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 Homepage

How to Become a Construction Project Manager: A Fulfilling Career For Natural Leaders

To become a construction project manager, you need solid communication and time management skills — and finely honed problem-solving skills. To develop the skills necessary to perform the job at a high level, you need the proper training. Courses like a Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320) can provide the guidance and support you need to be prepared for the job. 

Find out more about a role as a construction project manager, the skills you need and how to prepare yourself for this new role. 

construction managers working
  • Overview
  • How to Become
  • Pathways
  • Qualifications

Construction project manager job description

info Where we source our data

Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.

That’s why we anonymously surveyed construction project managers about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.

While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.

When it comes to the incredibly complex and technical projects in construction, there’s a need for professionals with an eye on every aspect of the construction process, from the planning stages to construction execution. This is where a construction project manager comes in.

Tasks and responsibilities for a construction project manager

Construction project managers are in charge of people, resources, and a construction project’s overall practical tasks. This responsibility means every day can be different and requires adaptability. 

Construction project manager responsibilities can include:

  • Consulting with architects, engineers, builders and suppliers
  • Negotiating costs with contractors and other professionals
  • Ensuring building legislation and standards are being adhered to
  • Preparing tenders and contract bids and overseeing all other documentation
  • Coordinating the allocation of materials and labour resources
  • Managing project progress and refining processes

How to become a construction project manager

To work as a construction project manager, you need to register at the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS), and you must renew this registration annually. To obtain this licence, you need specific qualifications and work experience.
  1. Study

    Completing a qualification in construction project management through an accredited course provider like an RTO (registered training organisation) provides you with the skills and knowledge for a job as a construction project manager. Courses like a Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320) or an Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC60220) are great options. 

  2. Get a White Card

    To enter and work on a construction site, you must carry a White Card. You can apply for the White Card online, which requires completing a short course.

  3. Register with Australian Business and License Information Service (ABLIS)

    People who intend to operate as project managers in construction must register with ABLIS for a licence and need specific project management certifications to obtain one. You can find information and application requirements here. You must renew the licence every 12 months.

Pathway options

info
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.

Starting an entry-level job as a construction project manager can allow you to grow your skills and work in more senior positions in the occupation. It can also lead to other career pathways or even business ownership. 

Possible career paths:

Mid

  • Project officer

    Most common qualification: Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820)

  • Project administrator

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Project Management Practice (BSB40920)

  • Project coordinator

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Project Management Practice (BSB40920)

Senior

  • Project manager

    Most common qualification: Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820)

  • Construction project manager

    Most common qualification: Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320)

Explore related qualifications

Studying with an RTO (registered training organisation) is a great way to ensure you are qualified as a construction project manager. These courses are often flexible, have a range of delivery methods and can offer pathways into other qualifications.

Diploma of Building and Construction

Study method In-class Online

This nationally recognised and accredited course provides skills in HR management, risk and safety management and project management in the construction industry.

 

Career outcomes for this course could be:

 

  • Project manager
  • Construction manager
  • Estimating manager
  • Sales manager

 

Additional units of competency may be required to meet project manager registration requirements in some States and Territories. Please talk to your course provider or refer to state government websites for more information. 

 

The average duration of this course is 15 months. You can study on campus or online, and some providers have flexible start times.

Read More

4 providers offer this course

Open Colleges
Builders Academy Australia
The College for Adult Learning
Trade Institute of Victoria

Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) CPC60220

This course provides the skills needed for builders or senior managers within the building and construction industry. It covers building, construction and sustainability systems, structural principles, codes and standards and legal obligations to construction projects, including high-rise buildings.

 

Career outcomes for this course could be:

 

  • Construction manager

 

Builder licensing and registration vary across States and Territories, and further requirements for this qualification may be needed. Please talk to your course provider or refer to state government websites for more information. 

 

The average duration of this course is 15 months. You can study this course on campus or online through some providers.

Read More

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management 

A three-year full-time bachelor’s degree in Construction Management can help you develop a career in the construction industry. Learn construction and project management skills and techniques and pursue goals in construction project management or surveying.

Read More

Related subjects

Jobs in the construction industry that require highly organised workers who have impeccable time management skills are not limited to project management. There are many other occupations in the sector that might be perfect for you.

Building and Construction
Building and Construction
Project Management
Project Management

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