AIBS Professional Standards Scheme

Helping ensure building surveyors meet defined standards of professionalism, safety and public trust.

Defining the standard in building surveying

The AIBS Professional Standards Scheme (PSS) is a legislative instrument, approved by the Professional Standards Councils, that obliges AIBS to monitor, enforce and improve the professional standards of members under the Scheme, thereby reducing risk for consumers of professional services. The Scheme is mutually recognised by all Australian States and Territories under the respective Professional Standards Acts.

In recognition of upholding professional standards, the Scheme limits the civil liability or damages that professionals under the Scheme may incur if a court upholds a claim against them.

The AIBS Scheme also ensures that members are insured appropriately, participate in continuing professional development, and are subject to a complaint and disciplinary structure.

See Scheme Instrument

Why the Scheme matters

For AIBS members, the Scheme is a mark of credibility—demonstrating your commitment to ongoing learning, professional integrity, and excellence in practice.

For the community, it provides assurance that AIBS-accredited professionals are appropriately qualified, experienced, ethical and accountable to nationally recognised standards.

By linking accreditation, continuing professional development (CPD), and the AIBS Code of Professional Conduct, the Scheme promotes a culture of continuous improvement and public trust in the building surveying profession.

What Scheme membership means for you

Scheme membership comes with both professional responsibilities and clear benefits. All practicing AIBS members are required to become Scheme members unless they apply for an exemption from the scheme. Practicing Members who work solely for local government or other public entities where the entity employs the Practicing Member and where that entity is not able to meet the professional indemnity insurance requirements may apply for an exemption. Practicing Members who are able to prove that they do not and will not undertake building surveying work, such as academics, may also apply for an exemption from the Scheme.

An important requirement of participation in the Scheme is that the Scheme Member must hold professional indemnity insurance that meets certain requirements. The amount payable under the policy, after legal costs, must not be less than the amount for which liability is limited under the Scheme. It is recommended that accreditation applicants check that their policy meets the requirements under the Scheme.

Note: Due to the recent spate of claims relating to combustible cladding across Australia, some professional indemnity insurers may not be willing to provide professional indemnity policies that include cladding work. Where a member is unable to acquire professional indemnity insurance in respect of a particular type of work, or where there is a legal exemption from holding professional indemnity insurance for a particular type of work, the scheme will not limit the liability of the member, and it is good practice for the member to advise the client before the type of work is undertaken by the member.

The Scheme sets out clear obligations and entitlements for members

Members must maintain appropriate insurance, complete continuing professional development, and operate within a complaint and disciplinary framework. Explore your responsibilities, insurance requirements, and liability arrangements below.

The benefits of the Scheme 

In return for meeting higher professional standards, your liability for damages is capped — generally up to $2 million (Building Level 1) or $1 million (Building Level 2) under the Scheme. 

Insurance requirements 

Scheme members must maintain professional indemnity insurance that meets AIBS Insurance Standards to be eligible for scheme participation and to benefit from limitation of liability.

Declaration of limited liability

All Scheme members must display a declaration on official materials confirming their liability is limited under the Scheme.

Apply for an exemption

You may be eligible for exemption from the Scheme if you are not able to meet the professional indemnity insurance requirements of the scheme or you do not undertake building surveying work e.g. working as an academic. You can apply during your accreditation/reaccreditation process.

Accredited Body Corporate

Body corporates accredited with AIBS are covered under the Scheme, when they comply with the AIBS Insurance Standard and commit to high professional standards in building surveying. All directors and staff providing building surveying services must be accredited AIBS members, and at least one director must also hold individual accreditation.

Extension of liability cover

In certain circumstances, a Scheme Member may apply to AIBS for a higher liability cap for a specific project. If AIBS is satisfied that sufficient professional indemnity insurance is, and will remain, in place for the duration of the project, the increased cap may be approved. Access policy.

How AIBS maintains professional standards

As the operator of the Professional Standards Scheme, AIBS plays an important role in monitoring and addressing professional risk within the building surveying profession. Through accreditation, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and the AIBS Code of Professional Conduct, AIBS upholds the highest levels of professionalism and accountability across the building surveying profession.

AIBS also works continuously to improve regulation, standards and codes, and to deliver education, training and resources that help members manage professional risk, maintain competence, and protect consumers. Central to this is the AIBS Professional Practice Standards, which provide a clear framework for consistent, high-quality practice across the profession.

In addition, AIBS is developing a formal audit program that will draw directly on the Professional Practice Standards to support professionalism and continuous improvement under the Scheme. Members will be fully informed and given ample notice before the program is introduced.

How the Scheme links to AIBS Accreditation

The Professional Standards Scheme sits above the AIBS National Accreditation Scheme. The National Accreditation Scheme provides the framework for accreditation, covering qualifications, experience, ongoing CPD, adherence to the AIBS Code of Professional Conduct and participation in audit. The Scheme recognises AIBS’s authority to set and enforce these requirements, ensuring accredited members meet defined standards of professional practice.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about how the Professional Standards Scheme operates, what it means for AIBS accredited members, and how it protects both professionals and consumers.

Is the Scheme mandatory for AIBS members?

All accredited AIBS members operate within the Professional Standards Scheme, unless they are eligible to apply for an exemption because their role or employer circumstances do not allow them to participate in the Scheme. Note also that non-accredited members such as students, graduates and associates are not subject to the requirements of the Professional Standards Scheme.

What are the insurance requirements under the Professional Standards Scheme?

A key requirement of participation in the Professional Standards Scheme and to benefit from the limit of liability under the Scheme, members must hold professional indemnity insurance that meets the AIBS Insurance Standards. Access the AIBS Insurance Standards.

What is required for the declaration of limited liability?

Scheme members are required to include the statement “Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation” on all materials given to clients or prospective clients that promote or advertise the person or their occupation. Members may also request an official AIBS Scheme logo for use in line with these requirements. Learn more about requirements.

How do I apply for an exemption from the Scheme?

All AIBS Practising Members are required to participate in the Professional Standards Scheme unless an exemption is granted.

Exemptions may apply if you:

• Work exclusively for a local government or public entity that cannot meet the Scheme’s insurance requirements; or
• Are an academic or non-practising professional who does not undertake building surveying work.

You can apply during your accreditation/reaccreditation process.

Can my liability cap be extended?

Members may apply for an extension of their liability cap in certain circumstances, in line with the AIBS Extension of Liability Policy. Each application is assessed by AIBS on its merits and may relate to a specific project or a broader area of professional practice. Approval is discretionary and considers a range of factors — including the scope of work, level of professional risk, and evidence of appropriate professional indemnity insurance for the duration of the activity. Download the extension of liability cover policy.

How can I make a complaint about a Scheme Member?

In operating the Professional Standards Scheme, AIBS plays an important role in ensuring that accredited members maintain the highest professional standards and comply with the AIBS Code of Professional Conduct.

If you wish to make a complaint about a Scheme member, it must be submitted in writing and addressed to the AIBS Chief Executive Officer and emailed to [email protected]. Download the compliant form.

All complaints are managed in accordance with the AIBS By-Laws.

Are there any exceptions to the liability limitation under the Scheme?

Yes. While the Professional Standards Scheme limits civil liability in certain circumstances, there are exceptions set out under the legislative instrument.
These exceptions can vary slightly between states and territories but generally include claims relating to:

• Personal injury or death
• Breach of trust
• Fraud or dishonesty

Members should also note that the Scheme’s protection only applies where the required disclosure has been made and all conditions of the Scheme have been met.

Setting the benchmark for public trust

AIBS defines the national standard for building surveyors—upholding professionalism, safety, and accountability across the built environment.

Learn about AIBS Accreditation