Course Overview

About This Course

The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) is the qualification that takes you from the tools to the top of the site. It's the nationally recognised step up for tradespeople, construction workers, and career changers who want to manage projects, supervise teams, and work towards a builder's licence in Australia. You'll learn to read and interpret plans, apply building codes and standards, estimate costs, manage contracts, and supervise construction from the ground up. The course covers both residential and commercial applications, giving you a well-rounded foundation in how building projects are planned, run, and delivered. The Certificate IV forms part of the builder and site supervisor licensing pathway across Australia, though requirements vary by state, additional qualifications may also apply. This program is a combination of trainer-led virtual classrooms and practical workshops delivered in Everthought's purpose designed facilities where emphasis is placed on providing hands-on training. Training is delivered by accredited, trade trainer/assessors with current industry experience. Available through on-campus (Brisbane and Perth), RPL, or online study.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

On campus – Domestic: 18+ years old; Completed Australian Year 12 qualification (or equivalent); LLN assessment (issued at enrolment); General Construction Induction / White Card (CPCWHS1001) prior to entering any construction site. On campus – International: 18+ years old; Completed Australian Year 11 qualification (or equivalent); English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with nothing less than 5.5 in any band, or TOEFL iBT 64, or PTE 50, or CAE 169 (scores from a test taken on or before 25 July 2023 are accepted only). RPL: 3 to 4 years demonstrated experience in a building or construction role; Minimum of two work referrals from qualified builders. Online: 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.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates commonly progress to roles including site supervisor, construction manager, project manager, building inspector, contracts administrator, or owner/director of their own building company. Career opportunities include: Building companies & developers – Work as a site supervisor or project manager on residential homes, apartment buildings, and commercial developments across Australia. Your own construction business – Use your qualification to apply for a builder's licence and run your own company, taking on new builds, renovations, and commercial fitouts. Site and project management – Step into site supervisor, construction manager, or foreperson roles with builders large and small. Government and infrastructure projects – Move into public sector construction work, where formal qualifications are often a requirement for supervisory roles. This qualification also provides a direct pathway to the Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220) and the Advanced Diploma (CPC60220). Average salary: $105,000 per year (average site supervisor salary in Australia, $53.85 per hour). Entry-level positions start at $75,800 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $137,450 per year.

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units19 units

CPCCBC4002

Manage work health and safety in the building and construction workplace

Core unit

CPCCBC4001

Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 1 and 10 buildings

Core unit

CPCCBC4053

Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 2 to 9, Type C Buildings

Core unit

CPCCBC4012

Read and interpret plans and specifications

Core unit

CPCCBC4009

Apply legal requirements to building and construction projects

Core unit

CPCCBC4014

Prepare simple building sketches and drawings

Core unit

CPCCBC4007

Plan building or construction work

Core unit

CPCCBC4010

Apply structural principles to residential and commercial constructions

Core unit

CPCCBC4018

Apply site surveys and set-out procedures to building and construction projects

Core unit

CPCCBC4008

Supervise site communication and administration processes for building and construction projects

Core unit

CPCCBC4021

Minimise waste on the building and construction site

Core unit

CPCCBC4004

Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects

Elective unit

CPCSUS4002

Use building science principles to construct energy efficient buildings

Elective unit

CPCCBC4005

Produce labour and materials schedules for ordering

Elective unit

CPCCBC4006

Select, procure and store construction materials for building and construction projects

Elective unit

BSBPMG422

Apply project quality management techniques

Elective unit

CPCCBC4013

Prepare and evaluate tender documentation

Elective unit

CPCCBC4003

Select, prepare and administer a construction contract

Elective unit

CPCCBC4024

Resolve business disputes

Elective unit

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction?

The CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction is a nationally recognised qualification that gives you the skills to manage construction projects, supervise sites, apply building codes and standards, and work towards your builder's licence in Australia. It covers both residential and commercial construction applications.

Is the Cert IV in Building and Construction required for a builder's licence?

The CPC40120 forms part of the licensing pathway for builders and site supervisors across Australia, but requirements vary significantly by state and territory. In Queensland, for example, a builder's licence typically requires both the Cert IV and the CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction. In NSW, different requirements apply depending on the licence class. The Cert IV is a widely recognised step in the process, but we recommend checking with your state's building authority, such as the QBCC in Queensland or NSW Fair Trading, for the exact requirements that apply to you.

How long does the Certificate IV in Building and Construction take?

Study mode determines the duration: on-campus domestic and international students complete the course in 1 year full-time (4 terms); online students typically take 12 months; and RPL candidates can complete the process in as little as 2–8 weeks depending on their level of experience.

Who is this course suited to?

The Cert IV is designed for people with some building or construction background who want to move into supervisory, management, or business ownership roles. It suits tradespeople looking to step off the tools, experienced construction workers wanting formal recognition, and career changers with strong interest in the management side of building.

When can I start and where is the course delivered?

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. The course is available on campus in Brisbane and Perth, 100% online, or via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) with virtual assessment.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Upcoming Intakes

12 January 2026

12 February 2026

12 March 2026

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Certificate IV in Building and Construction

About This Course

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students