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Individuals who seek to become an Owner Builder in Western Australia can complete our WAOB01 Western Australian Owner Builder Course to be able to apply and obtain an Owner Builder Permit. The Owner Builder Course itself consists of two main topics:
In addition to the 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), which is a very basic safety course for all individuals who carry out work in the construction industry. Every Owner Builder in WA must also hold a White Card.
If you do not currently hold a White Card, you can register to complete our online White Card + Owner Builder Courses.
If you already hold a White Card that has been issued:
You can complete our White Card + WA Owner Builder Courses 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.
After you have finished our Owner Builder Course, you will need to apply to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety 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 download the application form to obtain an Owner Builder Permit, CLICK HERE
In Western Australia, you need an owner-builder approval from the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) before you can apply for a building permit, when the estimated value of your building work exceeds $20,000 (labour and materials combined). For Class 10a buildings such as sheds, carports and private garages, the threshold increased to $50,000 from 1 July 2026.
To be eligible, you must:
Owner-builder work covered includes constructing a detached dwelling (including a granny flat), additions and alterations to an existing free-standing dwelling, non-habitable buildings such as private garages, carports and sheds, and small commercial buildings (limited to two storeys and 500m² of floor area). As an owner-builder, you assume the same responsibilities, risks and liabilities as a professional builder.
Important: Only a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like Owner Builder Centre is approved to deliver the WA Owner Builder Course. Beware of unregistered training providers offering the course online.
WA requires sufficient knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of an owner-builder — usually demonstrated by completing an approved course with a Registered Training Organisation like Owner Builder Centre (RTO 91528). 100% online, self-paced, with instant certificate generation.
You must hold a current construction induction card — a White Card or Blue Card — before your approval can be granted.
You will need a Certificate of Title issued within the last 3 months by Landgate (or a contract of purchase dated within 3 months), plus proof that you meet the 6-year rule and the land-use requirements.
Submit your application to LGIRS (Building and Energy). Allow around 6–8 weeks for processing from lodgement — application fees are non-refundable, so make sure you meet the eligibility requirements first.
Once granted, your owner-builder approval gives you 6 months to apply for your building permit.
Before any work starts, apply for a building permit from your local government (your permit authority).
Follow the notification and inspection requirements set by your permit authority and building surveyor throughout construction to keep your build compliant.
The WA Owner Builder Course (course code WAOB01) is the approved training that demonstrates you have sufficient knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of an owner-builder in Western Australia. It consists of two main topics, delivered entirely online through our advanced learning platform, and you can complete it at your own pace.
The course consists of two main topics:
In addition to the Owner Builder Course, every owner builder in WA must also hold a White Card (construction induction training — CPCWHS1001), which you can complete with us in any order before applying for your approval.
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.
Every owner-builder in Western Australia must hold a current construction induction card — a White Card or Blue Card — before owner-builder approval can be granted. This is a mandatory requirement under WA workplace safety legislation for anyone carrying out or supervising construction work.
Already hold a card?
You can complete both courses through Owner Builder Centre. The order in which you complete them does not matter — both must be completed before applying for your owner-builder approval.
Enrol in our White Card + WA Owner Builder Course bundle for $364 — save compared to enrolling separately.
Owner Builder Centre (RTO 91528) has been helping WA homeowners become owner builders since 2010. Here is what sets us apart:
With thousands of course reviews from owner builders across Australia, we are committed to making your owner builder journey as smooth as possible.
You need owner-builder approval before applying for a building permit when the estimated value of your building work exceeds $20,000 (labour and materials). For Class 10a buildings such as sheds, carports and private garages, the threshold is $50,000 (increased from $20,000 on 1 July 2026).
Approval generally takes around 6–8 weeks from lodgement, and application fees are non-refundable. It is worth factoring this lead time into your project schedule before you commit to dates with trades or suppliers.
Once your owner-builder approval is granted, you have 6 months to apply to your local government for a building permit. Work must not start until the building permit has been issued.
You cannot be granted a building permit as an owner-builder if you have held one within the last 6 years, unless you apply to waive that requirement and the waiver is granted. The waiver process is assessed case by case.
Yes — if the work relates to a detached house, you must intend to live in the property when the work is completed, and there must be no immediate intention to rent or sell the property.
No. Owner-builder approvals are only granted to individuals. Companies, trusts and other corporate entities must use a registered building contractor.
The WA Owner Builder Course costs $238 (excluding White Card). The White Card + WA Owner Builder Course bundle costs $364. These prices include all course materials, assessment, and instant certificate generation.
Yes. Owner Builder Centre delivers the WA 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.
