The Graduate Certificate in Performance-Based Building and Fire Codes is a specialised postgraduate qualification designed for professionals working in the building, construction, and fire safety sectors. The course equips students with expert knowledge in the design, assessment, and approval of performance-based buildings under both national and international fire codes, with a particular focus on Australia's National Construction Code (NCC) and Building Code of Australia (BCA). It bridges the gap between traditional prescriptive building compliance and modern performance-based approaches, enabling practitioners to evaluate and approve alternative fire safety solutions that go beyond standard deemed-to-satisfy provisions. The course covers key topics including fire safety systems design, risk assessment, human behaviour during fire emergencies, scientific principles for fire professionals, and the methodology and structure of performance codes.

The course is specifically designed for practising professionals — including building surveyors, fire engineers, architects, construction managers, building inspectors, and compliance officers — who wish to deepen their expertise or meet statutory requirements in their field. It is delivered fully online, making it accessible to working professionals across Australia regardless of location. Graduates are equipped to work in private consultancies, state and local government building authorities, fire brigades, construction companies, and engineering firms. Employers include private building consultancies, local councils, state building authorities, fire and rescue services, property developers, and infrastructure agencies. The qualification also carries significant regulatory recognition, as it is specifically listed in relevant building regulations as a prerequisite for Relevant Building Surveyors (RBS) determining that alternative solutions comply with fire performance requirements of the BCA.

Typical entry into a Graduate Certificate in Performance-Based Building and Fire Codes requires completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant or related discipline, such as building surveying, architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related built environment field. Applicants without a background degree in a relevant discipline may still be considered if they hold a bachelor degree in any discipline combined with a minimum of five years of approved professional work experience in the building and construction industry. A letter of recommendation from a professional referee and, in some cases, a formal interview may also be required to assess an applicant's suitability and readiness for postgraduate study.

For international students, English language proficiency is generally required, typically demonstrated through IELTS scores of 6.0 overall (with no band below 6.0), or equivalent results in TOEFL, PTE Academic, or other accepted tests. Students who have completed prior tertiary study in English may be exempt from this requirement. Advanced standing (also known as credit transfer or recognition of prior learning) may be available for applicants who have completed equivalent postgraduate units at other recognised institutions, potentially reducing the overall study load. Applicants from non-traditional backgrounds — including those from disadvantaged or underrepresented groups — may be eligible for special admission programs. All applicants should be aware that meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as past academic performance and professional experience are also considered during the selection process.