CERTIFICATE IV IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION
CPC40120
Course CRICOS Code: 119741H
Status: Current
Course Overview
This qualification reflects the role of builders, site managers and managers of small to medium-sized building businesses who apply knowledge of structural principles, codes, standards and legal requirements to Class 1 and 10, to a maximum of two storeys and Class 2 to 9 Type C constructions, and who plan and supervise safe building and construction work, prepare and administer contracts, and who apply quality principles to building and construction projects.
Building relates to construction and Site Management is about managing the factors around construction, such as the deployment of crews with specialised skills (including builders), product compliance, deployment of contract specialised skills, weather, and site location.
Occupational titles depending on packaging options selected may include:
- Builder
- Construction Supervisor
- Site Manager
- Site Supervisor
- Leading Hand
Completion of the general induction training programs specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work (ASCC 2007) is required before entering a construction work site. Achievement of unit CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.
Additional units of competency may be required to meet builder registration requirements in various States and Territories.
Program Overview
Entry Requirements
- WMIT has the following entry requirements:
- 18 years or older at commencement of course.
- An English Language proficiency level of one of the below:
- Satisfactorily completed ELICOS at to at least Upper Intermediate level
- Cert III in EAL / Academic IELTS band score of 6.0 or equivalent
- Completed equivalent of Australian Year 11 qualification from any of the English-speaking countries such as Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
- Completion of any Australian AQF Certificate III or higher qualification
- Additional Requirements:
- The applicant must have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent
Training Pathway & Employment Pathway
- After achieving this qualification, individuals could progress to:
- Diploma of Building and Construction OR
- Any other equivalent qualification
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Employment Pathway:
This qualification provides the skills and knowledge to potentially gain employment as a: - Builder
- Construction Supervisor
- Leading Hand
To attain this qualification with Building specialisation, 19 units must be achieved, consisting of 11 core and 8 elective units listed:
Course Credit
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WMIT can grant you credit towards your course for units of competency that you have already completed with another RTO or authorised issuing organisation.
We can also grant you Credit for subjects or units you have completed where equivalence can be established between the unit in your course and the subject or unit you have completed. - There is no charge to apply for Credit.
- To apply, fill in the Credit Application Form and submit it as part of your enrolment.
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*Please refer to your Student Handbook for more information on Course Credit.
International students should be aware that if credit is granted, the course duration will be adjusted and confirmation will be provided in writing.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where skills and knowledge that you have gained through work and life experience and other unrecognised training can be formally recognised.
- WMIT has a process that has been structured to minimise the time and cost to applicants and provides a supportive approach to students wishing to take up this option. You should ideally apply for RPL at the time of enrolment, but you may also apply up to 2 weeks into your course.
- During the entry process and interview stage, WMIT will discuss the process and options for RPL with you. Suitability is often determined by how much experience you have in a certain area, your work history and previous training. If RPL is determined as a possibility for you, you will be provided with a kit that will guide you in working through each unit to determine relevant skills and experience and identify whether you would be able to provide the required evidence.
- A trainer/assessor will be available to assist you throughout this process.
- *Please refer to your Student Handbook for more information on RPL. International students should be aware that if RPL is granted, the course duration will be adjusted and confirmation will be provided in writing.
Training & Placement Arrangements
Training Arrangements
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Class sessions are planned to ensure that student have a mixture of practical and theoretical components and those classes cater for a wide variety of learning styles. Additionally, workplace practices and environments will be regularly simulated and used to conduct skills based assessments in accordance with unit requirements.
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WMIT organises face to face training of 20 hours per week, all the international student must attend the classes to comply with student visa conditions.
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Homework tasks may include research, readings from related textbooks and continuing to work on assessment tasks.
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Students are provided with the Learner Guides for each unit to students to support their learning (these are included in the course fees).
Additional Support & Assessment Arrangements
Additional Support
All students will complete a language literacy and numeracy assessment at orientation to determine their learning support needs. All students will be provided with a range of learning support options and resources to help you achieve competency. Where additional support needs have been identified an Individual Support Plan will be developed which may include:
Provision of additional support services will be provided where necessary to enable students to participate in the same way as any other person regardless of whether support services have been required.
Assessment Arrangement
There are a variety of assessment methods used for this qualification including:
Course Details
Delivery Mode
This course will be delivered as classroom-based face-to-face training.
Delivery Location
Level 10, 474 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Course Duration
52 Weeks (including 12 weeks of holidays)
Duration - 52 Weeks
Course Fee - $20,000
Promotional Fee - $8,000
Course Fee
- Promotional Tuition Fees: $8,000.00
- Enrolment Fee: $250.00
- Material Fee: $1500.00
Payment Plan
- Non-refundable enrolment deposit (prior to commencement) – $250
- 4 equal instalments of tuition fee before the start of every term
Additional charges apply if students require
- Additional copies of a student’s qualification/record of results and/or statement of attainment. A cost of $50 per document applies, and $70 if express post is required.
- Printing costs may be required to complete assessments. Students may print and copy on campus for a cost of 15c per page; however, they may also use other printing facilities.
RPL Costs
- Charge per unit of competency – $400
- Nationally Recognised Training does not incur GST.
- Students will only be eligible to receive their qualification if fees have been paid in full and all course requirements have been met.
- *Please refer to your Student Handbook for our Fees and Refunds Policy.
Other costs (not included) to be aware of
- Please refer to the student handbook for guidance in relation to budgeting and planning.
- USB drives that students are required to use to submit their assessments. Students may bring their own or purchase nearby.
- Notebooks/pens/laptops* or other general stationery required for students to complete their work.
- *A note about computers: Many homework and assessment tasks require access to a computer and the internet; therefore, it is recommended that students bring or purchase a laptop if possible.
Inclusions
- Unless otherwise specified, tuition fees include all training and assessment as well as required resources and textbooks necessary for students to achieve the qualification or course in which they are enrolling.
- If students don’t have their own, they can use nearby public facilities, which are listed in the Student Handbook for their convenience. It is optional for students to bring a laptop to class; some students may choose to do so to keep their notes organised, but where a computer is required for class activities, the trainer/assessor will arrange to book the college computers for class sessions.
Enquire About This Course
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If you would like to enrol into this course, please contact our office to obtain a Student Enrolment Form or for a confidential discussion
Phone: +61 3 91318789 Email: info@wmit.edu.au - Confident to move forward? Apply now to confirm your enrolment.
Frequently Asked Questions –
Certificate IV in Building and Construction
Everything you need to know about our building and construction course — from entry requirements and course structure to career outcomes and fees at WMIT Melbourne.
1What is the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120)?
The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) is a nationally recognised AQF qualification designed for individuals working as or aspiring to become builders, site supervisors, site managers, construction supervisors, and leading hands in Australia's residential and commercial construction industry.
The qualification covers management of construction work on Class 1 and 10 buildings (residential homes and sheds, up to two storeys) and Class 2–9 Type C constructions (commercial, industrial, and public buildings). At WMIT, it is delivered as a CRICOS-registered program (Code: 119741H) in Melbourne, open to both domestic and international students.
2Is the Certificate IV in Building and Construction available to international students?
Yes. WMIT's Certificate IV in Building and Construction is fully CRICOS registered (Code: 119741H), making it open to international students holding an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500). International students must attend a minimum of 20 scheduled training hours per week to meet student visa compliance requirements.
WMIT's Melbourne CBD campus provides a supportive environment for international learners, with language and literacy support, individual support plans, and experienced trainers available throughout the course.
3What are the entry requirements for the Certificate IV in Building and Construction at WMIT?
WMIT's entry requirements for this course are:
- Be 18 years or older at commencement
- Meet English language proficiency — one of: ELICOS at Upper Intermediate level, Cert III in EAL, or Academic IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
- Have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 11 from an English-speaking country (Australia, UK, USA, Canada, NZ, South Africa, or Ireland) OR hold an Australian AQF Certificate III or higher
- Additional requirement: Completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent
The additional Year 12 requirement reflects the higher academic demand of this Certificate IV-level qualification, which includes legal, contractual, and structural principles not covered in trade-level courses.
4How long is the course and how is it delivered?
The Certificate IV in Building and Construction at WMIT runs for 52 weeks, including 12 weeks of scheduled holidays. Training is delivered as classroom-based, face-to-face instruction for 20 hours per week at our campus at Level 10, 474 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Classes are structured to include both practical and theoretical components, with simulated workplace environments used for skills-based assessments. Homework tasks include research, readings from related textbooks, and ongoing assessment work. Learner Guides for each unit are included in the course fees.
5What jobs can I get after completing the Certificate IV in Building and Construction?
Graduates of this qualification can pursue the following roles in Australia's construction industry:
- Builder — managing residential and commercial construction projects from foundation to handover
- Site Supervisor / Site Manager — overseeing day-to-day construction operations, crews, and subcontractors
- Construction Supervisor — coordinating project delivery, WHS compliance, and quality control
- Leading Hand — supervising a crew of trades workers on residential or commercial sites
This qualification is also a recognised step toward builder registration in many Australian states and territories. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so students should check with their state's building authority for specific licensing conditions. The Diploma of Building and Construction is the recommended next step for those pursuing senior management or owner-builder roles.
6How much does the Certificate IV in Building and Construction cost at WMIT?
The total fees for the Certificate IV in Building and Construction at WMIT are:
- Total Promotional Tuition Fee: $8,000.00 (paid in 4 equal instalments, one before each term)
- Enrolment Fee: $250.00 (non-refundable, payable before commencement)
- Material Fee: $1500.00
Additional costs include on-campus printing (15c/page), document copies ($50 per copy; $70 express post), USB drives for assessment submission, and personal stationery. Nationally Recognised Training does not attract GST. RPL is available at $400 per unit of competency.
7How many units do I need to complete for the Building specialisation?
To attain the Certificate IV in Building and Construction with the Building specialisation, students must complete a total of 19 units of competency — comprising 11 core units and 8 elective units.
Core units cover essential knowledge areas including building codes and standards (NCC), WHS management, planning, legal requirements, structural principles, plan reading, set-out procedures, and waste minimisation. Recommended Group A elective units include contract administration, cost estimation, material scheduling, procurement, and energy-efficient building — all directly relevant to working as a builder or supervisor in Australia.
8Does WMIT offer Credit Transfer or RPL for this course?
Credit Transfer: WMIT can grant credit for units of competency you have already completed with another RTO or authorised issuing organisation, including where equivalence can be established between units. There is no charge to apply for credit — simply complete the Credit Application Form at the time of enrolment. International students should note that if credit is granted, their course duration will be adjusted accordingly.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL allows you to have existing skills and knowledge — gained through work experience, life experience, or unrecognised training — formally assessed and credited. RPL is charged at $400 per unit of competency. Applications should be submitted at enrolment or within the first 2 weeks of the course. WMIT's RPL process is structured to be straightforward and supportive.
9What additional support does WMIT provide to students?
All WMIT students complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment at orientation to identify any learning support needs. Where additional support is needed, an Individual Support Plan is developed for the student. Support options include:
- Mentoring from trainers
- Extra classes or workshops
- Technology support
- Referral to external specialist services
- Reasonable assessment adjustments
WMIT is committed to ensuring all students can participate equitably regardless of background or support requirements. Assessment methods used in this course include written questions, projects, case studies, role plays, research tasks, and reports — providing a diverse and practical learning experience.
10What is the career pathway after the Certificate IV in Building and Construction?
After completing the Certificate IV in Building and Construction, graduates can progress to:
- Diploma of Building and Construction — the direct higher qualification pathway, covering more advanced project management, estimating, and commercial construction management
- Any equivalent qualification — depending on the state or territory's builder registration requirements
Note that additional units of competency may be required by state or territory licensing authorities for builder registration. Students are advised to check with the relevant authority — such as the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) in Victoria — for the specific requirements in their jurisdiction before applying for a builder's licence.