What do the different LBP licence classes mean?
Short answer
The Licensed Building Practitioner scheme has seven licence classes: Design (AOP 1, 2, 3), Carpentry, Site (1, 2), Foundations, Brick & Block, Roofing, and External Plastering. Each class allows the holder to do or supervise specific types of Restricted Building Work. A 'Carpentry LBP' isn't necessarily allowed to sign off a Design — they cover different work.
Key facts
- Seven licence classes plus internal sub-levels (e.g., Design AOP 1/2/3)
- AOP = Area of Practice — sets the complexity tier the designer can handle
- Site Class 1 covers most domestic builds; Site Class 2 covers larger/complex
- An LBP can hold multiple classes
- Each class has its own training, exam, and CPD requirement
The seven classes
Design (AOP 1, 2, 3) — designers / architects. AOP 1 = simple residential; AOP 2 = medium complexity; AOP 3 = large/multi-storey/commercial-residential.
Carpentry — the main 'builder' licence for residential carpentry and structural work.
Site (1, 2) — site management. Class 1 covers most residential; Class 2 covers larger projects.
Foundations — concrete and earthworks foundations work.
Brick & Block — bricklaying and blocklaying for structural masonry.
Roofing — roof installation including weathertightness layers.
External Plastering — exterior plaster systems.
What this means when you check an LBP
Look at the licence classes on lbp.govt.nz. A builder doing structural work needs Carpentry (or Site if they're managing). If they're also doing the design, they need a Design AOP at the right level. A Roofing LBP isn't qualified to do foundation work.
Most general builders hold Carpentry + Site Class 1. A specialist building company will have additional classes.
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Related questions
Sources: Licensed Building Practitioners Rules 2007; lbp.govt.nz licence classes. General information for NZ homeowners, not legal advice — building rules change and vary by council, so confirm critical details on the official source before acting. Last updated 2026-05.