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CPP50921 Diploma of Building Design

National ID
CPP50921
WA Course Code
BGI3
CRICOS code
108210D
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Five students stand together, facing the camera with big smiles. In the background is a body of water and a scenic view of the Perth skyline

Why choose this course?

Further your career as a building designer or draftsperson with this qualification. This course will advance your drafting and design skills in Revit (CAD software) for residential and commercial small-scale building projects. Learn how to identify and produce estimated costs, prepare concept designs and specifications, produce 3D models, create client approved designs and drawings that are compliant, and research the best construction materials and methods for building and construction projects.

During your studies you will learn the principles of energy efficient design and sustainability for design projects and the occupational health and safety requirements for this booming industry. On completion of this qualification you will be able to apply your skills to diverse building design projects which may incorporate residential, commercial, public or industrial projects including new buildings and renovations. 

The course structure is based on construction and drafting skills to National Building Codes, Australian Standards and Local Planning Regulations so you should consider if these regulations are applicable in your own country.

Career opportunities

  • Architectural Draftsperson
  • Building Designer

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.

  • Completion of CPP40121 Certificate IV in Residential Drafting s required for entry into this course.

​Please view Admission requirements for your country of origin.

Your study options

Semester 1, 2025

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $14,630
  • Resources fee: $100
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

While there is no mandated work placement for this course, students are supported through industry networks to secure work placements and throughout the course they apply their knowledge and skills in practical, work related projects.

Year 12
CPP40121 Certificate IV in Residential Drafting - BGI4
2 semesters
CPP50921 Diploma of Building Design - BGI3
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 12 units. These 12 are comprised of 9 core units and 3 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • BSBESB402 Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures
  • CPCCBC4015 Prepare specifications for all construction works
  • CPPBDN5101 Produce digital 3-D models of building designs
  • CPPBDN5102 Produce compliant designs for Class 1 and 10 buildings
  • CPPBDN5103 Produce compliant designs for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys
  • CPPBDN5104 Prepare drawings for planning and building approval for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys
  • CPPBDN5105 Evaluate construction materials and methods for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys
  • CPPBDN5106 Determine compliance requirements for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys
  • CPPBDN5107 Manage contracts for small-scale building design projects
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPPBDN5109 Recommend sustainability solutions for small-scale building design projects
  • CPPBDN5110 Inspect and assess sites to inform the design process
  • CPPBDN6106 Produce building information modelling for building design projects

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course is based on producing assessments to replicate the work environment, evidence gathering methods such as a portfolio of work (drawings and details), projects and reports, knowledge based tests and assessments conducted in a simulated drawing office with deadlines to simulate a work environment.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course. 

 

Learning resources may include access to online NMT created resources on Blackboard (learning guides, power-points, handouts), access to relevant software (CAD, MS office suite), computer labs and drawing rooms, digital projectors and whiteboards, workplace manuals/procedures, NMT library catalogue, opportunities to engage with industry professionals via industry site visits and guest lectures, Australian and WA government legislation, WA Code of Practice - Safe Design of Building Structures 2008, and Australian standards building codes.

Facilities and equipment may include access to computers with the capability to run BIM compatible CAD software, printers of suitable size and capacity to plot CAD generated drawings, industry standard BIM compatible CAD software, relevant information sources, such as on-line resources, internet, access to industry standard Microsoft software, A3 size parallel arm drawing/sketching boards, internet in all classrooms on campus, levelling equipment comprising of automatic level, tripod, staff and associated equipment. 

 

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2026

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2026
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $14,630
  • Resources fee: $100
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

While there is no mandated work placement for this course, students are supported through industry networks to secure work placements and throughout the course they apply their knowledge and skills in practical, work related projects.

Year 12
CPP40121 Certificate IV in Residential Drafting - BGI4
2 semesters
CPP50921 Diploma of Building Design - BGI3
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 12 units. These 12 are comprised of 9 core units and 3 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • BSBESB402 Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures
  • CPCCBC4015 Prepare specifications for all construction works
  • CPPBDN5101 Produce digital 3-D models of building designs
  • CPPBDN5102 Produce compliant designs for Class 1 and 10 buildings
  • CPPBDN5103 Produce compliant designs for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys
  • CPPBDN5104 Prepare drawings for planning and building approval for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys
  • CPPBDN5105 Evaluate construction materials and methods for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys
  • CPPBDN5106 Determine compliance requirements for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys
  • CPPBDN5107 Manage contracts for small-scale building design projects
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CPPBDN5109 Recommend sustainability solutions for small-scale building design projects
  • CPPBDN5110 Inspect and assess sites to inform the design process
  • CPPBDN6106 Produce building information modelling for building design projects

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course is based on producing assessments to replicate the work environment, evidence gathering methods such as a portfolio of work (drawings and details), projects and reports, knowledge based tests and assessments conducted in a simulated drawing office with deadlines to simulate a work environment.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course. 

 

Learning resources may include access to online NMT created resources on Blackboard (learning guides, power-points, handouts), access to relevant software (CAD, MS office suite), computer labs and drawing rooms, digital projectors and whiteboards, workplace manuals/procedures, NMT library catalogue, opportunities to engage with industry professionals via industry site visits and guest lectures, Australian and WA government legislation, WA Code of Practice - Safe Design of Building Structures 2008, and Australian standards building codes.

Facilities and equipment may include access to computers with the capability to run BIM compatible CAD software, printers of suitable size and capacity to plot CAD generated drawings, industry standard BIM compatible CAD software, relevant information sources, such as on-line resources, internet, access to industry standard Microsoft software, A3 size parallel arm drawing/sketching boards, internet in all classrooms on campus, levelling equipment comprising of automatic level, tripod, staff and associated equipment. 

 

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

How to apply

Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:

  1. find a course;
  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

View our TAFE application process page for detailed advice

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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

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Last updated on November 30, 2022