What Is a Compliance Certificate?
A compliance certificate (also called a certificate of compliance or certificate of final inspection in some states) is an official document issued by a building certifier, surveyor, or relevant authority confirming that completed building work satisfies the approved plans, the National Construction Code (NCC), and any conditions attached to the building permit. Without it, the building work is not legally signed off.
Why It Matters
A compliance certificate is the final quality gate in the building approval process. It confirms that mandatory inspections have been passed and the work is safe for occupation or use. You should never make final payment to a builder until you have received the relevant compliance documentation. Selling a property without the required certificates can also create legal issues and reduce its market value.
Common types of compliance certificates include:
- Final Occupation Certificate — confirms the building is suitable for occupation
- Compliance Certificate for Trade Work — issued for specific trade work such as plumbing, electrical, or gasfitting
- Certificate of Classification — confirms the building’s intended use classification
State Variations
| State/Territory | Final Certificate Name | Issued By |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | Form 21 (Final Inspection Certificate) | Private certifier or local council |
| NSW | Occupation Certificate | Principal Certifier |
| VIC | Occupancy Permit | Building Surveyor |
| WA | Certificate of Building Compliance | Permit authority |
| SA | Certificate of Occupancy | Private certifier or council |
| TAS | Certificate of Completion | Building Surveyor |
| ACT | Certificate of Occupancy | Certifier |
| NT | Certificate of Occupancy | Building Certifier |
How It Relates to Licence Verification
A compliance certificate can only be issued when the work has been completed by appropriately licensed tradespeople. If an unlicensed worker performed regulated work, the certifier cannot sign off on it. Verifying your tradie’s licence through TradieVerify before work begins ensures the compliance pathway remains clear and you avoid costly delays or remediation at the inspection stage.