This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
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.
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Financial help
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are available
See training providers offering VET Student Loans -
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course has entry requirements. See more information at the National Training Register
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Determine compliance requirements for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys | Core |
| Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures | Core |
| Evaluate construction materials and methods for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys | Core |
| Manage contracts for small-scale building design projects | Core |
| Prepare drawings for planning and building approval for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys | Core |
| Prepare specifications for all construction works | Core |
| Produce compliant designs for Class 1 and 10 buildings | Core |
| Produce compliant designs for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys | Core |
| Produce digital 3-D models of building designs | Core |
| Apply project risk management techniques | Elective |
| Conduct and record a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment | Elective |
| Design timber-framed buildings | Elective |
| Inspect and assess sites to inform the design process | Elective |
| Prepare to work safely in the construction industry | Elective |
| Produce building information modelling for building design projects | Elective |
| Produce rendered animations of 3-D models of small-scale building designs | Elective |
| Recommend sustainability solutions for small-scale building design projects | Elective |
| Research and develop business plans | Elective |
Job prospects
The Diploma of Building Design sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Architectural Draftsperson
ANZSCO 312111
Prepare drawings and plans that precisely communicate the concepts of an architect.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Construction Estimator
ANZSCO 312114
Construction Estimators prepare and deliver estimates and cost plans for construction projects up to the tender settlement stage.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Other Architectural, Building and Surveying Technician
ANZSCO 312199
Other Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians includes jobs like Roof Truss Detailer, and Structural Steel Detailer.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree
Training providers delivering Diploma of Building Design
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Built Form Design Academy (RTO code 45170)
Contact this provider
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Digital Construction Academy Pty Ltd (RTO code 31840)
Contact this provider
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National Skills Pty Ltd (RTO code 45438)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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TasTAFE (RTO code 60142)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.