Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
Overview
The Diploma of Building and Construction covers building theory and practice related to residential, industrial and commercial building. You’ll learn specialist skills in plan interpretation, drafting, estimating, scheduling, cost control and more. Graduate with a qualification that is accredited under the Building Act for builder’s registration.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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Nationally recognised training -
TAFE Victoria
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
Skills you’ll learn
- Read and interpret plans
- Contracts & legal requirements
- Prepare specifications for all construction works
- WHS Risk management requirements
- Manage project quality
- Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability
Your career opportunities
- Project Manager
- Site Supervisor
- Estimator
- Contract Administration Manager
- Builder, residential, industrial, and commercial
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Admissions
Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history. Some additional criteria may also apply.
Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Other requirements
Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy competencies.
Please note: Students looking to complete the Diploma of Building and Construction must hold the below certifications at the time of enrolment:
- Level 3 in both literacy and numeracy (working at level 4)
- Successful completion of Year 10 or equivalent
- CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (White Card) is required for site visits
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.
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.
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![[UNPUBLISHED] Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)](/content/dam/media/campaigns-restricted/vet-aspiration-building-design-architectural.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.319.319.png)
[UNPUBLISHED] Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
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Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
Course structure
Students must complete 27 units, including 24 core units and 3 elective units.
Major study areas: tendering, planning and scheduling, construction technology and management, contract administration, estimating and plan reading, building codes and standards, construction structural principles, Risk, quality and business finances.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
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Select, prepare and administer a construction contract
Core unit |
CPCCBC4003 |
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Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects
Core unit |
CPCCBC4004 |
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Produce labour and material schedules for ordering
Core unit |
CPCCBC4005 |
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Supervise site communication and administration processes for building and construction projects
Core unit |
CPCCBC4008 |
|
Apply legal requirements to building and construction projects
Core unit |
CPCCBC4009 |
|
Apply structural principles to residential and commercial constructions
Core unit |
CPCCBC4010 |
|
Read and interpret plans and specifications
Core unit |
CPCCBC4012 |
|
Prepare and evaluate tender documentation
Core unit |
CPCCBC4013 |
|
Prepare simple building sketches and drawings
Core unit |
CPCCBC4014 |
|
Apply site surveys and set-out procedures to building and construction projects
Core unit |
CPCCBC4018 |
|
Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 2 to 9 Type C buildings
Core unit |
CPCCBC4053 |
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Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Type B construction
Core unit |
CPCCBC5001 |
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Monitor costing systems on complex building and construction projects
Core unit |
CPCCBC5002 |
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Supervise the planning of on-site building and construction work
Core unit |
CPCCBC5003 |
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Administer the legal obligations of a building and construction contractor
Core unit |
CPCCBC5007 |
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Manage construction work
Core unit |
CPCCBC5010 |
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Manage environmental management practices and processes in building and construction
Core unit |
CPCCBC5011 |
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Apply structural principles to the construction of buildings up to three storeys
Core unit |
CPCCBC5018 |
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Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 1 and 10 buildings
Core unit |
CPCCBC4001 |
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Select and manage building and construction contractors
Core unit |
CPCCBC5005 |
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Manage professional technical and legal reports on building and construction projects
Core unit |
CPCCBC5013 |
|
Lead WHS risk management
Core unit |
BSBWHS513 |
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Manage business risk
Core unit |
BSBOPS504 |
|
Manage building and construction business finances
Core unit |
CPCCBC5019 |
| Elective units | |
|
Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability
Elective unit |
CPCSUS5001 |
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Prepare specifications for all construction works
Elective unit |
CPCCBC4015 |
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Manage project quality
Elective unit |
BSBPMG532 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$18,760
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$13,560
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($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 2025 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, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
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.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)
$18,838
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
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Study this course for free in 2024
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 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.
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.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.