Do I need a licence to become a building inspector?

Building inspectors assess and report on properties so stakeholders can understand the condition of the building.

The required qualifications a building inspector must hold changes from state to state. Queensland is the only state or territory in Australia where building inspections must be undertaken by a licensed builder who also holds a building inspection licence. The building inspection industry is not regulated in the other states and territories, so you do not have to be a builder to undertake inspections for clients.

How to become a building inspector in Queensland

• You must hold, at minimum, a low rise builders licence with the QBCC, you need to have held this licence for at least 5 years.
• You must hold a Completed Residential Building Inspection licence with the QBCC

In order to apply for your licence you need to complete a building inspection course and submit your certificate as part of your application.

AIT offers the only 100% online building inspection course for students who want to study at their own pace and in their own time. Check this course out here.

How to become a building inspector in all other states and territories

You do not need any specific building qualifications to start conducting building inspections in NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS, SA, NT or WA however it is preferred that you have some experience within the building trade. There are no set regulations that apply to these regions within the building inspection industry.

We advise that if you are thinking of conducting building inspections, whether you’re a builder or otherwise, it is very beneficial to complete a building inspection course. The course outlines the Australian Standards that relate to building inspections, allows you to fill out a sample report and explains the inclusions that should be inspected on within your report.

Browse our available online courses in your region here.