Becoming a certifier NSW
Your pathway into building certification, made clear.
Becoming a Registered Certifier in NSW isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about building the right mix of knowledge, practical skills, and industry experience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to step up into higher levels of registration, there are clear pathways to follow.
At Buildcert, we’ve supported certifiers at every stage of their careers. From first inspections to complex commercial approvals, our team has the systems, mentoring, and opportunities to help you grow. If you’re ready to take the next step, here’s what you’ll need to know.
[ What you'll need ]
The essentials for becoming a Registered Certifier in NSW.
To apply to become a Registered Certifier you need to do so through NSW Building Commission and there are a few core requirements. These set the foundation for your career, and ensure you’re equipped to deliver safe, compliant, and professional certification services.
- Completion of the Certification Short Course at the University of Technology Sydney
- A General Construction Induction (White Card)
- Relevant qualifications, skills, and experience (or current enrolment if applying as a Building Inspector)
- Evidence that you are a “fit and proper” person
- A certificate of currency for professional indemnity insurance (note: if you’re employed by Buildcert, you’re covered under our company insurance)
[ Career pathway ]
The pathway from Building Inspector to Unrestricted Certifier.
Certification in NSW has four key registration levels. Each step opens up broader responsibilities, more complex projects, and greater career opportunities.
Here’s what the pathway looks like:
Building Inspector
As a Building Inspector, you’ll carry out inspections on residential buildings during construction. It’s the first step into certification.
Qualifications (any of the following):
- Certification Short Course at UTS and enrolled in a recognised qualification leading to surveyor registration
There is no experience required, this is where you start building real-world skills and learning from experienced certifiers.
Building Surveyor Restricted (Class 1 and 10 buildings)
At this level, you can issue building approvals for residential projects and carry out inspections during construction.
Qualifications (any of the following):
- Advanced Diploma in Building Surveying (NVR-approved skill set CPCSS00005)
- Qualifications listed under higher-level Surveyor categories
1 year of relevant practical experience is required for this level. It is a natural progression if you want to expand beyond inspections into residential approvals.
Building Surveyor Restricted (All classes of buildings)
Here you can issue building approvals and inspect smaller commercial or industrial buildings as well as residential projects.
Qualifications (any of the following):
- Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying (NVR-approved)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) – Curtin University
- Bachelor of Construction Management – University of South Australia
- Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours, Building Surveying) – Western Sydney University
For this level you need 2 years of relevant practical experience. This will broaden your scope into mixed-use and commercial approvals.
Building Surveyor Unrestricted
Unrestricted Surveyors can approve any building type, from small residential projects to high-rise developments, and carry out inspections during construction.
Qualifications (any of the following):
- Bachelor of Building Surveying and Certification (Honours) – Central Queensland University
- Bachelor of Construction Management (Building) (Honours) – University of Newcastle (post 2011)
- Bachelor of Construction Management (Building Surveying) – University of South Australia
- Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying – Western Sydney, Bond, or UniSA
- Master of Building Surveying – Bond or Western Sydney
This is the top tier of certification, where you’ll need 3 years of relevant practical experience. As an unrestricted Building Surveyor, you’re trusted to manage the most complex approvals.
Ready to start your certification journey?
