Construction Law Essentials (short course)

Build essential practical knowledge of construction law principles. This comprehensive two-day course has been designed specifically for non-lawyers working in or around the construction industry.

By the end of this short course, you’ll be equipped with the legal knowledge you need to navigate contracts, manage risks and protect their interests in construction projects.

Key learning outcomes

Understand the fundamentals of construction contract law – Build your knowledge of formation, offer, acceptance, consideration and legal obligations under Australian construction contracts
Interpret and apply standard form construction contracts – Develop your understanding of key standards including AS4000, AS2124, and their key provisions relating to scope, time, payment, and variations
Navigate the tendering process effectively – Be equipped to understand tender process contracts, assessment criteria and compliance requirements, and manage tender-related risks
Manage variations and scope changes – Learn how to use proper documentation procedures, pricing mechanisms and formal notification requirements to preserve contractual entitlements
Apply Security of Payment legislation – Build your understanding of payment claim procedures, payment schedules, adjudication processes and statutory compliance under relevant state legislation
Identify and manage common construction disputes – Be able to navigate extension of time claims, liquidated damages, defects liability periods, practical completion and dispute resolution mechanisms

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Key benefits of studying this course

Learn how to navigate construction legal requirements – This course has been designed for non-lawyers working in or around the construction industry. It will equip you with the legal knowledge needed to navigate contracts, manage risks, and protect their interests in construction projects.
Enjoy an engaging learning experience – You’ll participate in expert-led interactive presentations, explore real-world case studies from Australian WHS prosecutions and undertake practical exercises. You’ll also receive a comprehensive course manual with templates and checklists.
Choose face-to-face or online delivery – Study this course in a format that suits your needs, or the needs of the employees in your organisation. If you’re an employer looking to upskill your workers, ACBI can also offer onsite training.
Gain a microcredential and recognition for your skills – When you successfully complete this course, you’ll have a microcredential you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Learn from experts – When you study with ACBI, you’ll learn from dedicated trainers who hold a wealth of experience in training, construction and contract law.
Be supported to succeed – Enjoy access to high-quality student and academic support. Whether you’re a professional looking to upskill or an organisation looking for employee training, ACBI is here to help you succeed

Domestic students

Domestic students
International Students

2 days (approximately 8 hours per day)

Online

Face-to-face or online

Next on-campus intakes

Next online intakes

Course Guide

Apply now

2 days (approximately 8 hours per day)

Sydney Campus

Face-to-face or online

Next On-campus intakes

Please note that this course is designed for working professionals, rather than international students. If you are an international student, we recommend considering one of ACBI’s courses in AI, IT, sustainability, design or project management instead.

Course Guide

Apply now

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Course content

Modules

Module name	What’s included in this module
Module 1: Foundations of Construction Contract Law	Introduction to construction law in Australia Essential elements of contract formation (intention, offer, acceptance and consideration) Types of construction contracts (lump sum, cost plus and target cost) Legal relationships in construction (principal, contractor, subcontractor and superintendent) Differences between commercial and residential construction law Common law vs statutory obligations Reading and interpreting contract documents
Module 2: Standard Form Construction Contracts	Overview of AS4000 and AS2124 standard forms Contract structure and key clauses Rights and obligations of principals and contractors Role and responsibilities of the superintendent Understanding contract schedules and specifications Contract administration requirements Security provisions (retention, bank guarantees and insurance bonds)
Module 3: Tendering, Procurement and Contract Formation	The tendering process in construction Request for Tender (RFT) requirements and compliance Tender evaluation and assessment criteria Process contracts and legal obligations during tendering Contract formation and acceptance procedures Pre-contract negotiations and representations Avoiding tender disputes and maintaining tender integrity
Module 4: Variations, Extensions of Time and Claims	Contractual procedures for variations Formal variation instruction requirements Variation pricing mechanisms (contract rates, fair rates and daywork) Notice requirements and preservation of entitlements Extension of time (EOT) claims and procedures Delay analysis and concurrent delays Liquidated damages and their application Time-related claims management
Module 5: Payment, Security of Payment and Cash Flow	Progress payment systems in construction contracts Monthly claim procedures and certification Security of Payment Act compliance Payment claims and payment schedules Adjudication processes and statutory timeframes Retention money and trust provisions Managing payment disputes Interest on late payments
Module 6: Practical Completion, Defects and Dispute Resolution	Understanding practical completion Practical completion certificates and their effect Defects liability period obligations Defect rectification procedures and superintendent directions Common construction disputes and their causes Dispute resolution mechanisms (negotiation, mediation, expert determination and arbitration) Litigation vs alternative dispute resolution Documentation and record-keeping for dispute management Insurance requirements and risk management

Hear from our students

“Completing a short course with ACBI was a game changer for me. Not only did I gain confidence in developing reports using frameworks, but I also had the chance to apply what I learned in real-time. The trainer’s teaching style made even the most complex topics engaging and easy to grasp, and I can always refer back to the comprehensive materials provided.” Sabina Bispo Sustainability Reporting Short Course

"The trainers were highly knowledgeable and engaging and facilitated interactive discussions, providing practical tools…Highly recommended for professionals seeking actionable solutions and expert guidance.” Sarah El-Moselhi Pathways to Net Zero for Business

“The feedback on the learning experience from the team at Richmond Dairies has been overwhelmingly positive. People were genuinely impressed by the knowledge, clarity, and presence of the trainer. They felt truly privileged to have someone of his caliber speaking to us.” Sabina Clara Gleicher Sustainability Reporting Short Course

Potential Salaries

$K

Source: Seek 2026

Australia’s construction sector is on the cusp of a significant shift – A series of reforms and updates are set to reshape the landscape of building and construction law. These changes affect many areas, from compliance with new regulations to managing risks (Cochrane Leahy Litigation, 2025).
Government investment in infrastructure projects is growing – The Australian Government has committed over $120 billion to a 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline (Infrastructure Investment Program 2022). This is driving increasing demand for construction professionals, including Construction Managers and Construction Project Managers who can effectively manage construction contracts.
Demand for Construction Professionals is growing – Demand for Construction Managers and Construction Project Managers in Australia is predicted to increase by 10.2% over the next 5 years (Seek 2026). If you’re looking to advance or kickstart a career in these areas, it’s valuable to have a solid, practical understanding of how to implement construction law principles

After completing the Construction Law Essentials short course, you may wish to extend your skills and knowledge by studying a:

WHS Law Essentials short course – If you have WHS responsibilities, or are hoping to transition into a role with them, this course will build your practical understanding of key Work Health and Safety legislation requirements.
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety – If you’re looking to kickstart or advance a WHS career, or formalise your WHS experience, gaining this Certificate IV can help.
Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management – Develop skills in improving an organisation’s environmental impact. Open the door to a transitioning into a rewarding role in WHSE (Work, Health, Safety and Environment) in the construction industry or elsewhere

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance that recognised their professional development in Construction Law Essentials.

You’ll be able to share this Certificate of Attendance with your current and future employers as proof of your professional development. You’ll also be able to add the completion of this microcredential to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, it is recommended that people studying this course have some experience working in or around the construction industry. For example, this may be experienced gained from working in a construction, WHS or project management role.
International Students
Please note that this course has been designed for construction professionals working in Australia.

If you are an international student, we recommend you consider studying a qualification in AI, IT, sustainability, design or management with ACBI instead. For example, some of our popular courses for international students include the:

Diploma of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management

Diploma of Graphic Design

Diploma of Project Management

Certificate IV in Information Technology

For more advice on what to study as an international student, connect with one of our helpful Course Advisors.

How to apply

Domestic Students

Simply complete this form to kickstart your application.

Once you’ve completed the application form, our Course Advisors will be in touch to confirm your enrolment details.

Need help with applying? Our friendly team is here to help. Connect with your Course Advisor or simply fill out this form to get in touch.
International Students
Please note that this course has been designed for construction professionals working in Australia.

If you are an international student, we recommend you consider studying a qualification in AI, IT, sustainability, design or management with ACBI instead. For example, some of our popular courses for international students include the:

Diploma of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management

Diploma of Graphic Design

Diploma of Project Management

Certificate IV in Information Technology

For more advice on what to study as an international student, connect with one of our helpful Course Advisors.

Apply now

FAQs

Who is this course for?

This course has been designed for professionals working in construction, project management and related fields. It is suitable for people who require legal knowledge to excel in their roles but do not have formal legal training. It will equip you with a practical understanding of construction law principles and build your ability to navigate contracts and their related risks. This short course can be a great choice for:

Construction and project management professionals looking to understand practical strategies for interpreting and using construction contracts
Diploma of Project Management graduates looking to build their construction law knowledge
Other non-lawyers working in or around the construction industry

This course is ideal for:

Construction Project Managers
Site Managers and Supervisors
Contract Administrators
Quantity Surveyors
Construction Coordinators
Building Surveyors
Construction Estimators
Procurement Officers
Commercial Managers
Project Coordinators
Design Managers
Construction Planners
Facility Managers
Asset Managers
Maintenance Managers

I would like to upskill my employees in construction law. Can you help?

Yes, ACBI can help upskill and reskill your employees in Construction Law Essentials. We can also enable your employees to obtain full qualifications, such as the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, and can also provide a number of shorter training options, including short courses and on-site workshops. ACBI can develop customised learning and assessment materials to match your workforce’s needs. And we can offer a range of competitive partner pricing and tailored delivery options. ACBI can provide training in a number of areas that can complement construction law including WHS, sustainability, training & assessment, leadership and management.

What is it like to study this course?

Your study experience will be informative and engaging. This course combines:

Expert-led interactive presentations from experienced construction law professionals
Real-world case studies and examples
Group discussions and collaborative problem-solving
Practical exercises including risk assessments and incident investigations
Q&A sessions addressing specific specific workplace scenarios
Application activities connecting legal requirements to workplace practice

Why should I study this course at ACBI?

When you choose to study the WHS Law Essentials course at ACBI you’ll enjoy:

Studying with a trusted training provider – ACBI is dedicated to offering great student experiences. We’ve been helping our students achieve good course outcomes over 12 years. When you complete this course at ACBI, you’ll join over 4,500 graduates who’ve had success studying with us.
Access to a range of training options, including corporate training options – Choose from in-person, online and on-site training. If you’re an organisation looking to upskill your staff, we can support you with flexible options for addressing employee skills gaps and learning needs.
An engaging learning experience – You’ll participate in expert-led interactive presentations, explore real-world case studies from Australian WHS prosecutions and undertake practical exercises. You’ll also receive a comprehensive course manual with templates and checklists.

I’m looking to enrol multiple employees into this course. Is this possible?

Yes, you can enrol as many employees as you like into this course. ACBI caters to businesses and public sector organisations looking to upskill and reskill their staff. We can offer you:

A choice of delivery formats, including in-person, online and on-site training
Customised training content tailored to the unique needs and skill gaps of your organisation
Pricing discounts when you enrol three or more employees

Can I enrol in multiple short courses?

You absolutely can. ACBI also offers short courses in: