Builder Registration Advice

Understand what steps you may need to take to become a registered builder in Victoria.

Support to become a Registered Building Practitioner

MBV can provide members with a range of support and advice to assist you with the registration process to become a registered building practitioner. 

We can assess your existing skills and experience, provide you guidance on what class of registration may be suitable for you, recommend any courses or training options which may help you fill gaps in your knowledge.

We can also put you in contact with our Training Team, to discuss the suite of training options; designed to give you the knowledge and tools you need to achieve your registration.

We have training options that are specific for experienced applicants who would benefit from a topping up of their existing knowledge, enhancing your capacity to deal with the VBA application and assessment process.

This could include, application support, technical workshops, or simulated interviews.  We can build a program that works specifically for you.

Members can also obtain support from Master Builders Insurance Brokers to discuss options for insurance , including Domestic Building Warranty Insurance and how to obtain your letter of eligibility. 


Get started with the Builder Registration Awareness Module

As a member, you receive access to exclusive online resources to get you started to obtain your domestic or commercial registration.

The Awareness Module includes:

  • An overview of Domestic and Commercial registration categories
  • How to complete the application forms and technical referee reports
  • How to select your portfolio projects and compile supporting documentation
  • An overview of the VBA multiple choice questions and plan reading assessments
  • How to prepare for the VBA interview along with good interview techniques
  • How to obtain a letter of eligibility (domestic registration only)
  • Study question and answer workbooks.

Contact Master Builders Victoria on 9411 4555 and ask to speak with one of our Registration Advisors who can help answer many of your queries, otherwise ask to speak with someone from our Training Team if you would like to access our suite of training tools.


Build your knowledge with the Builder Registration Program

After completing the Awareness Module, you can choose to enrol into the Builder Registration Program for more targeted and comprehensive assistance. We offer three tailored study options to best work in with your commitments and lifestyle:

  • Online Classes with an experienced trainer
  • Builder Registration Online Exam Study Bundle             

Included in this program:

  • 6 technical workshops
  • 4 legislation workshops
  • Legislation tabbing guide
  • Practice VBA computer-based test questions
  • Practice VBA plan reading exercises
  • Application review and feedback


Tailor your program with additional bolt-ons

Purchase bolt-ons to the Builder Registration Program to prepare yourself for registration even further.

Simulation Upgrade                                                      

  • Simulated practice interview

Individual Refresher Session                                    

  • One-on-one training

Domestic Registration – Textbooks and Stationary      

  • Building Act 1993
  • Building Regulations 2018
  • Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995
  • Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
  • National Construction Code (NCC)
  • AS1684.4 Residential Timber Framed Construction
  • AS2870 Residential Slabs and Footings
  • AS4773 Masonry in Small Buildings
  • AS1926.1 & AS1926.2 Swimming Pool Safety
  • AS 3740 Waterproofing of domestic wet areas
  • AS1288 Glass in buildings
  • Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2015

Commercial Textbooks and Stationary 

  • Building Act 1993
  • Building Regulations 2018
  • Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
  • National Construction Code (NCC)
  • AS3600 Concrete Structures 2018
  • Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2015


Consolidate your knowledge with the Online Exam Study Bundle

If you’re looking to quickly top-up your knowledge before applying for domestic or commercial registration, you can choose this online exam study bundle instead of completing the entire Builder Registration Program. This bundle includes:

  • Practice VBA computer-based tests
  • Practice VBA plan reading exercises
  • Legislation tabbing guide

Pre-requisites: This online exam study bundle is available to Master Builders Victoria members only. It is suitable for you if you have already completed a Certificate IV or Diploma in Building and Construction within the last three years. Please be aware that this bundle is not recommended for those seeking the comprehensive level of support included within the Builder Registration Program.

The Registration Process

There are a number of different categories of registration that you can apply for to be a Domestic Builder or Commercial Builder.

The VBA process for applicants is largely the same, however the focus on skills and experience is targeted specifically at the category of registration.

MBV offers workshops and study sessions tailored to the class of building work that you are seeking to become registered.

Here is a breakdown of the step by step process:

Step 1 – Put your application together

How Master Builders can help: 

  • You can find the application forms here where you will be required to create an account if you don’t have one already.
  • Enrol to our Registration workshop which will help enhance your knowledge and prepare you to apply for your registration.  
  • MBAV can assist you with this process, we can review your application for you before you submit it off to the VBA.

 Step 2 – Present your application to the VBA

 Step 3 – Initial Assessment (computer based examination and technical exercises) 

  • You should receive an email proposing a date for your initial assessment.
  • Attend a study session with Master Builders to help you prepare for the assessment.
  • The assessment is usually approximately 2-4 weeks from the email date.
  • The initial assessment consists of a 2 hour exam including:
  • Computer test: 50 multiple choice questions, plus
  • 2 technical plan reading exercises.

The VBA will require a minimum 70% pass mark in both the computer test & technical exercises

You may be asked to bring a relevant reference material, e.g. NCC and Australian Standards

You must take your own printed & bound hard copy in, not on an IPad)

Note:     Applicants who hold the prescribed qualification are usually not required to sit the initial assessment

 Step 4 – Face to Face Assessment

  • The VBA will contact you via phone and email to arrange the interview 
  • Attend a study session with Master Builders to help you prepare for the assessment 
  • The interview is generally 2 – 3 hours and is open book – We recommend you take in all relevant reference material and 2 sets of plans

Step 5 – Final Assessment (VBA assessor makes a recommendation)

  • The VBA will complete a final review of your application, test results and listen to the recording of your interview
  • The VBA assessor will make a recommendation to the VBA panel for your registration. If the assessor is recommending you gain your registration you will be asked to provide the required Insurance. (Letter of Eligibility for Domestic Building Insurance)

Step 6 – VBA Panel makes a decision on your application

  • The VBA will make a decision based on all your results. If you are application is approved the VBA will send you a confirmation email and a registration card in the mail.

Registration Resources

Please note that members will need to login to be able to download some of these PDF resources.

Registration FAQs

What’s the difference between a Commercial and Domestic registration?

Commercial Builders are responsible for managing and arranging the carrying out of all components of building work for the construction of commercial buildings and structures in the class 2–9 while a Domestic Builder can do all work associated with the construction, renovation, improvement or maintenance of a home. A home is any residential premises, and includes any part of a commercial building or industrial premises that is used as a residential premise with the class 1, 2, and 4 buildings, and associated class 10 buildings, as classified in the Building Code of Australia.

How high can I build if I have a Commercial Builder Limited to the construction of low rise building work?

This component of building work is limited to the construction of commercial buildings and structures:

  • Up to 15 metres in height, and
  • With bulk excavations up to a depth of 3 metres.

The work permitted on these buildings includes structural and non-structural fit-out work and structural landscaping.

Can I hold more than one Domestic Builder – Limited registration?

If you are registered in a limited class of domestic builder you are responsible for carrying out, or managing or arranging the carrying out of the limited classes set out in your certificate of registration.

A person can hold more than one limited class if they wish.

How do I know if I need registration?

If you are intending to carry out, manage or arrange the carrying out of domestic building work for another person and the cost of that work is more than $10,000 then you are required to be registered.

Can I talk to someone about how to get my registration?

Absolutely. We have a registration team who can answer any questions you may have. Members can access registration advice for free, please call our team on 03 9411 4555.

How can Master Builders help me obtain my registration?

As soon as you become a member with us, you receive access to exclusive online resources to get you started on your journey towards Victorian domestic or commercial registration.

What courses do I need to do to get my registration?

Master Builders has a lot of courses to assist you in the registration process. The course that will best suit you will be based on the class of registration you are applying for and your level of knowledge and experience.  Please contact us for more information on 03 9411 4555.

Is it compulsory to hold a specific qualification (certificate or diploma)?

Under the Building Interim Regulations 2017 there are prescribed qualifications. These qualifications are not compulsory; you are able to apply with out a qualification if you have the relevant knowledge and experience for the category you are applying for.

How many projects do I have to be involved in before I can apply?

When applying for a Domestic Builder (Unlimited) you need to show a minimum of  three years in the building construction industry. The VBA will ask that you show examples of 4 hero projects in your application.

What are the different DB-L categories?

There are 29 different limited classes of Domestic Building work, they consist of;

Domestic Builder (limited to the construction of non-habitable building structures)

Domestic Builder (limited to the construction of gates and fences)

Domestic Builder (limited to the construction of retaining walls)

Domestic Builder (limited to the construction of swimming pools and spas)

Domestic Builder (limited to the construction of private bushfire shelters)

Domestic Builder (limited to the construction of shade structures)

Domestic Builder (limited to the construction structural landscaping)

Domestic Builder (limited to bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovations)

Domestic Builder (limited to earthworks and excavation work)

Domestic Builder (limited to footings and slab work)

Domestic Builder (limited to framing)

Domestic Builder (limited to bricklaying and blocklaying)

Domestic Builder (limited to external wall cladding)

Domestic Builder (limited to roof tiling)

Domestic Builder (limited to waterproofing)

Domestic Builder (limited to door and window replacement and installation)

Domestic Builder (limited to site works involved in relocating a dwelling)

Domestic Builder (limited to the re-stumping and re-blocking)

Domestic Builder (limited to cabinet making, joinery and stair construction)

Domestic Builder (limited to carpentry)

Domestic Builder (limited to the erection of poles, masts and antennas)

Domestic Builder (limited to sheet plastering)

Domestic Builder (limited to solid plastering and rendering)

Domestic Builder (limited to floor finishing and covering)

Domestic Builder (limited to glazing work)

Domestic Builder (limited to insulation work)

Domestic Builder (limited to painting and decorating)

Domestic Builder (limited to floor and wall tiling work)

Domestic Builder (limited to attaching external fixtures)

What’s the process of registration?

The process of applying for registration is:

Step 1 – Put your application together

Step 2 – Present application to the VBA

Step 3 – Initial Assessment (computer based examination and technical exercises)

Step 4 – Final Assessment (VBA assessor makes a recommendation)

Step 5 – VBA Panel accepts/declines your application.

How much does it cost to apply for registration?

The price of registration varies depending on the category of registration you are applying for.

You can check the price of registration here.

Is the Certificate IV course compulsory if I want to apply for a Domestic Registration?

Under the Building Interim Regulations 2017 there are prescribed qualifications. These qualifications are not compulsory; you are able to apply with out a qualification if you have the relevant knowledge and experience for the category you are applying for.

What is the process if I want to ‘upgrade’ my registration from DB-L to DB-U?

Applying for a new or upgraded registration will require a new application to the VBA. The registration team can help you put this new application together.

I have 15 years building experience; do I qualify for a builder’s registration?

To apply for registration you need to meet the skills, knowledge and experience as set out by the VBA. You can read up on the criteria here: http://www.vba.vic.gov.au/practitioners/building-registrations/domestic-builder/eligibility

Master Builders registration team can help you assess your experience, please give us a call on 03 9411 4555.

Can an Engineer or Building Surveyor act as a Technical Referee on my application?

The referee should be registered in the category and class (or higher class) of building work for which you are providing the Technical Referee Report.

If you have not worked for a builder registered in this component of domestic building work, the VBA will accept a technical referee report from a referee who is a site manager who is not a registered domestic builder but is reporting to a person who is registered as a building practitioner in the category and class (or higher class) than you are applying for.

I am not currently a member, can you help me with my registration?

Our registration advice is only available to Master Builders Victoria members. If you are interested in becoming a member you can apply online or call us on 03 9411 4555.

Need assistance? Contact our team.