Your First Step into a Career in Construction
The Certificate I in Construction (CPC10120) is the ideal entry point for anyone ready to launch a career in the building and construction industry. Designed to give you a solid foundation, this course covers essential skills, workplace knowledge, and safety practices required to work confidently on construction sites.
You’ll learn from trade-qualified trainers with real industry experience, gaining practical insights and hands-on guidance throughout your training.
Course Delivery
Face-to-Face training
Course Duration
3 months
Course Outcome
Locations
17+ training centres across Queensland and Western Australia
Course Fee
Fees vary depending on location (see table below)
Afterpay available
Funding
VETiS Funding Available
Career Start funding available (QLD) - $30 or $50 only if eligible
Certificate I in Construction - Course Information
The Certificate I in Construction (CPC10120) provides the hands-on skills and knowledge you need to begin your career in the building industry. You’ll learn how to work safely, use tools and equipment, and gain practical experience through a basic construction project that reflects real workplace tasks.
As a nationally recognised qualification from the CPC Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package, this course is an excellent pathway into apprenticeships, further study, or entry-level construction roles. Many graduates move into trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, painting and decorating, or wall and floor tiling, while others start out as trades assistants - building valuable experience and career opportunities in the industry.
Course delivery and assessment
The Certificate I in Construction is a face-to-face course designed to provide you with real-world, relatable scenarios to set you up for the future. This course can take up to 3 months to complete. Learning is practical and career-focused, with assessments based on real workplace scenarios. This competency-based approach ensures you don’t just learn the theory - you’ll be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to confidently work on a construction site.
What You’ll Study
The Certificate I in Construction is a nationally-recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). On successful completion, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment for the following 11 accredited units of competency:
Core Units - Eight (8)
CPCCOM1012 - Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
CPCCOM1013 - Plan and organise work
CPCCOM1014 - Conduct workplace communication
CPCCCM2004 - Handle construction materials
CPCCCM2005 - Use construction tools and equipment
CPCCCM1012 - Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
CPCCOM1013 - Plan and organise work
CPCWHS1001 - Prepare to work safely in the construction industry (White Card)
Elective Units - Select Three (3)*
CPCCCA1011 - Undertake basic estimation and costing
CPCCCM1015 - Carry out measurements and calculations
CPCCCM2006 - Apply basic levelling procedures
CPCCCM2012 - Work safely at heights
CPCCCO2013 - Carry out concreting to simple forms
CPCCSC2002 - Erect and dismantle basic scaffolding
CPCCSF2004 - Place and fix reinforcement materials
Elective units to be confirmed at time of enrolment.
*Elective units may change depending on delivery location and individual requirements.
Career pathways
Graduates of this course can pursue entry-level roles or further study leading to careers such as:
Construction Trades Worker/Offsider - supporting skilled tradespeople on building and infrastructure projects
Construction Apprentice - starting a trade career while gaining hands-on experience on-site
Construction and Mining Labourer / Operator - assisting with manual and plant-based work on construction or mining sites
Site Support Worker - helping with logistics, materials handling, and site setup
Plant or Equipment Operator - operating machinery used in construction, civil works, or mining environments
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to enrol in this course; however, students should have:
basic computer skills and access to the internet
sufficient language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills to complete assessments, and;
A valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) - mandatory for all nationally recognised training. If you don't already have a USI, you can apply for one online at www.usi.gov.au, or we can apply for one for you.
Support when you need it
Throughout the duration of your course, you can access experienced industry professionals and support staff to guide you through the program. Our trainers are dedicated to helping you succeed and will be available to answer your questions and provide feedback on your progress. They will provide you with the guidance and support you need to fully understand the course material, as well as offer suggestions for further learning opportunities.
Related Courses to Further Your Career
Funding is Available For this Course
This course is approved under Career Start, the Queensland Government’s training initiative replacing the Certificate III Guarantee (effective 1 July 2025). Career Start provides eligible Queenslanders with government-subsidised training to help them begin a Certificate III qualification, and potentially an apprenticeship or traineeship, selected from priority or emerging industries. Check your eligibility or contact us for more information.
Career Start Fees for eligible students are:
Concessional Student - $30.00
Non-Concessional Student - $50.00
VETiS Funding - this course is eligible for VETiS (Vocational Education and Training in Schools) funding, which provides eligible secondary school students with the opportunity to undertake nationally-recognised training at little or no cost. VETiS funding helps students gain practical skills and qualifications while completing their senior secondary studies, giving them a head start in rural and agricultural industries.
“Completing the Certificate I in Construction gave me the confidence and hands-on skills I needed to get my first job on a worksite. The trainers were supportive, and the practical training really prepared me for real work.”
Course FAQs
The Certificate I in Construction course fee varies depending on funding eligibility.
The Certificate I in Construction course is approved under Career Start, the Queensland Government’s training initiative replacing the Certificate III Guarantee (effective 1 July 2025). Career Start provides eligible Queenslanders with government-subsidised training to help them begin a Certificate III qualification, and potentially an apprenticeship or traineeship, selected from priority or emerging industries. You may also be eligible for VETiS and CSQ funding. Please view the funding information section further up this page for more information.
You have up to 12 months to complete the Certificate I in Construction (CPC10120) course.
There are no formal entry requirements. However, students will need:
Basic computer skills and internet access (for enrolment and communication)
Sufficient language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) skills to complete assessments
A valid Unique Student Identifier (USI). If you don’t have one, you can apply at usi.gov.au or we can assist.
Your SOA will be issued within 3-5 business days of successfully completing the course and receiving payment.
Our friendly support team is here to help. Contact us for course advice, enrolment support, or guidance during your training.
1300 248 457 or email info@civilsafety.edu.au
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