Are you considering taking a course that could give you the power to construct your dream home or renovation project in Queensland? If the answer is yes, then you've landed on the right page. We're going to address one of the most common questions asked by many aspiring owner-builders – “how much does an owner builder course cost?”
This topic might seem like a complex maze of numbers and figures, but don't worry! We're here to guide you through it step by step. By the end of this article, you'll have a solid understanding of the costs involved in becoming an owner-builder in Queensland.
Understanding an Owner Builder Course in Queensland
You might be thinking, “What on earth is an owner builder course?” Well, let me tell you – it's a fantastic way to gain the knowledge and skills you need to manage your own building or renovation project.
Now, you might be asking yourself, “Why do I need this course?”
Here's the scoop: in Queensland, if the value of work you're planning exceeds $11,000 (and let’s face it, most home projects do), you're legally required to hold an owner builder permit.
So, to get your owner builder permit, this course isn't just a good idea, it's a must-have!
But wait, there's more! Once you complete this course, you'll receive an owner builder certificate that's valid for a whopping six years. That means you've got 6 years to build your dream home. Hmmm, do you really want to take that long?
So, whether you're dreaming of building your own home, renovating your kitchen, or adding an extension, taking an owner builder course in Queensland can help turn those dreams into reality.
A BIG NOTE: I know all of this may be a lot to take in but stay with me because I need to mention the White Card. It's a funny one in QLD, because you only need it if you're planning to undertake some of the work on site.
So if that's you, rather than add more detail in this article, click here to find out more about the White Card in Queensland.
Where to do the Course
Here at The Owner Builder Club, our mission is to simplify the process for owner builders. That means, where we can, we do the research for you.
And I did just that for an Owner Builder course provider. It had taken awhile however I partnered with Absolute Education and we've remained partners with Gemma and Peter since 2018.
You see, it's critical that you do the state government required Owner Builder course to get your permit through a Registered Training Office (an RTO).
There are so many great things about Absolute Education but one of the things I like most is their building background. They're not just a business offering courses, they truly understand what an owner builder is about to launch into.
So now you know that, let's talk dollars and cents.
The Cost of an Owner Builder Course in Queensland
How much does an owner builder course cost in Queensland, you ask? Well, let's break it down.
First off, the course itself will set you back $185. That's right, for less than the price of a fancy dinner out, you can gain the knowledge and skills to manage your own building project. Now, that's what I call value for money!
But there's a little more to it. Once you've aced the course (and trust me, you will), you'll then need to apply for your permit with the QLD Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). The cost to obtain the OB Permit is currently $461.79 (Feb '24).
Now, I know what you're thinking, “More fees? Really?”
But think about it this way – the permit is your golden ticket to taking control of your own building project. It's like a backstage pass, granting you access to all the ins and outs of the building world. And the best part? This permit isn't just a one-time deal. It's valid for six years!
So, when you consider the cost of the course and the permit fee, it's a small investment for the potential savings you could make by being your own builder. Plus, the satisfaction of seeing your vision come to life? Priceless!
Course Duration and Certification
First off, let's chat about how long this owner builder course in Queensland takes.
You might be thinking it's a lengthy process, but surprise! It only takes about 2-3 hours online. That's right, in less time than it takes to watch the latest superhero blockbuster, you could be on your way to becoming a certified owner builder. Now, isn't that super?
Now, let's talk certification. Once you've completed the course, you'll receive an email with your certificate. But here's the kicker: to get that certificate, you need something called a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Sounds fancy, doesn't it?
A USI is like your student ID. It's a unique number assigned to you that allows you to access your training records and results whenever you need to. Think of it as your personal key to unlock your education history. And don't worry, getting a USI is as easy as pie and totally free.
So, in a nutshell, here's how it works:
You complete the course in a few hours, apply for your USI (if you don't have one already), and voila! Your owner builder certificate lands in your inbox.
Online Course Process
Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty – the online course process. It's as smooth as a well-mixed margarita, so let's dive right in!
First off, you're probably wondering about the assessment, right? Well, fear not! You'll only have to answer 38 questions, and you need to score a 100% pass mark.
But here's the best part: you can take the test as many times as you need to pass. No pressure, just pure learning at your own pace. Isn't that a breath of fresh air?
One of the best things about this owner builder course in Queensland is its flexibility. Whether you're a morning person who loves to learn with your first cup of coffee or a night owl who thrives when the moon is high, you can take this course whenever and wherever suits you best. From the comfort of your home or during your lunch break at work, all you need is an internet connection, and you're good to go!
And guess what else? This course is compatible with various devices. Whether you're a team PC, can't live without your Mac, or prefer swiping away on your tablet or smartphone, ABSOLUTE Education has got you covered.
But what happens if you hit a bump along the way? Well, they've thought of that too. There's support available throughout the course, including instant pop-up help boxes for those “I'm stuck!” moments. And if you need a little extra help, the friendly assessors are only an email, phone call, or text message away.
Registration and Payment
Now, you might be expecting a hefty fee just to sign up, but guess what? Registration is absolutely free! That's right, folks, you can register with ABSOLUTE Education without spending a single cent. They believe in making education accessible and affordable, so they've scrapped the registration fees. How's that for a sweet deal?
Now, onto payment.
Here's how it works: You only pay once you've passed the course. That's right, they're so confident in the course and your ability to ace it that they don't ask for payment upfront. You pass the course, you make the payment – simple as that!
And here's the cherry on top: there are no additional fees or costs associated with registering with ABSOLUTE Education. No hidden charges, no sneaky add-ons, nothing. Just straightforward, transparent pricing.
So there you have it – the registration and payment process is as straightforward and hassle-free as it gets. So why wait? With such flexibility, convenience, and affordability, there's never been a better time to become an owner builder in Queensland. Register today and take the first step towards building your dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive help during the assessment?
ABSOLUTELY! You can access instant pop-up help boxes during your assessment, and the friendly assessors are just an email, phone call, or text message away.
Do I need any prior experience or qualifications to take the Owner Builder Course?
No, you do not need any prior experience or qualifications to register for the Owner Builder Course in Queensland. The course is designed to provide you with all the knowledge and skills you'll need.
What if I fail the assessment?
Don't worry! If you don't pass the assessment on your first try, you can retake it as many times as you need to pass. ABSOLUTE Education is committed to ensuring that every student succeeds.
Can I take the course on my smartphone or tablet?
Absolutely! The course is fully compatible with various devices, including smartphones and tablets. This means you can learn whenever and wherever it suits you best.
Is ABSOLUTE Education accredited?
Yes, ABSOLUTE Education is a Registered Training Organisation (Provider No. 91521) and an approved provider on the QBCC website.
