Those that are interested in working in the construction industry in Tasmania will need to have a valid white card. Officially referred to as the Construction Induction Card, the white card Tasmania is a certification that proves you understand legal responsibilities and basic site safety requirements before stepping foot onto a construction site.
In today’s blog, we’ll explain exactly how to get a white card Tasmania, answering a number of questions such as how long a Tasmania white card lasts, how to replace it if it’s lost or damaged, and how to find your Tasmania white card number.
What is a white card Tasmania?
A white card is the nationally recognised certification that’s required for all persons working within the construction industry in Australia. This certificate confirms that you’ve completed the training required for the unit CPCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry.
This training teaches you a number of skills, including how to:
- Follow safe work practices
- Identify potential hazards and risks present on site
- Understand laws regarding workplace health and safety
- Respond in emergency situations.
In both Tasmania and all across Australia, you are legally required to hold a valid white card in order to work on a construction site.
How do I get my white card in Tasmania?
It’s pretty straightforward to get a Tasmania white card. The process involves completing the necessary training, then applying for your physical white card from Service Tasmania.
Step 1: Choose a Registered Training Organisation to study with
To complete a valid Tasmania white card, you’ll need to study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Check to make sure the provider you choose is an RTO before you begin your white card Tasmania course. Express Online Training is an RTO providing the required training unit for the Tasmania white card: CPCWHS1001 – Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry. We offer the White Card Tasmania Online, which can be completed online and at your own pace.
Step 2: Enrol in your white card Tasmania course
Once you’ve chosen your RTO, you can then enrol in your white card Tasmania course. For enrolment, you’ll typically need to provide a copy of your photo ID, plus details such as your address and phone number. The exact details of what you’ll need for enrolment will depend on the RTO you choose to do your course through.
Step 3: Complete the white card course Tasmania
The next step is to begin your study! Some RTOs offer the course as a face-to-face option, while others offer the Tasmania white card online. Doing the white card course online allows you to complete your learning modules at your own pace. The course will typically take around 6 hours to complete. For in-person courses, this will typically be done in one session on a single day. For online study, you can complete the course at times that best suit your schedule over a number of weeks or months. Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment as proof that you’ve passed. This Statement of Attainment is what you’ll use to apply for your white card.
Step 4: Apply for your white card through Service Tasmania
After successfully completing your course, you’ll need to apply for the white card Tasmania through Service Tasmania. This needs to be done in person, and within 60 days of completing your white card Tasmania course. To do this, bring your Statement of Attainment, your white card application form, and ID to a Service Tasmania centre. Present these documents and pay a small fee (separate to the course cost), and you’ll then be issued with a white card Tasmania.
Step 5: Receive your white card
Once your application has been processed, your physical white card Tasmania will be mailed out to you. Typically, you’ll be able to start work with your Statement of Attainment and won’t need to wait for your physical white card to arrive, but check with your employer to make sure.
How long does it take to get a white card in Tasmania?
The timeline will depend on how quickly you complete each step. Typically, the white card Tasmania course can be completed in around 6 hours. Your Statement of Attainment should then be issued either the same day or the next business day. You can apply in person through Service Tasmania the day you receive your Statement of Attainment. Your Tasmania white card should then be delivered within a number of weeks. This means you can potentially have your physical white card within 2 to 3 weeks. However, many employers will allow you to commence work once you’ve obtained your Statement of Attainment, using this certificate temporarily, so check with your employer to see when you can begin.
How long does a white card last in Tasmania?
A white card Tasmania does not expire, provided you remain working within the construction industry. However, if you leave the industry for two or more consecutive years, you will need to retake the course. You may also need to retake the course if an employer requires you to update your safety knowledge.
The great news is that the white card is nationally recognised, meaning once obtained, it can be used in any state or territory across Australia.
How to find white card number Tasmania
Your physical white card may get lost between moves, or simply be misplaced. Fortunately, white card number should be linked to the certificate that’s issued once you complete your training. There are several ways to retrieve this number.
Option 1: Check your Statement of Attainment
Your white card number should be linked to your Statement of Attainment. This document should contain the course code, details of your training provider, plus the issue date. This method can be a quick way to find your white card details.
Option 2: Get in touch with your RTO
Your training provider should keep records of the training you’ve completed with them. By contacting your RTO, you should be able to get a copy of your Statement of Attainment, your training record, and supporting documentation for your replacement card.
Option 3: Contact Service Tasmania
If you’re unable to locate your white card number using the above methods, you can request assistance from Service Tasmania instead. They may ask you for your personal details, ID documents, and approximate completion date in order to verify your identity.
How to get a replacement white card in Tasmania
If your white card is stolen, lost, damaged, or stolen, and you continue to work within the construction industry, you’ll need to apply for a replacement card as soon as possible. To do this, you’ll need to apply in person at a Service Tasmania centre. When doing so, bring with you original documents showing proof of identity, and complete the replacement application form. You’ll need to pay a small replacement fee, and your existing white card must still be valid. If you’ve changed your name since completing your white card Tasmania course, you’ll also need to bring your marriage certificate or name-change document, and identity documents that show your new name.
Can I still work in the construction industry while waiting for my replacement white card to arrive?
In most cases, yes, you can continue working provided you can prove you completed the training. This can typically be done by showing your Statement of Attainment or your official training record. However, it’s important that you still apply for a replacement white card as soon as possible.
Can I get a white card online in Tasmania?
Yes, in Tasmania you can complete your white card course online through an approved provider. This format of course can be fantastic for many students, as it means it can be completed using self-paced theory modules and online assessments. At Express Online Training, our White Card Tasmania Online course has been designed to fit in around your busy schedule. It can be paused and resumed as needed, and you can move between mobile phone, tablet, and computer to complete it (if you like). However, it’s important to note that you must still attend Service Tasmania in person in order to obtain your physical white card.
Is a Tasmania white card valid for work in other states?
Yes, a white card is nationally recognised, which means your Tasmania white card can be used in all states and territories across Australia. As such you don’t need to redo your training when moving interstate. This makes the white card a lifelong credential (provided you remain working within the industry).
Why is the white card important for construction workers?
White card training helps educate workers on a number of risks in the workplace. The course is used to help prevent falls from heights, machinery accidents, poor site communication, exposure to hazardous materials, and more. The training is designed to protect all persons on a construction site.
Can I get a white card in one day?
You could potentially obtain a Statement of Attainment for your Tasmania white card in one day if you completed the course then received the certificate on the same day from your RTO. However, it’s not a guarantee, and as such, you should start your white card Tasmania course with plenty of time before you need it.
Can apprentices get a white card?
Yes, apprentices are required to hold a valid white card when working on a construction site. If you wish to be an apprentice, it’s a good idea to get your Tasmania white card early. Not only does this show an employer that you’re organised, but it also allows plenty of time for the white card to arrive.
Getting a white card in Tasmania is a simple but essential step toward working in construction. Once it’s been issued, your white card will last for life (provided you stay working within the industry), and lets you work on construction sites anywhere throughout Australia. Express Online Training offers a white card Tasmania online course that can be completed at times that best suit your schedule.
