Building and Construction is Australia’s third-largest industry, employing approximately 9% of the country’s total workforce in full-time and part-time capacities. The sector is forecasted to continue its growth for the foreseeable future. This article aims to guide you through the essential aspects of obtaining a builder’s licence.
Victoria’s building regulator changed its name and structure only recently, and the domestic builder classes have been reorganised too — so if you’ve seen older information referring to the VBA, here’s what’s actually current.
As of 1 July 2025, Victoria’s building regulation functions moved into a new integrated regulator, the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) — legally the Victorian Building Authority, trading as the BPC. The BPC now manages registration, compliance and domestic building insurance in the one place.
Domestic building work above a set value threshold generally requires a registered building practitioner — current guidance points to a $10,000 threshold under the Building Act 1993, though given how recently the regulator restructured, it’s worth confirming the current figure directly with the BPC before relying on it. Work requiring a building permit — including re-stumping, re-blocking, or demolition — needs a registered practitioner regardless of cost.
Victoria offers 30 registration classes of domestic building work, structured around three main types:
Project Manager is now registered as its own separate builder class, rather than a sub-type of Domestic Builder.
Qualification requirements vary by class — commonly a relevant Bachelor’s degree or a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220), or demonstrated equivalent competency.
Note that new Minimum Financial Requirements Regulations are also being phased in for builders, running from November 2027 through to July 2028 — worth keeping an eye on if you’re planning ahead.
If you’ve been managing or carrying out domestic building work without the formal Diploma, RPL lets that experience be assessed directly. We help you build the evidence; one of our partnered RTOs carries out the assessment and issues the qualification.
Given how recently Victoria’s regulator and domestic builder classes have changed, we help make sure you’re working from current requirements — not outdated VBA-era information — and connect you with a partnered RTO to assess your experience.
For help with your Victorian builder registration, call RPL on 1300 588 967.
This page reflects Building and Plumbing Commission requirements at the time of writing, following the 1 July 2025 regulatory restructure. Given how recent this change is, always confirm current thresholds and requirements directly with the BPC before applying.
Not on its own — as of 1 July 2025, its functions moved into the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), which is now the operating brand for building and plumbing regulation in Victoria.
es — you’ll need a Technical Referee Report from a builder registered in the same class or higher, alongside your qualification.
Project Manager is now its own separate builder class rather than a type of Domestic Builder, and Domestic Builder registration is split into Unlimited, Unlimited with conditions, and Limited.
Yes — we keep across BPC’s current structure and help you apply against what’s actually in force now, not outdated VBA-era guidance.
The requirements can feel like a lot to untangle, particularly with multiple qualification pathways and historical course codes still in play. Our role is to help you work out which pathway applies to you and where RPL can genuinely save you time.
For further information and assistance with your Victorian builder’s licence, contact our team at RPL on 1300 588 967, or reach out via the form on this page.
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