What is commercial building work?
This guide explains the typical tasks for commercial building work. If you are asked to an assessment interview, some of your interview questions will be based on this information.
A person registered as a Commercial Builder is responsible for managing and arranging the carrying out of all components of building work for the construction of commercial buildings and structures (class 2–9 buildings and structures, and class 10b buildings not associated with a domestic building, as classified by the Building Code of Australia), or classes of that work, such as:
- structural fit-out work
- non-structural fit-out work
- structural landscaping work
- construction of shade structures work
- the erection of signs work.
'Building work' means work for or connected to the construction of a building. 'Construct', in relation to a building, includes:
- build, re-build, erect or re-erect the building
- repair the building
- alter the building
- enlarge or extend the building
- place or relocate the building on land.
General activities all registered practitioners need to know and do
A registered Commercial Builder must have capacity to undertake the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:
- arrange inspections and certification of building work
- plan, manage and coordinate building projects, including:
- apply for a building permit for proposed building work
- develop and manage progress schedules
- establish and manage budgets
- interpret and follow plans, drawings and specifications
- manage occupational health and safety
- prepare cost estimates and responses to tender
- select and manage subcontractors and relevant trades
- select, prepare and manage contracts.
Commercial Builder classes and knowledge requirements
Select a class below to find out the work it involves and the knowledge you need to demonstrate to become registered in that class. This includes qualifications and units of competency, where relevant.
A person registered in the class of Commercial Builder (unlimited) is responsible for managing or arranging the carrying out of all components of building work for the construction of commercial buildings and structures of unlimited height and floor size, when a building permit is required. The work permitted includes structural and non-structural fit-out and structural landscaping.
As well as the general activities listed above, the person must also have capacity to undertake the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:
- manage and arrange the carrying out of building work, including:
- construct footings, slab systems and underpinning
- install external cladding and glazing
- install services
- plan site preliminaries and establish the construction site
- undertake damp proofing and waterproofing
- undertake partial demolition, protection works, earthworks/excavations
- undertake steel erection and framing
- undertake structural and non-structural fit-out.
Knowledge requirements
If you are applying to be registered as a Commercial Builder (unlimited) and you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications, you will satisfy the knowledge requirements for registration:
- Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics from Holmesglen Institute
- Bachelor of Building (Construction Management) from Victoria University
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) from RMIT University
- Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) from Deakin University
- Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC60212 or CPC60220).
This limited class of building work is limited to the construction of commercial buildings and structures:
- up to 15 metres in height, and
- with bulk excavations up to a depth of 3 metres.
The work permitted on these buildings includes structural and non-structural fit-out work and structural landscaping associated with those buildings.
As well as the general activities listed above, the person must also have capacity to undertake the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:
- manage and arrange the carrying out of building work, including:
- construct footings, slab systems and underpinning
- install external cladding and glazing
- install services
- plan site preliminaries and establish the construction site
- undertake damp proofing and waterproofing
- undertake partial demolition, protection works, earthworks/excavations
- undertake steel erection and framing
- undertake structural and non-structural fit-out.
Knowledge requirements
If you are applying to be registered as a Commercial Builder (limited to the construction of low rise buildings) and you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications, you will satisfy the knowledge requirements for registration:
- Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics from Holmesglen Institute
- Bachelor of Building (Construction Management) from Victoria University
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) from RMIT University
- Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) from Deakin University
- Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220 or CPC50210), including the following units of competency:
- Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for large building projects (CPCCBC6001B or CPCCBC6001); and
- Apply structural principles to the construction of large, high rise and complex buildings (CPCCBC6014A or CPCCBC6014A).
This limited class of building work is limited to the construction of commercial buildings and structures:
- up to 25 metres in height, and
- bulk excavations up to a depth of 8 metres.
The work permitted includes structural and non-structural fit out work for buildings up to 25 metres in height, and structural landscaping associated with those buildings.
As well as the general activities listed above, the person must also have capacity to undertake the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:
- manage and arrange the carrying out of building work, including:
- construct footings, slab systems and underpinning
- install external cladding and glazing
- install services
- plan site preliminaries and establish the construction site
- undertake damp proofing and waterproofing
- undertake partial demolition, protection works, earthworks/ excavations
- undertake steel erection and framing
- undertake structural and non-structural fit-out.
Knowledge requirements
If you are applying to be registered as a Commercial Builder (limited to the construction of medium rise buildings) and you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications, you will satisfy the knowledge requirements for registration:
- Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics from Holmesglen Institute
- Bachelor of Building (Construction Management) from Victoria University
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) from RMIT University
- Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) from Deakin University
- Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC60220).
This class of building work is limited to the internal fit-out of newly constructed or existing commercial buildings/structures of unlimited height and floor area, which affects how the building/structure complies with the NCC, particularly essential safety measures, where the building work cannot be carried out unless a building permit has been issued.
This building work typically includes the construction and installation of shop fronts, commercial entries, partitions, cabinets, joinery, and glazing, flooring and finishes associated with commercial buildings/structures (typically retail shops, shopping centres and offices).
It does not include fit-out work that affects the existing load bearing or structural elements and fixtures of the building/structure.
As well as the general activities listed above, the person must also have capacity to undertake the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:
- manage and arrange the carrying out of building work, including:
- assemble and install joinery components and internal stairs
- install glazing, floor coverings and finishes, and floor and wall tiling
- set out, fabricate and assemble cabinets, showcases, wall units, counters and work stations
- set out, fabricate and assemble non- load bearing shop fronts, entries, framing, internal linings and curtain framing.
Knowledge requirements
If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications, you will satisfy the knowledge requirements for registration in this class of building work:
- Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30211 or CPC30220)
- Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery (CPC32011)
- Certificate III in Shopfitting (CPC30116 or CPC30120).
The units of competency required for this class of building work include:
- Arrange building applications and approvals (CPCCBC4026A or CPCCBC4026)
- Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies (CPCCWHS3001 or CPCWHS3001)
- Select and prepare a construction contract (CPCCBC4003A) or Select, prepare and administer a construction contract (CPCCBC4003)
- Produce labour and material schedules for ordering (CPCCBC4005A or CPCCBC4005).
his class of building work is limited to the erection of structural steel for commercial buildings/structures that has been designed and fabricated for erection on site. Structural steel members are generally used for portal and other frames, and columns, beams, rafters, purlins, girts and bracings.
As well as the general activities listed above, the person must also have capacity to undertake the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:
- manage and arrange the carrying out of building work, including:
- ensure appropriately skilled and/or licensed operators undertake the work
- identify and plan suitable methods to be used to erect structural steel components
- install external cladding
- plan and implement the sequence of work for steel erection, including requirements for plant and equipment
- plan site preliminaries and establish the construction site.
Knowledge requirements
If you have successfully completed the following qualification, you will satisfy the knowledge requirements for registration in this class of building work:
- Certificate in Rigging (CPC30711), including the below units of competency:
- Arrange building applications and approvals (CPCCBC4026A or CPCCBC4026)
- Apply structural principles to commercial low-rise constructions (CPCCBC4011B) or Apply structural principles to residential and commercial constructions (CPCCBC4010)
- Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies (CPCCWHS3001 or CPCWHS3001)
- Perform advanced structural steel erection (CPCCRI3014A or CPCCRI3014)
- Produce labour and material schedules for ordering (CPCCBC4005A or CPCCBC4005)
- Select and prepare a construction contract (CPCCBC4003A) or Select, prepare and administer a construction contract (CPCCBC4003).
This class of building work is limited to the fit-out of newly constructed or existing commercial buildings/structures of unlimited height and floor area, which affects:
- the existing load bearing or structural elements and fixtures of the building/structure, or
- how the building/structure complies with the National Construction Code (NCC), particularly essential safety measures.
This building work typically includes the construction and installation of shop fronts, commercial entries, partitions, cabinets, joinery, and glazing, flooring and finishes associated with commercial buildings/ structures (typically retail shops, shopping centres and offices). This class of building work also includes the installation of external cladding to newly constructed or existing commercial buildings.
As well as the general activities listed above, the person must also have capacity to undertake the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:
- manage and arrange the carrying out of building work, including:
- assemble and install joinery components and stairs
- construct and erect load-bearing wall and ceiling framing, and install internal linings, partition frames and curtain walling
- construct mezzanine floors and alter floor penetrations
- install external cladding for structural and non-structural applications
- install glazing, floor coverings and finishes, and floor and wall tiling
- plan site preliminaries and establish the construction site
- set out, fabricate and assemble cabinets, showcases, wall units, counters and workstations
- set out, fabricate and assemble load-bearing and non-load bearing shop fronts, entries and component fittings
- undertake partial demolition.
Applicants for this class must have experience in carrying out this work across a range of building heights, including buildings above 25m in height.
If your experience is limited in building heights, you may apply for one of the following conditions:
- CB-L (Structural Fit-outs) – buildings of up to 15m in height, or
- CB-L (Structural Fit-outs) – buildings of up to 25m in height
Knowledge requirements
If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications, you will satisfy the knowledge requirements for registration in this class of building work:
- Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30211 or CPC30220)
- Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery (CPC32011)
- Certificate III in Shopfitting (CPC30116 or CPC30120).
The units of competency required for this class of building work include:
- Arrange building applications and approvals (CPCCBC4026A or CPCCBC4026)
- Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies (CPCCWHS3001 or CPCWHS3001)
- Select and prepare a construction contract (CPCCBC4003A) or Select, prepare and administer a construction contract (CPCCBC4003)
- Produce labour and material schedules for ordering (CPCCBC4005A or CPCCBC4005).
This class of building work is limited to the construction and installation of a range of external non-residential landscape features, where the building work requires a building permit.
As well as the general activities listed above, the person must also have the capacity to undertake the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:
- manage and arrange the carrying out of building work, including:
- plan site preliminaries and establish construction site
- undertake earthworks and excavation works
- install footings and slabs
- construct structural landscaping elements, including:
- arrange inspections and certification of building work
- driveways, walkways and paths, and other paving of any material
- external stairs and ramps
- gates and fences (excluding swimming pool and spa safety barriers)
- ornamental ponds, water features and structural ornamentation
- pergolas, cabanas and decks
- retaining walls that do not form part of a building.
Knowledge requirements
If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications, you will satisfy the knowledge requirements for registration in this class of building work:
- Diploma of Landscape Design (AHC50616 or AHC50621)
- Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30916 or AHC30921)
The units of competency required for this class of building work include:
- Arrange building applications and approvals (CPCCBC4026A or CPCCBC4026)
- Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies (CPCCWHS3001 or CPCWHS3001)
- Produce labour and material schedules for ordering (CPCCBC4005A or CPCCBC4005)
- Select and prepare a construction contract (CPCCBC4003A) or Select, prepare and administer a construction contract (CPCCBC4003).
This class of building work is limited to the construction of a non-residential open structure normally used for protection from sun or light rain, where the building work requires a building permit. Typically, a shade structure consists of posts, anchoring mechanisms and a roof covering made of fabric, PVC or other suitable outdoor material.
As well as the general activities listed above, the person must also have the capacity to undertake the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:
- manage and arrange the carrying out of building work, including:
- arrange inspections and certification of work
- erect frames
- excavate site and install footings
- install anchoring mechanisms and secure roof coverings
- plan site preliminaries and establish construction site.
Knowledge requirements
If you have successfully completed the following qualification, you will satisfy the knowledge requirements for registration in this class of building work:
- A Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30211 or CPC30220) including the following units of competency:
- Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies (CPCCWHS3001 or CPCWHS3001)
- Select and prepare a construction contract (CPCCBC4003A) or Select, prepare and administer a construction contract (CPCCBC4003)
- Produce labour and material schedules for ordering (CPCCBC4005A or CPCCBC4005)
- Arrange building applications and approvals (CPCCBC4026A or CPCCBC4026).
This class of building work is limited to the installation or erection of pre-fabricated signs, either associated with commercial buildings/structures, or independently supported, where the building work requires a building permit. This building work includes:
- the preparation of substrates
- the erection of signs attached to structures using appropriate fixings and fastenings.
As well as the general activities listed above, the person must also have the capacity to undertake the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:
- manage and arrange the carrying out of building work, including:
- excavate site and install of footings
- install or erect signs using suitable fastening and fixings.
- plan site preliminaries and establish the construction site
- prepare substrates.
Knowledge requirements
If you have successfully completed the following required units of competency, you will satisfy the knowledge required for registration in this class of building work:
- Apply basic levelling procedures (CPCCCM2006)
- Arrange building applications and approvals (CPCCBC4026A or CPCCBC4026)
- Carry out concreting to simple forms (CPCCCO2013A or CPCCCO2013)
- Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding (CPCCCM2008B or CPCCCM2008)
- Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies (CPCCWHS3001 or CPCCWHS3001)
- Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres (CPCCCM3001)
- Produce labour and material schedules for ordering (CPCCBC4005A or CPCCBC4005)
- Read and interpret plans and specifications (CPCCBC4012B or CPCCBC4012)
- Select and prepare a construction contract (CPCCBC4003A) or Select, prepare and administer a construction contract (CPCCBC4003)
- Work safely around power sources, services and assets (CPCCCM3003) or Work safely around electrical sources, services and assets (CPCCCM3003)
- Work safely on scaffolding higher than 2 metres (CPCCCM2010).
This class of building work is limited to the on-site assembly and installation of pre-fabricated blinds and awnings to the exterior of commercial buildings/structures, where the building work requires a building permit.
As well as the general activities listed above, the person must also have the capacity to undertake the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:
- manage and arrange the carrying out of building work, including:
- install blinds and awnings safely and securely
- test operation and rectify faults.
Knowledge requirements
If you have successfully completed the following qualification, you will satisfy the knowledge requirements for registration in this class of building work:
- Certificate in blinds, awnings, security screens and grilles (MSF30913 or MSF30919), including the following units of competency:
- Arrange building applications and approvals (CPCCBC4026A or CPCCBC4026)
- Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies (CPCCWHS3001 or CPCWHS3001)
- Install exterior blinds and awnings (MSFBA3002) or Install awnings (MSFBA3016)
- Install metal structures and features (AHCLSC308)
- Perform minor maintenance (MSTGN2005)
- Produce labour and material schedules for ordering (CPCCBC4005A or CPCCBC4005A)
- Read and interpret plans and specifications (CPCCBC4012B or CPCCBC4012)
- Select and prepare a construction contract (CPCCBC4003A) or Select, prepare and administer a construction contract (CPCCBC4003).
This class of building work is limited to the selection, application, installation and repair of waterproofing membranes or systems that may be applied to the interior, exterior, below ground and remedial areas of a building. The purpose of waterproofing is to prevent the ingress of moisture into the building interior.
As well as the general activities listed above, the person must also have capacity to undertake the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:
- manage and arrange the carrying out of building work, including:
- prepare a range of different surfaces for waterproofing
- report or rectify faults or damage in surfaces before applying a waterproofing system
- select and apply appropriate waterproofing systems to above and below ground external wet areas, and internal wet areas, including basements, balconies and roofs
- identify and rectify faults in damp proofing and waterproofing methods.
Knowledge requirements
If you have successfully completed the following qualification, you will satisfy all the knowledge requirements for registration in this class of building work:
- Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing (CPC31411 or CPC31420), including the following units of competency:
- Arrange building applications and approvals (CPCCBC4026A or CPCCBC4026)
- Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies (CPCCWHS3001 or CPCWHS3001)
- Produce labour and material schedules for ordering (CPCCBC4005A or CPCCBC4005)
- Select and prepare a construction contract (CPCCBC4003A) or Select, prepare and administer a construction contract (CPCCBC4003).
What experience do you need to demonstrate?
Commercial Builder (unlimited)
You must demonstrate that you have at least three years of relevant practical experience in:
- planning, managing and coordinating building projects
- managing, carrying out or arranging commercial building work.
This experience must include the construction of buildings higher than 25 metres.
Commercial Builder (limited to the construction of medium rise building work)
You must demonstrate that you have at least three years of relevant practical experience in:
- planning, managing and coordinating building projects
- managing, carrying out or arranging commercial building work.
This experience must include the construction of buildings up to 25 metres in height, and with bulk excavations up to a depth of 8 metres
Commercial Builder (limited to the construction of low rise building work)
You must demonstrate that you have at least three years of relevant practical experience in:
- planning, managing and coordinating building projects
- managing, carrying out or arranging commercial building work.
This experience must include the construction of buildings up to 15 metres in height, and with bulk excavations up to a depth of 3 metres.
Commercial Builder (limited)
You must demonstrate that you have adequate knowledge and experience to construct the components of building work in which you seek to be registered. You must have at least two years of relevant practical experience in the limited class of commercial building you seek registration in.
How to apply
To find out how to apply, return to the Building Practitioner registration page.