Certifier decisions influence the safety, compliance and quality of building work throughout the construction process, helping to keep Queenslanders safe where they work, live and play.
Given the significance of the role of Certifiers, maintaining high standards of practice is essential to public confidence in the building regulatory framework. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) support both the Certification profession and the broader building and construction industry through its certifier audit program.
The audit program is designed to promote consistent, high-quality certification practices across Queensland. Certifier audits identify examples of good practice, highlight areas for improvement and provide valuable insights into emerging industry trends and compliance issues. The findings help inform targeted guidance, education and support for certifiers, enabling issues to be addressed early and strengthening the overall standard of certification in Queensland. In doing so, the program contributes to greater regulatory compliance, improved building outcomes and increased confidence in Queensland building and construction industry.
In 2025-26, the QBCC commenced 46 certifier audits which comprised of 24 technical audits (on-site inspections) and 22 assessment audits (administrative functions). The QBCC also received 123 complaints about building certifiers and finalised 125 complaints during the year this included complaints lodged prior to 2025-26.
The QBCC engages with certifiers across Queensland to support high professional standards, to build confidence in the system. The audit program includes a compliance aspect and any non-compliance identified during the audits. The QBCC works with certifiers through education and regulatory compliance to raise certifiers' understanding and commitment to their obligations.
The audit program provides the QBCC with valuable insights into the challenges faced in this profession and the wider building and construction sector. Information gathered through audits helps the QBCC identify industry trends, develop targeted guidance efforts and ensure its regulatory approach remains practical and focused on the areas of greatest need.
By taking a risk-based approach, the QBCC can focus its resources where they're most needed while making it easier for most licence holders who continually do the right thing, to go about their business.
Most certifiers work hard to meet their obligations and contribute positively to the building industry, and this is reflected in the minimal enforcement action the QBCC has been required to take.
In 2025-26, outcomes from audits and complaints included:
- 40 reprimands issued
- 3 directions issued as enforcement action
- zero licence conditions imposed.
Where issues are identified, the QBCC works with certifiers to improve compliance and, where necessary, takes regulatory action. As at 30 June 2026, there were 523 licensed building certifiers across Queensland, highlighting the important role certifiers play in supporting the state's growing construction sector.
QBCC Commissioner and CEO, Angelo Lambrinos, said audits helped maintain confidence in certification practices while supporting better outcomes for industry and consumers.
"Our role is to make sure Queensland has a strong and trusted building certification system," Mr. Lambrinos said.
"Audits give us an opportunity to engage directly with certifiers, understand the challenges they're facing and provide guidance where it's needed.
"The information we gather during these audits then helps us to improve our services, develop better educational resources and focus our regulatory efforts where they'll have the biggest impact.
"Ultimately, it's about supporting certifiers to do their job well, protecting consumers and helping maintain confidence in Queensland's building industry."
In addition to audits, the QBCC regularly partners with certification accrediting bodies Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to provide industry updates, receive feedback and engage or present at industry events
In 2026-27 the QBCC’s Certification Team will continue to focus on core functions:
- Undertake proactive audits (site and administrative), including focus on top 10 defects and industry education.
- Engagement with Local Government Authorities and Industry Bodies for the provision of education and receiving industry feedback and intelligence.
- Manage & Investigate complaints.
