When you receive a slip resistance test report in Australia, you'll see a result expressed as a P rating — P1, P2, P3, P4, or P5. If you're not sure what these mean or which one your surface needs, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What is a P Rating?
A P rating is a slip resistance classification assigned to a pedestrian surface under Australian Standard AS 4586. It tells you how slip resistant a surface is when wet — and whether it is appropriate for its intended location under the National Construction Code.
P ratings run from P1 (lowest slip resistance) to P5 (highest slip resistance). The higher the P rating, the more grip the surface provides underfoot in wet conditions. The rating is determined by the result of a wet pendulum test, which produces a British Pendulum Number (BPN) or Pendulum Test Value (PTV) — converted to a P rating classification.
P Rating Classifications
| Rating | BPN Range | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| P1 | 12–17 BPN | Very low — decorative or very controlled dry environments only |
| P2 | 18–34 BPN | Low — dry internal areas with minimal public access |
| P3 | 35–44 BPN | Moderate — general internal dry areas, offices, dry corridors |
| P4 | 45–54 BPN | Good — internal wet areas, external paving, ramps, entrances |
| P5 | 55+ BPN | High — commercial kitchens, pool surrounds, high-risk wet areas |
Which P Rating Does My Surface Need?
The required P rating depends on the surface's location and intended use under the NCC and guidance document HB 198. Getting the right rating for the right location is a compliance requirement, not a guideline.
- Office corridors and dry internal areas — P3 minimum
- Bathrooms, wet rooms, and internal wet areas — P4 or P5
- External footpaths and paving — P3 or P4 depending on exposure
- Ramps — P4 minimum
- Pool surrounds and spa areas — P4 or P5
- Commercial kitchen floors — P5 (highest level required)
- Entry areas subject to water ingress — P4
What Happens if a Surface Fails?
If a surface tests below the required P rating for its location, it is non-compliant. For new construction, this means the certifier cannot sign off on the building until the surface is rectified or replaced. For existing commercial properties, a failing result creates a documented liability risk for the property owner or manager.
Rectification options include anti-slip coatings, surface etching, replacement with a compliant material, or a change of use for the space. Sliptest Australia can advise on appropriate remediation and retest once work is complete. Read our guide on what happens when a floor fails a slip test.
Does NATA Accreditation Matter for P Ratings?
Yes — absolutely. Only NATA-accredited laboratories can produce slip resistance reports accepted by councils, certifiers, insurers and courts in Australia. A P rating result from a non-NATA-accredited tester carries no legal or compliance weight, regardless of how the test was performed.
Sliptest Australia is NATA-accredited under No. 15374. We provide P rating testing nationally — including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and all other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
A P rating (P1 to P5) is a slip resistance classification assigned to a pedestrian surface under Australian Standard AS 4586. P1 is the lowest slip resistance; P5 is the highest. The rating is based on wet pendulum test results expressed as a British Pendulum Number (BPN).
Internal wet areas such as bathrooms require a minimum P4 rating under the National Construction Code. High-risk wet areas may require P5.
Commercial kitchen floors require a P5 rating — the highest slip resistance classification under AS 4586. This reflects the high-risk wet and contaminated environment.