Licensing Information

Why Become a Licensed Building Official?

A license from the Building Officials Institute of NZ is a formal recognition of the professional ability, education and standards of competence achieved by an individual whereby they apply to be placed in a category as shown as part of this introduction. Also this process does not contravene the Privacy Act.

Levels of licensing

The Institute provides for three levels of licensing. These are described below including details of the qualifications and experience requirements at each level.

	Building		Plumbing & Drainage
	Consent Approvals	Inspections	Consent Approvals	Inspections
3 Unlimited Scope
2 No more that 3 storeys, up to 2000m2
1 No more that 2 storeys, up to 500m2

Licensing is based on the following categories:

Technical	Administration / Interpersonal
Construction methods and materials Building codes and standards Plan assessment Building inspections Legislation	Communications Information Technology (IT) Occupational health and safety Quality Management and Risk Management Professional judgement

Fees

NZD$140.63 (inc GST) for Institute Members
NZD$196.88 (inc GST) for Non-members
NZD$646.88 (inc GST) minimum for interview Application process plus whatever actual costs for this process to be actioned i.e. travel, venue etc.
NZD$112.50 (inc GST) for Interview or Assessment Postponement

How Do I Become Licensed?

An application must be on the approved forms downloadable here:

 Application Information
 Application

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All applications must be accompanied by the following information:

• Application Fee (see above)


• Evidence of qualifications obtained


• Evidence of experience obtained, verified by current and past employer, including a statutory declaration for self employed persons


• 2 Photo quality passport photo's (no larger than 35mm x 45mm)

Licensing Process

Licenses will be issued by the Building Officials Institute of NZ, under the National Scheme for a period of 3 years. A license is issued after all details have been checked by the National Office and reviewed by an Assessment Committee. Once the Assessment Committee and the applicant agree to the license designation, official notification will be provided by the Institute’s Chief Executive.

An acknowledgement letter is sent once your application is received; if a complete application is lodged and no further information is required an applicant will be notified of the Assessment Committee's decision within 21 days.

If the applicant either does not agree with the assessment process as mentioned above, there is a process of recourse and that is explained in documents available here or from the Institutes’ National Office. Any applicant wishing to move to an alternative license category will need to reapply with the necessary documentation and fees applicable.