Changes to Victorian licensing in 2026

Big news for every builder in Victoria!

The "old way" of getting your builder's registration has been completely reformed. As of 9 February 2026, the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) has officially modernised the process to make it faster, fairer, and thankfully digital.

If you’ve been putting off your application because you didn't want to sit in a room with assessors drilling you for hours, the time is now. 

• No more face-to-face interviews. The high-pressure panel interview is officially gone.
• 24/7 Online exams: Sit your exam anytime from home using new proctoring software, no more scheduled exams on certain dates at a certain location. 
• Risk-based fast tracking. Low-risk applications (good experience + solid paperwork) get approved faster.
• DBU first. These changes are live for Domestic Builder Unlimited and rolling out for others soon.
• Paperwork still matters. You still need a killer portfolio and technical knowledge to pass.

 What’s actually changed for VIC builder licensing?

The goal is to cut down the massive wait times and get qualified builders onto sites faster.

• Interviews are gone

Previously, you had to pass an exam and a technical interview. Now, for most categories (starting with DBU), the interview has been scrapped. The exam is now the main event.

• 24/7 Online exam

No more driving to a test centre at a specific time. You can now sit your exam anytime from anywhere that works for you.

• Smarter assessments

If you’ve got your application documents well prepared and your experience is clear, you get fast-tracked.

The "New" exam

Proctortrack explained.

While you can take the exam from home or your office, it's not a cutting corner event, where you can use notes or get help. The BPC is using high-tech software called Janison-Proctortrack to monitor you.

Here’s how it works:

• Webcam monitoring

Your camera, microphone, and even your computer screen are recorded.

• AI oversight

The software watches for "suspicious" behaviour - like looking off-camera, talking out loud, or having someone else in the room.

• Digital tools only

You can’t use physical "cheat sheets" or your own calculator. You have to use the digital versions built into the exam software.

Which licences are affected?

The BPC is rolling this out in stages. Domestic Builder Unlimited (DBU) is the first one off the rank.

Throughout 2026, it will phase in for:

• Commercial Builder (Unlimited & Limited)
• Domestic Builder Limited (Carpentry, Bricklaying, Waterproofing, etc.)
• Demolisher Classes
• Building Designers & Inspectors

What hasn’t changed

Even though the interview is gone, the builder registration standards haven't dropped. In fact, because there’s no interview to "explain" your experience, your written application (your portfolio) has to be perfect.

While BPC might reduce the amount of documentation required, the quality of that documentation is more important than ever. If your photos don't show the right stages of a build, or your references are weak, the "risk-based" model will flag you as high-risk and slow you down - or reject you immediately.

How Licensing Advice keeps you ahead

Having Licensing Advice on your side, you get access to senior consultants in the industry who are up to date with all regulator updates.



We've updated our application processes to match the 2026 BPC requirements.

Why work with us?

• Portfolio mastery

Since the exam is now the sole technical assessment, your portfolio must speak for itself. We make sure your project examples are well prepared to be lodged. 

We prepare you for basic exam requirements and how to handle the online proctoring environment so you don’t get flagged for a "violation" by accident.

• Up-to-the-minute strategy

While our others are still teaching people how to pass an interview that no longer exists, we are focusing on your entire application process offering:

1. FREE 15 minute consultation with our licensing expert
2. Assess your work experience, qualification, and eligibility
3. prepare the entire application documents
4. we assist with contacting referees & preparing statements
5. ensuring all required documents are lodged, nothing more that can draw scrutiny and nothing less of what’s required
6. track progress and keep you updated at no extra cost
7. we dispute the regulator on your behalf if your application has been assessed incorrectly

Licensing Advice advocates for tradies and builders. We translate the bureaucracy jargon for you and support you until you get licensed!

Don't miss the chance to get your builder licence and do it right the first time. 

Not sure if you are eligible? Check it online and take the first step towards your trade or builder licence in the VIC.