What Is the Difference Between a Certificate IV & Diploma of Building?
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, it’s time to start thinking about the next step for your career in construction. Should you complete another certificate or diploma? Is one better than the other? Which qualification will get you to where you want to be?
To break down these questions, we look at the difference between the CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) and the CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building).
How Much More Could You Earn as a Registered Builder?
What is a Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)?
If you’re ready to take your career up a notch, enrolling in the CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction is the perfect place to start.
For many tradies, it’s the next logical step after completing an apprenticeship such as the CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry (Carpenters). The course covers all the details of the residential construction management process; this covers how to plan, prepare and manage residential construction sites from start to finish.
You’ll learn about the principles, techniques and regulations of the Australian building and construction industry. You’ll also meet new people, make potential business contacts, and discover what it takes to successfully work with clients and kick-start your own small business.
Combined with your years of on-the-job training and hands-on experience, this qualification will prepare you to become a licensed builder with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
From here, your career prospects start to open up. With additional experience and education, you could easily progress into more supervisory roles within the industry. This is where a diploma comes into play.
What is a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)?
When it comes to upskilling in the building and construction industry, it can be problematic to think about your education in terms of “certificate IV vs. diploma”. In reality, both qualifications work together in progressing your career.
While the CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction will help you prepare you to get your builders license and start your own business, the CPC50220 Diploma in Building and Construction reinforces your education and takes it to new heights.
What will you learn?
A diploma will teach you more complex skills and knowledge needed to apply for supervisory and construction management roles within the industry – in both domestic and commercial settings. Not only will you be able to run your own business, you can also pursue jobs such as:
- Construction projects supervisor
- Construction manager
- Site supervisor
- Estimator
- Project manager
- Foreperson
Is it worth getting a diploma?
Yes. By successfully completing the CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction with Builders Academy Australia, you’ll also be guaranteed entry to certain courses at Victoria University, including:
- Bachelor of Building Surveying (NBBS)
- Bachelor of Building Design (NBBD)
- Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
Armed with a higher education degree, you can widen your employment opportunities even further, taking on roles such as:
- Building proprietor
- Building contractor
- Property developer
- Contract administrator
Ultimately, the CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction is a great springboard towards completing the CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction. While you can forge a successful career with either qualification, a diploma will open up more doors to range of areas in the industry.
How Much More Could You Earn as a Registered Builder?
What are the similarities?
When comparing a certificate IV vs. diploma qualification, it’s also worth highlighting similarities too. The main thing these courses have in common is how you are taught.
At Builders Academy Australia, we know how important convenience is. There’s a good chance you’re a busy tradie by day, which means finding the time to study can be tricky. That’s why both courses are run part-time, two nights a week.
Furthermore, we’re committed to offering these building courses online. We understand you might live in a remote part of Australia, or that you have family commitments to attend to during the week. To bridge this gap, you can study both of these building courses online through our virtual classrooms.
As part of both courses, we also provide the Builder’s Academy Mentoring Program. This program is about giving you the assistance needed to prepare the Application for Registration with the VBA, which is often a complicated process involving a lot of paperwork.
What should I study for building?
Once you understand the difference between a certificate and diploma in construction, you’ll know what it takes to make a meaningful impact on your building and construction career.
To recap, the CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction is a great place to begin after completing your apprenticeship. From here, you’ll be eligible to enrol in the CPC50220 Diploma in Building and Construction and take your construction management career to some of the highest levels in the industry.
Get in touch to receive more information about our building courses online and to find out what the difference between a certificate IV or diploma means for you.
How Much More Could You Earn as a Registered Builder?
This article was updated and republished on 30 May 2022.