General information only, not legal advice. Always check with the BPC before making any decision.
Since Victoria’s pool and spa safety laws changed, every pool and spa barrier must be inspected and certified regularly, and only a registered practitioner can do it. That has created steady demand for qualified pool and spa barrier inspectors. Here is how to become a registered Building Inspector (pool safety) in Victoria.
What does a Building Inspector (pool safety) do?
The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC, formerly the Victorian Building Authority) registers Building Inspectors (pool safety) to:
- inspect swimming pool and spa barriers to determine whether they comply
- issue certificates of pool and spa barrier compliance
- issue certificates of pool and spa barrier non-compliance
- lodge certificates of non-compliance with the relevant council
Pool and spa barriers in Victoria must be inspected and certified every four years, so there is ongoing work for registered inspectors.
Step 1: Complete the VBAISP2020 Course in Swimming Pool and Spa Barrier Inspections
The BPC’s prescribed qualifications for this class of registration are the successful completion of a BPC-approved course in swimming pool and spa barrier inspection from a Registered Training Organisation, plus at least six months of practical experience. The BPC only recognises certificates of completion from RTOs it has endorsed, and Pool Safety Barrier Training (RTO 41251) is a BPC-endorsed RTO for this course.
Our VBAISP2020 Course in Swimming Pool and Spa Barrier Inspections covers the knowledge you need to inspect and certify pool and spa barriers in Victoria, including:
- the Building Act 1993, Part 9A of the Building Regulations 2018, the National Construction Code and the relevant Australian Standards
- preparing for and carrying out barrier inspections safely and professionally
- re-inspections, inspection records (checklists, photos and video)
- issuing compliance and non-compliance certificates, and explaining to owners how to fix a non-compliant barrier
- handling disputes with owners
Pool Safety Barrier Training runs VBAISP2020 as a 5-day, face-to-face course in Highett, Melbourne, every month. The course includes 15 inspections, a mix of simulated and live. See the next VIC course dates.
Step 2: Build and record your inspection experience
You need at least six months of experience in pool inspection work. According to the BPC, this would typically include taking part in at least 25 home pool and/or spa barrier inspections under the supervision of a person registered to do pool barrier inspection work, within the last seven years. The inspections should cover a range of pools and spas (including relocatable ones), five or more inspections against each applicable Australian Standard, and a range of construction materials and barrier types.
Record your supervised pool and spa barrier inspections in the BPC Experience Logbook for Building inspector (pool safety) as you go. The logbook has drop-down fields for each inspection and can produce a summary report, so you can see where you need more experience.
Tip from the BPC: don’t change the logbook’s format, or it may stop working.
Step 3: Get a technical reference
You’ll need at least one technical referee to confirm your experience. Referees must be registered Building Surveyors, Building Inspectors or Building Inspectors (pool safety), and each completes the BPC’s SD TRR 057 Building Inspector (pool safety) Technical Referee Report. You may need more than one.
Step 4: Apply to the BPC for registration
Apply online by logging in to the BPC and starting a new application from the “Registration and licensing” page. Your application includes:
- the online application form
- your Technical Referee Report(s)
- your Experience Logbook
- your evidence portfolio
The BPC notes that its application process changes from time to time, so check the current requirements on the BPC website before you apply.
Step 5: Start inspecting
Once registered, you can inspect pool and spa barriers across Victoria, issue certificates of compliance or non-compliance, and lodge non-compliance certificates with councils. Many inspectors run their own business. Others add barrier inspections to an existing building, pool or fencing business.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the course take?
Our VBAISP2020 course is 5 days, face to face, in Highett. After the course, allow time to build your logged experience, arrange your technical reference and for the BPC to assess your application.
How much does the course cost?
Our VBAISP2020 course is $3,499. BPC registration fees are separate. Check the BPC website for current fees.
Is the Queensland pool safety inspector licence the same?
No. Queensland licenses pool safety inspectors through the QBCC, with a different course (11067NAT). See our guide: How to become a pool safety inspector in Queensland.
Want to know what the job involves day to day? Read What does a pool safety inspector do?
Planning your budget? See what it costs to become a pool safety inspector (course, licence fees and insurance).
Ready to start?
Book now for the next VBAISP2020 course or call us on 03 7068 7899.