About Principal Certifiers
Key points
- Certifiers are public officials and independent regulators of development.
- They are required to uphold the public interest.
- They do not work for builders or developers.
- In NSW, principal certifiers are regulated by Building Commission NSW.
What this means
Certifiers must carry out work in a manner that is impartial and in the public interest, even if this is not
in the interests of the applicant, developer, or builder.
If you're planning a development that will need approval you may need to appoint a principal certifier. You'll have to choose who to engage as a certifier. Your builder is not allowed to appoint the certifier or influence your choice of a certifier.
Be aware that when you engage a PC, receiving a certificate is not guaranteed. You are paying for the certifier to assess the application and determine whether or not a certificate can be issued.
To learn more visit Building Commission NSW What certifiers do
Recommended reading
- Before you engage a PC, read What to look for in a building contract.
- To appoint a PC you'll need a NSW Planning Portal account.
- Download Submit Application to Appoint a Principal Certifier. This is a quick reference guide that will help you with the application process.
- For help with the NSW Planning Portal, go to Help and Resources.
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Last published: 10 June 2026