Moving to Australia from New Zealand?
Get all information you need to make a successful and stress-free move across the ditch.
Workers on Australian construction sites must have a construction induction card (White Card) before starting work. Workers must show their white card to the PCBU on the site and to any inspectors who ask to see it.
The nationally recognised certification is known as ‘CPCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry’.
Please note that you must physically be in Australia to sit a White Card course. 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 covering 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:
You must complete a construction induction training course to get a white card in Australia. 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.
Whether you are doing it online or in person, you need to book a place.
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 that if you obtain the certificate and have not worked in this industry for 2 years, you must retake the training.
White Card training costs between $35-$220. Prices vary depending on which state you are in, with whom you are completing the course and whether it is face-to-face, online or virtual classroom (Zoom) delivery.
From my research, WA has the lowest price of $44 with Express Online Training, then Tasmania $45, while NSW is $240 and Queensland is $250.
Many websites and companies offer white card training. Here are a few to check out:
When you search Google for a course, make sure you search for white card courses in the state you are moving to, as all courses are slightly different but can be used Australia-wide.
To obtain a white card in Australia, you will be tested on your workplace health and safety knowledge, 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 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.
The below posts might interest you:
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.
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!
Hi… I’m JJ Smith.
I’m the creator and editor of Moving to Australia and have been for 15 years! I know everything there is to know about New Zealanders moving their families and life to Australia. Either from first hand experiences and research or through the questions from visitors to this website… and I’m here to help!
I love helping people via Moving to Australia.
Providing the answers to questions we all ask when deciding whether to make the move from New Zealand to Australia. Even giving individual specific advice where needed.
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David Whitlock
March 21, 2025 at 6:11 amI am currently living in the USA and I’m wanting to move to Australia and work in the mines. I have experience in driving the catipilar 750 dump trucks but do not have certificates. How would I go about getting the certifications I need before I go to Australia to work in the mines?
JJ Smith
March 21, 2025 at 10:50 amHi David,
Thank you for your comment.
How to become a Dump Truck Operator in Australia
Dump Truck Operators are required to hold an appropriate driver’s licence. Training is often provided on the job. You will need to:
– Obtain a police clearance check. You can request your criminal conviction history free from the NZ Government Ministry of Justice – https://www.justice.govt.nz/criminal-records/get-your-own/.
– Gain a Heavy Rigid (HR) vehicle licence from your local roads and traffic authority. This will allow you to drive trucks.
– Make sure you can pass a pre-employment medical.
– If you’re interested in working in the construction industry, you may need to gain a White Card through a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/white-card-australia/).
Source: Seek.com.au (https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/dump-truck-operator)
Another source mentioned the RIIMPO337E “Conduct Articulated Haul Truck Operations” qualification, but since Seek doesn’t highlight it as a common requirement, I’d recommend checking job listings to see if it’s needed.
Obtaining a Heavy Rigid (HR) vehicle licence, might not be that easy.
This company who offer licening say you must have held a WA Drivers’ Licence for at least 2 years, or an LR or MR Licence for at least a year (https://www.eurekatrucktraining.com.au/hr-licence-information/).
The Government of Western Australia, Department of Transport () say to apply for a heavy vehicle class licence, you must not be a provisional licence holder and have held either a:
– Car (C class) licence for at least 2 years, or
– Light rigid (LR) vehicle licence for at least 1 year, or
– Medium Rigid (MR) vehicle licence for at least 1 year.
If you have a heavy vehicle licence from another country, your previous driving experience may be recognised when applying for a WA driver’s licence. Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre, DoT regional centre or agent or call 13 11 56 for more information, so it might be best to obtain one before you leave the USA.
You are definitely going to have to have a good read of the above and contact the DoT centre for some professional advice.
Sorry I couldn’t give you a concrete pathway to become a Dump Truck Operator in Australia, but I hope the above leads you there.
BTW there is a lot of information on my site that will be applicable to you, even though you are moving from the USA not NZ, so have a read
Dean
February 27, 2025 at 1:54 pmHi,
Is a NZ SiteSafe card the equivalent of the white Card? If so, can a fast track coarse of the white card be done online from NZ?
Thanks
JJ Smith
February 27, 2025 at 2:41 pmHi Dean,
Thank you for your comment.
No, the NZ Sitesafe cars and Australia’s White Card are not the same.
Australia has strict health and safety rules for all construction sites, big and small, and they guarantee that everyone know these rules by making all works obtain a white card.
I recommend booking your White Card training course before you leave NZ to avoid any potential delays upon arrival.
I hope the above helps.
Jayne
October 26, 2024 at 8:48 pmCan the white card be used out of Australia?
JJ Smith
November 1, 2024 at 12:32 pmHi Jayne,
Thank you for your comment.
Australia has a very high level of health and safety and the ‘white card’ certification is based on their standards.
There are equivalents in other countries, but I can’t find any information to suggest it is recognised anywhere else.
However, the skills you learn on the course will be valuable on any construction site, as it covers workplace health and safety, hazard identification, and risk management.
Hope the above helps.
Ajae
October 22, 2024 at 9:12 pmHi,
My partner is heading over to Townsville soon from NZ, for work and has been asked for the physical white card (which he doesn’t have) he was only ever given the certificate back in 2016. How does he receive the physical card?
JJ Smith
October 23, 2024 at 4:53 pmHi Ajae,
Thank you for your comment.
He is going to have to contact the company who he completed the white card course through and ask for a replacement card.
Good news is, unlike many other safety certifications, White Cards in Australia do not have an official expiry date. Once issued, the card remains valid indefinitely. However, it is important to note that while the card itself does not expire, legislation, regulations, and construction methods can change over time.
Hope the above helps.
Jimmy
October 3, 2024 at 3:04 pmHi JJ,
In terms of going for a White card, Drivers licence, MSIC etc, being a kiwi we have no “Category A: Start of identity in Australia” items. Having residential address is easy enough, bank acccount but have you come up with a way around this? having to come up with one each from category A, B and C for most applications.
Thanks
Jimmy
JJ Smith
October 16, 2024 at 6:15 pmHi Jimmy,
Thank you for your comment. Sorry for the delay in replying, I’ve been on holiday with my family.
I haven’t been asked this before, so I’ve done some research and found the same problem with ‘Express Online Training’ and ‘Blue Dog Training’ that I link to in my whtie card post.
So I emailed Express Online Training and this their reply:
There are special provisions in place for ID requirements for those who have recently arrived in Australia, but this depends on which state they are located in as each state has different regulations.
If they apply for a driving licence in the state they are located in, then the passport, bank card and drivers licence will be sufficient evidence for both NSW and QLD. However if you let me know what state they are in I can give you more information about special provisions.
If you do have any further questions, please feel free to reach out.
Express Online Training
RTO: 40592
http://www.eot.edu.au/
Therefore you are gong to have to apply for an Australian drivers licence as soon as you arrive. This process also varies state to state. You can read more here: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/driving-and-licences-in-australia/.
If you have a full NZ drivers licence the conversion process is similar to the below, which is NSW’s process (www.roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au):
– Check which licence you are eligible for
– Complete a Licence Application form.
– Check you have the right proof of identity (you can use your NZ passport and account statement (issued by a bank).
– Check that your overseas licence shows the first issue date. If it doesn’t show this date, contact the NZ authority that issued your licence. You can get an official letter from them confirming your licence details.
– Find your nearest service centre. Bring your NZ licence, application form and proof of identity with you.
– You will also need to pay the relevant licence fee.
– When you visit the service centre, you’ll need to pass an eyesight test and have your photo taken.
Your new licence will be posted to you. You will be provided with a temporary paper licence to drive or ride with until your new card arrives.
Than you for your question because it highlighted a massive gap in the content, which I will now update.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. I’ll be in touch.
Kevin Conway
July 24, 2024 at 9:48 pmHi
I am currently living in New Zealand and am considering moving to WA to work as a health and safety advisor.
I am studying for my Nebosh International Diploma and would like to know if I need a White Card and how I can get one from New Zealand.
Additionally, I already have a USI.
JJ Smith
August 5, 2024 at 3:56 pmHi Kevin,
Thanks for your comment. Sorry for the delay in replying, I was on holiday with my family and then got sick.
If you need to visit construction sites as a health and safety adviser, then you will need a white card.
Unfortunately, from my research, you must physically be in Australia to complete a White Card course.
However, that shouldn’t stop you from applying for jobs, as you can obtain a white card pretty easily once you’ve arrived in Australia.
Hope the above helps.
Michael Cotterill
February 21, 2024 at 11:13 amI’m Michael Cotterill an experienced machine operator currently living in New Zealand. I’m planning on making the move to between Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia in May this year and intend to live and work there with my partner and 16yr old boy.
I’m currently trying to sort out everything I can before I move so I can hit the ground running or head over for a trial period as I have 3 months up my sleeve. 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 am looking at the white card but dont have a USI number as have been NZ my whole life. I have my WTR license in NZ for working on machinery my full NZ license. Can you please guide me in the right direction as I am also happy to do a fly in fly out situation.
JJ Smith
February 22, 2024 at 1:21 pmHi Michael,
Thanks for your comment and compliment.
I think you are very smart going for a trial period. My husband did this when we moved over and it really helped us located ourselves in a suburb that suited us and was convenient for work.
When you arrive in Australia you should apply for the below asap. You will need a physical address you can use, e.g. a friends if you are staying at temporary accommodation:
– USI – can be done online using your NZ passport for evidence of identity: https://www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi. However, you must land in Australia and go through customs to be granted your entry visa before you can create a USI using your New Zealand Passport as a form of ID.
– White card – which you have already read about.
– Get a TFN (Australian Tax File Number) – https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/australian-tax/.
Before you leave, I recommend completing the below:
– Get your documentation/paperwork ready – https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/documentation-needed-when-moving-to-australia/
– Make sure you have updated your CV – https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/resume-tips/
– Check Seek.com.au regularly so you have a realistic expectation on the jobs you have the experience to apply for, the application process and how quickly these jobs turnover.
– XE account – https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/foreign-exchange-money-transfer/
– CommBank account – https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/open-an-australian-bank-account/
As soon as you have decided on a suburb/area in Australia you are going to live in, make sure you contact the local schools if you son is going to continue his schooling: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/schools-in-australia/.
Please note, if your son is in year 12 in NZ, he will move into year 11 in Australia.
Hope the above helps.
Good luck with your move!
Thomas Edwin Osit Navarro
January 3, 2024 at 8:51 pmHi there, I hold a “30215QLD- Course in General Safety Induction (Construction Industry):” Under the BlueDog Training which was issued back in 2008 (there’s no expiry date specified on the card).
Can this be considered as a white card? If not, is there a way to convert this to one?
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.