Replace a principal certifier (PC)

Introduction

You (as the property owner) can replace the principal certifier you appointed for building or construction work either by agreement or by approval from Building Commission NSW.

Your builder cannot apply to replace the principal certifier even if you agree with the change.

Replace a principal certifier by agreement

This is where you, the current principal certifier and the proposed replacement principal certifier all agree to the change. 

Within 2 days of being appointed the proposed replacement principal certifier must communicate the change to:

• your current principal certifier and
• the local council (and the consent authority if different to the council) by completing and sending the form to the local council: Notice to appoint a replacement principal certifier – PDF.

Apply to replace the principal certifier

You must submit an Application to replace a principal certifier application to Building Commission NSW for approval when:

1. You, your current Principal Certifier (PC) and the proposed new PC cannot agree on the replacement. A certifier cannot agree if they are no longer registered.
2. The current PC can no longer carry out the functions of a PC, which includes:
   1. Their registration has expired, been suspended or cancelled. Your certifier must tell you immediately if their registration is expired, suspended or cancelled. Visit the Building Commission NSW website for information on the role and responsibilities of a certifier.
   2. They are deceased.
   3. They are not covered by a current professional indemnity policy.
   4. There has been negligence, incompetence and/or a breach of the Code of Conduct for Certifiers by the current PC.

You will need to provide us with good reasons to replace your certifier. You can't appoint a new certifier unless Building Commission NSW approves, and the council and former certifier have been notified.

The builder cannot apply to replace the principal certifier, even with the owner's consent, unless the builder is an owner-builder. 

More information

Find out how to:

• Find a principal certifier
• Appoint a principal certifier.

Visit the Building Commission NSW website for more information on replacing a certifier. 

Contact

If you have feedback or an enquiry contact Building Commission NSW.