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Home  ›  Owner Builder Training  ›  ACT Owner Builder 

Reviewed by Warwick Smith • 10 Mar 2026

ACCESS Canberra Approved

ACT Owner Builder Online Course – Access Canberra Approved

Complete your approved owner builder education course online and apply for your ACT owner builder licence through Access Canberra. Self-paced, $179, and trusted by owner builders across the territory since 2007.

🎓 Course developed by Dominic Ogburn, Licensed NSW Builder, Minister's Award Winner

What is the ACT owner builder course and who needs it?

If you want to manage your own residential building project in the ACT, you need an owner builder licence from Access Canberra. To get one, you must first complete an approved education course. ABE Education's ACT Owner Builder Course is approved by Access Canberra and prepares you to apply with confidence — 100% online, self-paced, and $179.

The licence is issued under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 and administered by the Construction Occupations Registrar within Access Canberra. It applies to residential building work on your own home only — not commercial properties or work for other people.

Quick Facts

Duration
Self-paced (no deadline) • Approximately 8 hours
Format
100% online
Cost
$179.00
Certificate
Certificate of Completion
Training Provider
ABE Education
Approved By
Access Canberra
 ABE Education is listed on ACT Government resources as a provider of approved Owner-Builder licence courses.
Verify on ACT Government website.
Last verified: 10 March 2026

What does an ACT owner builder licence allow you to do?

An ACT owner builder licence lets you carry out residential building work (other than specialist building work) on a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 10a building that is, or will be, your main home or ancillary to it. It does not cover specialist work such as demolition, swimming pool construction, or building for someone else.
You take on the same legal obligations as a licensed builder. That means ensuring all work complies with the Building Act 2004, appointing a private building certifier, obtaining building approval before work starts, and managing contractors and site safety throughout the project.
Source: Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 • Building Act 2004

Do I need a White Card and other safety training too?

Yes. Before you set foot on a construction site, the ACT requires three additional safety qualifications: a White Card, Asbestos Awareness, and Silica Awareness. These are separate to the owner builder course and delivered by AlertForce (RTO 91826) through ABE Education.
See the mandatory training requirements  for White Card, Asbestos, and Silica course details.

Ready to start your owner builder journey?

Get instant access to every module and start working towards your licence today.
✓ Access Canberra Approved • 31,000+ Students • Since 2007
100% online • Self-paced • Access Canberra approved

How does the ACT owner builder course work?

The course is 100% online and entirely self-paced. You enrol, work through the modules on any device, complete the online assessment, and receive your Certificate of Completion straight away. Then you apply for your owner builder licence through Access Canberra.
No classroom. No set schedule. No deadline. Work through the material when it suits you — mornings, evenings, or weekends. Your progress saves automatically, so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
STEP 1 of 5

Enrol online and get instant access

Register on the ABE Education platform and pay the course fee of $179. You'll get immediate access to all course materials on any device — phone, tablet, or computer.
STEP 2 of 5

Work through the course at your own pace

The course follows the same sequence most owner builders face on a real project, from planning through to completion. Active links to government websites are included throughout so you're always working with current legislation and guidance.
STEP 3 of 5

Complete the assessment

Answer the assessment questions online. The course is designed so that if you've read the material, you'll pass.
STEP 4 of 5

Receive your certificate

Once you pass, ABE Education issues your Certificate of Completion. This certificate meets Access Canberra's requirements for owner builder licence applications.
STEP 5 OF 5

Apply for your owner builder licence

Lodge your application with Access Canberra online or in person. You'll need your certificate, a copy of your building approval (issued by a private certifier), evidence of owner builder insurance, and the application assessment fee.
Looking at other states? View all Owner Builder courses  to find the right one for your location.
Want to know what's covered? See course content   below.

What will you learn?

The course covers the practical and legal knowledge every ACT owner builder needs to manage a residential building project safely and lawfully. You'll work through seven topic areas — from your legal obligations and building approvals through to contracts, insurance, WHS duties, project management, and resolving defects — in the order you'll face them on your build.

Your legal responsibilities

Your obligations as an owner builder under ACT building and WHS legislation.

Building approvals and permits

How to obtain building approval through a private certifier and apply for a commencement notice.

Contracts and procurement

Engaging tradespeople, managing contracts, and your obligations to subcontractors.

Insurance requirements

Workers' compensation, public liability, and extending your house insurance — what you need before work starts.

Work health and safety

Your duties as a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) on a construction site.

Project management

Budgeting, scheduling, and supervising building work from start to finish.

Defects and disputes

Understanding rectification processes and how to resolve issues with contractors.

The content is laid out step by step in the order you'll actually face these issues on your project.
Check the eligibility requirements ↓ below to make sure you qualify before enrolling.

 Who is eligible for an ACT owner builder licence?

Any individual who owns or leases land in the ACT can apply for an owner builder licence, provided they meet the requirements in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration 2024. You'll need a completed education course, building approval from a private certifier, appropriate insurance (including workers' compensation and public liability), and three mandatory safety qualifications.
The ACT has one class of owner builder licence. It authorises building work (other than specialist building work) on a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 10a building under the Building Code of Australia — and only where that building is, or will be, your main home or ancillary to it.
Specialist building work such as demolition or swimming pool construction requires a separate licence. You also cannot use an owner builder licence to build for other people.

What you need before you apply

Before lodging your licence application with Access Canberra, you'll need:
  • Completed owner builder education course — must be completed within five years prior to your application. ABE Education's certificate meets this requirement. (Alternatively, an ACT Class A, B or C Builder's licence or interstate equivalent satisfies this requirement.)
  • Building approval —  Issued by a private building certifier
  • Evidence of insurance — unlike licensed builders, owner builders do not need residential building insurance, but you will need workers' compensation (if engaging workers), public liability, and should consider extending your house insurance for building work.
  • Mandatory safety training — White Card, Asbestos Awareness, and Silica Awareness (see below ↓)
  • Application assessment fee — payable to Access Canberra on lodgement (non-refundable). Note: owner builders do not pay a separate licence term fee
All other lessees of the land where the building work is to be undertaken must authorise your application for an owner builder licence.
Five-year restriction: You cannot be issued an owner builder licence if you have been granted one in the last five years on a different block of land. This restriction does not apply if you are reapplying for the same parcel of land.
Allow at least four weeks for Access Canberra to assess your application. Applications will not be fast-tracked under any circumstances.
Source: Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration 2024 • ACT Planning - Responsibilities • ACT Planning - Construction Licences
Eligibility requirements verified against above sources on 10 March 2026

How much does the course cost?

The ABE Education ACT Owner Builder Course costs $179 — a single payment that covers every module and your Certificate of Completion. There are no hidden fees, no textbooks to buy, and no expiry on access while you're enrolled.

ABE Education ACT Owner Builder Course

$179

Owner builder licence application fee (Access Canberra) 

from $230.82

Licence fee varies by building class and application method ($230.82–$333.00). Most applicants pay $309.07 (Class 1 or 2, online). Owner builders do not pay a separate licence term fee.
Source: Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Fees) Determination 2025 (DI2025-166), effective 1 July 2025.
Government fees verified against above source on 10 March 2026
Government fees are paid separately to Access Canberra and are set by the ACT Government. You'll also need appropriate insurance before work starts — including workers' compensation and public liability. ABE Education can introduce you to a specialist insurance broker at registration.

Mandatory Safety Training — Partner Pricing

You also need three safety qualifications before the ACT Government will issue your owner builder licence. ABE Education has partnered with AlertForce (RTO 91826) to offer these courses at reduced rates — book directly through our partner enrolment form.

CPCWHS1001

White Card

6 hours • Face-to-face •
Runs twice a week
$157
$137
SAVE $20
11084NAT

Asbestos Awareness

4 hours • Webinar or face-to-face •
Runs Weekly
$227
$217
SAVE $10
10830NAT

Silica Awareness

4 hours • Webinar or face-to-face •
Runs daily
$397
$387
SAVE $10

Mandatory safety training delivered by AlertForce (RTO 91826) at partner pricing exclusive to ABE Education students. Prices shown are AlertForce partner rates — savings compared to standard AlertForce pricing. Silica Awareness is generally delivered face-to-face (online via Zoom may be available for remote students). One free reschedule included.

Get started on your ACT owner builder licence

The Access Canberra approved course is ready when you are. Start now, finish on your schedule.
✓ 100% Online • Self-paced • Instant Certificate
Questions? Call us on 02 9798 5000

What mandatory training do ACT owner builders need?

Before starting any construction work, ACT owner builders must hold three accredited safety qualifications: a White Card (CPCWHS1001), Asbestos Awareness (11084NAT), and Silica Awareness (10830NAT). These are required under ACT Work Health and Safety legislation and must be completed through a registered training organisation.
WorkSafe ACT enforces these requirements through regular worksite inspections. Penalties for non-compliance range from on-the-spot fines to prosecution — see each course tab below for specific amounts.
ABE Education partners with AlertForce (RTO 91826) to deliver all three courses. AlertForce is the registered training organisation responsible for training delivery, assessment, and issuing your nationally recognised Statements of Attainment.
White Card
Asbestos Awareness
Silica Awareness

White Card training  — CPCWHS1001

Every worker on an ACT construction site needs a valid General Construction Induction Card — commonly called a White Card. This applies to owner builders as well as tradespeople. You must hold a White Card before setting foot on your site, even if you are only supervising.
The White Card course covers high-risk construction work, hazard identification, WHS legislation, and emergency procedures. Once you complete the course, your RTO issues a Statement of Attainment for CPCWHS1001 — Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry. You then apply to WorkSafe ACT for your physical card.
Important
You have 60 days from completing your course to apply for your White Card. After 60 days your training expires and you will need to retrain. The application fee is $42 (as at 1 July 2025).
penalties
Working on an ACT construction site without a White Card can result in fines of $432 (individual) or $2,160 (body corporate). For employers who allow unlicensed workers, penalties can reach $3,600 (individual) or $18,000 (body corporate).
Source: WorkSafe ACT — Construction Induction Training

Asbestos Awareness — 11084NAT

If your property was built before 2008, asbestos-containing materials are almost certainly present. The ACT has some of the highest rates of loose-fill asbestos insulation in Australia due to the Mr Fluffy contamination program. Before you begin any renovation or demolition work, you need to know how to identify asbestos and manage the risks.
The nationally accredited Asbestos Awareness course teaches you to identify common asbestos products, understand exposure risks, and follow safe work procedures. Your RTO issues a Statement of Attainment for 11084NAT — Course in Asbestos Awareness on completion.
Important
If your property was built before 2008, you must complete asbestos awareness training before starting any renovation or demolition work. Workers who completed training more than three years ago should retrain to stay current with updated regulations.
penalties
Carrying out asbestos work without proper training or controls: on-the-spot fine of up to $6,000 (individual) or $30,000 (body corporate).
Source: WorkSafe ACT — Asbestos

Silica Awareness — 10830NAT

Crystalline silica dust is released when you cut, drill, grind, or polish materials like concrete, brick, stone, and engineered stone. Silicosis — the lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust — is irreversible and can be fatal. WorkSafe ACT requires anyone who works with silica-containing materials to hold a current Statement of Attainment in silica awareness.
The nationally accredited Silica Awareness course covers health risks, exposure limits, dust controls, RPE selection, and air monitoring obligations. Your RTO issues a Statement of Attainment for 10830NAT — Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention on completion
Important
This course is delivered face-to-face by AlertForce. A live Zoom option is available for students who cannot attend in person — check available dates when booking via enrolment link.
penalties
Working with silica-containing materials without proper training or controls: on-the-spot fine of up to $6,000 (individual) or $30,000 (body corporate).
Source: WorkSafe ACT — Silica
ABE Education recruits and markets training on behalf of AlertForce Pty Ltd (RTO 91826). AlertForce Pty Ltd is the Registered Training Organisation responsible for delivering this qualification and issuing certification. All training and assessment is conducted in accordance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2025. AlertForce Pty Ltd can be verified on the national register at training.gov.au.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about the ACT owner builder course and licence.

How long does the ACT owner builder course take?

Yes. The entire course is delivered online. You can complete it on any device — phone, tablet, or computer. There's no classroom component and no requirement to attend in person.

Is the course 100% online?

Yes. The entire course is delivered online. You can complete it on any device — phone, tablet, or computer. There's no classroom component and no requirement to attend in person.

What certificate do I get when I finish?

You receive a Certificate of Completion from ABE Education. This certificate meets Access Canberra's requirements for owner builder licence applications.

How do I apply for my owner builder licence after completing the course?

Lodge your application with Access Canberra. You'll need your ABE Education certificate, a copy of your building approval (issued by a private certifier), evidence of insurance, and the application assessment fee.

What type of building work can an owner builder do in the ACT?

An owner builder licence covers building work (other than specialist building work) on a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 10a building that is, or will be, your main home or ancillary to it. It does not cover specialist work such as demolition or swimming pool construction.

Do I need a White Card as well as the owner builder course?

Yes. The ACT requires three additional safety courses before you can work on a construction site: White Card (CPCWHS1001), Asbestos Awareness (11084NAT), and Silica Awareness (10830NAT). These are delivered by AlertForce (RTO 91826) through ABE Education. 

What insurance do I need as an ACT owner builder? 

Unlike licensed builders, owner builders do not need residential building insurance. However, you will need workers' compensation (if engaging workers), public liability, and should consider extending your house insurance for building work. ABE Education can introduce you to a specialist insurance broker at registration.

What legislation governs owner builders in the ACT?

Owner builder licensing is regulated under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004. Building work must comply with the Building Act 2004. Work health and safety obligations fall under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT).

Who do I contact for help during the course?

For enrolment, payment, and course access questions, contact ABE Education at info@abeeducation.edu.au or call 02 9798 5000. For owner builder licensing questions, contact Access Canberra. For workplace safety questions, contact WorkSafe ACT on 13 22 81.

How do I verify AlertForce's RTO registration?

AlertForce Pty Ltd is registered with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as RTO 91826. You can verify their registration on the national register at training.gov.au by searching for RTO Code 91826. 

Still have questions? Call us on 02 9798 5000, email our team or submit an enquiry form.

What our students say

 ⭐ 4.8 out of 5 • 52 Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I found the Owner Builder course easy to follow and it was without all the technical issues that you sometimes encounter with online courses."
— Dean Maddock
 Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 "The course was very informative and was very clearly laid out. The processes of paying and enrolling were simple and quick."
— Joel George
 Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"ABE provide great and relevant courses. They allow you to work at your own pace and the knowledge imparted is practical and useful."
—  Philip Duncombe
 Google Review
Reviews sourced from Google • Last verified March 2026

Why choose ABE Education for your ACT owner builder training?

ABE Education has been delivering government-approved construction training online since 2007. More than 31,000 students across five Australian states and territories have completed our courses — from White Card training through to owner builder and CPD qualifications.
The ACT Owner Builder Course is listed by Access Canberra as an approved owner builder education course (listed under our registered name, Access Building Education). You can verify this directly on the Access Canberra construction licences page  .

What sets us apart

Access Canberra approved 
Your certificate is accepted for licence applications.
100% online, self-paced
Study when and where it works for you — no classroom, no deadline.
Real-world content 
Written by industry experts including builders, project managers, and building dispute specialists.
Insurance broker introduction
We connect you with a specialist insurance broker at registration to help arrange workers' compensation, public liability, and other cover.
Mandatory training partner
Complete your White Card, Asbestos, and Silica training through our accredited RTO partner — all available at enrolment.
Australian-owned and operated
Based in Australia, supporting Australian owner builders since 2007.
Need help choosing? Call us on 02 9798 5000 or email info@abeeducation.edu.au.

How is the course content developed and reviewed?

Every ABE Education course goes through a two-stage quality process: development by a qualified industry professional, then an independent compliance and currency check by a separate specialist. This ensures the published content reflects current legislation, accurate regulatory references, and up-to-date training standards.
The ACT Owner Builder Course was written by a licensed builder with over 40 years of construction and building compliance experience. The published course and webpage were then independently reviewed by a senior compliance and operations consultant with over 27 years in the VET sector, who verified that all legislative references, regulatory details, and training requirements are current and accurately represented.

Dominic Ogburn

Course Developer — Owner Builder Training
Licensed NSW Builder (Licence 369417C) • 2005 NSW Fair Trading Minister's Award for Consumer Advocacy • Standards Australia BD-038 Committee Member (AS 3740-2010) • Co-author, Your Home: 99 Q&As From The Experts (Allen & Unwin, 2004) • 40+ years in Australian construction and building compliance

Warwick Smith

Compliance & Currency Reviewer — Senior Consultant, Compliance and Operations
27+ Years in VET Sector • Senior Consultant, Compliance and Operations • Corporate Development Resource Group (CDRG)
Compliance and currency review completed 10 March 2026
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Get your ACT owner builder licence

Complete the Access Canberra approved course online and take the first step towards your build.
⭐ 4.8/5 Google Rating • 18+ Years Delivering Owner Builder Training Across Australia
or call 02 9798 5000
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ABE Education delivers government-approved Owner Builder and CPD training online across five states. Australian-owned and operating since 2007, trusted by 31,000+ students.
 info@abeeducation.edu.au
 02 9798 5000

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ABE Education
abeeducation.edu.au
ABE Education delivers government-approved Owner Builder and CPD training online across five states. Australian-owned and operating since 2007, trusted by 31,000+ students.
 info@abeeducation.edu.au
 02 9798 5000

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