The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has announced changes to several construction courses, with extra units added to the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40110 and Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50210. But what are the differences, and what does it mean if you’ve been thinking about completing an online construction course?
1. WHAT IS CHANGING?
CERTIFICATE IV IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (BUILDING) CPC40120
The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40110 consists of 16 units in total, comprising 13 core units and 3 electives. But the course has been superseded by the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40120, which will contain an extra three units. The new course will consist of 19 units in total, with 11 core units and 8 elective units.
DIPLOMA OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (BUILDING) CPC50210
The big changes are in the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50210, which currently has 18 units, including 13 core units and 5 elective units. The course has been superseded by the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50220. There will be an additional 9 units, taking the total units to 27, including 24 core units and 3 elective units.
2. WHEN IS THE CUT OFF DATE?
Although the qualifications have already officially been replaced, there is a small window of transition that applies to current students or those about to sign up. The transition period ends on November 27, 2022.
3. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
With the number of units increasing, the time it takes to complete the courses is also likely to increase. Due to the nature of online learning, you can fit your study around other responsibilities, such as family or work commitments, but completing one unit will usually take around 1-3 months. This means if you haven’t completed your course by November 2022, you could potentially be forced to study for an extra 9-12 months when the changes come in.
If you sign up before the end of 2021 you could potentially save around $25,000* by studying the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50210 and around $13,000* by studying the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40110. The less time you spend studying means more time working, with the qualification to boost your income.
4. HOW ABOUT RPL?
You could still be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to complete some of the units in either course. RPL is a skills assessment program which allows you to potentially use your industry skills and experience to demonstrate your competency in a particular field. But, with the increase in units, the evidence requirements for RPL are likely to be more extensive too.
5. NEED HELP GETTING THAT QUALIFICATION?
Don’t delay, get in touch today to make sure you aren’t forced to study for longer than you need. You can also take our free skills assessment to check your eligibility for RPL and potentially save yourself even more time.
*Information here is a guide only and regulations change for each state and territory. Please check with your local authority for licensing applications or more information.
Source: Talent.com.au Calculations based on someone earning $45/hour and saving up to 15 hours a week studying = $675/week or $2700/month earned back in wages.
