The Interview Stage Explained: How to Confidently Present Yourself to the VBA/BPC

When applying for your building licence, the interview with the Victorian Building Authority/ Building and Plumbing Commission (VBA/BPC) is one of the final steps. This stage is your chance to show that you have the skills, experience, and knowledge to work as a registered builder in Victoria. It can feel a little daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can approach it with confidence.

This guide will walk you through what to expect in the VBA/BPC interview, share some practical tips, and help you feel more at ease before you walk through the door.

What is the VBA/BPC Interview?

The VBA/BPC interview is a structured discussion with an assessor from the VBA/BPC. It is designed to check that you meet the required standards for your licence class. During the interview, the assessor will ask questions about your experience, technical knowledge, and understanding of your responsibilities as a builder.

The goal is to make sure you can carry out building work safely and professionally. This interview is your chance to show your skills and experience, so treat it like an important job interview. It can take anywhere from 1-4 hours depending on how strong your application and experience is.

Why is the Interview Important?

The VBA/BPC uses the interview to confirm the information you provided in your application. They want to see that you understand how to follow the rules, manage projects, and keep everyone safe on site.

Passing the interview stage is essential. If you don’t pass, you may need to supply more information or improve your knowledge before trying again. If you don’t pass the first time, we have safety net training programs to help you get it right when you attempt again.

How to Prepare for Your VBA/BPC Interview

1. Understand the Interview Format

The interview usually takes about 1-4 hours. It can be done in person or online, depending on your location and the VBA/BPC’s current practices.

The assessor will ask questions based on:

• Your building experience and projects
• Knowledge of the Buildng Act 1993 and other regulations
• Understanding of building codes and Australian Standards
• How you manage safety and supervision on site

The interview format will also vary depending on your interviewer. We can prepare you based on the interviewer you have, because we know the individual interviewers, what they will focus on, and the types of questions they’ll ask. This is why people who work with us often pass their interview in the first round.

2. Know Your Application Inside Out

The assessor will review the documents you provided when you applied. Make sure you:

• Know your application documents thoroughly
• Can explain your project experience clearly
• Understand your nominated projects’ scope of work and challenges

3. Brush Up on Key Topics

You don’t need to memorise every regulation, but you should be familiar with:

• Building Act 1993 ‍
• Building Regulations 2018
• Relevant Australian Standards (like AS 1684 for timber framing or AS 3600 for concrete) ‍
• Occupational health and safety rules
• Site supervision and project management practices

The VBA/BPC might ask you about specific situations, so try to think of real examples from your work. Use these examples to show you understand how to follow the rules and keep the site safe.

4. Practice Common Questions

Here are some examples of questions you might hear:

• Tell us about a recent project you worked on.
• How did you manage safety on this project?
• What steps do you take to make sure work meets the Building Code?
• Can you explain your process for managing subcontractors?

Practice answering these questions out loud. It’s also a good idea to have a trusted friend or colleague ask you similar questions to help you get comfortable.

Tips for a Confident Interview

Be Honest: If you don’t know an answer, say so. The assessor would rather hear that you’re willing to find the right information than see you guess.

Be Professional: Dress neatly, be on time, and keep your answers clear and to the point.

Stay Calm: Take a deep breath before answering questions. If you’re unsure, ask for clarification.

Use Real Examples: The best way to show your experience is to talk about real projects. The assessor wants to see how you apply your knowledge in practice.

Show You’re Ready to Learn: If there’s a gap in your knowledge, explain how you plan to build your skills.

Maintain Professionalism: Don’t try to “school” the assessor, act arrogantly, or attempt to show them up if you believe they are wrong—remain respectful and professional at all times. (reword if necessary)

Bring your full set of tabbed books for immediate reference. You will be judged on how serious you are in regard to referencing information. A folder of photocopies or acts that are out of date will usually lead to disappointment.

What Happens After the Interview?

The VBA/BPC will send you the results of your interview in writing. If you pass, you’ll move on to the final stage of your application, which is the decision to grant your licence.

If the assessor decides you need to improve your knowledge, they’ll let you know what to work on before you can re-apply. You might need to do extra study or get more site experience.

For more on the application process, see our page on building registration support.

Successful applications usually get a response in a few weeks, unsuccessful applications in a couple of days. The longer you wait, the better the chances that you passed.

How to Keep Improving

Even if you’re already experienced, there’s always more to learn. Here are some resources to help you build your knowledge:

• The Victorian Building Authority website has guides, practice notes and updates on building regulations.
• We offer courses and training that can help you stay up to date and in the know.
• Such as One on Ones, VBA/BPC Assessment simulation, specific training on your assigned assessor and group training. ‍
• WorkSafe Victoria provides resources on site safety.

Including these as part of your learning helps you keep your skills sharp and stay ahead of changes in the industry.

Don’t Worry, You’ve Got This

The VBA/BPC interview might seem challenging, but it’s really an opportunity to show what you know and how you work as a professional. With preparation, clear answers and real project examples, you can go in with confidence.

Remember, the VBA/BPC wants builders who care about quality and safety. If you show that you take your work seriously and you’re ready to keep learning, you’re already on the right track.

For help with your builder registration application, explore our other resources and services. We’re here to support you on your journey.

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