Acceptable solutions and verification methods
Last updated: 28 January 2026
Acceptable solutions and verification methods are produced by MBIE and, if followed, must be accepted by a building consent authority (BCA) as evidence of compliance with the Building Code.
Following an acceptable solution or verification method is not mandatory. They can also be useful when demonstrating how proposed building work will comply as an alternative solution. You could use them in part or in comparison alongside other evidence.
The Building Code, acceptable solutions and verification methods follow a five-level structure that is aligned with an international approach to performance-based building regulations.
| Level | Description | |
| Building Code (mandatory) | 1. Objective | The social objective the building must achieve. |
| Building Code (mandatory) | 2. Functional requirement | What the building must do to satisfy the social objective. |
| Building Code (mandatory) | 3.Performance criteria | Qualitative or quantitative criteria that the building must meet in order to comply. |
| Means of compliance a BCA must accept if followed (non-mandatory) | 4. verification method | Test or calculation method that provides a means of compliance. |
| Means of compliance a BCA must accept if followed (non-mandatory) | 5. acceptable solution | Step-by-step solution that provides a means of compliance. |
Mandatory refers to parts of the Building Code that must be met. Acceptable solutions and verification methods are not mandatory means of compliance.
Alternative solutions can also demonstrate how building work complies with the Building Code where a building design differs completely or partially from an acceptable solution or verification method.
Building Code clauses generally have one or more acceptable solution and may also have more than one verification method.
Acceptable solutions and verification methods are generally referred to by the Building Code clause and unique identification number, for example: the acceptable solution for clause E2 External moisture for timber-framed buildings is known as E2/AS1 and the verification method for clause G4 Ventilation is known as G4/VM1.
Some documents relate to more than one Building Code clause such as the Acceptable Solution BCH/AS1 for Backcountry Huts.
Additionally, the acceptable solutions C/AS1 and C/AS2 and verification method C/VM2 for clauses C1 to C6 Protection from fire do not related to one particular 'C' clause.
Below is an example of how the Building Code and acceptable solutions and verification methods work together, using clause G8 - Artificial light.
| 1. Objective | G8.1 | The objective of this provision is to safeguard people from injury due to lack of adequate lighting. |
| 2. Functional requirement | G8.2 | Spaces within buildings used by people shall be provided with adequate artificial lighting which, when activated in the absence of sufficient natural light, will enable safe movement. |
| 3. Performance | G8.3 | Illuminance at floor level shall be no less than 20 lux. |
| 4. Verification Method G8/VM1 | 1.0 1.0.1 |
Illuminance
|
| 5. Acceptable Solution G8/AS1 | 1.0 1.0.1 |
Illuminance To provide a minimum illuminance of 20 lux, the total wattage required per m2 of floor area is shown in Table 1 with additional provisions in Paragraphs 1.0.2 and 1.0.3. |
Note how the Building Code sets the objectives, functional requirement and performance requirement for clause G8 Artificial light, while the verification method and acceptable solution provide practical information on one way to meet the requirements of clause G8.
Acceptable solutions (AS)
Acceptable solutions give specific construction details, often for commonly used building materials, systems and methods. Designs based on them must be accepted by BCAs as demonstrating compliance with the Building Code.
Acceptable solutions show step-by-step building methods (for example, what insulation is needed in the wall of a house to comply with the energy efficiency requirements of the Building Code).
There are other ways to demonstrate compliance, and an alternative solution can refer in part, or wholly, to an acceptable solution.
Verification methods (VM)
Verification methods are tests or calculation methods that prescribe one way to comply with the Building Code.
Verification Methods can include:
- calculation methods: using recognised analytical methods and mathematical models
- laboratory tests: using tests (sometimes to destruction) on prototype components and systems
- tests-in-situ: these may involve examination of plans and verification by test, where compliance with specified numbers, dimensions or locations is required (non-destructive tests, such as pipe pressure tests, are also included).
Building Product Specifications
Starting in 2025, portions of the acceptable solutions and verification methods refer to the Building Product Specifications for building product standards and specifications in relation to their manufacture, fabrication, testing, quality control, physical properties, performance, installation, and/or maintenance.
The Building Product Specifications cannot be used in isolation to demonstrate compliance with any requirement of the Building Code. To comply with the acceptable solution and verification method, building products conforming to the Building Product Specifications must be used with the scope, limitations, and other applicable requirements set out in the relevant acceptable solutions and verification methods.
Editions and amendments
MBIE may change acceptable solutions and verification methods at any time. Previous versions of the acceptable solutions and verification methods are made available for reference.
Check the front few pages of the most recent online version of each acceptable solution and verification method to identify what has changed from the previous version.
Record of amendments is a record of changes to the acceptable solutions, verification methods and handbooks.
You can keep up to date with changes by signing up to receive our news and updates.
Subscribe
Complete the form below and select the email newsletters and notifications you would like to receive.
Sign up to get the latest information and updates from Building Performance.
Copyright statement
Acceptable solutions and verification methods are protected by Crown copyright, unless indicated otherwise. MBIE administers the copyright in these documents. You may use and reproduce the documents for your personal use or for the purposes of your business provided you reproduce the document accurately and not in an inappropriate or misleading context. You may not distribute the document to others or reproduce it for sale or profit.
MBIE owns or has licences to use all images and trademarks in these documents. You must not use or reproduce images and trademarks featured in the documents for any purpose (except as part of an accurate reproduction of the document) unless you first obtain our written permission.
Compliance documents
Prior to 2013, the term 'compliance documents' had a particular meaning in the Building Act 2004 in relation to documents issued by MBIE. The Act was amended in November 2013 and that collective term was replaced by the terms 'acceptable solution' and 'verification method'.
Some current acceptable solutions and verification methods are still contained within previous compliance documents issued by MBIE. Compliance documents will continue to be available until they are updated or revoked. Acceptable solutions and verification methods contained within current compliance documents continue to be an acceptable way to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code.