Inside the Classroom: Certificate IV in Building and Construction
The Cert IV in Building and Construction is the perfect course for anyone who wants to be a builder. Whether you’ve got plenty of industry experience or have just come out of your apprenticeship, the Cert IV opens many doors.
The Cert IV takes 34-45 weeks to complete. You can study it in-person or online (via the virtual classroom).
In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at the CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) with your questions answered by our students and trainers.
What are the entry requirements?
To do the Cert IV, you need to have a CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry. This means you also need to have completed your apprenticeship.
We offer two different streams of the CPC40120 course for people with different levels of skills and experience.
The first stream is for people with more than 3 years of industry experience. This will be shorter because you can get course credits through recognition of prior learning.
The second stream is for people with less than 3 years of industry experience.
“I’ve been doing carpentry since I was 19, on and off – I’ve had a few different jobs in
between. I’ve been thinking about doing this course for the last couple of years. Six months is a manageable time – it’ll be done by September, so I’m spending the winter months doing something worthwhile.”
-Leigh, Carpenter
How long does it take to complete?
Our Cert IV is designed for busy tradies. You can do the course part time, without giving up your work and family commitments.
The Cert IV requires 15 hours of study per week. Of this, you’ll devote 7 hours to attending classes (two classes of 3.5 hours each). Classes take place at night, so you can easily attend after work.
The remaining 8 hours are for independent study, completing homework and submitting assignments.
The course takes 34- 45 weeks to complete, depending on your level of experience in the industry.
“I’m looking to develop properties in the future, so this is the first step. And this night class is great because I can still do the 9-to-5. I’m ready to get into it. Let’s go.
– Damien, Electrician
How is the CPC40120 delivered?
We offer the CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction in-person or online.
The online course is ideal for those living in remote areas who cannot access a physical training centre. It’s very similar to the in-person course, except you attend a virtual classroom by watching lessons online. You also submit assignments and contribute to group discussions online.
The CPC40120 is just one of our many building and construction courses online, including the Diploma CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building).
How am I assessed?
You’ll study both theory and practice, that means you get a good balance of book-learning and hands on experience. You’ll attend lessons, get involved in discussions, and do independent research.
“I’m here to learn.”
– Rod, Carpenter
What’s the mentoring program?
In order to be a qualified builder, you need to get your building licence or registration. That means applying to the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
This application process can be complicated and challenging, because the VBA wants to make sure that you have the skills, knowledge and experience to be a great builder. That’s why we hook our students up with a mentor to help them with the application process.
Your mentor helps you study and prepare your application, including submitting your documents. They’re on hand to answer any questions you have and give you personalised guidance.
“I’m the trainer. I’m a registered building practitioner, and I run a busy environmentally
sustainable building practice during the daytime. I love teaching so I do that at night.
“This is the basic qualification you need if you’re going to be a builder or a site supervisor. It
gives you an overall knowledge of the whole industry and more.
“Our students come from all different backgrounds – from carpenters all the way to
electricians and plumbers.
“I know they have to go through what I’ve already gone through to get where I am today.
They have my full support. If they need any assistance after hours, they give me a call.
Good karma always prevails.”
-Hafiz, Trainer
What are my career pathways?
Whether you’re just out of your apprenticeship or have been working in building and construction for a long time, the CPC40120 opens many doors.
It qualifies you to be a building supervisor/manager or run your own business. You could also do roles such as site manager, construction project supervisor, coordinator or planner.
“I’m here to upskill. I’ve been working for eight years overall, with three years as an
apprentice and four running my own business. At the end of this course, I’ll apply for my own building licence and move into that side of things.”
-Ben, Bricklayer
Looking for building and construction courses online? Contact our team at 1300 LEGEND (1300 534 363) or request a call back and we will get back to you with all the information you need.