CPC60121 Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying
Open new career opportunities, greater earning potential and a pathway to professional registration with the Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying.
Course essentials
Qualification Code
Entry requirements
Duration
Locations
SMB (on campus)
Course overview
Develop new skills and knowledge for a new career as a building surveyor. This qualification has been developed with the building and construction industry to fulfil the knowledge requirements of registration as a Building Surveyor (limited) or Building Inspector (limited) with the Victorian Building Association (VBA). Students seeking accreditation must also provide evidence of at least 2 years relevant practical experience which can be gained before, while undertaking study, or after completing the course.
The course is designed to meet the specific needs of building safety surveying throughout the planning, development and completion of construction of new and existing residential and commercial constructions up to three storeys tall. Building surveyors ensure that buildings are safe for use, accessible and energy efficient.
If you’re experienced in the field of building and construction and want to explore higher level roles – the Advanced Diploma in Building Surveying can take you there. You will enhance your understanding of construction materials and methods to assess building compliance and build in-depth knowledge of safety standards and codes.
Course specifics
This course covers the following skills as they apply to residential and commercial constructions up to three storeys:
• applying knowledge of structural principles, building codes and safety standards
• conducting inspections for assessments, audits and reports
• assessing and evaluating construction methods and materials
• monitoring and advising on compliance requirements
• processing planning and building applications
This course will prepare you for roles such as building inspector (limited), building surveyor (limited) or building certifier in public or private roles, including local government, large corporations or self-employment.
Course delivery
You asked, and we listened. We now offer our Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying with flexibility so you can easily find the right balance between your studies, work, family and other commitments.
You can attend classes at our SMB Campus or study online. We incorporate the latest digital technology to complement our training methods so – If you choose to study online – you will require access to the internet and a computer capable of running basic computer software.
Our online learning system allows you to study in a safe, guided and fully supported manner with the same access to all learning, personal and wellbeing supports.
To be registered in Victoria as a Building Surveyor (Limited) individuals must have successfully completed a Degree in Building Surveying or CPC60121 Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying. This program fulfills the certification requirement.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Federation TAFE
Career paths
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
2026 indicative fees
The fees you pay will depend on your eligibility for a Victorian Government subsidised place under the Skills First Program. The indicative fees displayed below are estimates for the total course and may change depending on individual circumstances at enrolment.
Fees are subject to change annually.
| Concession Government Subsidised Place | Standard Government Subsidised Place | Full Fee Place (Not eligible for government subsidy) |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | $18,938 | $37,875 |
Fee assistance
If you’re eligible for a VET Student Loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your tuition fee up to a maximum of $19,290. You won’t have to start paying the loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Other study costs
No additional fees, however students will be required to have access to a computer with video conferencing capabilities (camera, microphone)
Other important information
If you need help managing your fee payments, you might be eligible for a direct debit payment plan. Students doing certificate-level TAFE courses can access payment plans for both tuition and materials fees. Diploma and advanced diploma students can access payment plans for materials fees only.
If you’re accessing government-subsidised training under the Skills First Program, doing this course might affect your ability to access future government-subsidised training.
If you’re eligible to enrol in a course under the Victorian Government Free TAFE initiative, the tuition would be free but you’d still have to pay the materials fee (if applicable).
Find out more about fees, payments and refunds.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
Locations
Remote via Teams
SMB (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
- Online learning is only an option if you’re not studying on an international student visa. Testing
Contact hours
Students will complete approximately 8 hours per week of on campus/online study. Classes are held face to face on campus or can be accessed remotely in a Virtual Classroom (via MS teams).
Structured classes delivered 1 day per week, from 9:00am to 5:00pm,
Throughout the 2-year course there will be occasions where physical participation is required at our SMB campus in Ballarat, typically no more than 1 day at a time.
Additional study time is required to complete assessments, classroom readings and activities. We recommend that approximately 12 hours per week should be put aside for these activities.
Sample course structure
This is a list of units available in this course. Which units you enrol in will depend on the course and stream available.
- Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 1 and 10 buildingsCPCCBC4001
- Apply structural principles to residential and commercial constructionsCPCCBC4010
- Read and interpret plans and specificationsCPCCBC4012
- Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 2 to 9 Type C buildingsCPCCBC4053
- Research and evaluate construction methods and materials for Class 1 and 10 buildings to three storeCPCCBS6101
- Research and evaluate construction methods and materials for Class 2 to 9 buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6102
- Identify and apply legal and ethical requirements to building surveying functionsCPCCBS6103
- Assess and advise on compliance of design documentation for Class 1 and 10 buildings to three storeyCPCCBS6104
- Assess and advise on compliance of design documentation for Class 2 to 9 buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6105
- Prepare planning and development applications for buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6107
- Process building applications for Class 1 and 10 buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6108
- Process building applications for Class 2 to 9 buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6109
- Conduct and report on building surveying audits of Class 1 and 10 buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6110
- Conduct and report on initial construction inspections of Class 1 and 10 buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6112
- Conduct and report on initial construction inspections of Class 2 to 9 buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6113
- Conduct and report on advanced and final inspections of Class 1 and 10 buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6114
- Conduct and report on advanced and final inspections of Class 2 to 9 buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6115
- Assess and advise on performance solutions for Class 2 to 9 buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6116
- Assess and advise on performance solutions for Class 1 and 10 buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6118
- Conduct and report on building surveying audits of Class 2 to 9 buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6111
- Monitor and advise on construction and compliance upgrade work on buildings to three storeysCPCCBS6117
- Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessmentVU23459
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
For all TAFE applications, pre-training review questions and a literacy and numeracy review are part of the application process.
There are no prerequisites for this program, however it is strongly recommended that students have at least 3 years of work experience in the building and construction industry and have good computer abilities (e.g. Microsoft office, ability to install software applications).
How you apply will depend on your current situation. Visit our how to apply page for options and instructions.
After you submit your application, we’ll get you to do an online literacy and numeracy review to help us understand where you’re at (and if the course you’re applying for is a good fit). We’ll give you feedback and offer you support if needed.
For information about students’ rights and responsibilities, please refer to the VET Information Guide.
- VTAC application
- Yes
- VTAC code
- 3700610044 - Remote via Teams
3700610044 - SMB (on campus) - Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- IHA
- National course code
- CPC60121
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning depending on life and industry experience relevant to the qualification.
Direct transfers from other programs or training providers may be awarded where applicable.
Introductory pathway/s:
- Diploma of Building Construction
Further education pathway/s:
- Bachelor of Building Surveying