NHBRC Exam & Registration FAQ
Find detailed answers to common questions about NHBRC registration, exam preparation, and becoming a certified home builder in South Africa.
The NHBRC registration test evaluates your knowledge of building regulations, construction practices, and legal requirements. Passing it is mandatory for registration as a certified home builder in South Africa.
The minimum passing score is 52%, which usually equates to correctly answering at least 13 out of 25 multiple-choice questions. Passing confirms your understanding of key building regulations.
Results are provided immediately after completing the exam at the NHBRC testing center, allowing candidates to know their pass/fail status instantly.
No, the PDF is only for practice. Only the official SANS Home Builders manual and valid ID are permitted during the exam.
The exam lasts two hours, giving candidates sufficient time to answer all questions thoroughly.
Each candidate may take the test twice. If both attempts fail, a new person must be designated to continue the registration process, who then has unlimited chances to pass.
The NHBRC test is of moderate difficulty. It’s designed to assess your understanding of building regulations, construction methods, and compliance with the NHBRC Home Building Manual. While the questions are multiple choice, they often test practical knowledge rather than simple memorization. With proper preparation using updated study materials with practice questions and answers, most candidates pass on their first attempt.
We provide study materials and guidance but cannot complete the registration on your behalf due to secure codes required for official submission.
You will need the SANS 10400: The Application of the National Building Regulations. This is the official reference manual used during the NHBRC exam. It covers essential building standards, compliance requirements, and construction practices used in South Africa. Ensure you have the latest version, as older editions might not align with current NHBRC regulations.
The NHBRC exam focuses on practical knowledge of building regulations, site management, and compliance. The exam is divided into several key assessment areas:
- Flooring Assessment: covering floor preparation, materials, finishes, and compliance with regulations.
- Walls Assessment: construction, plastering, structural integrity, and wall finishes.
- Water Pipes Assessment: plumbing, pipe installation, drainage, and water compliance standards.
- Structural Concrete Assessment: foundations, slabs, beams, columns, and compliance with concrete standards.
- Plastering Assessment: surface preparation, plaster types, application methods, and finishing standards.
- Roofing Assessment: trusses, coverings, waterproofing, and roof safety compliance.
- Stairways Assessment: design, safety, construction standards, and handrail requirements.
- General Assessment: includes site management, health & safety compliance, and understanding of legal and regulatory requirements.
Most questions are multiple choice and often scenario-based. To prepare efficiently, we recommend using our NHBRC Questions & Answers PDF, which covers all these assessment areas and focuses only on what is tested in the exam.
Buy Study Material NowYou can enrol directly at your nearest NHBRC Provincial or Satellite Office or start your registration online via www.nhbrc.org.za. The process includes:
- Completing the NHBRC application form
- Submitting your CIPC registration certificate
- Providing certified ID copies of all directors or members
- Paying the application fee
- Booking and completing the technical assessment test
For a full step-by-step guide, visit our NHBRC Registration Process page.
The official NHBRC Home Building Manual (SANS 10400) is available from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) or at NHBRC offices — but it costs around R3,168.15 and includes many sections that are not directly tested.
To make preparation more affordable and focused, we provide a complete NHBRC Questions and Answers PDF for only R600. It contains all the essential content, simplified explanations, and actual exam-style questions that cover everything you need to pass the NHBRC test.
With our study material, there’s no need to buy the SANS Home Builders Manual — you’ll save money and still be fully prepared for the technical assessment.
