Which owner-builder course do I have to do in NSW?

Any provider approved for the NSW owner-builder course. It's required before a permit is issued where the work is worth over $20,000. Approved providers include Live and Learn, Safe Rite, TrainOnline, ABE Education, Training Aid Australia and Absolute Education.

How much does the NSW owner-builder course cost?

Checked on 22 July 2026: $119 with Live and Learn, $189 with Safe Rite and $189 with TrainOnline, with other providers' prices being confirmed. Prices are taken from each provider's own website. No provider pays to appear.

Do I need anything besides the course?

Yes. You also need a White Card (general construction induction) before the permit is issued. It's a separate course, and SafeWork NSW requires it to be taught live.

NSW owner-builder course: six approved providers compared

Approved providers
Provider	Price	Format	Certificate	The fine print
Live and LearnRTO 91542 · approved since 2009	$119checked 22 Jul	Online, self-paced	Issued soon after you finish	Says “no extra hidden fees”. Phone support included. The cheapest checked price here.
Safe RiteRTO 45002	$189checked 22 Jul	Online, self-paced	Same day, after payment	You must pay the $189 before you get your certificate. “Register free, pay when you pass” means registration is free, but the fee is due before the certificate is issued.
TrainOnlineRTO 91534	$189checked 22 Jul	Online, no time limit	When you finish	Price and approval clearly stated on the course page.
ABE EducationRTO 91401	Price being confirmed	Online	—	Listed as approved. We’re confirming the current price with them.
Training Aid AustraliaRTO 91411	Price being confirmed	Online	—	Listed as approved. Price to be confirmed.
Absolute EducationABED	Price being confirmed	Online	—	“Register for free today” — check what you’ll pay, and when, before relying on it.

How this table is made: each price is taken from the provider’s own website on the date shown, and re-checked when anything changes. Prices can change without notice — confirm with the provider before enrolling. Spotted an error? Tell us and we’ll fix it the same day.

You’ll also need a White Card

The general construction induction (White Card) is a separate course, needed before the permit is issued. SafeWork NSW requires it to be taught live — in a classroom or virtual classroom with a real trainer, never click-through.

Every step for the permit, in order →

How eSiteOffice helps an owner-builder

Get comparable quotes. Every trade quotes on the same form, scope of works and conditions, through a web page — nothing for them to install. You can compare like with like before you choose.
Turn the chosen quote into a contract. Signed electronically and filed.
Every change priced and agreed before it’s built. Changes in writing, or they don’t happen.
Every deadline tracked. Any trade you hire can send you a payment claim. Miss the reply date and you owe the full amount. eSiteOffice counts the days for you.
A file the bank can check. Contracts, changes, payments, photos and sign-offs — dated and in order.

Opens in October. Register to be one of the first to use it and keep the launch price for as long as you stay.