Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for accredited membership?
If you're a practicing building surveyor with recognised qualifications and relevant experience, you can apply for accreditation at the level that aligns with your background. We support applications from building surveyors at all stages of their career.
How much does accreditation cost?
Accreditation costs include a $330 assessment fee, paid when you apply.
If your application is approved, your first year of accredited membership is then charged.
For the current membership fee, check the AIBS Fee Schedule.
What are the three levels of accreditation?
AIBS offers three accreditation levels designed to align with where you are in your career.
What are the three levels of accreditation?
|
Level
|
Pre-requisites
|
Accreditation
|
Scope
|
|
Level 1: Building Surveyor
|
Honours degree or post-graduate qualification
and 3 years of relevant experience.
|
Full accreditation for all building classes, any size or height.
|
Can perform all consulting and statutory functions, including authorising construction, inspecting works and certifying compliance.
|
|
Level 2: Building Surveyor Limited
|
3 year degree and 2 years of relevant experience.
|
Accredited for all building classes up to 3 storeys and 2,000m².
|
Can perform consulting functions, assess plans, conduct inspections and issue approvals for a broad range of projects.
|
|
Level 3: Assistant Building Surveyor
|
AIBS-Accredited qualification and 12 months of relevant experience.
|
Entry-level accreditation for Class 1 and 10 buildings up to 2 storeys and 500m².
|
Can provide advice, assess plans and conduct inspections under supervision.
|
What types of personal accredited membership are there?
When you achieve AIBS accreditation, you become an Accredited Member. As your career progresses and you contribute to the profession, you may be eligible for elevated membership recognition and discounted fees.
-
Accredited Member: holds Level 1, 2 or 3 accreditation and practices as a building surveyor.
-
Accredited Fellow: senior members who have made significant contributions to the profession and hold accreditation.
-
Accredited Life Fellow: honorary recognition for longstanding, distinguished service to building surveying.
For more information on member types, see our membership page.
What is the Professional Standards Scheme?
The AIBS Professional Standards Scheme is a government-legislated program that caps your professional indemnity liability, makes insurance clearer and shows clients you're committed to professional standards and consumer protection. It's mandatory for all Accredited Members unless you're exempt (like public sector employees and some private sector employees). Conditions apply.
What is the National Accreditation Panel?
A group of experienced building surveyors appointed by the AIBS Board to assess applications, conduct interviews and make sure everyone meets the same high standards.
Is there an audit program?
The Audit Program is currently under development. We’ll share more information on future auditing developments as they become available.
Which states and territories recognise AIBS Accreditation?
AIBS Accreditation is currently recognised by regulators in Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria.
We're actively working to expand recognition across all Australian jurisdictions. Even where formal recognition isn't yet in place, AIBS Accreditation demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence and is valued by employers, clients and peers nationally.
What qualifications are recognised?
AIBS recognises specific qualifications from accredited institutions that meet the National Accreditation Framework. These include degrees, graduate diplomas and VET sector qualifications.
Explore accredited courses
What if I’m returning to accreditation or my accreditation has lapsed?
If your accreditation has expired or you previously held AIBS accreditation, you’ll need to submit a new application for accreditation. All returning applicants must demonstrate that they meet the current education and experience requirements for their level, regardless of past accreditation.
If your accreditation has recently lapsed, you should lodge your re-accreditation application as soon as possible and include a written request to the AIBS Board asking for your accreditation to be extended while your application is assessed. An administration fee applies.
What if my renewal is due and I’m waiting on my CPD letter or application outcome?
You should still submit your re-accreditation application before your expiry date. If it’s received late, additional fees will apply.
If you’ve already lodged your CPD return, you don’t need to take further action—the completed CPD assessment will be forwarded to the Accreditation Team once finalised.
If you submitted your renewal on time, your accreditation remains active while AIBS processes your application.