Building Professionals

Under section 3(7) of the Buildings Ordinance (BO), a person must not be included in the authorized persons’ register, the structural engineers’ register, the geotechnical engineers’ register or the inspectors’ register unless the person has obtained the prescribed qualifications; and is recommended by the respective Registration Committee (RC) for inclusion.

• Eligibility for Registration

  For registration as an AP, RSE, RGE or RI, you should obtain the relevant prescribed qualifications, such as registered architect (RA), registered professional engineer (RPE) or registered professional surveyor (RPS), and have acquired the relevant practical experience.

  Please refer to the following requirements for registration as AP/RSE/RGE/RI:

  Requirements for registration

  Registration	Prescribed Qualifications	Relevant Practical Experience
  AP	an RA an RPE (structural) an RPE (civil); or an RPS	Within the 3 years preceding the date of application, have such practical experience for a continuous period of 1 year gained in Hong Kong as the RC considers appropriate.
  RSE	an RPE (structural); or an RPE (civil), with such practical experience in structural engineering as may be approved by the RC	Within the 3 years preceding the date of application, have such practical experience for a continuous period of 1 year gained in Hong Kong as the RC considers appropriate.
  RGE	an RPE (geotechnical)	Within the 3 years preceding the date of application, have such practical experience for a continuous period of 1 year gained in Hong Kong as the RC considers appropriate.
  RI	an AP or RSE	Within the 7 years preceding the date of application, have had such experience gained in Hong Kong as an AP, RSE, RA, RPE or RPSin any building repair and maintenance project.
  RI	an RA an RPE (building or structural); or an RPS (building surveying)	Within the 3 years preceding the date of application, for a period or periods in aggregate of not less than 1 year, have practical experience in building construction, repair and maintenance in Hong Kong.
  RI	an RPE (civil, building services (building) or materials (building) engineering); or an RPS (quantity surveying)	For a period or periods in aggregate of not less than3 years, have practical experience in building construction, repair and maintenance gained in Hong Kong, of which at least 1 year falls within the 3 years preceding the date of application.

• How to apply?

  To apply for registration as an AP, RSE, RGE or RI, simply submit the completed application Form BA1 with payment of the prescribed fee, together with the following supporting information:

  Document of Proof

  Document of Proof	Sample
  A concise account of practical experience (including employer's certification)	AP RSE RGE RI
  A copy of certificate(s) of academic qualifications	---
  A copy of certificates(s) of professional qualifications	---
  A copy of registration certificate/card to substantiate your first registration with the respective Registration Board	---
  A copy of registration certificate/cardto substantiate your current registration with the respective Registration Board	---

• Processing of Application

  • For an incomplete application, BD will send you a checklist of outstanding documents to be supplemented, generally within 3 months from BD's first receipt of the application.
  • For a complete application, generally, your application will be referred to the respective Registration Committee (RC) (i.e. Authorized Persons Registration Committee, Structural Engineers Registration Committee, Geotechnical Engineers Registration Committee or Inspectors Registration Committee) for consideration within 3 months from BD's receipt of the completion application.

• Professional Interview by Registration Committee

  • If you are an AP or RSE with the prescribed experience and wish to register as an RI, your application may be considered by the BA without the recommendation of the Inspectors Registration Committee.

  • Otherwise, if you wish to register as an AP, RSE, RGE or RI, you are required to attend a professional interview conducted by the respective RC. Generally, BD will contact you around 4 weeks in advance of the interview schedule.

    Generally, BD will notify you the result (i.e. accept, defer or refuse) within 120 days from the date of receipt of a completed application.

• Inclusion into the Register

  • If your application is granted, you will receive a result letter and a demand note for payment (for a registration period of 5 years). Please complete the Personal Data Sheet therein and provide your specimen signature.
  • Upon settlement of the demand note, BD will arrange to publish your name in the Gazette and include the name into the respective register. You will also receive a certificate of registration in electronic form (e-Certificate)..