General information only, not legal advice. Always check with the QBCC (Queensland) or the BPC (Victoria) before making any decision.
There is no single national pool inspector course in Australia. Each state sets its own rules, so the course you need depends on where you want to work. Pool Safety Barrier Training (RTO 41251) runs the approved course for both Queensland and Victoria. Here is how they compare.
Quick comparison
| Queensland | Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| Course | 11067NAT Course in Swimming Pool Safety Inspections | VBAISP2020 Course in Swimming Pool and Spa Barrier Inspections |
| Length | 3 days, face to face | 5 days, face to face |
| Where we run it | Coopers Plains, Brisbane | Highett, Melbourne |
| How often | Every month | Every month |
| Our course fee | $1,499 | $3,499 |
| Who licenses you | Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) | Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) |
| What you become | Licensed pool safety inspector | Registered Building Inspector (pool safety) |
| Experience before you apply | Not part of the QBCC application | At least 6 months, typically 25+ supervised inspections |
| Other requirements | Professional indemnity insurance (at least $1M per inspector) | Technical referee report (SD TRR 057), experience logbook, evidence portfolio |
| Keeping it current | Renew every year, with CPD and current PI insurance | Check the BPC for current requirements |
Queensland: the 11067NAT course
In Queensland you need the nationally accredited 11067NAT Course in Swimming Pool Safety Inspections before the QBCC will license you. Our course runs over 3 days in Coopers Plains. After the course, you arrange professional indemnity insurance and apply to the QBCC. The QBCC allows up to 8 weeks to process applications.
Inspectors in Queensland issue pool safety certificates or nonconformity notices. A current pool safety certificate is needed whenever a property with a regulated pool is sold or leased, which keeps steady demand for inspectors.
Read the full steps: How to become a pool safety inspector in Queensland.
Victoria: the VBAISP2020 course
In Victoria, the BPC’s prescribed qualifications are a BPC-approved course from an endorsed RTO plus at least six months of practical experience. Pool Safety Barrier Training is one of only three BPC-endorsed RTOs for this course (see the BPC list of endorsed RTOs). Our VBAISP2020 course runs over 5 days in Highett and includes 15 simulated and live inspections.
After the course you build your experience (typically at least 25 supervised inspections), record it in the BPC Experience Logbook, get a technical referee report and apply to the BPC. Victorian pool and spa barriers must be inspected and certified every four years.
Read the full steps: How to become a pool inspector in Victoria.
Which course should I do?
Choose the course for the state where you plan to inspect. A Queensland licence doesn’t let you certify barriers in Victoria, and Victorian registration doesn’t let you inspect in Queensland. If you plan to work in both states, you’ll need to meet each state’s requirements separately.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Victorian course longer?
The two states have different laws, standards and regulators, and the approved courses are built around them. Our VBAISP2020 course is 5 days and includes 15 simulated and live inspections; the 11067NAT course is 3 days.
Can I do the course online?
We run both courses face to face, so you get hands-on practice with real barriers.
Do I need building experience first?
Call us to talk through your background and whether the course suits you. In Victoria, you’ll also need supervised inspection experience before the BPC will register you.
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?
- Queensland: Book now for 11067NAT or call 07 3180 3148.
- Victoria: Book now for VBAISP2020 or call 03 7068 7899.