Landscaping Industry Advocacy Update | November 2026

LV NEWS BRIEF

New Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for Victorian building practitioners have been confirmed, but with implementation still some time away, members don’t need to take any action just yet.

Ritchie Hinton | 12 November 2026 | 3 min read

Mandatory CPD requirements confirmed.

The Victorian Government has finalised the Building Amendment (Continuing Professional Development) Regulations 2026, introducing mandatory CPD requirements for registered building practitioners from 1 March 2028.

The new framework is designed to support ongoing professional learning, strengthen industry standards and ensure practitioners maintain their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.

While the regulations have now been made, further information and guidance on how the scheme will operate in practice is still to come.
 

Here’s what we know so far...

The regulations introduce two pathways for practitioners to meet their CPD obligations:

• Points-based pathway: Practitioners complete eligible professional development activities, with a standard requirement of 60 CPD points over five years.
• Program-based pathway: Practitioners participate in an approved industry-delivered CPD program that meets the required learning outcomes.

Eligible activities may include industry workshops, technical demonstrations, training courses and other professional development opportunities.

Importantly, the framework also gives the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) flexibility to reduce or exempt requirements in certain circumstances, including for particular groups of practitioners.

Further guidance on eligible activities, approved programs, and how the requirements will be implemented is expected ahead of commencement.

What does this mean for structural landscapers?

For Landscaping Victoria members holding Domestic Builder – Limited (Structural Landscaping) registration, the new requirements will introduce an additional obligation when maintaining their registration.

Landscaping Victoria supports ongoing professional development and its role in strengthening industry knowledge, safety, and professionalism.

However, we also recognise that these requirements must be practical, accessible, and proportionate to the nature and scope of work undertaken, particularly for small businesses and practitioners holding limited registrations.

Pleasingly, the Government’s consultation process acknowledged concerns about a one-size-fits-all approach, and the final regulations include provisions to allow greater flexibility where appropriate.

Landscaping Victoria will continue engaging with the BPC and relevant government stakeholders to ensure the landscaping industry's needs are considered as the scheme is implemented.

What do members need to do now?

Nothing at this stage.

With mandatory CPD requirements not commencing until 1 March 2028, there is time to communicate further information, guidance, and implementation arrangements.

Landscaping Victoria will continue monitoring developments, seeking clarification where needed and exploring how we can support members through relevant industry training and professional development opportunities.

As more details become available, we’ll share the information members need to understand their obligations and prepare for the changes.

For now, there’s no need to take any action. Stay tuned to Landscaping Victoria for further updates.