How Building Certification Works in Victoria
A guide to Victoria's building surveyor system, VBA registration categories, building permits, and the cladding rectification program.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-19
Victoria's building surveyor system
Victoria's Building Act 1993 uses the term "building surveyor" rather than "building certifier." The role and responsibilities are equivalent to certifiers in other states -- they assess building plans, issue permits, conduct inspections, and certify completed work.
The relevant building surveyor (RBS) appointed to your project has statutory authority to make compliance decisions. They are regulated by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), which maintains the public register of all registered practitioners.
VBA registration categories
The VBA registers building surveyors in four categories. Building Surveyor Unlimited can certify all building classes without restriction. Building Surveyor Limited is restricted to certain building classes, typically residential and low-rise commercial work.
Building Inspector Unlimited can inspect all building classes but cannot independently issue permits. Building Inspector Limited has a restricted inspection role, typically limited to residential work. Always verify your building surveyor's category matches the requirements of your project.
The building permit process
In Victoria, a building permit must be obtained before construction commences. The relevant building surveyor assesses your plans against the NCC and the Building Regulations 2018, then issues the building permit authorising the work to proceed.
During construction, mandatory inspections are conducted at prescribed stages (typically foundation, frame, and final). Upon completion, an occupancy permit (for new buildings) or certificate of final inspection (for alterations) is issued, allowing the building to be legally occupied.
Cladding and apartment quality
Following the identification of non-compliant combustible cladding on buildings across Victoria, Cladding Safety Victoria was established to oversee assessment and rectification. Building surveyors play a role in assessing cladding compliance and certifying rectification work.
Victoria has also introduced reforms to strengthen oversight of Class 2 (apartment) construction, including mandatory inspections at specific stages and improved documentation requirements. Building surveyors are central to these quality assurance measures.
Official Sources
Verify the information in this guide against these official government resources.
- Victorian Building Authority (VBA)
Registration information, the practitioner register, and building regulation guidance.
- VBA Practitioner Register
Verify a building surveyor's registration category and current status.