Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Estimating)

This course will teach you to identify and produce cost estimations and schedules for building and construction projects.

You will gain skills and knowledge in:

producing cost effective estimates quantity surveying tendering/contracting scheduling construction technology, labour and material planning structural principles risk management and occupational health and safety (OHS) preparing building sketches and drawings environmental management building codes and standards.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will meet the standards required for estimators or schedulers.

You’ll be ready to work on residential and commercial low-rise construction projects.

To be awarded CPC40308 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Estimating), a student must successfully complete a total of fifteen (15) units of competency, comprising of:

• eight (8) core units, and;
• seven (7) elective units of which:
• at least four (4) units must be selected from the general elective units listed in the CPC40308 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Estimating) qualification;
• up to three (3) units may be selected from qualifications in CPC08 or another current training package or state accredited course, provided the integrity of the AQF alignment is ensured, they contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome, and that no more than:
• two (2) units are from a Certificate IV qualification, and;
• one (1) unit is from a Certificate III or Diploma qualification.

Electives must be industry relevant as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

Core units

• BSBPMG407A - Apply risk management techniques
• CPCCBC4001A - Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for low rise building projects
• CPCCBC4004A - Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects
• CPCCBC4005A - Produce labour and material schedules for ordering
• CPCCBC4010B - Apply structural principles to residential low rise constructions
• CPCCBC4011B - Apply structural principles to commercial low rise constructions
• CPCCBC4012B - Read and interpret plans and specifications
• CPCCBC4013A - Prepare and evaluate tender documentation

Elective units

• BSBITU202 - Create and use spreadsheets
• CPCCBC4003A - Select and prepare a construction contract
• CPCCBC4006B - Select, procure and store construction materials for low rise projects
• CPCCWHS1001 - Prepare to work safely in the construction industry

Imported Electives at Certificate IV Level

• BSBSMB421 - Manage small business finances
• CPCCBC4002A - Manage occupational health and safety in the building and construction workplace
• CPCCBC4007A - Plan building or construction work
• CPCCBC4009B - Apply legal requirements to building and construction projects

Imported Electives at Certificate III/Diploma Level

• CPCCBC5002A - Monitor costing systems on medium rise building and construction projects

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers:

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

The aim of the course is for graduates to acquire specialist skills and knowledge in quantity surveying, tendering, planning and scheduling construction technology in residential and commercial buildings.