The very first step for many that want to work in construction in Australia is obtaining a white card. This certification is mandatory nationwide, regardless of whether you’re switching careers, beginning an apprenticeship, or simply planning on taking a role that regularly visits construction sites.
In today’s guide, we’ll explain how to get a white card for construction, online study possibilities in each state/territory, and what to expect from the process.
What is a white card?
Sometimes referred to as a construction induction card, a white card is the official certification that demonstrates that you’ve completed general construction induction training. It’s a mandatory certification for all persons working within the construction industry. In order to obtain your white card, you must successfully complete the nationally recognised unit, CPCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry. This should be done through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Once you’ve completed your course, you’ll receive your Statement of Attainment, and your white card will be issued through your state or territory authority.
Who needs a white card?
As a general rule, anyone who works on construction sites or visits them regularly is required to hold a valid white card. This includes:
- Plumbers, electricians, and plasterers
- Managers and supervisors of building projects
- Labouring positions
- Anyone who performs installation, cabling or cleaning on site
- Construction site security.
Is my white card valid in all states and territories?
Yes, provided you’ve obtained your white card through an RTO, it will be valid for work in all states and territories. This is because the white card is nationally recognised. As such, you can train in one state, then move to another and not need to worry about retaking your course. This is especially helpful for those who work interstate!
How hard is it to get a construction white card?
The great news is that a white card is relatively easy to get. The white card course is designed with beginners in mind, and focuses on safety within the building industry, rather than on advanced construction skills. This makes the course obtainable for those that have never worked within the construction industry before.
What is taught in a white card course?
Regardless of the state or territory in which you study for your white card certification, the content should remain the same. Topics covered in the white card course include the basics of risk assessment, how to identify construction hazards, the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), understanding safety signs and documentation, emergency procedures, and the steps for reporting incidents and hazards.
The course may include a practical hazard identification exercise, short quizzes, multiple-choice questions, or all three. You don’t need to have previous construction experience in order to begin studying a white card course.
The steps for how to get a construction white card Australia
The exact steps for obtaining your white card certificate may differ depending on the RTO you choose and whether you study online or in-person. However, here is a general guide for what to expect:
Step 1: Get your Unique Student Identifier (USI)
All persons studying in Australia are required to obtain a USI. You’ll use the one USI for all of your studying, so if you’ve gotten one before, you can use that one. The USI is a government ID that’s used to track vocational training in Australia. It’s free to get, and takes only about 5 minutes to do so.
Step 2: Choose an RTO
Your white card course must be completed through an approved RTO. Take a look at different options available, and choose the one that best suits your needs. It can be a good idea to ask friends and family for recommendations, or read reviews from past students to figure out which RTO is best.
Step 3: Complete the white card course
The white card certification is a short course, and typically takes around one day in person or a few hours online (where state-permitted). You may be required to complete a short assessment, or other study exercises to successfully finish the course.
Step 4: Receive your Statement of Attainment
Once you’ve successfully completed your course, you’ll be given a Statement of Attainment to show your completion. The white card itself will then be issued by the relevant state authority.
Step 5: Begin your work in construction
With your training complete, you can legally begin working on construction sites throughout Australia. Lots of employers accept a Statement of Attainment as proof of completion while you wait for your physical white card to be processed, so check to see if this is the case for your situation.
Can I do a white card online in QLD?
Yes, online white card courses are permitted in Queensland. Many Australians complete their QLD white card online training with RTOs like Express Online Training. We offer a White Card (QLD) Class Online course, designed for remote study.
Can I do a white card online in NSW?
Yes, New South Wales is another state that allows completion of the white card online. Express Online Training provides the White Card (NSW) Class Online, which can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Can I do a white card online in VIC?
No, self-paced online courses are typically not accepted in Victoria. Instead, you’ll need to complete your white card course through in-person training.
Can I do a white card online in WA?
Yes, online white card training is permitted for Western Australia. This means you can complete your White Card WA Online certification through a self-paced learning institution such as Express Online Training.
Can I do a white card online in SA?
No, in South Australia, face-to-face training is typically required for white card certification. You may be able to complete an instructor-led virtual session for the SA white card certificate. Check what RTOs offer to see what best suits your needs.
Can I do a white card online in TAS?
Yes, Tasmania allows the completion of the white card certification through online training. This means you can complete your course remotely, with courses like the White Card TAS Online.
Can I do a white card online in NT?
No, in the Northern Territory, a white card must be completed face-to-face through an approved RTO.
Can I do a white card online in ACT?
No, you cannot complete a white card online in a self-paced capacity in the Australian Capital Territory. Some providers may allow you to undertake the course through trainer-led webinars, however, most will require you to engage in in-person study.
How much does a white card cost?
The price of your white card will depend on the state/territory you undertake study in, the provider, and whether your course is in-person or online. Prices vary, from around $50 through to $250. At Express Online Training, we offer Afterpay, allowing eligible students to pay for their white card course in four interest-free instalments.
How long does it take to get a construction white card?
The construction white card is a short course, which means it should only take around six hours of study to complete. For the in-person white card course, this typically means one full day of study. For those completing their white card online, the study can be completed in one day, or in smaller sections of time across a number of days, weeks or months. This makes the white card online convenient for anyone who prefers self-paced learning or who has a busy schedule.
Does a white card expire?
The great news is that while being used, a white card does not expire. However, it’s important to note that if you spend two or more consecutive years out of the construction industry, your white card will become invalid, and you’ll need to retake the course.
Can I work while I wait for my white card to arrive?
Many employers will allow you to begin work once you have your Statement of Attainment. This means you may not have a wait for your physical white card to arrive before commencing work. Check with your employer to see if they allow this, or if they’d like to wait to see your physical white card.
Is a white card worth it?
A white card is a legal requirement for anyone working within the construction industry in Australia. As such, if you’re wanting a job that involves working in the industry, you’ll need to hold a valid white card, making the choice to study worth it for those that want to pursue a relevant career.
Why choose Express Online Training for your white card course?
Express Online Training offers online white card training in a number of Australian states. Our online white card courses are great for apprentices, career changers, and busy workers, allowing you to complete your study around your other commitments. We’re a nationally-accredited RTO, providing the CPCWHS1001 unit of study, so your card is valid for use Australia-wide. Our course is built for mobile devices, and can be easily completed on a phone, tablet, or computer, automatically saving your progress to allow you to switch between the three as needed. We provide local support, 7 days a week, including until late on weekdays. You won’t need to provide any statutory declaration forms, and will receive your Statement of Attainment on the same day you pass. Your white card certificate will then be sent the next business day after you successfully complete the course, at no extra cost for shipping to Australian addresses.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about how to get a construction white card Australia. The process is typically quick and beginner-friendly, so you can expect to obtain the certification after a day’s worth of study. If you’re considering a career in construction, getting your white card is a good first step. It shows employers you’re serious and that you’re ready to begin work.
Choosing a flexible provider like Express Online Training can make the process even easier, as you can fit your training around work, study, or family commitments. Instead of needing to wait for a classroom session to be available, you can quickly complete your course and begin working in the industry.
Take the first step today! Enroll in a construction white card course, and begin your career in Australia’s growing construction industry.