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Owner Builder Course Tasmania: Training, Permit and Insurance Requirements
What training you need, how the CBOS permit process works, and the $5 million insurance requirement, explained step by step.
Planning to build or renovate as an owner builder in Tasmania? The training you need depends on the type of building work. You may also need an owner-builder permit, building approvals and insurance before work begins.
Enrolling in a Tasmania course?
Owner Builder Institute's Tasmania owner-builder course is not currently available for enrolment. CBOS accepts only Tasmanian approved owner-builder courses for permit applications, so confirm with CBOS that any course you choose is accepted in Tasmania before you pay.
Do you need an owner-builder course in Tasmania?
It depends on the building classification of your project. Your building surveyor can help confirm the classification of your proposed work.
Type of work | Training required |
Class 1a residence (building or extending a house) | A Tasmanian approved owner-builder responsibilities course completed within 12 months before applying, plus construction induction training and a White Card. |
Class 8, 10a or 10b work only (for example, sheds and retaining walls) | No owner-builder responsibilities course. You still need White Card evidence for the permit application. |
Where land is jointly owned, only one applicant needs to complete the required training, but every owner on the title must apply and sign the permit form. Companies cannot apply.
What insurance does a Tasmanian owner builder need?
$5 million minimum
Public and construction liability cover, with a certificate of currency attached to your permit application.
CBOS's owner-builder fact sheet says to arrange public and construction liability insurance for no less than $5 million. For the permit application, CBOS asks you to attach a Public Liability Certificate of Currency showing at least $5 million in cover. Check the proposed policy with your insurer against the current CBOS requirements before you lodge.
The required liability insurance must remain in place during the owner-builder work until a Certificate of Completion of Building Work is issued. Ask your insurer separately what cover is available for loss or damage to the work and materials during construction.
How do you get an owner-builder permit?
A practical sequence is:
1 | Engage a licensed building surveyor Discuss your plans, building classification and approval requirements. |
2 | Complete the required training An approved Tasmanian owner-builder course plus White Card training for a Class 1a residence, or White Card training only for an application solely for Class 8, 10a or 10b work. |
3 | Arrange your insurance Obtain the required cover and a certificate of currency. |
4 | Complete the CBOS application Include the property and work details, your surveyor's signed section, training evidence where required, insurance evidence and every title holder's signature. |
5 | Lodge the application and pay the fee Lodge it at a Service Tasmania service centre, email it to cbos.info@justice.tas.gov.au, or post it to CBOS, PO Box 56, Rosny Park TAS 7018. |
6 | Wait for your permit number If CBOS approves your application, it sends a confirmation letter with your owner-builder permit number. |
7 | Apply for your building permit through your local council Do not start work until the required approvals are in place and your building surveyor has authorised the start of work. |
An owner-builder permit does not replace the building approvals your project may need. Your surveyor can confirm the full sequence for your particular work.
Are there limits on owner-builder projects?
CBOS limits owners to two Class 1a owner-builder projects in a ten-year period, and each new project needs its own owner-builder permit. Class 10 structures are not counted toward that two-project limit. Some smaller projects qualify as low-risk work and do not need an owner-builder permit, so establish the correct pathway before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a NSW owner-builder course to apply in Tasmania?
Do not assume an interstate course will be accepted. CBOS says only Tasmanian approved courses are accepted for applicants who need the owner-builder responsibilities course. Check its current provider list before enrolling.
Do I need an owner-builder permit to build a shed?
It depends on the shed and the work proposed. CBOS lists some smaller sheds, garages and carports as low-risk work that does not require an owner-builder permit, and farm sheds are exempt. Larger sheds may need one, even though the owner-builder responsibilities course is not required for a Class 8, 10a or 10b application. Ask a building surveyor to confirm your project's classification and approvals.
Is a White Card the same as an owner-builder course?
No. A White Card is evidence of construction induction training. For a Class 1a residence, the owner-builder permit application also requires evidence of a Tasmanian approved owner-builder responsibilities course completed within the previous 12 months.
Getting your project organised?
Owner Builder Institute's free Tools Hub can help you plan a budget, compare quotes and estimate materials. For your Tasmania permit application, start with the current Service Tasmania instructions and CBOS course list.
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