If you’re eyeing a career in Australia’s construction industry, the White Card is your essential pass. It’s a mandatory certification that equips you with crucial knowledge about workplace health and safety. This updated guide covers everything you need to know about choosing and completing a White Card course in Australia.
Table of Contents
Understanding the White Card
The White Card is a legal requirement for anyone working in construction in Australia. The training covers safe work practices, risk management, personal protection, safety signs, accident prevention, and workplace injury management. It’s designed for a range of construction workers, including self-employed persons, laborers, trainees, apprentices, and tradespersons.
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
Course Content
During the White Card training, you’ll learn about:
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislative requirements.
- Communication and reporting processes in construction.
- Recognizing construction hazards.
- Understanding OHS incident response procedures.
How much does it cost?
The cost of obtaining a White Card varies from $35 to $220, depending on the state. Online courses are generally more affordable. 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 code ABGENNSW) or Victoria ($120 with discount code ABGENWCVIC).
WHITE CARD TRAINING | ||
---|---|---|
New South Wales | Victoria | Other States |
 Classroom |  Classroom |  Online |
112$ | 120$ | 35$* |
WITH CODE 'ABGENNSW' | WITH CODE 'ABGENWCVIC' | * Prices from (depends on states) |
How to obtain a White Card?
You can either complete an online course or attend face-to-face training. The White Card is valid across all Australian states and territories, with no expiration. However, if you leave the construction industry for more than 2 years, a refresher course is required.
Therefore, to get your White card, you have two options :
- Sit an online test: self-paced and can be completed in multiple sittings. Once completed, you download your certificate online.
- A Face to face training in a classroom: 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.
State-Specific Information
- New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania: Training available online or in a classroom.
- Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory: Training must be completed in a classroom.
Online vs. Classroom Training
Choosing between online and classroom training depends on your location, comfort with English, and learning preferences. Online courses offer flexibility and convenience, while classroom sessions provide interactive learning experiences.
Get your White Card Online for 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
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is required for course completion. It’s free and can be created online, linked to your passport number and visa. However, you must be in Australia to apply. To get your number, visit https://www.usi.gov.au/students/create-your-usi.
White Card NSW in Classroom
To complete your White Card in NSW, we recommend Edway (RTO 91401). Edway Training is offering the course in Sydney in Darlinghurst, Seven Hills or Mona Vale. Your certificate will be issued on the day. The course takes 6.5 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:Â ABGENNSW
White Card Victoria in Classroom
To complete your White Card in Victoria, we recommend Edway Training (RTO 91401). The company is offering the course in 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: ABGENWCVIC
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.
Why the White Card is Essential in Australia ?
The White Card is crucial for securing construction jobs in Australia. It ensures you’re aware of safety protocols, reducing the risk of accidents. If you intend to work in the construction industry in Australia, the White Card is compulsory. Plus, it opens up more job opportunities in a thriving industry.
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?
-
No, but a refresher is needed if you’re out of the industry for 2 years.
What is the white card test?
-
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?
-
Personal Protective Equipment, like hard hats and steel cap boots, is essential for construction work.
Is it better to take the White Card test online or in a classroom?
-
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?
-
Yes, the White Card is generally valid in all Australian states and territories.
What should I do if I've lost my White Card?
-
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?
-
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
Consider additional certifications if you plan to work in hospitality or gaming, like the RSA or RSG.
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.
For aspiring baristas, specialized coffee training is also available: 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
Is it possible to apply for WC online from outside of australia?
Hi there, you can start your certificate from overseas but you ll need to be in Australia to finish it (you need a USI number and to get it you must be in Australia). Cheers