CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction
Evolve your career in building and construction and become a better contractor and site manager. Build confidence with clients and new skills to produce drawings, contracts, and project cost estimates.
Course essentials
Qualification Code
Entry requirements
Duration
Locations
Course overview
Gain recognition for your work experience and a nationally recognised certificate to advance your career in building and construction. This qualification has been designed for people who are already working in the building and construction industry and want to take on higher-level roles, such as site supervisor or project manager, or looking to become a licensed builder.
The course covers a range of topics, including building codes and regulations, project management, and workplace health and safety, which can improve your knowledge and skills in the industry.
The increasing demand for efficient project managers and good communicators makes this course a smart choice for those looking to make a change. It’s also a great course to study as a stepping stone to higher qualifications.
Course specifics
The Certificate IV in Building and Construction covers:
• how to plan and supervise safe building and construction work
• structural principles
• codes and standards
• legal requirements to Class 1 and 10
• prepare and administer contracts
• apply quality and efficient principles to building and construction projects
Course delivery
You asked, and we listened. We now offer our Certificate IV in Building and Construction 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 and access to video-conferencing capabilities (e.g. microphone, camera).
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.
Although this program does not require approval by a registered or licensed body to be delivered, the program is structured to meet the builder’s registration requirements of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). Refer to the VBA website for registration details: http://www.vba.vic.gove.au/practitioners/building-registrations
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) |
|---|---|---|
| $647 | $3,233 | $13,146 |
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
SMB (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
Contact hours
Classes take place on campus or online Tuesday & Thursday evenings, from 5:30 to 9:30pm.
Additional study time is required to complete assessments, classroom readings and activities. We recommend that approximately five 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
- Manage work health and safety in the building and construction workplaceCPCCBC4002
- Plan building and construction workCPCCBC4007
- Supervise site communication and administration processes for building and construction projectsCPCCBC4008
- Apply legal requirements to building and construction projectsCPCCBC4009
- Apply structural principles to residential and commercial constructionsCPCCBC4010
- Read and interpret plans and specificationsCPCCBC4012
- Prepare simple building sketches and drawingsCPCCBC4014
- Apply site surveys and set-out procedures to building and construction projectsCPCCBC4018
- Minimise waste on the building and construction siteCPCCBC4021
- Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 2 to 9 Type C buildingsCPCCBC4053
- Apply project quality management techniquesBSBPMG422
- Select, prepare and administer a construction contractCPCCBC4003
- Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projectsCPCCBC4004
- Produce labour and material schedules for orderingCPCCBC4005
- Select, procure and store construction materials for building and construction projectsCPCCBC4006
- Prepare and evaluate tender documentationCPCCBC4013
- Use building science principles to construct energy efficient buildingsCPCSUS4002
- Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategiesCPCWHS3001
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, access to video-conferencing capabilities).
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.
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- LBD
- National course code
- CPC40120
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning depending on life and industry experience relevant to the qualification.
Can lead into a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate and Bachelor opportunities.