How to Become a Pool Safety Inspector in Queensland
Queensland has over 450,000 regulated swimming pools, with every one required to be inspected prior to sale or lease, by a licensed Pool Safety Inspector. This complete guide walks you through every step from zero experience to licensed and in a your own business.
The Role of a Pool Safety Inspector
A Pool Safety Inspector is licensed by the QBCC. Their role requires them to conduct an inspection of the pool barrier for both swimming pools and spa pools, prior to the sale or lease of that property. Since 2010, this has been a legal requirement in Queensland.
The Pool Safety Inspector assesses the barrier, including the pool fence, gate, latch, and surrounding area against the Queensland Pool Safety Standard (AS 1926.1-2007 and QDC MP 3.4), then issues either a Pool Safety Certificate (if compliant) or a Non Conformity Notice (if not compliant). A re-inspection is then conducted by the same Pool Safety Inspector and once compliant, a Pool Safety Certificate is issued to the pool owner.
Pool Safety Inspectors are licensed by the QBCC and typically work independently, setting their own hours and client schedule. It’s one of the more accessible licensed businesses to start in Queensland’s inspections and compliance industry.
Queensland has more than 450,000 regulated swimming pools. Every one must be inspected by a licensed Pool Safety Inspector at the time of sale or lease. Demand is consistent, year-round, and legislatively guaranteed
Why pool safety inspection is in demand in Queensland
Queensland introduced its pool safety laws in December 2010, following data showing that backyard swimming pools were the leading location for accidental drowning deaths in children aged 0–4. The laws created a permanent, legislated source of work for licensed Pool Safety Inspectors.
Every time a property with a regulated swimming pool is sold or leased anywhere in Queensland, an inspection is required. With Queensland’s active property market — particularly across South East Queensland — demand for inspectors is reliable and ongoing. Beyond sale and lease inspections, pool owners can request voluntary checks, body corporates need inspections for apartment pools, and new pool owners often want peace of mind before a mandatory inspection arises.
Step-by-step: how to become a licensed Pool Safety Inspector
The path to becoming a licensed Pool Safety Inspector in Queensland is clear and straightforward. There are three main steps — and APSIC supports you through every one of them.
Choosing a live face-to-face zoom delivered course over a self-paced one means you have direct engagement with your trainer and other students. Jacqui has more than 15+ years experience and will be there to guide you during the course and answer your questions in real time. Your Written Assessment is completed during the course, with only the Practical Assessment video remaining to be completed after the course. This is the fastest path to getting qualified and lodging your QBCC licence application.
The 11067NAT course explained
he 11067NAT Course in Swimming Pool Safety Inspections is the training course you must complete, and receive a qualification, to obtain your Pool Safety Inspectors licence from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). It contains one unit of competency: NAT11067001 — Conduct a pool safety inspection.
What you’ll learn
- Read and apply the Queensland Pool Safety Legislation, Building Act 1975 and Building Regulation 2021, including understanding the role of a Pool Safety Inspector
- Read, understand and interpret the Queensland Pool Safety Standard (including AS 1926.1-2007 and QDC MP 3.4) and how to apply in a real inspection of a pool barrier
- Consider real non compliant barrier scenarios including QBCC videos
- Plan and conduct inspections of regulated swimming pools and spa pools across Queensland
- Issue Pool Safety Certificates from the QLD Pool Safety Register
- Issue a Non Conformity Notice to a pool owner and develop an accompanying Report
- Advise pool owners on how to achieve compliance with pool barrier requirements
- Document inspections correctly, including taking photographs, video evidence, and written inspection reports
- Notify local government within legislated timeframes when a re-inspection has not been requested
- Apply for your QBCC Pool Safety Inspectors Licence on successful completion
Live delivery vs self-paced — which should you choose?
APSIC is the only provider in Queensland delivering this course as a live face-to-face, trainer-led Zoom course over 2.5 days. Here’s how that compares to self-paced alternatives:
| Feature | ✓ APSIC — live delivery | Self-paced online providers |
|---|---|---|
| Course delivery | ✓ Live Zoom with Jacqui, 2.5 full days | — Read materials alone – no live interaction |
| Written assessment | ✓ Done during course, trainer support — 90% pass | — Assessment done alone – 100% pass required |
| Questions during course | ✓ Ask Jacqui anything, any time in the 2.5 days | — No real-time trainer access |
| Trainer experience | ✓ Jacqui Murphy — training since Dec 2010, 15+ yrs | — Trainer experience often unclear |
| Post-course support | ✓ FREE: 3 onsite inspection queries post-course | — Limited or no access after completion |
| QBCC application help | ✓ Jacqui guides you through the QBCC process | — Navigate QBCC application alone |
| Course fee | ✓ $1,390 early bird / $1,470 standard | — Some providers unclear on inclusions |
Applying for your QBCC Pool Safety Inspectors Licence
Once you have successfully completed the 11067NAT course and received your Statement of Attainment, you are eligible to apply for your Pool Safety Inspectors Licence through the QBCC.
What the QBCC requires
- Statement of Attainment for the 11067NAT Course in Swimming Pool Safety Inspections
- Completed QBCC Pool Safety Inspectors Licence application form
- Proof of identity documents as required by the QBCC
- Proof you have the Public Liability Insurance. APSIC can also assist you with this
- Payment of the applicable QBCC licence application fee
Once licensed, Pool Safety Inspectors in Queensland must complete 6 CPD points before renewing their licence each year. APSIC is an approved QBCC CPD training provider and offers self paced programs to help inspectors meet this requirement annually. We are a one stop shop!
Using your Queensland licence in New South Wales
If you hold a QBCC Pool Safety Inspectors Licence in Queensland, you may be eligible to apply for Mutual Recognition of that licence with the NSW Office of Fair Trading. Through that process you will be issued with the equivalent licence as a Registered Swimming Pool Inspector (previously E1 Swimming Pool Certifier) in New South Wales, without completing a separate NSW course.
This means one course, one 2.5-day live face-to-face Zoom training course with APSIC, and the potential to work across both Queensland and New South Wales. Contact Jacqui directly to discuss your specific situation before enrolling.
Contact Jacqui today to enrol in our next 2.5 day live face-to-face zoom training course, and take advantage of the early bird price.
View course dates & enrol — early bird $1,390 →Building your pool safety inspection business
Most Pool Safety Inspectors in Queensland operate as sole traders, taking bookings directly from real estate agents, property managers, conveyancers, and pool owners. The business model is straightforward. You are called when a property with a pool is being sold or leased, you conduct the inspection, and you issue the required documentation. A Pool Safety Certificate is required for sale or lease.
This business can be a great way to earn extra income to supplement your current wage or build your own small business, with only a small investment to get set up. Only a short 2.5 day course, your Pool Safety Inspectors licence, tape measure, lap top and vehicle, and you will soon be on your way!
Who hires pool safety inspectors?
- Real estate agents — managing property sales with pools
- Property managers — arranging inspections before lease renewals
- Conveyancers and solicitors — coordinating pool certificates during settlements
- Private pool owners — requesting voluntary compliance checks
- Body corporates — managing pools in apartment complexes and resorts
Jacqui has trained pool safety inspectors since the Queensland industry began in December 2010. Her students come from every background — swimming pool technicians, police officers, building and pest inspectors, council staff, builders, fencing contractors, real estate agents, and mums and dads looking for a flexible career change.
Who is the pool safety inspector course for?
Everything you need to know
Ready to become a Pool Safety Inspector?
Contact Jacqui directly today. She will answer your questions and get you enrolled. Early bird pricing of $1390 available for 48 hours from first enquiry.
View course dates & enrol →