Foundations licence class
If you construct or alter foundations for Category 1 or 2 buildings, then the Foundations licence is for you.
There are two areas of practice for the Foundations licence:
- Foundations 1: Concrete foundation walls and concrete slab-on-ground
- Foundations 2: Concrete or timber pile foundations.
You can apply to be assessed for a Foundations licence in one or both areas of practice if you have the required competencies.
You do not need to apply to be assessed in both areas of practice, but LBPs must only undertake work they are competent to do, and recognise when other skills are required.
Construction and alteration of category 3 buildings falls under carpentry.
What do I need to show to get my Foundations licence?
The Foundations licence class has four competencies that reflect the skills and knowledge required by a competent person to be licensed in this class.
Your assessor will look for broad evidence of your competence. It is not a tick the box exercise – they want to see whether, overall, you can demonstrate the practical experience, skills and knowledge needed.
The following table shows the types of skills and knowledge you need to become licensed in Foundations. You will not need to show your skill and knowledge in all these areas – remember your assessor is looking for broad evidence of your competence.
| Competency |
Examples of skills and knowledge |
| Demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory environment of the building construction industry |
Show your understanding of:
- the purpose of the Building Act, the Building Code, and the Health and Safety in Employment Act
- the key features of the LBP scheme
- the roles, responsibilities and work of key parties
- how foundation work fits in the building consent process
- building compliance documentation about constructing foundations
- the importance of operating within the scope of your competence and recognising when other expertise is needed.
Your application pack will include guidance on the regulatory environment.
|
| Demonstrate knowledge of current foundation trade practice |
Show your understanding of:
- foundation terms and construction methods
- how to use foundation fixings
- working with other trades, profession, and regulatory authorities
- safe working practices and environmental issues
- preliminary site set-up requirements.
|
| Plan foundation work |
- interpret approved consent documentation
- plan and programme foundation construction
- order and coordinate material, labour, plant and equipment supply.
|
| Carry out foundation work |
- work safely at all times
- manage environmental issues
- construct foundations, including excavation and pile construction, and complete each stage of foundation work appropriate for the area of practice you are applying for.
- arrange additional inspections when required.
|
View full up-to-date details of the competencies for the Foundations areas of practice, with examples, at www.dbh.govt.nz/lbp-rules-2007