CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
The qualification you need to get your builder’s licence and take on low and medium-rise residential and commercial construction. Study on campus in Brisbane or Perth, online, or through RPL
About this course
The CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) is a nationally recognised qualification that gives you the technical and management skills to plan, supervise, and deliver low and medium-rise building projects. You’ll cover everything from building codes and structural principles to contracts, cost estimating, site management, and legal compliance across both residential and commercial construction.
This is the core qualification required to apply for a builder’s licence in most Australian states and territories, including the QBCC Builder Medium Rise licence in Queensland, the General Building licence in NSW, and builder registration in Victoria and Western Australia. If getting licensed is your goal, this is the qualification that gets you there.
It’s also a genuine career accelerator for experienced tradespeople and construction professionals ready to move into senior roles or start their own building business.
Course details
Qualification: CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
This course covers the essential skills and knowledge for managing low and medium-rise residential and commercial building projects:
- Applying building codes and standards to Class 1, 2–9 and 10 buildings
- Applying structural principles to residential, commercial and 3-storey constructions
- Identifying and producing estimated costs for building projects
- Selecting, preparing and administering construction contracts
- Producing labour and material schedules
- Supervising site communication and administration
- Applying legal requirements to building and construction projects
- Reading and interpreting plans and specifications
- Preparing simple building sketches and drawings
- Applying site survey and set-out procedures
- Managing construction work and onsite planning
- Monitoring costing systems on complex projects
- Managing WHS risk and business risk
- Selecting and managing contractors
- Managing environmental practices and sustainability
- Administering the legal obligations of a building contractor
- Managing building and construction business finances
This course is ideal for:
- Tradespeople and site supervisors ready to step into building and management roles
- Construction professionals working toward their builder’s licence
- Project coordinators and forepersons wanting formal recognition of their experience
- Anyone looking to start their own building company or contracting business
- Those wanting to move from trade work into running and managing construction projects
This is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Your CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) is recognised across all Australian states and territories.
Units
27 units of competency: 24 core units and 3 elective units.
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| Core Units | |
| BSBWHS513 | Lead WHS risk management |
| BSBOPS504 | Manage business risk |
| CPCCBC4001 | Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 1 and 10 buildings |
| CPCCBC4003 | Select, prepare and administer a construction contract |
| CPCCBC4004 | Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects |
| CPCCBC4010 | Apply structural principles to residential and commercial constructions |
| CPCCBC4013 | Prepare and evaluate tender documentation |
| CPCCBC5001 | Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Type B construction |
| CPCCBC5002 | Monitor costing systems on complex building and construction projects |
| CPCCBC5003 | Supervise the planning of onsite building and construction work |
| CPCCBC5010 | Manage construction work |
| CPCCBC5018 | Apply structural principles to the construction of buildings up to 3 storeys |
| CPCCBC4005 | Produce labour and material schedules for ordering |
| CPCCBC4008 | Supervise site communication and administration processes for building and construction projects |
| CPCCBC4009 | Apply legal requirements to building and construction projects |
| CPCCBC4012 | Read and interpret plans and specifications |
| CPCCPD3023 | Apply texture coat paint finishes by brush, roller and spray |
| CPCCBC4014 | Prepare simple building sketches and drawings |
| CPCCBC4018 | Apply site surveys and set-out procedures to building and construction projects |
| CPCCBC4053 | Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 2 to 9, Type C buildings |
| CPCCBC5005 | Select and manage building and construction contractors |
| CPCCBC5007 | Administer the legal obligations of a building and construction contractor |
| CPCCBC5011 | Manage environmental management practices and processes in building and construction |
| CPCCBC5013 | Manage professional technical and legal reports on building and construction projects |
| CPCCBC5019 | Manage building and construction business finances |
| Elective Units | |
| CPCCBC5004 | Supervise and apply quality standards to the selection of building and construction materials |
| CPCCBC5006 | Apply site surveys and set-out procedures to building projects up to three storeys |
| CPCSUS5001 | Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability |
Career opportunities
The CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) opens doors to some of the most in-demand and well-paid roles in Australia’s construction industry. Qualified builders and construction managers are needed right across the country as residential and commercial development continues to grow.
Where can you work?
- Licensed builder:Â Run your own building company or take on projects as a licensed contractor for residential and commercial builds, renovations, and extensions.
- Construction manager: Oversee building projects, managing teams, subcontractors, timelines, and budgets across low and medium-rise construction.
- Site supervisor or foreperson: Lead site operations, coordinate trades, and ensure work meets quality and compliance standards.
- Contracts administrator:Â Manage contracts, variations, and documentation across building projects for developers, builders, or construction companies.
- Estimator: Specialise in costing and tendering for new building projects
Career growth
Graduates can go on to complete the CPC60220 Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) to move into senior project management and leadership roles.Â
Start dates
Enrolments are taken on an ongoing basis. Students can make an enquiry online at any time, or over the phone or in person during business hours.
Qualification pathways
On campus – Domestic
Study on campus in Brisbane or Perth with blended delivery combining campus sessions and flexible online study.
Duration
12 months (4 terms)
View course details
Location
On campus in Brisbane and Perth, blended
Entry requirements
- 18+ years old
- Access to a computer/device capable of reading documents + internet
- Evidence of completion of pre-requisite units if not provided by Everthought (refer to Course Unit table below)
- Completion of LLN Assessment (not necessarily a barrier to entry)
- To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have access to a live building and construction workplace to meet the requirements detailed in the Assessment Requirements of core unit CPCCBC4008 Supervise communication and administration processes for building and construction projects.
Training provider
Everthought College of Construction Pty Ltd, RTO No. 51681, CRICOS Provider Code: 02898C
Learn more about eligibility criteria and co-contribution fees.
On campus – International
Study in Australia on a student visa with construction management training and English language support.
Duration
2 years full time (8 terms)
View course details
CRICOS course code: 105527G
Location
Perth campus & Brisbane campus
Entry requirements
- 18+ years old
- Have completed Australian Year 12 qualification (or equivalent)
English language requirements
Evidence of English Proficiency IELTS 6.0 with nothing less than 5.5 in any band or TOEFL iBT (scores from a test taken on or before 25 July 2023 are accepted only)Â 64 or PTE 50 or CAE 169
Training provider
Everthought College of Construction Pty Ltd, RTO 51681, CRICOS 02898C
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Already working in construction management? Have your existing skills and experience assessed and recognised.
Duration
2 – 8 weeks (dependent on experience and knowledge)
View course details
Location
Virtual assessment plus completion of any gap training required.
Entry requirements
- 3 to 4 years demonstrated experience with a minimum of two work referrals from qualified builders
Training provider
Everthought Education Pty Ltd, RTO 32438
Everthought assesses your existing skills and experience against the qualification requirements. If you can provide sufficient evidence of your industry experience or previous training, you may not need additional formal study. Gap training is provided if needed, and we’ll guide you through the process.
Access the information and guidelines. Learn more about eligibility criteria and co-contribution fees.
Online
Study 100% online at your own pace, designed to fit around your current work and life commitments.
Duration
24 months
View course details
Location
100% online delivery
Entry requirements
- There are no pre-entry requirements to the course. You will be required to undertake a quiz that will enable us to identify if additional learning support may be required.
- Access to a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection to access our online learning platform.
- Work based components will require you to work within the sector to complete the work based units.
Assessment
To demonstrate competency, you’ll complete a range of assessments including knowledge questions, scenario-based and practical activities. Your trainer will provide guidance and support throughout.
Training provider
Everthought Education Pty Ltd, RTO 32438Â
Frequently asked questions
If you still have questions, our team will be happy to help. Please reach out at info@everthought.edu.au.
It’s a nationally recognised Diploma-level qualification that gives you the technical and management skills to plan, supervise, and deliver low and medium-rise residential and commercial building projects. It is the primary qualification required to apply for a builder’s licence in most Australian states and territories.
The Building diploma focuses on the technical, on-site, and compliance aspects of construction and is a key qualification for builder’s licence applications. The Management diploma covers broader management, financial, and operational skills for senior construction management roles without a direct licensing pathway. If you want a builder’s licence, this is the one you need.
In most Australian states and territories, the CPC50220 is a key qualification required to apply for a builder’s licence including the QBCC Builder Medium Rise licence in Queensland, the General Building licence in NSW, and builder registration in Victoria and WA. Builder licensing requirements vary by state, and additional requirements may apply. We recommend checking with your state licensing body for current requirements.
Yes. The CPC50220 is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and is recognised across all states and territories.
Build your management career with Everthought
Fill in your details below and one of our team will be in touch to talk through the best study pathway for you.
- info@everthought.com.au
- 1300 728 996
