish line. Buildcert works with commercial builders, volume builders and developers, residential builders, building designers, and homeowners across NSW.
[ Our approach ]
Keeping your project on track, from start to finish.
01
Checking Your ApprovalsWhat it is
Appointing a Principal Certifier (PC) is the final piece of your building approval puzzle, and it works best when we’ve handled the whole thing from the start. If Buildcert issued your CDC or CC, we already know the ins and outs of your project, making the handover to PC simple, fast, and seamless. We’re set up to manage the full approval pathway, from first assessment to final inspection, all under one roof.
Why it matters
You can’t legally start construction in NSW without a PC. Appointing your Principal Certifier upfront helps avoid delays, confusion, and paperwork back-and-forth down the track.
What you gain
One team, one point of contact, and one smooth process from approval to final sign-off. You’ll know exactly what’s needed, when to book inspections, and how to keep your build compliant every step of the way.
Good as gold.
02
Crossing the T's, Dotting the I'sWho does this
Our building certifiers are experienced, accredited, and across the detail. You can trust our team to take the lead on making sure all the checks and balances are in place.
What we check
We’ll review your approval documents, identify any pre-construction requirements (like Owner Builder Permits or Home Building Compensation Fund Insurance (HBCF)), and issue the official Notice of Commencement so you can get cracking on your build.
Outcome
Once appointed, we carry out your mandatory inspections and provide updates and reports throughout. With next-day bookings (when scheduled before 3pm), we help avoid costly delays and keep things moving. At the end of the job, we’ll do the final inspection and issue your Occupation Certificate; the official green light that your project’s complete and compliant.
03
Benefits of Using Buildcert as Your Principal CertifierWhy it helps
By using Buildcert for your CC/CDC and Principal Certifier, you get end-to-end service with zero friction. We know your project from the start, which means less paperwork, faster inspections, and no missed steps.
[ Why choose Buildcert ]
Certification sorted.
For projects big or small, Buildcert gets your certification sorted. Trusted experience, clear communication and fast turnarounds mean you get less stress, more certainty, and support to keep your project moving.
- +47000Approvals issued.That's over 47,000 approvals, sorted.
- 15.6B$Total value of construction approved.$15.6B of construction approved and counting.
- +275000Inspections completed.Clients trust Buildcert because we’ve got the experience and know-how to get your certification sorted.
"The Buildcert team are approachable, knowledgeable and always willing to tailor their advice to suit each project. Their friendly, practical approach makes the certification process straightforward for our customers and team."
"Buildcert’s building compliance expertise was invaluable during our recent upgrades. Their team brought confidence, clarity and professionalism to a complex project, ensuring everything stayed compliant and on track from start to finish."
"Buildcert has been a reliable partner for years. Their proactive approach, local knowledge, and responsiveness take the stress out of certification for our team."
"Buildcert are a valuable partner for our team. Their practical guidance, collaborative approach and clear advice help us deliver bespoke designs that meet compliance without compromising creativity."
Ready to get your certification sorted?
Toolbox
Frequently asked questions.
Got questions about Principal Certifiers? We've put together answers to some of the most common ones.
What is the role of the Principal Certifier?
The Principal Certifier (PC) is responsible for making sure your build meets all the regulations and rules, from your CC or CDC, through to final approval. They’ll carry out mandatory inspections, check that your construction follows the National Construction Code and planning conditions, and issue the Occupation Certificate when everything’s complete and compliant.
Do I need a Principal Certifier (PC)?
You sure do! If you’re doing building work in NSW that requires approval, you’ll need to appoint a Principal Certifier before you start. Without one, your project is considered unauthorised, and Council can step in to stop the work. That can mean delays, extra paperwork, fines, or worse.
What documentation is needed for a certification quote?
To do a quote for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) we just need your site plans that include front, side and rear setbacks as well as elevations (if you have any supporting property documents like a Title Search send that through as well). For a Construction Certificate (CC), all we’ll need is your development consent from Council and your Development Application (DA) stamped plans.
What is the process of certifying unapproved works?
If building work was done without proper approval, a Building Information Certificate (BIC) from Council is needed. Council uses the BIC to review what’s been done and decide if it meets current codes or needs modifications.
Can Buildcert help? Unfortunately, Buildcert can’t issue BICs. Only Council can issue a BIC NSW. However, as part of the BIC process, Council may request a Building Code of Australia (BCA) report. If this is the case, then we may be able to assist with this report depending on the project details.
How do I arrange a mandatory inspection?
It’s easy. Just use our online booking form, call us on 1300 457 400, or email us at inspect@buildcert.com.au.
Before booking, make sure the work is ready to be inspected, this helps us complete the check without delays. After each inspection, you’ll receive a clear, written report from one of our registered certifiers, confirming what’s compliant and outlining anything that still needs to be sorted.
What happens if I miss a mandatory inspection?
By law, an Occupation Certificate can’t be issued if a mandatory inspection hasn’t taken place, unless it’s deemed “unavoidable” and backed by solid evidence. Simply forgetting or miscommunication isn’t considered enough.
If an inspection is missed, the owner must be formally notified and extra steps are required. This may include a statutory declaration explaining the circumstances, first and/or third party certification and supporting documents such as engineering certifications and photos to prove compliance. Even then, approval is not guaranteed, which is why booking inspections on time is critical.