Overview
Beginning January 1, 2027, residential builders applying for or renewing a builder licence in Alberta will need to confirm they have competency in 4 core areas.
The competency requirements support construction quality, consumer confidence, and consistent professional standards while recognizing the experience and knowledge many builders already possess.
Competency requirements will be added to the New Home Buyer (General) Regulation when the requirements come into force on January 1, 2027. The changes to the legislation can be viewed in Order in Council 352/2025.
Core competencies
The 4 core competencies are:
- Construction safety and quality
- Customer experience and satisfaction
- Construction supervision and project management
- Contract and contractor management
How core competencies are demonstrated
The method used to demonstrate each competency can differ. Competency may be demonstrated through:
- work experience
- education and training
- professional credentials or designations
- references from qualified individuals in the industry
- a combination of these
Competency confirmation
To confirm that you have the required competencies:
- confirm that you have the required competencies by checking a box on the licence application for each competency
- assess your knowledge and/or experience in the 4 competency areas
In most cases, you will only need to confirm your competency on the licence application or renewal. You will not need to submit supporting documents when applying. However, additional information may be requested if concerns are identified.
Training
Training is not being mandated with the introduction of builder competencies. Continuous professional development is a best practice and may help address any gaps a builder identifies when assessing whether they have the competencies.
Training helps keep skills up to date, and builders may choose the source of training best suited to their needs. Industry-recognized training is acceptable as long as it covers outcomes listed for the skill areas associated with competencies.
If compliance issues arise, training may be part of an action plan to bring a builder into compliance.
Compliance concerns
If a builder fails to demonstrate competency and does not address the deficiency, the Residential Protection Program may take compliance actions based on the severity and risk to Albertans.
Additional information may be requested if concerns are identified, which may include:
- contraventions under the New Home Buyer Protection Act or related legislation such as the Safety Codes Act, or the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- repeated warranty terminations during construction that raise concerns about compliance or licensing requirements
- substantiated complaints or concerns about work quality, or inaccurate or misleading information
Compliance actions
Compliance actions can include, but are not limited to:
- direct education and guidance
- formal compliance letters
- compliance orders
- conditional licensing
- suspension of a licence
- administrative penalties
If a compliance investigation finds a competency-related issue, the builder may need to submit an action plan to improve their competency and may receive a conditional licence.
Beginning January 1, 2027, builders applying for a new licence or renewing an existing licence will be required to confirm they have competency in the 4 core areas. Builders who identify competency gaps through self-assessment can take action to address those gaps before their first application or renewal on or after January 1, 2027. If a builder renews their licence before January 1, 2027, they will not be required to confirm competency until their next renewal cycle.
Responsibilities
Builders should be able to identify the individual or individuals within their organization who are responsible for each of the four core competency areas. These individuals are referred to as nominees.
Nominees
Nominees are individuals who hold a specific competency and have functional responsibility for the competency and related skill areas within their organization. This might mean nominees manage employees or hire specialists with associated skill areas.
Small builders may identify one nominee that has all competencies. Larger builders may identify multiple nominees (meaning different nominees for each competency).
Builders do not need to submit nominee information to the Residential Protection Program when applying for a licence.
Resources
Resources are available now to help builders understand the requirements and assess their readiness.
- Registrar Interpretation Bulletin – Number 9. Core Competencies for Residential Builders
- Builder Competency Self-Assessment Guide
The self-assessment guide:
- is an optional guidance tool
- does not have to be completed, retained, or submitted to the Residential Protection Program
- is not a test, certification, or licensing requirement
Training
Builders who wish to pursue training may find resources through organizations such as:
- Alberta Construction Safety Association Courses
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Programs and Courses
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Programs - Corporate & Continuing Education
- Professional Home Building Institute Courses
- Safety Codes Council Home - Safety Codes Council
This is not a prescribed list. Builders are expected to determine what training, education or experience is appropriate to demonstrate competency.
Builder licensing
For information on builder licensing requirements and the builder license application process, see Residential builder licensing.
Contact
Connect with the Residential Protection Program:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-644-1010 (within Canada and United States)
Toll free: 1-866-421-6929 (within Canada)
Email: [email protected]