What the VBA/BPC Looks for in a Successful Builder Registration Application

Applying to become a registered builder in Victoria is a major step forward in your career. Whether you’re a skilled tradesperson, supervisor, or contractor, getting your application right is essential, and that starts with understanding exactly what the VBA/BPC looks for.

If your application lacks detail or doesn't meet the right standards, it could be delayed, rejected, or sent back for more information. In this blog, we’ll walk through the key assessment criteria and how to meet them confidently, based on our real-world experience helping thousands of applicants succeed.

Who Reviews Your Application?

When you apply for registration, your application is reviewed by a qualified industry assessor from the VBA/BPC. These assessors are often experienced builders, surveyors, or project managers who understand the construction industry and know what a capable, compliant builder looks like.

Their role is to determine whether you meet the standards expected of a registered building practitioner, across both technical knowledge and real-world application.

The Key Criteria the VBA/BPC Looks For

1. Evidence of Hands-On Building Experience

This is one of the most important elements of your application. The VBA/BPC needs to see that you’ve actively participated in building work, especially in the class of licence you're applying for (e.g. Domestic Builder Unlimited, Commercial Builder Limited, etc.).

They want clear, detailed evidence of:

• Projects you’ve worked on
• The type of work performed (start to finish, not just isolated tasks)
• Your level of responsibility (supervision, coordination, problem-solving)
• The outcomes of those projects

How to meet this requirement:

• Provide a clear project history, including addresses, dates, and your role
• Include supporting documents like site photos, project schedules, and plans
• Demonstrate involvement across all stages of the build

If you're not sure how to present your experience, we can help you build a portfolio that clearly meets VBA/BPC expectations.

2. Knowledge of the Building Regulations and Legal Requirements

You must show that you understand the rules and responsibilities that come with being a registered builder.

Expect the VBA/BPC to test your knowledge of:

• The Building Act 1993
• The Building Regulations 2018
• The National Construction Code (NCC)
• Relevant Australian Standards
• Your duty of care to clients, trades, and the public

This is often assessed during the application review and again at the interview stage, where assessors ask how you’ve applied this knowledge on real jobs.

How to meet this requirement:

• Study the above legislation and codes
• Be ready to explain how you’ve applied them to past projects
• Focus on compliance, permits, safety responsibilities, and record-keeping

Your assessor will look on you favourably if you have a tabbed book that you can reference as it shows preparation and demonstrates that you are taking your registration seriously.

3. Site Supervision and Construction Management Skills

As a registered builder, you’ll be legally responsible for the quality and safety of the entire project. That includes overseeing trades, maintaining timelines, and ensuring that the work meets compliance standards.

The VBA/BPC will want to know that you:

• Can supervise and coordinate trades effectively
• Understand risk management and OHS responsibilities
• Know how to handle site issues (e.g. defects, delays, disputes)

How to meet this requirement:

• Provide examples of supervision and management roles on past sites
• Include safety documentation such as toolbox talks, SWMS, or incident reports
• Prepare to discuss how you kept your sites safe and compliant

We work with applicants every day to compile strong evidence in these areas, we know exactly what assessors are looking for.

4. Understanding of Contracts and Client Obligations

You’ll be expected to manage client relationships and handle building contracts professionally. The VBA/BPC is looking for builders who can operate legally, ethically, and with clear communication.

They may ask:

• What types of contracts you’ve worked with
• How you’ve handled contract variations or disputes
• Whether you understand your obligations to clients under the law

How to meet this requirement:

• Show experience working under domestic or commercial building contracts
• Use specific examples to show how you communicated with clients or resolved issues
• Be prepared to talk about timelines, payment schedules, and dispute resolution

5. Fit and Proper Person Requirements

Before issuing a registration, the VBA/BPC must be satisfied that you are a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

This involves assessing:

• Your character and reputation
• Any past legal or disciplinary issues
• Financial history (e.g. bankruptcy or company liquidations)
• Professional conduct and responsibility

How to meet this requirement:

• Provide truthful and complete answers in your application
• If there’s anything in your past, include an explanation and supporting documents
• Maintain professionalism in all communication with the VBA/BPC

We can guide you through this part of the process, especially if you’re unsure how to present sensitive information.

6. Clear, Consistent Documentation

A strong application isn’t just about what you’ve done, it’s about how clearly you present it. The VBA/BPC expects a professional, well-organised submission.

This means:

• No contradictions between your project history, resume, or referee statements
• Every section of the form completed in full
• All evidence clearly labelled and referenced
• No gaps or unclear statements

How to meet this requirement:

• Use the VBA/BPC's application checklists to ensure your submission is complete
• Double check that your claims match your supporting documents
• Avoid technical jargon or filler, keep it simple, clear, and accurate

We have helped thousands of applicants submit clean, professional applications. We know the common mistakes people make, and how to avoid them.

What If You’re Not Quite Ready?

Not every applicant has all the documentation or formal training. That’s OK.

The VBA/BPC allows for experience-based pathways, especially for those with a strong background in supervision, coordination, or hands-on building.

If you need to fill a gap or strengthen your application, we can work with you to identify what’s missing and help you build it up, whether that’s through additional training, compiling better evidence, or preparing for your interview.

Build Your Future with Builder Registration

A successful application is all about clear, honest, and detailed evidence of your experience, knowledge, and ability to take full responsibility for building work in Victoria. The VBA/BPC isn’t looking for perfection, but they are looking for professionalism, preparedness, and a solid understanding of your responsibilities as a builder.

We have supported thousands of builders, tradies, and supervisors through this process. We understand what the VBA/BPC is looking for, because we know their assessors and know how to meet their standards.

If you’re ready to get licensed, don’t leave it to chance. Talk to us about how we can help you succeed, faster.

Explore our registration support services to get started.