Construction Certificates and Private Certification
- Complaints against private accredited certifiers can be made in writing to the Building Professionals Board. See below for further information.
Information brochures prepared by the Building Professionals Board and the Department of Planning
The Building Professionals Board and the Department of Planning recently published two information brochures to provide consumers with greater information about how the NSW certification system works.
- Certifying building and subdivision work
This information brochure informs consumers of the general approvals process involved when building or subdividing. - Choosing a certifying authority
This information brochure provides consumers with the information necessary to enable them to confidently choose a certifying authority.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Construction Certificate?
A Construction Certificate (CC) is a certificate verifying that relevant matters specified in a development consent and applicable legislation have been satisfied. A Construction Certificate will only be issued if:
- The proposed building will comply with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
- The design and construction is consistent with the plans approved for the development consent.
- Any development consent conditions which must be met before issue of Construction Certificate have been met.
- Conditions requiring payment of monetary contributions have been met.
- A fire safety schedule is issued with the certificate (for applicable classes of buildings).
- Structural strength and fire safety matters have been satisfied in the case of a change of building use or alterations to an existing building.
Who can issue a Construction Certificate?
A Construction Certificate can be issued by either a consent authority (Council) or an Accredited Certifier.
When is a Construction Certificate required?
A Construction Certificate is required after development consent is issued, and before building (and demolition) work is carried out.
When will a Construction Certificate lapse?
A Construction Certificate lapses with the development consent.
What is the role of the Principal Certifying Authority?
Before you commence your building work you must appoint a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA). You may choose either the Council or an Accredited Certifier as PCA. The role of the PCA is to assess whether the building is suitable for occupation or use in accordance with the BCA before issuing an occupation certificate.
Making a complaint against a private certifier
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (the Act) allows accredited certifiers to perform a range of statutory functions previously only carried out Local Government.
The role of a principal certifying authority (PCA) is that of a public official who certifies the construction phase of development. They must supervise/monitor construction works and issue certificates that certify regulatory compliance. A PCA can be either a private accredited certifier or a council employee; it is up to the applicant to decide who to engage.
The Act requires that a sign be erected on all work sites showing the name, address and telephone number of the PCA. Any concerns with construction works including a belief that works are not proceeding in accordance with the approval are to be discussed with the PCA in the first instance.
If you remain unsatisfied with the response of the PCA, complaints against private accredited certifiers can be made in writing to the Building Professionals Board (Department of Planning):
