Overview

The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) is designed for tradespeople working in the construction industry who want to begin their own business. Learn how to manage a successful building business through core skills such as contract management, site supervision and estimating. This qualification will assist you with your application for a builder’s registration. 

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
  • TAFE Victoria
    TAFE Victoria
Looking to start in Semester 1, 2025?

Whatever stage you're at – from browsing courses to starting an application – our Study Expo is your one-stop-shop for info and advice.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Business management
  • Industry best-practice
  • Site supervision
  • Contracts management

Your career opportunities

  • Building works supervisor
  • Estimator
  • Contract administrator
  • Builder

Location options

Professional accreditation 

The course will assist you to apply for registration as a domestic builder and at the end of the course we run a registration workshop.

Admissions

Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history. Some additional criteria may also apply.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Other requirements

The following additional criteria for entry apply for this course:

  • Literacy: Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy competencies.

Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

Students must complete a total of 19 units to achieve the qualification.

11
Core units
+
8
Elective units
=
Certificate IV
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 932

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 1 and 10 buildings
Core unit, 18.0 credit points
CPCCBC4001
Manage work health and safety in the building and construction workplace
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CPCCBC4002
Supervise site communication and administration processes for building and construction projects
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CPCCBC4008
Apply legal requirements to building and construction projects
Core unit, 50.0 credit points
CPCCBC4009
Apply structural principles to residential and commercial constructions
Core unit, 200.0 credit points
CPCCBC4010
Read and interpret plans and specifications
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
CPCCBC4012
Prepare simple building sketches and drawings
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CPCCBC4014
Apply site surveys and set-out procedures to building and construction projects
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CPCCBC4018
Minimise waste on the building and construction site
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
CPCCBC4021
Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 2 to 9 Type C buildings
Core unit, 22.0 credit points
CPCCBC4053
Elective units
Prepare specifications for all construction works
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
CPCCBC4015
Produce labour and material schedules for ordering
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
CPCCBC4005
Select, prepare and administer a construction contract
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points
CPCCBC4003
Apply project quality management techniques
Elective unit
BSBPMG422
Select, procure and store construction materials for building and construction projects
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
CPCCBC4006
Use building science principles to construct energy efficient buildings
Elective unit, 42.0 credit points
CPCSUS4002
Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects
Elective unit, 60.0 credit points
CPCCBC4004
Manage finances for new business ventures
Elective unit, 60.0 credit points
BSBESB407

2024 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$13,490

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$4,180

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

2024 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2024 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Concessions rates for vocational students

If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.

  • Portrait   Female Nurse  Scrubs  Hospital Work  Smiling  Happy  Clipboard

    Study this course for free in 2024

    You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative. 

    Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.

    There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2024 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
CPC40120
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
February intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
29-January-2025
Start dates
03-February-2025
July intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
02-July-2025
Start dates
07-July-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
February intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
03-February-2025
July intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
07-July-2025
Upcoming events
2025 Study Expo
12-November-2024