The construction and property sectors are experiencing a trust crisis — and the market is demanding change. High-profile defects, collapses, and compliance failures have left regulators, investors, and buyers searching for a better way to assess who they can rely on.
Enter iCIRT — the Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool — a groundbreaking system that provides a clear, independent assessment of trustworthiness in the built environment. If you’re a developer, builder, or consultant in today’s market, understanding iCIRT is no longer optional. It’s the new foundation for doing business.
What Is iCIRT?
iCIRT is a star-rating system developed by Equifax and endorsed by the NSW Building Commissioner. It independently rates professionals and organisations in the construction sector based on their capability, conduct, and character.
Think of it like a credit score — but for construction quality and trust. The output is a public star rating (from 0 to 5 stars) that reflects how reliable and competent a provider is, based on structured, third-party due diligence.
Who Needs an iCIRT Rating?
Right now, iCIRT is primarily focused on:
- Developers
- Builders
- Design and building consultants
- Certifiers and surveyors
- Engineers
However, we’re seeing strong signals that this will soon extend to a broader ecosystem — including suppliers and subcontractors — as the industry matures.
In NSW, the rating is already a key part of the pathway to Class 2 construction compliance, and it’s being used by:
- Government regulators
- Financiers and underwriters
- Project stakeholders
- Purchasers and strata managers
If you want to operate in the multi-residential market or be considered a Tier 1–2 partner, you’ll soon need to be rated — or risk being left behind.
What Does iCIRT Assess?
The iCIRT assessment reviews more than 200 data points across six key domains:
- Governance and structure
- Financials and trading history
- Experience and capability
- Risk management and insurance
- People and reputation
- Project performance and conduct
This data is analysed by Equifax’s independent analysts using structured algorithms and thresholds. The result is a star rating from 0 to 5, with a 3+ rating typically required to access regulated markets.
Why It Matters for Your Business
✅ Market Access
iCIRT is increasingly required to gain project approvals in NSW — particularly for Class 2 buildings. If you’re not rated, your pipeline is at risk.
✅ Reputation Boost
A published iCIRT rating immediately signals to lenders, partners, and buyers that your business is trustworthy and compliant.
✅ Risk Reduction
Even before you apply, getting “iCIRT ready” surfaces gaps in governance, documentation, and compliance — helping you fix issues before they become liabilities.
Why Now?
The writing is on the wall. In NSW, iCIRT is becoming a central pillar of the regulatory framework. Other states are watching closely — and private stakeholders (especially insurers and funders) are already adopting it voluntarily.
Being early gives you two advantages:
- Time to prepare properly, without rushing or risking a low score.
- Market positioning as a leader in trust, compliance and delivery.
How Do You Get Started?
At iCIRT Advisory, we help construction professionals:
- Understand how iCIRT applies to them
- Conduct gap analysis and pre-assessments
- Prepare the right documentation and evidence
- Build internal systems to meet rating thresholds
- Submit with confidence — and maintain your rating year to year
Let's Talk
Do you have a question? Would you like to speak with one of our iCirt specialists?
iCIRT Advisory
Australia’s first advisory dedicated to helping builders, developers, and consultants get iCIRT rating-ready.
We are a passionate Australian based company that aims to help increase the speed at which builders and developers get iCIRT Rated for the overall good of the Construction Industry.
