If you intend to work in the construction industry in Australia, the White Card Certificate is a compulsory requirement. It is a certification that you obtain after a few hours of training. The White Card course focuses on specialised training regarding workplace health and safety and a general introduction to the construction industry. In this article, we have put together everything you need to know when choosing a course in Australia.
Table of Contents
What is a White Card?
In Australia, the White Card is legally required for those working in the construction industry. This training aims to provide workers with information on safe work practices, risk management, personal protection, safety signs, equipment to prevent accidents at the work place, as well as workplace injury management and workers compensation system.
The White Card training is aimed at all workers who will be working in the construction industry as:
- 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 much does it cost?
Prices range from $35 to $220 depending on the state!
Many websites and companies offer this training online. We highly recommend you to use Express Online Training (RTO 40592), which offers the White Card online course for $59 – $35 SPECIAL OFFER (valid for WA, TAS). Also available for QLD, NSW at higher costs.
The classroom courses are more expensive. If you decide to do classroom training, we recommend using Edway (RTO 91401). Edway is indeed offering a $5 discount to all of our readers. You can complete your course in NSW ($112 with discount) or Victoria ($144 with discount).
How to get a White Card?
The White Card once obtained, is valid in all states of Australia. Indeed, all states and territories have agreed to introduce the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work resulting in a harmonization of the training provided to construction workers.
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. Depending on the state, as each state has a different course. Below is an information guide on each state/territory:
- New South Wales: Training can be completed in the classroom or online
- Queensland: Training can be done online or in a classroom.
- Western Australia: Training can be done online or in a classroom.
- Tasmania: 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.
- Northern Territory: Training must be completed in the classroom.
- Australian Capital Territory: Training must be completed in the classroom. Online training is not available.
The White Card once obtained is valid in all states and indefinitely. Note however that if you obtain the certificate and do not work in this industry for 2 years, you will have to retake the training.
Get your White Card Online (TAS, WA, QLD, NSW)
You can get the White Card online with EOT for the following states: TAS, WA, QLD, NSW.
Fees vary depending on the state in which you are taking the exam. For example, prices are higher for QLD and NSW (from $175).
We highly recommend you to use Express Online Training, which offers the White Card online course for $59 – $35 SPECIAL OFFER (valid for WA, TAS). EOT is a nationally accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO 40592), and are registered with all relevant federal and state government bodies such as WorkSafe, SafeWork & ASQA. The online training is self-paced and you pay after you passed the course.
Course Code: CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
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. You can create this number even if you are on a Working Holiday visa. To get your number, visit https://www.usi.gov.au/students/create-your-usi. The USI is linked to your passport number and visa however, you can only get your USI if you are in Australia.
White Card NSW in Classroom
To complete your White Card in NSW, we recommend Edway (RTO 91401). Edway is offering the course in Sydney in three locations, Darlinghurst, Seven Hills and Mona Vale. Your certificate will be issued on the day. The course takes 6.5 Hours and is nationally accredited. Currently, the course can be done face to face or online via Zoom. The Zoom class will be more expensive than the face to face ($145 with discount)
Course Code: CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
Edway is offering an exclusive $5 discount to all of our readers.
Use the code: ABGEN
White Card Victoria in Classroom
To complete your White Card in Victoria, we recommend Edway (RTO 91401). The company is offering the course in three locations, Melbourne, Sunshine and Hallam. Your certificate will be issued on the day. The course takes 6 hours and is nationally accredited.
Course Code: CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
Edway is offering an exclusive $5 discount to all of our readers.
Use the code: ABGEN
Note : To attend the class, you MUST bring your PPE, together with a valid form of ID.
If you are thinking about working in hospitality later on, it is worth purchasing a training package to obtain your RSA Certificate as well.
Is it worth getting the White Card?
If you intend to work in the construction industry in Australia, the White Card is compulsory. The White Card will assist you in more opportunities to find jobs in Australia. The construction industry is a growing industry in Australia while pay rates are usually bargained above the award wage. However, working in this industry is not easy and requires a good physical condition (long hours and physical work). Finally, keep all your training receipts on record as the training expenses can be declared when your end of financial year tax return is completed. Australia’s financial year is from July – June.
Read our dedicated article: Work in construction in Australia
FAQ – White Card
Does the White card expire?
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The White Card once obtained is valid indefinitely. However that if you obtain the certificate and do not work in this industry for 2 years, you will have to retake the training.
What is the white card test?
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You will have to answer several questions related to the construction industry (safety, equipment, regulations etc). You will then have a Short Audio Assessment and Short Video Assessment (online training).
What is PPE?
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Personal protective equipment (PPE) is anything a worker uses or wears to keep them healthy and safe. For the construction industry the minimum PPE requirements are: Hard Hat, high visibility vest, Steel Cap Work Boots.
Is it better to take the White Card test online or in a classroom?
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Depending on where you take the test, you may not have a choice between in-class and online options. In any case, online courses are easy to follow, even if your English proficiency isn’t the highest. An in-class course might be a good option if you’re not very comfortable with English, have poor internet connectivity, or need guidance during the training.
Is the White Card valid across the whole country?
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Yes, the White Card is generally valid in all Australian states and territories.
What should I do if I've lost my White Card?
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If you’ve lost your White Card, contact the training provider to request a duplicate or a copy.
Why do I need a White Card to work in construction?
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The White Card is required to ensure that all construction workers understand essential safety rules, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents on construction sites.”
Other useful Training & Certificates in Australia
If you intend to work in the restaurant or hospitality industry, then obtaining the RSA is necessary. You can find all the information and discounts on Get your RSA Certificate in Australia.
To work in gaming establishments, such as a casino or a pub with slot machines, you will need to obtain the RSG. All the information is available on Get your RSG/RCG in Australia.
Finally, for coffee enthusiasts looking to work in this field, you’ll need to learn how to use machines, different types of coffees, etc., through a training program to become a Barista : Coffee Barista Course in Australia.
hi can I do the white card online from south Australia. if I do the test online from outside of South Australia is it going to be valid in south Australia.
Hi Mostafa, the WC is nationally recognized once obtained in a state or territory 🙂
How can i book for White card in class course in Queensland.
Hi there, we do not work with companies that do training face to face in QLD. If you want to do it online, you should go through EOT, for classroom, check https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/licensing-and-registrations/work-health-and-safety-licences/what-licence-do-i-need/general-construction-induction
How to apply for white card from Nz
Hey Martin, you will need to be in Australia to finish your WC (you need a USI number (student number) and get only get it once in Australia). Cheers