Apply for approval as an auditor
Before applying
To apply for approval as a contaminated land auditor (auditor) under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, or to seek mutual recognition of an auditor approval held interstate, you should read the information outlined within each module of the Queensland auditor handbook for contaminated land.
To understand how your information is handled under Information Privacy Act 2009 (Queensland), privacy statements can be found in the Application forms.
How to apply
In Queensland a person:
- who is not an auditor can apply for approval to become an auditor using this form: Approved form for application for approval as an auditor for contaminated land.
- who is already an auditor in another state can apply to have their status recognised via Mutual Recognition using this form: Written notice to apply for mutual recognition as an auditor for contaminated land.
Applications can be made at any time. Assessment of an application is subject to the respective requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and Mutual Recognition (Queensland) Act 1992 (under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (Commonwealth)).
A person who wishes to continue working as an auditor in Queensland must re-apply before their certification expires and also allow for DETSI application assessment periods. Re-applications are made using the same forms above.
All applications are made to DETSI via email to PALM@detsi.qld.gov.au
New application requirements
Individuals with appropriate qualifications, knowledge, understanding and expertise in the assessment and management of site contamination are eligible to be accredited as auditors.
Section 570 of the Environmental Protection Act and Module 2 describes the requirements for a new application.
It is a requirement to provide evidence of a favourable report from the National Harmonised Auditor Accreditation Process (NHAAP).
Applications for the NHAAP open on 1 September 2026 and will close on 15 October 2026.
NHAAP Information Sheet 915.2 KB) provides details of the process.
Application form Part A – Technical must be submitted by 3pm 15 October 2026
Application form Part B – Legislation, Policy and Guidance can be submitted by applicants at the same time as Part A, or at a later date when it is requested by the Department.
Completed Part A and Part B forms are to be emailed to: PALM@detsi.qld.gov.au
Information sessions
Two information sessions are available.
The National online webinar will be run on Monday 17th August 2026 at 1:30pm AEST. This webinar will outline the objectives of moving to a nationally coordinated process and provide an overview of the new application and assessment processes. It will include a presentation, followed by a Q&A session. To register your interest in attending, please visit the South Australian EPA website. If you are unable to attend this webinar, it is recommended that you still register as it will be recorded and shared after the event.
Qld specific information will be presented via online webinar on Tuesday 25th August 2026 at 10am AEST.
Prior to the webinar, you will receive an email invitation that will contain the link to attend. This session will also be recorded and available after the event.
Mutual recognition requirements
Section 19 of the Mutual Recognition Act (Qld) sets out the information that must be provided when seeking mutual recognition. Module 2 provides further information about what is required in an application and Module 3 describes the assessment process.
Once you have your approval
You are required to comply with the conditions of your approval and Module 4: Code of professional conduct of the Queensland auditor handbook for contaminated land.