Is the QLD Owner Builder Course recognised?

Yes. Owner Builder Centre is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 91528), and the course meets QBCC requirements for an owner-builder permit.

Do I need an Owner Builder permit in QLD?

Yes. If you are building in Queensland and the work is valued over $11,000, you need an owner-builder permit from the QBCC.

Can I bundle the White Card with the QLD course?

Yes. We offer a QLD Owner Builder Course + White Card bundle at a discounted price. Both courses are completed online.

Register for our Course and receive:

PRIORITY course assessment for every student
Online course certificate generated INSTANTLY
OWNER BUILDER INSURANCE with ZERO Brokerage Fees – Let us help you protect yourself
FREE Building Contracts to use on your project
FREE Work Health and Safety Documents for your project
See THOUSANDS of Course Reviews below from our Owner Builders Australia wide

QLD Owner
Builder Course
$238

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White Card +
QLD Owner Builder Course
$416

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QLD Owner Builder Course Online

What is the Owner Builder Course?

The QLD Owner Builder Course is the mandatory course that all individuals must complete prior to being eligible to apply for a QLD Owner Builder Permit (unless an exemption applies).

IMPORTANT: Only a Registered Training Organisation like us is approved to deliver the QLD Owner Builder Course – beware of UNREGISTERED training providers offering the course online.

In addition to the QLD Owner Builder Course, you will also need to complete a White Card Course(known as the unit CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry), and this is a very basic safety course for all individuals who carry out work in the construction industry. Every Owner Builder in QLD who is to perform and / or supervise construction work must also hold a White Card, and it does not matter in which order these two courses are completed in.

If you do not currently hold a White Card, you can complete our White Card Course as well our online Owner Builder Course.

If you already hold a White Card that has been issued:

less than 2 years ago, you will be able to commence our Owner Builder Course without again having to complete the White Card Course
2 or more years ago, and you have not been working in the construction industry, you will need to register and complete a current White Card Course.

What does the course consist of?

The QLD Owner Builder Course consists of three main topics:

Intro to Owner Building (including general Statutory Requirements)
Drawings and Specifications
Project Management

You can complete our QLD Owner Builder Course with us through our advanced online course platform.

We have helped thousands of home owners become Owner Builders since 2010, and our IT consultants have designed our online course software to ensure that it is the most user friendly on the training market.

Applying for an Owner Builder Permit

After you have finished our Owner Builder Course, you will need to apply to the QLD Building and Construction Commission for an Owner Builder Permit. In addition to the application form, you will also need to present copies of any certificates we issue you.

Permit Application Form – to apply for a QLD Owner Builder Permit, CLICK HERE

QLD Owner Builder Permit: Eligibility & Requirements

In Queensland, you need an Owner Builder Permit from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) if you want to undertake or supervise building work valued at more than $11,000 (including GST) on your own home. The $11,000 threshold applies to the total value of the building work, including both labour and materials.

To be eligible for a QLD Owner Builder Permit, you must:

Be at least 18 years of age
Be the owner of the land (or have a prescribed interest in the property)
Complete an approved Owner Builder Course from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like Owner Builder Centre (RTO 91528)
Hold a current White Card (General Construction Induction Training – CPCWHS1001)
Not have held an Owner Builder Permit in the previous 6 years (unless applying for a waiver)

Owner builder discussing permit eligibility with a licensed builder

The permit applies to residential building work on a single dwelling, including new construction, renovations, extensions, and additions. It does not apply to commercial buildings or multiple dwellings on the same site.

Important: Only a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like Owner Builder Centre is approved to deliver the QLD Owner Builder Course. Beware of unregistered training providers offering the course online.

Source: QBCC – Apply for an Owner-builder permit

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your QLD Owner Builder Permit

Complete an Owner Builder Course

Enrol with a Registered Training Organisation like Owner Builder Centre (RTO 91528). Our course is 100% online and self-paced, and you receive your certificate instantly upon completion.

Complete a White Card Course

If you don’t already hold a current White Card (CPCWHS1001), you’ll need to complete this basic construction safety course. You can bundle this with your Owner Builder Course through OBC.

Gather Your Documentation

You’ll need: proof of identity (driver’s licence, passport, or proof of age card), proof of land ownership, your Owner Builder Course certificate, and your White Card.

Apply Through the QBCC

Submit your Owner Builder Permit application through the QBCC. The application can be lodged online through the myQBCC portal or by contacting QBCC directly.

Pay the Permit Fee

The QBCC charges a fee for processing your Owner Builder Permit application. Check the QBCC website for current fee schedules.

Receive Your Permit

Once approved, your Owner Builder Permit allows you to undertake or supervise the building work specified on your permit.

Get Building Approval Before Work Starts

If your local council has already granted development approval (planning) for your project, you still need building development approval — a building permit — before construction can commence. This is issued by a licensed building certifier, who also inspects the work at mandatory stages.

Source: QBCC – Apply for an Owner-builder permit

What Does the QLD Owner Builder Course Cover?

QLD Owner Builder Course online training

The QLD Owner Builder Course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage your own building project. The course is delivered entirely online through our advanced learning platform, and you can complete it at your own pace.

The course consists of three main modules:

Intro to Owner Building — Understanding statutory requirements, your legal obligations as an owner builder, the QBCC framework, and the responsibilities of taking on the builder’s role.
Drawings and Specifications — Reading and interpreting construction drawings and job specifications, recognising amendments, symbols and abbreviations, and locating key features on a site plan.
Project Management — Construction planning and the stages of construction, costing and estimating (materials control, trade orders, quotations and cash flow), project scheduling, communication and negotiation, and project administration on site.

Our course is designed to be the most user-friendly on the market. We have helped thousands of homeowners become owner builders since 2010, and our IT consultants have designed the online platform to make learning straightforward and efficient.

White Card Requirements for QLD Owner Builders

Every owner builder in Queensland who performs or supervises construction work must hold a White Card (General Construction Induction Training – unit CPCWHS1001). This is a mandatory requirement under Queensland workplace health and safety legislation.

Already hold a White Card?

If your White Card was issued less than 2 years ago, you can proceed directly with the Owner Builder Course without needing to redo your White Card.
If your White Card was issued 2 or more years ago and you have not been working in the construction industry, you will need to complete a current White Card Course in addition to the Owner Builder Course.

You can complete both courses through Owner Builder Centre. The order in which you complete the White Card and Owner Builder Course does not matter — both must be completed before applying for your permit.

Bundle and Save

Enrol in our White Card + QLD Owner Builder Course bundle for $416 — save compared to enrolling separately.

Enrol Now — $416

Why Choose Owner Builder Centre?

Owner Builder Centre (RTO 91528) has been helping Queensland homeowners become owner builders since 2010. Here is what sets us apart:

Priority course assessment — Every student receives priority assessment, so you are not waiting around for your certificate.
Instant online certification — Your course certificate is generated instantly upon successful completion. No delays.
Owner Builder Insurance with ZERO Brokerage Fees — We connect you with competitive insurance through our alliance partner, with no broker fees.
FREE Building Contracts — We provide building contract templates for your project at no additional cost.
FREE Work Health and Safety Documents — Essential WHS documents included with your course.
FREE Legal Assistance — Access to legal guidance for your owner builder project.
Most user-friendly course platform in Australia — Our IT consultants have designed our online learning system to be the most intuitive on the market.

With thousands of course reviews from owner builders across Australia, we are committed to making your owner builder journey as smooth as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the $11,000 threshold for a QLD Owner Builder Permit? +

In Queensland, you need an Owner Builder Permit from the QBCC if the total value of your building work (including labour and materials) exceeds $11,000 (including GST). This threshold is set by the QBCC and may be indexed periodically. If your project is below this threshold, you generally do not need a permit.

How long does the QLD Owner Builder Course take to complete? +

Most students complete the online course within 3 to 8 hours, depending on your prior construction knowledge and experience. Because the course is self-paced, you can complete it in a single day or spread it over several sessions — it is entirely up to you.

Can I do the Owner Builder Course online? +

Yes. Owner Builder Centre delivers the QLD Owner Builder Course 100% online through our advanced learning platform. You can complete the course on your computer or tablet, submit assessments online, and receive your certificate instantly upon successful completion.

Do I need a White Card before enrolling in the course? +

No, you can complete the courses in either order. However, both the Owner Builder Course and White Card must be completed before you apply for your Owner Builder Permit through the QBCC. If you do not already hold a White Card, you can bundle it with your Owner Builder Course for a discounted price.

How much does the QLD Owner Builder Course cost? +

The QLD Owner Builder Course costs $238 (excluding White Card). The White Card + QLD Owner Builder Course bundle costs $416. These prices include all course materials, assessment, and instant certificate generation.

Where do I apply for my Owner Builder Permit after completing the course? +

After completing the course, you apply to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). You will need to submit an application through the QBCC portal, providing your course certificate, White Card, proof of identity, and proof of land ownership.

Can I get a refund if I am not eligible for a permit? +

We recommend checking your eligibility with the QBCC before enrolling. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for our refund policy.

What if I already hold a builder’s licence or trade qualification? +

If you hold a current QBCC licence or have equivalent qualifications, you may be exempt from the Owner Builder Course requirement. Contact the QBCC directly to confirm your exemption eligibility before enrolling.