This is in line with Regulations 122, 123, 124 and 125 of the Building Regulations 2018 (Building Regulations).
Distinction between professional engineer and endorsed building engineer registrations
It's important to distinguish between the two levels of engineering registration:
- Professional engineer – registered with the Business Licensing Authority (BLA) under the Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019.
- Endorsed building engineer – registered with the BLA.
In Victoria, engineers must first be registered as a professional engineer before they can obtain registration as an endorsed building engineer. While every endorsed building engineer is a professional engineer, not all professional engineers are endorsed building engineers.
The Building Regulations prescribe four areas of engineering for endorsed building engineers:
- Civil
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Fire safety
The BLA, however, recognises an additional category of structural engineering, which is not prescribed under the Building Regulations. Until the Building Regulations are amended, in Victoria structural matters must continue to be certified by an endorsed building engineer registered in civil engineering, not structural engineering.
Offence for engineer to issue a certificate of compliance if not registered as an endorsed building engineer
Under s169K(2) of the Building Act 1993 (Building Act), it is an offence for an engineer to issue a certificate of compliance unless they are registered as an endorsed building engineer.
RBSs have a statutory duty to report any observed breaches of the Building Act to the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), regardless of whether the breach is committed by a builder, engineer, or any other practitioner. This forms part of the RBS' compliance and enforcement obligations under the Act. This process ensures that all breaches are properly assessed and, where required, addressed through enforcement action by the BPC.
How to verify an engineer's registration
Building surveyors can verify the registration and endorsement status of engineers at the Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) website using the professional engineers public register .
Simply search for the engineer using their name or registration number. You can check the box 'Endorsed to work in the building industry' to filter results.
