LBP relicensing tips

In order to get relicensed, LBPs are currently required to accumulate a certain number of skills maintenance points – depending on what licence they hold – over a two-year period.

Points are awarded for a variety of learning activities; these points demonstrate to the Registrar that your skills and industry knowledge are up to date.

One hour of learning equals one point

You can choose the activities that best suit your needs and the requirements of your licence class. These activities should inform you about things such as changes to the Building Code, building materials, design technologies and good design and building practices.

How do I get relicensed?

To get relicensed you must:

• Earn the minimum number of points over 24 months specified in your licence class.
• Record your activities and claim one point for every hour of learning.

To help decide which activities are right for you, seek out learning activities you feel are relevant to your licence class(es) that should enhance your skills, knowledge and/or productivity. If you’re unsure, consider the competencies that are relevant in Schedule 1 of the LBP rules, available online at www.dbh.govt.nz/lbp-rules-2007

If you hold two or more licensing classes, you need the higher point allocation. For example, if you are licensed in Carpentry and Site and Design – area of practice 2, you need 36 points.

How many points do you need?

Keeping track of your points

You can update your skills maintenance records using the LBP online system or by recording your points in your work diary. If you choose the latter, you will need to update the ‘record of skills maintenance form’ annually (for which you’ll get a bonus point) or bi-annually. When due, the Registrar will attach the ‘record of skills maintenance form’ with your annual relicensing.

Remember – using the online system, or updating your work diary as you go, is a great way to avoid last-minute panic trying to remember what you’ve done over the past 24 months.

What evidence do I need?

The LBP registrar might ask to see evidence of your skills maintenance, so keep receipts and other evidence that shows what you’ve done. You should keep this evidence for a minimum of two years or longer, depending on your circumstances.

Examples of evidence include:

• Tertiary education – certificates or record of learning certificates.
• Emails, faxes or letters from the person who organised or paid for the activity.
• Pages printed out from a website.
• Handouts or meeting agendas.
• Photocopies of a DVD case
• Seminar flyers or notices.
• Details on materials you have read eg, issue and title or voucher.
• Documentation about on-the-job training (eg, induction, mentoring, or supervising an apprentice).

As long as you can reasonably show you did the activity, it is up to you to decide to keep a record. It’s a good idea to sign and date your evidence or photocopy, if it doesn’t already have a date on it.