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:
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:
During the course, you will be trained to:
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.
Please note you can only take the White Card training online from certain states.
To complete your White Card you must:
Depending on the state, each state has a different course. Below is an information guide on each state/territory:
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.
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.
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:
And demonstrate correct fitting to themselves the PPE listed below:
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.
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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If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below and I’ll research the answer for you. Please note, if the answer to your question is in the content above, I will not reply. Sorry, I just get too many questions these days and I can’t keep up.
If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go!
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John
November 19, 2023 at 8:01 pmHi JJ Smith,
I’m John Allan, a carpenter currently living in New Zealand. I’m planning on making the move to Melbourne, Australia at the start of next year and intend to live and work there.
I’m currently trying to sort out everything I can before I move so I can hit the ground running. I have been struggling on a couple of aspects and need some guidance/assistance to help see the correct way forward. I have been doing a lot of research online and found your website which has been really helpful. It has a lot of great information which is easy and interesting to read.
I was writing this email to you specifically because I need a bit more specific advice. I am a qualified builder with a NZ certificate in construction level 4 (NZQF). I’ve been struggling to find the right organization or process which I can use to get my qualification recognised in Australia with an equivalent qualification.
Would you be able to help or know someone who could help me out with this?
I appreciate your time taken to help me out.
John
JJ Smith
November 20, 2023 at 5:01 pmHi John,
Thank you for your email.
Certain New Zealand qualifications and registrations are accepted in Australia under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement without having to do more testing and/or examination.
This applies to those New Zealanders who:
– hold certain qualifications, for example, a university or polytechnic degree or certificate
– are registered to practice in certain occupations, for example, plumbers and electricians — this applies only to occupations that are required to be registered, certified, licensed or approved in both Australia and New Zealand.
There is no Overseas Qualification Unit in NSW. However trade qualifications can be assessed.
If you live in NSW and require an assessment of your trade qualification, contact Training Services NSW on 13 28 11 (after you have arrived).
Sources: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/australia-and-pacific/australia/new-zealand-high-commission-to-australia/living-in-australia/moving-to-australia/recognising-new-zealand-qualifications/ and https://internationaleducation.gov.au/services-and-resources/Pages/qualifications-recognition.aspx.
This is also useful, the levels in the AQF and NZQF were judged to be comparable, so your level 4 NZQF is equal to a level 4 AQF. Therefore the answer to your question should be in this report: https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/assets/International/Recognition-arrangements/Enhancing-mobility.pdf.
You will also need to be prepared to complete White Card training and apply for a USI number once you arrive in Australia. All tradies need a white card to work on construct sites in Australia. More info here: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/white-card-australia/.
Hope the above helps.
Alvine Prasad
September 16, 2023 at 10:49 pmWould I be able to do the White Card Course from Fiji?
JJ Smith
September 19, 2023 at 2:07 pmHi Alvine,
Thank you for your comment.
There are online courses that you might be able to complete while in Fiji. However you need to create a USI number (Unique Student Identifier), which is free and required to complete all white card training courses (all states). The USI is linked to your passport number and visa. You can only get your USI if you are in Australia.
Therefore you do need to be in Australia to complete your white card training course.
Thanks
Fale
July 26, 2023 at 8:39 pmGreat info thank you. Can I obtain a white card from New Zealand or do I physically need to be in Australia?
Thank you
Fale
JJ Smith
July 28, 2023 at 8:43 amHi Fale,
Thank you for your comment.
I believe you can start some online training from NZ, but you need to be in Australia to create a USI number (Unique Student Identifier), which is free and required to complete all white card training courses.
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.
I’ve made this more clear in my post.