Frustrated by the Builder Registration Licence Process? Choose the Easy Way to Register with the Building Practitioner’s Board

There are a number of requirements the Building Practitioner's Board require to complete the registration application process.

Among them are:
Application Form
• The Application Form is a summary of all your submitted information;

References
• 2 written technical references from registered practitioners;
• 2 written character references
• Must not be older than 6 months

Photographic ID
• 2 passport photos – RefinedPM can take these photos and process them for you.
• Copy of Drivers License (both sides) or Passport

Work History
• A resume of your work history – RefinedPM can provide a template to make this process simpler.

Qualifications
• Copies of your current qualifications
• Copies of any awards you have won

Membership
• Membership with professional bodies
• Copy of each membership certificate
• Existing interstate registration or licence
• Copy of membership of any Industry Associations or Professional bodies (Victoria and other states, territories)

RefinedPM can supply you with a generic Business Plan template should you wish to complete it yourself. Creating a Business Plan is a lengthy process, however, many people like to undertake this themselves. That's why we provide a template. Keep in mind, you might find that it's one of those things that you keep meaning to tackle but never quite get around to it.

Alternative, we can work with you one on one to develop your own. Our experience is that two heads are always better than one so we work with you and that way we can pick your brain when you are stuck.

A good Business Plan will give you a solid foundation.

After we've helped you develop your plan, we will take away the information you have given us and present it back to you in a business plan format. We ask you to then read it over a number of times and even get someone else to read it for you. You can make as many changes as you need to.

Once you are happy with it, we can then move on to the next component.

Remember, this document is not just a requirement for registration but is a working paper on how you see your business operating over the next 3 years.

By completing the Business Plan you will establish in your own mind what it is you want from your business and where you want to take it. This process will make you really think and is vital for your business' future.

If you feel you need some further guidance on where to take your business, RefinedPM can refer you to a reputable Business Advisor who will take you that step further.

Profit/Loss Balance Sheets for the current year and projected for 2 years are required. RefinedPM can supply you with a template to assist you with this process. You will need to decide if your accountant or bookkeeper is to be involved in this process. As a business owner, it is vital for you to know the financial situation of your business at any given time. By working through this process you will be able to gauge where you need to improve your operations and what changes are needed to make it more profitable.

Your Profit/Loss information should mirror your Business Plan. You will be asked questions about this in your interview. You need to have a thorough knowledge of your financial situation and be able to discuss this with your interviewer.

The Building Practitioner's Board need to know that you are complying with the legislation by using the required contracts. If you do not have a current approved contract you can purchase them from a number of different sources,  MBA, HIA, LIAV etc. Your assessor needs to be confident that you understand the contract process.

Estimating is a major factor in the building process. Accordingly, you are required to show evidence that you understand the process and are able to put together an estimating document for any given job. RefinedPM has a template for you to use which outlines all aspects of the estimating process. However, if you already have a working estimating system that you are happy with then it we suggest you use that. 

RefinedPM can assess what documentation you already use and either amend it for the purposes of your application or supply you with our template.

The purpose of the Quality Control checklist is to keep on top of quality assurance on each job. Each job undertaken by you, needs to have a Quality Control Checklist. RefinedPM has a template to assist you with this process. It can be personalised to meet your needs if required.

You are required to show evidence that you understand the process and are able to put together a Quality Control document for any given job. RefinedPM has a template you can use which outlines all aspects of the process. However, if you already have a working Quality Control system that you are happy with then it we suggest you use that. 

The Building Practitioner's Board needs to be assured that you are able to manage each job in a satisfactory manner. You need to use an individual flowchart to set up each job to provide timelines and to be aware of when employees or subcontractors are required on site, how long the work will take for each individual section of the job and the estimated completion time of the job.

RefinedPM can assess what documentation you already have in use and either amend it for the purposes of your application or supply you with one. You need to use an individual flowchart to set up each job to provide timelines.

This document is to be provided in a Gantt chart format.

Sustainability is an ever changing area of the building process. The Building Practitioner's Board needs to be assured that you are knowledgeable in this area. You need to know about reducing waste from the building process, improving site management during construction, make allowances for providing a warmer property in winter and cooler in summer etc.

If you do not have a document in place for your business, RefinedPM has a template you can review and include in your application. 

Job Safety Analysis

Each job undertaken by your business needs to undergo a Job Safety Analysis. RefinedPM can supply you with the appriate documentation to assist you with this process.

RefinedPM can assess what documentation you already have in use and either amend it for the purposes of your application or supply you with one.

Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS, formerly JSA's) are required on every worksite you manage. They need to be filled out prior to commencing work and are to be read by every person who works on the site.

RefinedPM can provide these templates for you to fill out.

Site Induction Plan

Each and every worker on site, whether an employee or contractor, is required to be taken through a Site Induction Plan. RefinedPM can provide you with a template that you can use on each job to ensure that all workers are aware of the safety requirements, issues and expectations under your management.

RefinedPM can assess what documentation you already have in use and either amend it for the purposes of your application or supply you with one.

Additionally, RefinedPM can organise for a qualified OH&S consultant to meet with you to go over what the requirements are. If you already have paperwork in place, he can advise you on any changes you may require.

This is included free if you have 20 employees or less. If you have more than 20, a small fee will be charged for him to travel to you.

To be registered with the Building Practitioner's Board, you are required to carry the appropriate insurance. Building Practitioners are required to show proof of insurance when registering or renewing their registration.

According to the legislation governing this work, you must be registered to carry out building work as described in Section 5 of the Act, and you will need Builder's Warranty Insurance for any project over $12,000.

The type of insurance needed depends on the category of registration.

The Building Commission has provided a list of insurance providers. They do not specifically endorse or recommend any of them and it is not a complete list. Other brokers may also be able to assist you.

RefinedPM can provide you with this list or you can obtain further information by going to the Building Commission website at www.buildingcommission.com.au.

When applying for your Letter of Eligibility, you will be required to forward various types of documentation. This may consist of your Public Liability, personal insurances etc. You will also be required to forward your Profit & Loss documentation. If you are just starting out, you can speak with the broker to find out their specific requirements for a new trades person.

The Letter of Eligibility is not required at the time you submit your application. You do however, need it once you attend your interview with the member of the Practitioner's Board.

If you do not have a Letter of Eligibility, your application will still be assessed, however, the letter must be provided prior to the Board's decision.

Disclaimer: The process RefinedPM will take you through does not include any structural business advice. Our role is to guide you through the individual components of the registration process and undertake the administrative aspect of those processes.

• Qualifications
• Memberships
• Awards
• Drivers License or Passport
• Passport size photographs.

The above listed documentation is required to be certified. Certification means it is witnessed by someone the government has deemed to be honest and trustworthy. You will need to take all the original documents, together with photocopies, so they can be witnessed by the relevant Certifier. We can supply you with further information on the list of people you can contact. 

The Building Practitioner's Board will wish to conduct a personal interview with you to ensure you are aware of your responsibilities as a Registered Building Practitioner. The interview will consist of a variation of questions including legislation, business and financial management, local laws etc. RefinedPM have put together around 20 publications that will assist you in being informed. We’ve also developed a 200 question booklet for practising before your interview.  We do not have access to the actual questions and have drawn them from the publications.   In this manual, we have included hints and tips on how to utilise your study in the best possible way. For many of you it will have been some years since you "hit the books" and by following our recommendations it won’t be as daunting as you think.

You will need to study the publications listed here. RefinedPM can supply these documents whether we assist you with the rest of your application or not. We can also supply a copy of the current National Construction Codes 2011 (formerly the Building Codes of Australia BCA).  RefinedPM have also put together vital information on running your business which will also assist you with the interview process.