Planning on working on a construction site in Australia

Workers must have a construction induction card (White Card) before starting any work on a construction site. Workers must show their white card to the PCBU on the site and to any inspectors who ask to see it.

White cards are recognised Australia-wide.

Editors note: you can only complete White Card training and get your USI if you are physically in Australia!

First step is to create a USI number (Unique Student Identifier), which is free and required to complete all white card training courses (all states). To get your number, visit  https://www.usi.gov.au/students/create-your-usi. The USI is linked to your passport number and visa.

I spoke to Blue Dog Training and there is no way to get a White Card from NZ. However, once you have your USI, you can complete the training in one day either in person or online. Access to the online test is restricted to Australia (you will not be able to access from anywhere outside OZ).

What this post covers:

• What is a white card in Australia for?
• How do I get a white card in Australia?
• How much does an Australian white card cost?
• What you will be tested on to get a white card in Australia
• White Card Training Providers
• Create your USI number 

What is a white card in Australia for?

A white card in Australia is a certification that is required for anyone who wants to work in the construction industry. It is also known as a Construction Induction Card or a General Construction Induction Card.

The white card is issued after completing a training course that covers topics such as workplace health and safety, hazard identification, and risk management.

It is mandatory for anyone who wants to work on a construction site in Australia, including workers, supervisors, and managers.

The White Card training is aimed at all workers who will be working in the construction industry:

• Self-employed persons (working under their ABN)
• Labourers
• Trainees / Apprentices
• Trades-persons

During the course, you will be trained to:

• Identify Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislative requirements;
• Communicate and report processes;
• Recognise Construction Hazards;
• Understand OHS Incident Response Procedures. 

How do I get a white card in Australia?

To get a white card in Australia, you must complete a construction induction training course. This course is also known as the White Card course. You can complete this course online or in person through a registered training organization (RTO).

The course covers workplace health and safety, hazard identification, and risk management. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a White Card, a nationally recognized certification allowing you to work on construction sites in Australia.

To get your White, you have two options:

• Sit an online test – The online course is self-paced and can be completed in multiple sittings. Once completed, you download your certificate online.
• Face-to-face training in a classroom – It takes a day and you will receive your diploma at the end of the day.

Please note you can only take the White Card training online from certain states.

Requirements:

To complete your White Card you must:

• have 3 Forms of Identification
• have a basic understanding of the English language
• Create a USI before attending a White Card course and
• meet the age requirements of your state of residence. 

Depending on the state, each state has a different course. Below is an information guide on each state/territory:

• Australian Capital Territory: Training must be completed in the classroom. Online training is not available.
• New South Wales: Training can be completed in the classroom or online
• Queensland: Training can be done online or in a classroom.
• Victoria: Training must be completed in the classroom
• South Australia: White Card course is only available face-to-face.
• Western Australia: Training can be done online or in a classroom.
• Northern Territory: Training must be completed in the classroom.
• Tasmania: Training can be done online or in a classroom.

The White Card once obtained is valid in all states and indefinitely. Note, if you obtain the certificate and do not work in this industry for 2 years, you will have to retake the training. 

How much does an Australian white card cost?

White Card training costs between $35-$220. Prices vary depending on where and with whom you are completing the course.  Whether it is face-to-face, online or virtual classroom (Zoom) delivery.

Many websites and companies offer this training online. One of the main providers are Express Online Training (RTO 40592), which offers the White Card online course for $44 (valid for WA, TAS). Also available for QLD, NSW at higher costs.

The classroom courses are more expensive. 

What you will be tested on to get a white card in Australia

To obtain a white card in Australia, you will be tested on your knowledge of workplace health and safety, including identifying and reporting hazards, understanding safety signs and symbols, and following safe work practices. You will also need to demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of employers and employees in maintaining a safe work environment.

You must be able to:

• identify and orally report two construction hazards
• orally explain how risk could be reduced or removed in relation to those two hazards
• select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to control the risk
• orally explain basic procedures for responding to incidents and emergencies, including types and purposes of the following fire safety equipment: fire blankets, fire extinguishers, including water, carbon dioxide, powder and foam, hose reels and mains
• identify and orally explain the meaning of required safety signs and symbols
• orally explain the purpose of job safety analyses (JSAs), safe work method statements (SWMS) and safety data sheets (SDS)
• orally explain the roles of the following designated health and safety personnel: first aid officers, work health and safety representatives, work health and safety committee members and supervisors.

And demonstrate correct fitting to themselves the PPE listed below:

• eye protection
• hearing protection
• hard hat
• high visibility retro reflective vest. 

White Card Training Providers

There are many White Card training providers in Australia. Blue Dog Training and Express Online Training (EOT) are two of the most popular.

It is important to choose a reputable provider that is accredited by the relevant state or territory authority. Make sure you search online for reviews and ratings of different providers to help you make an informed decision. There are some online scan providers. 

Create your USI number

You have to create a USI number (Unique Student Identifier), which is free and required for the completion of the course. To get your number, visit  https://www.usi.gov.au/students/create-your-usi. The USI is linked to your passport number and visa. You can only get your USI if you are in Australia.

You must create a USI account online and provide the necessary identification documents. You can contact the USI support team for assistance if you have any issues or questions.

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