
Study online or on campus and prepare for a career as a builder or site manager. Learn how to run a building business, understand construction codes and standards, and build the skills and knowledge to take the next step in your career.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
plan and prepare building and construction work
read and understand plans, contracts and specifications
estimate building costs
organise materials and workers for projects
supervise building projects
follow building codes and standards for residential and commercial projects.
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
The ability to create reports and construction contracts.
Experience in following building codes and standards.
Part of the eligibility requirements to apply for a building licence.
Strong pathways to continue your studies and improve your job options.
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
Before you start the course, you must complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills test. You must achieve a score of 3 in literacy and 3 in numeracy. This helps make sure the course is right for your skill level. Your teacher will let you know when to complete the test.
We may also accept students who are mature age and can show the LLND skills needed to complete the course. Mature-age students may be required to complete an LLND assessment.
During your study, you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
a general construction induction card (white card). You must have a white card before you can enter a construction site.
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
communication and basic maths skills
good organisation skills
problem-solving skills
attention to detail
basic computer skills.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Building Associates supervise construction sites, and organise and coordinate the material and human resources required.
92%
15,200 workers
42 years
$1,920
49 hours
High
3% female
Moderate Growth
Other jobs include: builder, construction supervisor, site manager, site supervisor and estimator.
To become a licensed builder in NSW, you need to apply for a building licence. This course meets one of the requirements for a building licence application.
Before you apply, check the licensing requirements and application process on the NSW Government website.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) does not have any related courses.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 19 units of competency, including 11 core and 8 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs - be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning - an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations - get social with our student community