To become an authorised compliance certifier, you must demonstrate you have sufficient qualifications and experience with hazardous substances and/or associated equipment, and that you are a fit and proper person.

Details on compliance certification are set out in Part 6 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

More information is available in the following guides:

• Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017(external link) – New Zealand Legislation
• Authorising compliance certifiers – operational policy

• How we do fit and proper person assessments (Hazardous substances)
• Performance standards for compliance certifiers
• Hazardous Substances – Safe Work Instruments

WorkSafe application process update

We’ve updated our application process from 29 October 2025. A transition period will run until 30 November 2025, during which we will accept both old and new application forms.

From 1 December 2025, only applications submitted using the updated forms will be processed.

You must apply as an individual to become a compliance certifier, or to renew or vary your authorisation.

You must provide a completed application for WorkSafe to assess whether you meet the criteria to be granted authorisation as a compliance certifier.

Use the checklist below to ensure your application is complete.

If you are applying for a renewal and variation to your scope of authorisation, you will need to complete both application forms. However, only one complete statutory declaration form, and one fit and proper assessment form, is required.

What you need:

• An approved WorkSafe application form with all mandatory fields completed:

• A completed fit and proper assessment form and evidence of identity:

• A completed questionnaire testing your understanding of the function and duties of a compliance certifier and the purpose of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. We have included links below to guidance material that will assist you with completing the questionnaire (new authorisations only).

• Health and Safety at Work Act presentation
• A completed statutory declaration (if applicable):

• Evidence of the following to support your application:

Make sure:

• your applicant details are complete and correct
• documentation is properly signed and/or notarised
• you have paid the appropriate fee.

Send your completed application form and supporting evidence to: hsapplications@worksafe.govt.nz

You must provide a completed application for WorkSafe to assess whether you meet the criteria to be granted authorisation as a compliance certifier.

You can apply as a non-individual (body corporate) to become a compliance certifier, or to renew or vary your authorisation. Use the checklist below to ensure your application is complete.

What you need:

• An approved WorkSafe application form with all mandatory fields completed:

• Select the annexes that are relevant to the scope you’re applying for and attach them to your application:

• Evidence of the following to support your application:
  • Accreditation by IANZ to a recognised industry standard. This standard is currently AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17020:2013: Conformity assessment – Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection
  • A completed fit and proper assessment form and evidence of identity for each officer of your organisation and every individual employed or engaged to perform the functions of a compliance certifier:

• • A record of theoretical and practical training for each person named in your application.
  • Your current Conflict of Interest Register.
  • A copy of your Complaints Register or how you manage complaints.
  • A copy of your assessment template for the scope of authorisation you have applied for (application for new or variation of an authorisation only).
  • Your security measures for managing file storage.

Make sure:

• your applicant details are complete and correct
• documentation is properly signed and/or notarised
• you have paid the appropriate fee.

Send your application form and supporting evidence to: hsapplications@worksafe.govt.nz

Fees for authorisation as a compliance certifier are specified in Schedule 2 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017. These are summarised below.

Payment of the application fee can be made via internet banking. You can find the payment details on the application form and in the Guide for compliance certifier authorisation (Individual).

We will review your application and take a risk-based approach to determine the workflow associated with processing your application.

We may request further information and indicate whether we require a sample of your records.

Once we’ve confirmed that your application is complete, and no further information is required, it will be assessed. A decision will be made about the application within 20 working days.

We will notify you in writing as soon as practicable if there is a delay with processing your application. 

We will decide whether or not to grant you an authorisation as a compliance certifier with or without conditions.

Authorisation as a compliance certifier is specific to your knowledge and experience. This is set out in the scope of authorisation, which specifies the types of compliance certificates you can issue. 

An authorisation as a compliance certifier can be granted for up to five years.

All authorised compliance certifiers are listed on the register of compliance certifiers(external link)

We will notify you of the decision of your compliance certifier application. If we grant you an authorisation, we will provide you with permission documentation which will include a list of any conditions that must be met.

WorkSafe monitors the performance of compliance certifiers to ensure you comply with the regulations and carry out your functions in an objective manner that promotes safety.

Compliance certifiers must be audited by WorkSafe at least every four years to verify you are working within the scope of your authorisation and meeting legal requirements.