Apply For Accreditation
Accreditation Process Steps:
- Submit all the required documentation and training evidence
- Pay the Application fee
- Complete Mandatory Courses (if applicable) and Pass the Accreditation Exam
- Complete the Registration process in the SAA Portal to receive Accreditation
Before submitting your application, please ensure you’ve reviewed the Accreditation Pathways and confirmed that your training meets the eligibility criteria.
New Applicants
To successfully submit your application, all applicants must provide the following documents:
- A clear photo of your ID
- A selfie (photo of yourself)
- A copy of your Statement of Attainment certificate (with the date of completion being within 2 years of the application date) and the name of your Registered Training Organisation.
- A copy of your Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency, including the expiry date
(Design Only applicants may instead provide a Professional Indemnity Insurance Certificate of Currency, including the expiry date)
Additional requirements for Accreditation “Install” applicants (not required for “Design” applicants):
- Electrical license number and expiry date
- Working Safely at Heights certification (not required for “GCBS” applicants)
Existing SAA Accreditation Holders
If you are already SAA accredited and want to add another accreditation, please submit your application through the SAA Portal.
About the Accreditation Exam
The exam is based on practical knowledge from the relevant Australian Standards and is directly tied to the work you’ll do as an installer.
Exam Format:
Details | |
Accreditation Types | Tailored to your chosen scope: |
Question Format | 30 multiple-choice questions |
Estimated Time to Complete | 60–90 minutes |
Maximum Time Allowed | 120 minutes |
Pass Mark | 80% or above |
Attempts Included | 3 attempts |
Result | Exam results available in real time |
Useful Documents
Accreditation Fees:
First Accreditation (GCPV, GCBS, SPS) $715.00 (GST excl) Application Fee $598.95 (GST excl) |
Additional Accreditation (GCPV, GCBS) $715.00 (GST excl) Application Fee $598.95 (GST excl) |
Additional Accreditation (SPS) $355.00 (GST excl) Application Fee $250.00 (GST excl) |
| Renew Accreditation (GCPV, GCBS, SPS) $690.00 (GST excl) |
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What does the Accreditation Exam cover?
The Accreditation Exam is an online test that checks your knowledge of solar and battery installation standards.
- Accreditation Exam (GCBS) – assesses the knowledge and technical competencies required to install GCBS systems in accordance with applicable Australian Standards AS/NZS 3000:2018 and AS/NZS 5139:2019.
- Accreditation Exam (GCPV) -assess the knowledge and technical competencies required to install GCPV systems in accordance with applicable Australian Standards AS/NZS 1170.2:2020, AS/NZS 3000:2018 AS/NZS 5033:2021, AS/NZS 4777.1:2024.
- Accreditation Exam (SPS) – assesses the knowledge and technical competencies required to install SPS systems in accordance with applicable Australian Standards AS/NZS 1170.2:2020, AS/NZS 3000:2018AS/NZS 5033:2021, AS/NZS 4509.2:2010, AS/NZS 5139:2019
The exam is a compulsory part of the accreditation process from 28 June 2025 under the SAA Accreditation Scheme.
Q: How can I prepare for the exam?
We recommend going through the Standards (see – What is covered in the Exam for the standards covered) to refresh your understanding. Many of the questions relate directly to key details, so reviewing the material can really help.
This is an open-book exam, as you will need to refer to the applicable current Australian Standards. You may use the internet for reference purposes, and a pen, paper and a calculator to assist with answering the exam questions.
When you’re in the exam, make sure to read each question carefully and take your time—it’s designed to take about 2 hours and must be completed in one sitting.
Q: How do I access the Accreditation Exam?
Once your application is approved, we will send you an email with the link to the CPD Hub. Follow the prompts to set up your password and access the CPD Hub. While in the CPD Hub, you can expect to complete the following:
- The Accreditation Agreement (allow about 1 hour for reading and signing)
- The SAA Code of Conduct (allow about 30 minutes for reading and signing)
- The 4777 Essential Learning Module (allow about 1.5 hours to complete – Note: If you have already completed this, it won’t appear.)
- GCBS and SPS accreditation applicants have to complete two battery mandatory courses (allow 40 minutes to complete both)
- The Accreditation Exam
Q: I can't see the Exam in the CPD Hub
You will need to work through the different activities first and the exam only becomes available after you’ve completed the following required activities:
- The Accreditation Agreement (approx. 1 hour)
- The SAA Code of Conduct (approx. 30 minutes)
- Mandatory Module (that are relevant to your application)
- Accreditation Exam
Not all the activities above will be visible immediately when you log into the CPD Hub—just work through them as they appear. You’ll know you’ve finished everything when you reach and complete the exam.
Q: What happens if I don’t pass after 3 attempts?
After three (3) unsuccessful attempts, applicants can purchase additional attempts directly in the CPD Hub – Store. Click on the Store icon in the top menu.
Q: Why is this exam being introduced?
The exam is replacing the old case study requirement. Completing a case study isn’t always practical for every applicant seeking accreditation. The exam makes the accreditation process faster, fairer, and ensures all installers are ready to work safely and to standard before joining the scheme.
Q: Who can take the exam?
All new applicants who apply from 28 June will be required to pass the Accreditation Exam. The exam option is also offered to provisional accreditation holders who have not yet submitted a case study and would like to expedite their accreditation.