If you’re studying building and construction—perhaps in the course CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) at Ashford College (“Ashford”) in Australia—then knowing about the building codes is absolutely key. This article explains, in plain language, what Australian building codes are, why they matter, and what you as a student should focus on.
What are Australian Building Codes?
In Australia, the term “building codes” usually means the set of rules that guide how buildings must be designed and built so they are safe, fit for purpose, and meet legal standards. The main document is the National Construction Code (NCC).
Here are the key facts:
The NCC is developed and maintained by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).
It applies across all states and territories in Australia. The states adopt it into their building laws.
It is performance-based, meaning it sets out what outcomes are required (e.g., safety, health, access) more than prescribing exactly how to do everything.
The NCC is divided into three volumes:
- Volume 1 for commercial and larger buildings
- Volume 2 for residential buildings (houses, small apartments)
- Volume 3 for plumbing and drainage systems.
So when you see “building code” in Australia, think of the NCC and its volumes. For students in building and construction, especially at diploma level, understanding these is a foundational part of your training.
Why Are They Important For Students And Future Professionals?
You may ask: why should I care as a student? Here are four strong reasons:
1. Legal compliance: If a building does not comply with the NCC (or relevant state/territory laws and regulations that adopt it), then it may be unlawful. That means works may be stopped, remedial work required, or legal penalties.
As someone who may supervise, estimate, or manage building works, you must know what standards apply.
2. Safety, health, and amenity: The codes set minimum standards for structural integrity (so the building won’t collapse), fire safety (so people can escape or be protected), accessibility (so people with disabilities can use the building), and sustainability (so buildings use resources wisely).
If you ignore these, lives could be at risk or the building may become unfit for purpose.
3. Industry professionalism and career readiness: The course at Ashford outlines units that involve “Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 1 and 10 buildings” and “Apply building codes and standards … for Class 2 to 9, Type C buildings”.
So you will be expected to know how to interpret and apply these codes. Knowing them positions you to better perform as a builder, foreperson, inspector or manager.
4. Quality and sustainability: Modern building codes also reflect sustainability (energy use, accessibility, materials). Staying up-to-date means you’ll be working in line with modern standards and expectations. Ignoring them may mean outdated practices. For example, the NCC is updated regularly.
What Are The Key Parts Of Building Codes You Should Know?
Here are the practical parts that a student should focus on.
Building classifications
The NCC groups buildings by “class”. Understanding building classes matters, because different rules apply depending on building type. For example:
- Class 1: detached houses or terraces.
- Class 2: apartment buildings.
- Class 9a: hospitals, etc.
Knowing which class your project falls under helps you determine which volume of the NCC applies, and which parts of it.
Volume 1, 2, 3
- Volume 1: Mostly larger or commercial buildings.
- Volume 2: Houses and small residential buildings.
- Volume 3: Plumbing and drainage regulations.
As a student, you’ll face both residential and some commercial matters. For instance, Ashford’s course mentions “Class 1 and 10,” and “Class 2 to 9, Type C” in its scope.
Performance vs Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS)
The NCC uses two main paths for compliance:
- Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS): These are prescribed solutions that if followed exactly, you meet the code.
- Performance Solutions: If you choose a different way, you must show it meets the performance requirements.
As a student, you need to know both. For simpler work, DTS is common; for more complex work you may need a performance solution, which needs evidence, testing, or expert judgement.
State and Territory Variations
Although the NCC is national, each state/territory applies it via its own legislation. Also, there may be local variations or additional rules.
So you must check which jurisdiction the building is in, because what applies in Victoria may differ slightly from Queensland or New South Wales.
Key content areas in the code
The code covers many areas; some of the ones you’ll often encounter include:
- Structural safety: foundations, loads, wind, etc.
- Fire safety: fire exits, fire resistance, alarms.
- Health & amenity: ventilation, lighting, hygiene.
- Accessibility: lifts, ramps, paths, accessible bathrooms.
- Sustainability & energy efficiency: insulation, thermal performance, energy consumption.
- Plumbing & drainage (in Volume 3): Knowing these major headings helps you navigate: when you look at a building project, you ask: which of these apply?
How This Ties Into Your Diploma Course
The Ashford Diploma outlines units of competency that directly reference building codes and standards. For example:
- “CPCCBC4001 Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 1 and 10 buildings”
- “CPCCBC4053 Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 2 to 9, Type C buildings”
That means: as you progress through your diploma, you’ll need to interpret building codes and apply them, in both residential and commercial contexts. This could include reading plans and specifications (another unit), preparing sketches, supervising work, ensuring contracts reflect code requirements, etc.
So for you, it’s not just theory. It’s very practical: when you are on site or looking at a contract, you’ll ask: “Does this meet the NCC? Do I have to follow the DTS path or a performance solution? What class is the building? Are we in the right jurisdiction?” Having a strong understanding will help you shape your career path as builder, site manager or inspector.
Tips For Students: How To Learn And Work With Building Codes
Here are some practical tips:
- Start with the big picture: Know what the NCC is, its volumes, and what parts of the code apply to different building classes.
- Use reliable resources: The ABCB website provides guidance and resources on the NCC.
- Practice classifying buildings: Get used to identifying whether a building is Class 1, 2, 3, etc. Building classifications determine which rules apply.
- Work with examples: When you study units at the diploma, relate the code to real drawings, site work or case studies.
- Understand DTS vs performance: Know that just because a method meets the code doesn’t automatically mean it’s the only or best method — sometimes you can propose an alternate solution, but you must justify it.
- Stay updated: The code gets updated (for instance, new editions every few years). For example, changes related to fire safety, energy efficiency, etc.
- Know your jurisdiction: Since each state/territory can have variations, when you work or study in Victoria, Queensland, NSW etc, check local rules too.
- Link to your course units: In your diploma, you’ll have units like “Read and interpret plans and specifications”, “Apply legal requirements to building and construction projects”, “Produce labour and material schedules”, etc. All these units interact with building codes. Knowing how they link will make your study more meaningful.
In Summary
The Australian building codes, centred around the NCC, are a backbone of the construction industry. For you as a student in a Diploma of Building and Construction, they are not optional extra—they are essential. Whether you’re estimating material costs, supervising onsite work, reviewing plans or interpreting legal requirements, the building code will be part of your toolkit.
As you move through your studies:
- Make sure you familiarize yourself with the volumes of the NCC and their scopes.
- Understand how building class affects which rules apply.
- Practice reading code requirements alongside plans and specifications.
- Always check for which jurisdiction, version and path of compliance you are dealing with (DTS or performance).
- Link what you learn in theory back to the workplace: ask “How does this apply on a building site, to this drawing, to this contract?”
- Keep up-to-date—industry standards evolve, and staying current helps you remain relevant.
In short, by mastering building codes you are equipping yourself to design, build, manage and inspect buildings in a way that is safe, legal and professional. Your diploma at Ashford sets you up for this, and by focusing on this topic, you’ll give yourself a strong foundation.
