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.
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.
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 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 is 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 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.
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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.
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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.