Before you can start any approved building or construction work, you must find and appoint a principal certifier.

The principal certifier can be:

  • a registered building surveyor
  • your local council or
  • a registered body corporate (certification company).

The principal certifier:

  • carries out mandatory building inspections during the construction period
  • issues the development certificate when all requirements are met.

How to find a certifier

Online

  1. Select the ‘Search the register of certifiers’ button.
  2. Select 'Advanced search'.
  3. Make your selection from the Class of Registration:
    1. Building Surveyor – Restricted (all classes of building)
    2. Building Surveyor – Restricted (class 1 and 10 buildings)
    3. Building Surveyor – Unrestricted
    4. other expertise that you may require for your project.
  4. Select 'Registered' from 'Registration Status'.
  5. Select 'Search'.
  6. Refine the search and select 'Update Search' to see the results.

Contact your local council

You can also find accredited certifiers, authorised to operate as a principal certifier by contacting your local council.

More information

  • You choose who you’ll appoint as a certifier. Your builder isn't allowed to appoint the certifier or influence your choice of certifier.
  • Certifiers are categorised according to their expertise, qualifications and experience. You may need more than one type of certifier.
Last updated: 6 September 2024

Rate the information on the page