General information only, not legal advice. Fees shown are for 2026–27 and change every 1 July. Always check with the QBCC (Queensland) or the BPC (Victoria) before making any decision.
Becoming a pool safety inspector is one of the more affordable ways to start a licensed trade-related business. But the course fee isn’t the only cost. Here is what you can expect to pay in Queensland and Victoria in 2026, and what to weigh up before you decide.
The costs at a glance (2026–27)
| Queensland | Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| Our course fee | $1,499 (11067NAT, 3 days) | $3,499 (VBAISP2020, 5 days) |
| Licence / registration application | $711.30 (QBCC new licence application) | Check the current registration fee with the BPC |
| Ongoing regulator fee | $355.76 a year (QBCC annual renewal) | Annual and renewal fees apply. Check them with the BPC |
| Insurance | Professional indemnity insurance with at least $1,000,000 cover per inspector | Professional indemnity insurance is required for building inspector registration. Check the current minimum cover with the BPC |
Queensland fees are as published by the QBCC for 2026–27 and rise every 1 July. For Victoria, check the current fees with the BPC. Insurance premiums vary, so get quotes from a broker.
Queensland costs in more detail
- Course: our 11067NAT course is $1,499 and runs over 3 days in Coopers Plains, Brisbane.
- QBCC licence: a new pool safety inspector licence application is $711.30. The QBCC asks for the fee after it receives your forms. If your application is unsuccessful, the application fee isn’t refunded.
- Annual renewal: $355.76 a year. You’ll also need current PI insurance and any required CPD to renew.
- Professional indemnity insurance: required before the QBCC issues, renews or restores your licence, with at least $1,000,000 of cover per inspector. Premiums depend on your insurer and business, so speak to a broker early.
Victoria costs in more detail
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Course: our VBAISP2020 course is $3,499 and runs over 5 days in Highett, Melbourne. Pool Safety Barrier Training is one of only three BPC-endorsed RTOs for this course (see the BPC list of endorsed RTOs).
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BPC registration and annual fees: check the current registration fee, annual fee and renewal fee for the Building Inspector (pool safety) class with the BPC. See the BPC’s registration fees page, or contact the BPC.
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Insurance: under the current building regulations, building inspectors (which includes the pool safety class) must hold professional indemnity insurance to be registered, and must keep it current. The minimum cover is set by a Ministerial Order under the Building Act 1993. Check the current requirement with the BPC and get quotes from a broker.
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Experience: remember to allow time (at least six months) to build the supervised inspection experience the BPC requires.
Other costs to plan for
Whichever state you’re in, budget for the practical side of running an inspection business:
- a reliable vehicle and fuel
- measuring tools, a camera or phone, and inspection checklists or software
- business set-up costs, such as an ABN, a business name and a simple website
- your time between finishing the course and being licensed or registered
So, is it worth it?
That depends on your plans, but a few things work in your favour:
- The work is required by law. In Queensland, a pool safety certificate is needed when a property with a pool is sold, bought or leased. In Victoria, pool and spa owners must lodge a new certificate of barrier compliance every four years.
- The start-up cost is modest compared with many licensed trades.
- It fits alongside other work. Many inspectors add barrier inspections to an existing building, certification, pool or fencing business.
- It matters. Every inspection helps keep young children safe around water.
To learn more about the job itself, read What does a pool safety inspector do?. Not sure which state’s course you need? Read Pool Inspector Course: QLD vs VIC.
Ready to start?
- Queensland: Book now for 11067NAT or call 07 3180 3148.
- Victoria: Book now for VBAISP2020 or call 03 7068 7899.