Qualification Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:30 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Diploma of Building Design

Diploma of Building Design

Qualification
National Code:
CPP50921
State Code:
BGI3
TGA Status:
Current
DTWD Status:
Approved
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Field of Education
0401 - Architecture And Urban Environment
Original TGA Release Date
07/01/2021
Approved Date
27/07/2021
Stream of Study
Initial Vocational (3100 - 3600)
VET Act Classifier
C
Nominal Hours
1060
Duration
2 Semesters
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
04/02/2026
VET Act Conditions
Releases
Release Version Release Date TGA Status DTWD Status
3.00 04/02/2026 Current Approved
2.00 19/05/2021 Replaced Approved
1.00 07/01/2021 Replaced Approved
Description

This qualification reflects the role of drafters who apply their skills to diverse building design projects. Practitioners further develop their drafting expertise and design capabilities to design, draft and document plans, specifications and documentation for buildings of all classifications, as defined in the NCC, to a maximum floor area of 2,000 m2, excluding those of Type A construction.

Practice at this level is underpinned by the ability to analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources to generate design solutions. Practitioners work without supervision and may specialise in residential, commercial, public or industrial projects including new buildings and renovations.

Licensing requirements apply to building design in some states or territories. For further information, check with the relevant regulatory authority.

Schedule
Packaging Rules
To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in twelve (12) units of competency consisting of nine (9) core and three (3) elective units.

Electives are to be chosen as follows:
- all three (3) units from the electives listed below, or
- two (2) units from the electives listed below, plus one (1) unit selected from:
- the CPP60421 Advanced Diploma of Building Design qualification, or
- any current AQF level 5 qualification or accredited course, provided the unit contributes to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome and do not duplicate the outcome of another unit
used to achieve this qualification.
1. Core Units

These units must be completed.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OCU38 CPPBDN5106 Determine compliance requirements for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys 70 Unit of competency
OCG32 BSBESB402 Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures 55 Unit of competency
OCU49 CPPBDN5105 Evaluate construction materials and methods for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys 120 Unit of competency
OCU39 CPPBDN5107 Manage contracts for small-scale building design projects 60 Unit of competency
OCU51 CPPBDN5104 Prepare drawings for planning and building approval for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys 235 Unit of competency
OCP87 CPCCBC4015 Prepare specifications for all construction works 20 Unit of competency
OCU52 CPPBDN5102 Produce compliant designs for Class 1 and 10 buildings 120 Unit of competency
OCU28 CPPBDN5103 Produce compliant designs for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys 155 Unit of competency
OCU26 CPPBDN5101 Produce digital 3-D models of building designs 60 Unit of competency
2. Elective Units

At least two (2) units must be completed from this group.

State Code National Code Title Hours Type
OCE89 BSBPMG426 Apply project risk management techniques 40 Unit of competency
OAY45 PUAFIR518 Conduct and record a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment 25 Unit of competency
OCU46 CPPBDN5108 Design timber-framed buildings 80 Unit of competency
OCU50 CPPBDN5110 Inspect and assess sites to inform the design process 60 Unit of competency
ODX74 CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry 6 Unit of competency
OCU40 CPPBDN6106 Produce building information modelling for building design projects 120 Unit of competency
OCU47 CPPBDN5111 Produce rendered animations of 3-D models of small-scale building designs 50 Unit of competency
OCU48 CPPBDN5109 Recommend sustainability solutions for small-scale building design projects 110 Unit of competency
OCF73 BSBESB401 Research and develop business plans 45 Unit of competency
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D772 CPP50911 Diploma of Building Design Qualification
No information
Entry Requirements

Entry points which demonstrate a candidate’s potential to undertake the CPP50921 Diploma of Building Design are:
CPP40115 Certificate IV in Building Design Drafting,
or
CPP40121 Certificate IV in Residential Drafting,
or
52757WA Certificate IV in Residential Building Drafting,
or
Demonstrated relevant vocational experience, skills and knowledge commensurate with the scope of work covered in the core units of CPP40121 Certificate IV in Residential Drafting.

Traineeships and Apprenticeships
No information