Overview of the Changes
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has announced significant updates to building practitioner registration requirements, taking effect from mid-2026. These changes are part of Victoria’s ongoing building system reforms following the recommendations of the Expert Panel report and the Cladding Safety Victoria program.
The reforms aim to strengthen oversight, improve accountability and better protect consumers who commission building work.
What’s Changing?
Enhanced CPD Requirements
From 1 July 2026, all registered building practitioners in Victoria must complete a minimum of 20 continuing professional development (CPD) points per year, up from the current 10 points. At least 50% of points must come from VBA-approved structured learning activities.
The VBA has stated this increase reflects the growing complexity of building regulations and the need for practitioners to stay current with codes and standards.
New Registration Categories
The VBA is introducing two new registration categories:
- Energy Efficiency Assessor: For practitioners specialising in NatHERS assessments and energy efficiency compliance.
- Building Envelope Specialist: For practitioners focusing on waterproofing, cladding and external wall systems.
These new categories recognise emerging specialisations and aim to improve standards in areas that have historically been sources of building defects.
Strengthened Disciplinary Powers
The VBA will gain enhanced powers to take action against practitioners who breach registration conditions, including:
- Immediate suspension for serious safety breaches (currently requires a lengthy investigation period).
- Mandatory practice audits for practitioners who receive multiple complaints within a 12-month period.
- Public register enhancements: The VBA’s online register will display disciplinary actions and conditions on a practitioner’s registration.
Impact on Builders and Tradespeople
If you’re a registered building practitioner in Victoria, you should:
- Review your CPD plan and ensure you can meet the increased 20-point requirement from 1 July 2026.
- Check your registration category to determine if the new specialist categories are relevant to your practice.
- Monitor the VBA website for updated guidance materials and approved CPD providers.
Impact on Homeowners
For homeowners commissioning building work in Victoria, these changes should increase confidence in the registration system. Key benefits include:
- Better-trained practitioners with more up-to-date knowledge.
- Greater transparency through the enhanced public register.
- Faster disciplinary action when practitioners fail to meet standards.
Before hiring a builder in Victoria, always check their registration status on the VBA register or use our licence verification tools.
For a national overview of builder licensing, see our guide on builder licensing explained state by state.