Accreditation Application

5 Steps to Building Designer Accreditation

Becoming a fully accredited building designer is a crucial step in advancing your career and ensuring your work meets Australia’s ever-evolving standards in design and construction. The BDAA offers a clear, streamlined 5-step process that equips you with the recognition and skills necessary to excel in your field. Whether you’re aiming for low rise, medium rise, or open accreditation, this process will guide you through every stage, from qualifications to submitting your final application. 

Ready to take the leap? Let’s get started on your journey to professional excellence!



Download the Accreditation Participant Handbook

Begin by downloading and reviewing the Accreditation Participant Handbook. This comprehensive guide will help you determine the correct accreditation level for your experience and the type of assessment you’ll need to undertake.

  • Assessment Type A: Designed for applicants with formal, recognized qualifications and relevant industry experience.
  • Assessment Type B: Tailored for applicants with substantial industry experience but without formal qualifications, or for those with overseas qualifications seeking recognition in Australia.

This handbook ensures you’re fully informed about each step, helping you make the right decisions from the beginning. Be sure to read it thoroughly to avoid unnecessary delays in your accreditation process.

Also download the BDAA Sample Drawing Set and BDAA Plan Checklist as these documents demonstrate the level of documentation required for the Accreditation Assessment.


Download the Appropriate Application Form

Once you’ve determined your accreditation level, download and save the application form to your computer, you must then open the form with Adobe Acrobat Reader, and complete the appropriate details:

  • Level 3: Low Rise Accreditation
  • Level 2: Medium Rise Accreditation
  • Level 1: Open Rise Accreditation

Each level represents a different scope of building design work, from low-rise residential buildings to more complex projects like medium-rise structures. Please review the Participants Handbook to identify the appropriate accreditation level for your application. Ensure you follow the instructions for filling out the form, paying close attention to the file naming protocols. This helps speed up the application process and ensures that your application is processed without unnecessary delays.


Complete the Statutory Declaration of Authorship

Next, you’ll need to complete the Statutory Declaration of Authorship. This is a critical step in verifying that the work you submit in your portfolio is your own and complies with the BDAA’s ethical standards.

  • The form must be signed and witnessed by an authorised person (a list of suitable individuals is provided with the form).

This step ensures transparency and authenticity in your application, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the accreditation process.

 

Statutory Declaration


NCC Questionnaire Completion

All applicants are required to complete the National Construction Code (NCC) Questionnaire, which tests your understanding of the NCC standards.

  • The questionnaire will be sent to you after you’ve paid the application fee.
  • Be prepared for questions with multiple correct answers, as the NCC covers a broad range of regulatory standards.

The questionnaire serves as a critical assessment of your knowledge of Australia’s building codes and regulations, ensuring that all accredited designers meet national compliance standards.


Start the Online Lodgement Form

The final step is to submit your completed application through the Online Lodgement Portal. This is where you upload all your documents, including your application form, portfolio, statutory declaration, and other required materials.

Start

 

Application Fees

  LOW RISE MEDIUM RISE OPEN
Accreditation Application $1,895.00 $1,895.00 $1,895.00
Resubmission fee due to incomplete/ inadequate application, up to $440.00 $440.00 $440.00
Annual Renewal Fee after first year $450.00 $450.00 $450.00
Supplementary interview (in addition to Accreditation Application) for new accreditation applicants $385.00 $385.00 $385.00
Upgrade of Accreditation Level $985.00 $985.00 $985.00

 

Applicants may select a 3 year or 5 year renewal option for all Levels of Accreditation.
The 3 year renewal option is priced at $2695 which includes initial assessment and 2 years discounted renewal (save $100) The 5 year renewal option is priced at $3495 which includes initial assessment and 4 years discounted renewal (save $200).

NOTE:
All the above fees include GST.
Does not include any government levy for registration as a building designer.

 

Refund Policy

No refunds are applicable.
If an application for Accreditation granted at a lower level to which their standard of work equates or the Applicant is informed they are “not yet competent”, no refund will be issued.
Re-applications require the full fee to be paid.
Re-applications following a “not yet competent” determination may be made provided six (6) months has lapsed since receipt of their previous accreditation assessment result. Re-applications will incur a new application fee.

Assessment and Application Processing

After submission, the BDAA will begin processing your application, typically taking 5–6 weeks. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

  • Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate; missing or incorrect information can delay the process and may result in a resubmission fee of up to $440.
  • Incomplete applications will not be processed, and you may be contacted for further clarification.
  • If your application is deemed unsuitable for approval, no refund is provided, although BDAA will work with you to address any issues before such a determination is made.

Important Note: Be meticulous with your application details. Ensure names, addresses, and all other information are completed accurately and formatted correctly to avoid delays in processing.

Re-application Process: If your initial application is unsuccessful, you can reapply after a minimum period of six months. A new body of work will need to be submitted, and the full application fee will apply for the reassessment.

Key Notes: Maintaining Your Accreditation

Once accredited, BDAA members are required to maintain their accreditation by participating in CPD programs and holding an appropriate level of Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance. Regular audits of completed works are also part of the ongoing assessment process to ensure compliance with industry standards.