The NSW Owner Builder Course is a training program designed for individuals who wish to apply for an Owner Builder Permit in New South Wales. The course provides practical knowledge and skills in construction planning, workplace health and safety, estimating and costing, reading plans and specifications, and managing residential building projects.

You may need to complete the NSW Owner Builder Course if you are applying for an Owner Builder Permit to undertake residential building work on your own property where the value of the work exceeds the threshold specified by NSW Fair Trading.

Yes. NSW Fair Trading requires applicants for an Owner Builder Permit to complete an approved Owner Builder Course before a permit can be issued for applicable residential building work.

Yes. The course is delivered online, allowing participants to study at their own pace from any location. Training materials are available immediately upon enrolment and can be completed at a time that suits you.

The course is self-paced and can generally be completed within a day. Participants can progress through the training at their own speed and revisit content as required.

The course covers workplace health and safety requirements, reading and interpreting plans and specifications, estimating and costing, planning and organising construction work, workplace communication, project management responsibilities and key considerations when undertaking residential building work as an owner builder.

The course includes the following nationally recognised units of competency:

• CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
• CPCCCM2001 Read and interpret plans and specifications
• CPCCCM1011 Undertake basic estimation and costing
• CPCCCM1013 Plan and organise work
• CPCCCM1014 Conduct workplace communication

These units provide practical knowledge and skills relevant to planning, managing and coordinating residential building projects.

An Owner Builder Permit allows a property owner to personally manage, coordinate and take responsibility for residential building work being undertaken on their own property. The permit is issued by NSW Fair Trading and comes with specific legal obligations and responsibilities.

A licensed builder undertakes building work as a business and holds the appropriate contractor licence. An owner builder manages building work on their own property and assumes responsibility for the project without holding a builder licence. Owner builders cannot undertake building work for commercial building services in the same way as licensed contractors.

After successfully completing the Owner Builder Course, participants can apply for an Owner Builder Permit through NSW Fair Trading. Applicants should refer to NSW Fair Trading for current eligibility requirements, permit conditions and application processes.

Yes. Owner builders may engage licensed contractors and tradespeople to undertake specialised building work. However, the owner builder remains responsible for managing the project and ensuring compliance with applicable requirements.

Owner builders are responsible for managing the building project, obtaining approvals, engaging contractors, ensuring compliance with building requirements, managing workplace safety risks, arranging inspections and maintaining appropriate project records.

Yes. Subject to obtaining the required approvals and permits, owner builders can manage the construction, renovation, alteration, repair or addition of residential building work on their own property.

Yes. Participants who successfully complete all training and assessment requirements receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment issued by the Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Yes. The course consists of nationally recognised units of competency from the CPC Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package. Successful participants receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment.

Participants who successfully complete the course receive a Statement of Attainment for the following nationally recognised units of competency:

• CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
• CPCCCM2001 Read and interpret plans and specifications
• CPCCCM1011 Undertake basic estimation and costing
• CPCCCM1013 Plan and organise work
• CPCCCM1014 Conduct workplace communication

This Statement of Attainment can be used to support an application for an Owner Builder Permit in NSW, subject to NSW Fair Trading requirements.

The Statement of Attainment does not expire. However, applicants should confirm current Owner Builder Permit requirements with NSW Fair Trading, as regulatory requirements may change over time.

Becoming an owner builder can provide greater control over project decisions, contractor selection, scheduling and budgeting. However, it also comes with significant legal, financial and workplace safety responsibilities that should be carefully considered before commencing a project.