NZIBS Diploma in Building Surveying – Core Module Training Programme 2025

Our Building Surveyors are required to undertake a comprehensive training programme as part of the NZIBS Transitional Membership career pathway toward becoming a Registered Building Surveyor.

As such, the Institute offers an equivalent Level 6 Diploma in Building Surveying suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate undertaking. This qualification is also available to non-Institute members.

In support of the Institute's commitment to providing cutting-edge construction-related educational opportunities, its Diploma in Building Surveying is undertaken under the auspices of Vertical Horizonz New Zealand.

Vertical Horizonz, an Australasian-based training organisation, holds NZQA registered Private Training Establishment status, along with International Standards Association (ISO 9001) accreditation.

A long-standing partnership exists between the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors, in its capacity as a private tertiary training provider, and Vertical Horizonz as the Private Training Establishment. External quality assurance activities related to the presentation of the Diploma are provided by Vertical Horizon on an annual basis noting:

The NZIBS Diploma (Level 6) programme currently, and consistently, meets the above standards and expectations.

Vertical Horizonz has undertaken the necessary mapping of the NZIBS Diploma to establish its alignment with the NZQA definition for Level 6 status. While the NZIBS Diploma is not NZQA approved, it is recognised as a valid education pathway from the similarly titled, and registered diploma. Find out more

As such, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment has acknowledged the Institute’s Diploma in Building Surveying satisfies the Building (Accreditation of Building Consent Authorities) Amendment Regulations Reg 3 Schedule of Qualification requirements, and thereby the associated Regulation 18 expectations.

Candidates considering undertaking the NZIBS Diploma in Building Surveying, or any of the associated certificates, must be proficient in levels of English literacy, and numeracy, hold basic technology skills and have a basic understanding of construction principals having previous experience from aspects within the construction industry.

Additionally, those contemplating Transitional Membership must be prepared to develop abilities in presentation and public speaking. Find out more about Transitional Membership.

The full NZIBS Diploma in Building Surveying Core Module Training Programme covers building law, forensic investigations, building science, material performance, building remediation, technical and compliance report writing and expert witness work, contract administration, asset and maintenance planning, lease reinstatement and inspection processes for both residential and commercial building due diligence.

This Diploma is accomplished by achieving Certificates in Residential Property Inspections: (Modules 1 to 5), Forensic Building Surveying: (modules 6 to 10), and Commercial and Asset Management: (Modules 11 to 14).

The 14 modules can be studied independently, as part of one of the certificates or as the full 14 module Diploma.

Those pursuing the full Diploma will also be required to undertake, and have verified, a set number of supervised notional learning hours detailing their involvement in a construction-related area undertaken parallel to their course of study. Holders of construction-related degrees, as well as current professional body membership/registration, may be accorded a degree of flexibility in this requirement. Additionally, approximately 20 hours of pre-course study is required for each module. Find out more about registering for our training modules.

The full range of core modules for the NZIBS Diploma in Building Surveying (modules 1 to 14) are held annually in Auckland. Modules are also held biennially in Wellington and Christchurch providing there is sufficient demand. Course durations range from half a day to two days, with a closed-book examination at the end of each Core Module training day where competency is required to be demonstrated at a 70% level. 

NZIBS Core Module Training Programme 2025:

Certificate in Residential Property Inspections

The Certificate in Residential Property Inspections has been designed for Property Inspectors who are looking to upskill and work towards a formal qualification. The Certificate in Residential Property Inspections offers a comprehensive training programme, made up of the first five diploma modules.

Both NZIBS members and non-members are welcome to attend the training courses listed below. CPD points are applicable.

Following attendance of the first five modules and passing each exam, you will be eligible to apply for the Certificate in Residential Property Inspections. The above training courses form part of, and can cross credit through to the Diploma in Building Surveying.

Register online or by completing the Core Module Training Registration Forms. 

For more information please email Sarah: operations@buildingsurveyors.co.nz

Certificate in Forensic Building Surveying

Modules 6 - 10. These modules cover building material performance, investigation techniques and remediation approaches. 

Both NZIBS members and non-members are welcome to attend the training courses listed below. CPD points are applicable.

Following attendance at modules 6 - 10 and passing each exam, you will be eligible to apply for the Certificate in Forensic Building Surveying. The above training courses form part of, and can cross credit through to the Diploma in Building Surveying.

Register online or by completing the Core Module Training Registration Forms. 

For more information please email Sarah: operations@buildingsurveyors.co.nz.

Certificate in Commercial & Asset Management

Modules 11 - 14. These modules cover commercial building surveying practices and asset management.

Both NZIBS members and non-members are welcome to attend the training courses listed below. CPD points are applicable.

Following attendance at modules 11 - 14 and passing each exam, you will be eligible to apply for the Certificate in Commercial & Asset Management. The above training courses form part of, and can cross credit through to the Diploma in Building Surveying.

Register online or by completing the Core Module Training Registration Forms. 

For more information please email Sarah: operations@buildingsurveyors.co.nz.