A white card is a legal requirement of anyone working on construction sites. This means whether you’re a labourer, apprentice, plumber, electrician, site supervisor, or regularly visit a site as part of your job, you’ll need a white card QLD.
The process is pretty straightforward, but it can still feel a little confusing if it’s your first time. In today’s guide, we’ll break down the steps for how to get a white card QLD, including how long you can expect it to take, how old you have to be to get a white card QLD, and how much it costs.
What is a white card?
A white card is the commonly-used name for the construction induction card, which proves to employers and regulators that you’ve successfully completed the nationally recognised training called CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry. In Australia, it is illegal to work on a construction site without a valid white card.
This white card shows that you understand basic construction site safety, including how to follow workplace health and safety rules, how to identify hazards, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and responding in emergency situations.
In Queensland, you’ll need a valid white card to legally work on a construction site, and many employers will expect to see this before you’re given the job.
Who needs a white card in QLD?
The white card QLD is needed by a number of different roles. You’ll typically need one if you are:
- Managing or supervising construction work
- Regularly delivering materials to construction sites
- Working as an apprentice, labourer, or tradesperson
- Working as a cleaner, security guard, or a maintenance member entering active sites
- Anyone else that needs to regularly access a construction area
A white card is needed by everyone on a construction site, even those that aren’t picking up the tools.
How long does it take to get a white card QLD?
A Queensland white card is a short course, and most can be completed in a day. The actual study itself should take around 6 hours. With a white card QLD online course, like the one offered by Express Online Training, you can complete the course in your own time. In fact, with Express Online Training’s course, you can pause and resume your study as you wish. This makes it extra convenient for fitting in learning around a busy schedule.
With an online white card QLD, you’ll often receive your Statement of Attainment the same day as successfully passing the course. Your physical white card will typically be issued within a few days of course completion.
How to get a white card QLD
There’s a clear process for getting white card in QLD. Here are the basic steps, laid out:
Step 1: Choose a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
In Australia, your white card training must be completed through an RTO that has been approved to deliver the construction induction training. When deciding on which RTO to choose, consider whether you’d like to complete your training through online training or in-person, look for transparent pricing, positive reviews, and check for a valid RTO number.
Step 2: Enroll in the white card QLD course
Before enrolling in your white card course, you’ll need to obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI). A USI is free to apply for and only takes a few minutes to obtain. If you’ve completed accredited training in recent years, you may already have a USI. When enrolling for the white card QLD course, you’ll need to provide identification. You may need to provide several forms of ID, including at least one that’s photo ID. Identification could include:
- Driver’s licence or learner’s permit
- Passport
- Medicare card
- Bank or credit card
- Birth certificate or proof of age card
Each training provider may have slightly different ID requirements, so it’s worth asking them what they require if you’re unsure.
Step 3: Complete the white card training
White card training typically takes place over a day of study and includes assessment. The white card course covers topics such as:
- Workplace health and safety laws
- Identifying hazards on construction sites
- Managing risks
- Using PPE correctly
- Understanding site signage and procedures
- Emergency response and incident reporting
Training is designed to be accessible, meaning you should be able to follow it easily even if you have no previous construction experience.
Step 4: Pass the assessment
Once you’ve completed training, you’ll generally need to complete an assessment to show you understand what you’ve learned. Provided you’ve paid attention to the course, you should be able to pass without difficulty. After successfully completing the assessment, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment which can be used as proof for completion of your white card QLD training.
Step 5: Receive your white card
After the course is successfully completed, your official QLD white card will either be issued on the day or sent to you within a number of days or weeks. In the meantime, your Statement of Attainment can be used as temporary proof when working on a construction site.
How much does it cost to get a white card in QLD?
Queensland is one of the more expensive states to obtain a white card in. Obtaining a white card in QLD will typically cost you between $200 and $400. Price will vary depending on the chosen provider and whether you decide to study in-person or online. Express Online Training offers the White Card (QLD) Class Online for $250. We also offer Afterpay, allowing you to pay for the course in 4 interest-free payments of $62.50.
How old do you have to be to get a white card QLD?
There is no officially set minimum age under Queensland legislation for obtaining a white card. However, many training providers set their own age limits for studying. It’s common for providers to require students to be at least 13 years of age when completing their white card QLD course. If you’re unsure of the age limit your provider has, and you’re concerned it may impact your ability to do the course, check with them directly.
Does a white card expire in QLD?
In Queensland, white cards don’t have an expiration date. However, if you’re out of the construction industry for two or more years, you will be required to retake the course (or complete a refresher course) before returning to work.
Can you use a white card obtained from another state in QLD?
Yes. White cards are naturally recognised throughout all of Australia. This means if you obtain a white card through an accredited RTO in another state or territory, it will be valid for use in Queensland. This is particularly helpful for those that have recently moved states or who move around regularly for work.
Why choose Express Online Training for your white card QLD course?
Express Online Training is a fully-accredited RTO offering the white card QLD course online. Our course is valid for work in all states and territories of Australia. Our course is built for mobile devices, and can be studied on phone, tablet, or computer. The course can be paused, allowing you to switch devices as you wish, moving from phone to computer to tablet as needed. This makes it perfect for anyone who has a busy schedule, or needs to fit their study in around work or family commitments.
The white card QLD from Express Online Training can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection, and you won’t need to attend any in-person training or assessment. We offer fully-qualified and locally-based support 7 days a week (including until late on weekdays), so you can ask any questions you may have and get answers quickly. No Statutory Declaration forms are needed, and there are no hidden costs with the white card QLD course from Express Online Training.
Getting a white card in Queensland is a straightforward process that can typically be completed in a single day of study. Once you’ve chosen a reputable training provider and successfully finished your course, you’ll be equipped to work at construction sites legally and with confidence. Express Online Training offers a white card QLD online course that can be completed in your own time and at your own pace.
