Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme (VSCCS)

The VSCCS licenses competent people to inspect non-standard vehicles and certify compliance with the relevant vehicle safety standards.

The VSCCS authorises a licensed certifier to assess vehicles and modifications in specific licence categories. This allows certifiers to work according to their competence.

Any fit and proper person with relevant qualifications and experience in the automotive industry can apply. Certifiers use an online system to electronically issue VSCCS Compliance Certificates.

Note:

  • Engineering Certification Scheme (ECS) certificates are no longer accepted by Transport for NSW for registration purposes.
  • Only individuals can apply – businesses cannot be licensed under VSCCS.

VCSSC requirements

1. Obtain required qualifications

A minimum of a certificate IV in a relevant discipline, such as engineering or the automotive field is required.

Generally, trade certificates do not meet the minimum requirement of a certificate IV.

2. Gain insurance

As a certifier, you need to hold $20 million public liability insurance and $5 million professional indemnity insurance.

This insurance is available under Transport for NSW’s Principal Arranged Insurance cover.

Alternatively, you can operate under your own insurance, if it meets the required criteria.

3. Pay the fees

Fees for inspecting and certifying vehicles are negotiated between certifiers and their customers.

Transport for NSW charges an application fee and an annual fee for certification under the VSCCS.

The application fee is non-refundable. Fees also apply for administration functions and insurance.

See inspection scheme fees.

4. Apply for certification

If you’d like to apply to become a licensed certifier, start by reading the Guide to becoming a VSCCS certifier (PDF, 210.54 KB).

The guide includes information on:

  • Working as a certifier.
  • Licence categories.
  • What it means to be a ‘fit and proper person’.
  • How your application will be assessed.

Once your application is received, Transport for fNSW will confirm your eligibility based on your qualifications and experience, and conduct a criminal record check.

Subject to eligibility, you’ll be invited to complete two online assessment activities. Candidate competency will be assessed after each activity.

On successful assessment of the two activities, eligible candidates will be invited to an interview where a validation of the online activities and further assessment of competence will be conducted.

Interviews are held 4 times a year, in:

  • February
  • May
  • August
  • November.

     

    Apply for certification

    Complete the Application for a Certifier’s Licence and submit it to the address shown on the form.

    Your application will not progress any further until you have met the minimum qualification requirement.

     

    5. Report any conflicts of interest

    A licensed certifier must not display favour or bias toward or against any person in the course of carrying out their duties.

    They must also ensure that they have no conflict of interest with other schemes managed by Transport for NSW, or by way of employment or beneficial interest in any associated business or organisation.

    When a licensed certifier considers that they have a conflict of interest, they should refuse to undertake the work, or any remaining work, in relation to which the conflict of interest arises.

    They should also notify Transport for NSW of the conflict of interest by sending an email to VSCCS@transport.nsw.gov.au.

    The email should contain:

    • the certifier's name
    • business or company name
    • licence number
    • a short description of the conflict and the extent of their interest in the matter.

       

      Find a Certified Safety Examiner or Assessor

      To locate a certfied vehicle examiners, certifiers & assessors, view our VSCCS Certifier Bulletin 1 (PDF, 387.13 KB) (revision 228).

       

      Contact us

      For more information about the VSCCS scheme:

      Email: VSCCS@transport.nsw.gov.au.