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
What is the White Card
The White Card is a legal requirement for anyone working in construction in Australia. It is crucial for securing construction jobs 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
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislative requirements.
- Communication and reporting processes in construction.
- Recognizing construction hazards and risk control measures.
- Understanding OHS incident and emergency response procedures.
Read our article: Work in construction in Australia
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, count around $200.
Important: 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.
How to obtain a White Card?
Online vs. Classroom Training
You can either complete an online course or attend face-to-face training :
- 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.
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.
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.
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 a “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.
If you are thinking about working in hospitality later on, it is worth purchasing a training package to obtain your RSA Certificate as well.
FAQ – White Card
No, but a refresher is needed if you’re out of the industry for 2 years.
Yes, the White Card is valid in all Australian states and territories.
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).
Personal Protective Equipment, like hard hats and steel cap boots, is essential for construction work.
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.
If you’ve lost your White Card, contact the training provider to request a duplicate or a copy.
No, students are not required to bring their own PPE. If you get your White card with Edway, they will provide the necessary PPE on the day of the class.
Other Useful Training & Certificates in Australia
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