Licence classes frequently asked questions
On this page
- What are the different licence classes for building practitioners?
- What is the role of the person holding a Design class?
- What is the role of a person holding a Site class?
- What do the trade classes cover?
- What work will need to be supervised or undertaken by Trade LBPs?
- How many licence classes can a person hold?
- How do independent qualified persons (IQPs) fit in with licensing?
1. What are the different licence classes for building practitioners?
There are 7 classes (each with areas of practice except Carpetary) as outlined in the table below, which indicates where they fit into the design and construction process.
| If you regularly |
You can apply for |
| Design: |
| straightforward houses |
Design area of practice 1 |
| moderately complex commercial or residential buildings |
Design area of practice 2 |
| large or publicly important buildings |
Design area of practice 3 |
| Manage the construction of: |
| straightforward houses |
Site area of practice 1 |
moderately complex commercial or residential projects,
or aspects of large or complex construction projects |
Site area of practice 2 |
| large or complex construction projects |
Site area of practice 3 |
| Work on or supervise: |
| carpentry |
Carpentry |
| external plastering |
External Plastering |
| roofing |
Roofing |
| bricklaying and blocklaying |
Bricklaying & Blocklaying |
| foundations |
Foundations |
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2. What is the role of the person holding a Design licence class?
A person with a Design licence class will be able to supervise or undertake building design.
When restricted building work requirements take effect from 1 March 2012, a design lead with the appropriate Design class will be required to take responsibility for the final design and ensure that it meets the Building Code.
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3. What is the role of a person holding a Site licence class?
The role of the Site licensed building practitioner is to take responsibility for overseeing the construction work on a building project, including the co-ordination and integration of the various trades involved, and ensuring that the building work has been completed in accordance with the consent.
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4. What do the trade classes cover?
The trade classes cover well defined and widely understood occupations. The role of the trade LBP is to make sure that their work is sound and meets the building consent requirements.
The trade classes are Carpentry, External Plastering, Roofing, Bricklaying and Blocklaying, and Foundations.
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5. What work will need to be supervised or undertaken by Trade LBPs?
From 1 March 2012 restricted building work must be carried out or supervised by LBPs with the appropriate trade licence classes.
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6. How many licence classes can a person hold?
There will be no restriction on the number of licence classes a person can hold. For example, many people are licensed for Site and Carpentry, and some hold these classes plus Design. In some instances, a consumer will be able to engage a single practitioner to supervise or undertake all aspects of a small project.
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7. How do independent qualified persons (IQPs) fit in with licensing?
IQPs inspect the systems that have to be regularly inspected and maintained for a building’s annual Building Warrant of Fitness - eg, lifts, fire systems, and heating and ventilation systems.
The Government has decided that licensing for this group not proceed.
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