RBS referrals training and support

The learning modules and reference material are to support you, as the registered building surveyor, to draft clear, accurate and legally enforceable statutory documents. They focus on improving consistency, reducing errors and strengthening how you apply enforcement tools when issuing notices, orders and referrals to the BPC.

Through practical guidance and real examples, you’ll refine your approach and build confidence in meeting your regulatory responsibilities. The content aligns with your powers under the Building Act 1993 Building Regulations 2018 and Plumbing Regulations 2018, and explains how the BPC regulates the industry to protect consumers and uphold standards.

This series may include relevant overlaps with the digitised referral submission process and mandatory checklist usage.

Training prerequisites/requirements

• No formal prerequisites
• Learners should have:
  • sound English language skills
  • basic numeracy
  • confidence using digital tools

Who this course is for

• Relevant Building Surveyors (RBS)
• Staff working under or assisting the RBS

How to access the learning modules

New users

1. Register to enrol in our learning modules
   • Enter your details into the registration form, including your 'Practitioner Registration Number' (e.g. BSI 12345)
   • In the Token field, type BPC_Learn (case-sensitive). Without the correct token, you can’t register
   • Complete the form, then select Register and accept the Terms of Use
2. Check your email from the Building and Plumbing Commission learning portal.
   • Open Set Your Password, follow the steps, then select 'Set My Password' to confirm.
   • Return to the portal and log in using your registered email and new password.

Existing users

1. Log in using your registered email and password.
2. Access modules from the catalogue
   • From the Dashboard → Training → Catalogue, browse the available modules.
   • Choose any module, select 'Explore', and start learning.
3. Navigate to and complete a module
   • Use Next or Continue Your Journey to progress through the content.
   • Questions appear throughout most of the modules; you’ll get feedback when you answer.
   • You have unlimited attempts, but you must answer correctly to proceed.
   • You will need to select Complete my Journey when you have finished a module, so that the system records your completion.
4. Once a module is complete, select 'Certificate' to download your completion certificate.

Training modules and overview

The Module Series comprises 8 modules and covers the following topics:

BPC and RBS: Statutory roles and enforcement challenges

Learn the statutory roles of the BPC and the Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) within Victoria’s building regulatory system, including your role as the first line of defence. You’ll also learn to recognise common enforcement gaps that weaken compliance and consumer protection, and how to avoid them.

Your enforcement tools and referrals to the BPC overview

Learn to apply your enforcement tools correctly: Direction to Fix (DTF), Building Notice (BN) and Building Orders (BO) and use the DTF as the mandatory first step. You’ll also learn when to escalate matters and the required timeframes for referring non-compliances or safety risks to the BPC or Municipal Building Surveyor (MBS).

DTF: Fundamentals

Learn why the Direction to Fix (DTF) is your mandatory first response to non-compliance found during an inspection. You’ll learn how to draft a legally sound DTF that clearly sets out the grounds for the breach and the required actions, and understand the mandatory seven-day timeframe that applies.

DTF: Effective drafting

Learn how to draft clear, precise and legally robust Directions to Fix (DTFs). This module teaches you to structure ‘Grounds’ using the What–Where–Why method, and ‘Requirements’ using the Verb–Noun–Standard/Outcome format, and explains why separating these sections is essential for enforceability.

DTF: Documents and reports

Learn when and how to request reports or documents within a Direction to Fix (DTF). This module explains the purpose of a DTF, when documentation requests are lawful and appropriate, and how to keep them reasonable and compliance-focused. You’ll also learn to distinguish proper use of a DTF from the Building Notice process and avoid using DTFs for general information gathering.

BO: Fundamentals and effective drafting

Learn how and when to issue Building Orders (BOs) to address serious or unresolved non-compliance. This module explains the purpose of a BO, the legal thresholds for its use, and the practical steps for issuing one correctly. Through key concepts and a worked example, you’ll build confidence in applying Building Orders lawfully and effectively in your role as a building surveyor.

Enforcement tools: Commonalities

Learn the legal requirements common to DTFs, Building Notices and Building Orders, including their shared purpose of achieving compliance, the mandatory use of Approved Forms and the service steps needed for enforceability. You’ll also learn about the appeal rights, the consequences of non-compliance, and the mandatory referral timeframes to the BPC.

Referrals to the BPC

Learn how to complete the mandatory statutory referral process to escalate non-compliance to the BPC through the digital portal. You’ll learn when referrals are required, such as non-compliance with a DTF (7 days), a BO (14 days), or failure to notify or stop work at a mandatory notification stage, and what supporting evidence and explanations must be provided to enable effective enforcement.

Practice Notes