How to get a white card?

August 30, 2022

Thinking about starting a career in construction? One of the first steps you’ll need to take is learning how to get a white card.

Whether you’re aiming to work in residential, commercial, or rail construction, this essential certification ensures you’re ready to work safely on any site across Australia.

It seems like there’s always new construction going on in Australia’s major cities. Between infrastructure projects, public transport and residential works, construction is one of the largest employers in the country. The rail industry, in particular, is booming with new developments and upgrades, offering plenty of opportunities for those looking to enter the workforce.

Construction sites are dynamic and challenging environments, but they offer rewarding careers.

To protect your safety, as well as the safety of other tradespeople and the general public, you must prove you are prepared to work safely in the construction industry.

An active white card is a prerequisite before walking onto a construction site, no matter where you are in the country.

We’ve answered some of the major questions we get from those wanting to enter the construction industry below.

What is a white card?

A white card is a requirement for anyone who wants to work on a construction site, whether you’re a labourer, site manager, or any other worker. It is the commonly used name for the General Construction Induction Card, which you receive after completing the “Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (CPCCWHS1001)” training course.

This course covers essential safety information to ensure you’re equipped to work safely in the construction environment.

How do I get a white card?

To get a white card, you must complete the Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (CPCCWHS1001) course through a nationally accredited training provider.

What is this white card course?

In the CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry course you will learn:

  • Overview of rights, responsibilities and roles of holders
  • Duty of care requirements
  • Identify hazards and risk control measures
  • Health and safety communication and reporting processes
  • Incident and emergency response procedures

How to get a white card in QLD?

In Queensland, to obtain your white card, you must complete CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry course with an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This training will provide you with a basic understanding of:

  • Work health and safety laws
  • Common site hazards
  • How to control the associated risks

Once you’ve successfully completed the course, the RTO will issue you your white card. You must keep this card with you at all times whenever you are on a construction site. It is important to retain a copy of your card and keep the RTO’s details on record, as you will need this information if you ever require a replacement card.

The training is delivered face-to-face with a registered training organisation and is not available online.

Upon successful completion of the course, your white card will be issued directly by the RTO. Be sure to keep it on hand, as it is a mandatory requirement for accessing sites in Queensland and across Australia.

How do I get a white card in Victoria?

In Victoria, to obtain a white card, you must complete the CPCCWHS1001 course through an approved RTO. It is important to note that construction induction training must be delivered face-to-face in a classroom environment.

When selecting a course, ensure the RTO is accredited and that the course meets the following requirements:

  • The course code must be CPCCWHS1001 or CPCWHS1001 (Prepare to work safely in the construction industry).
  • The course must be face-to-face and run for a minimum of 6 hours.
  • You will need to provide photographic ID when you register and on the day of the course.

Upon successful completion, the RTO will apply to WorkSafe Victoria on your behalf, and your white card will be issued within 60 days.

Avoid courses that advertise as low-cost online training, as these will not be accepted by WorkSafe Victoria, and you will not receive a valid white card.

Once your white card is issued, it will allow you to work on sites throughout Victoria. Be sure to choose an accredited RTO to ensure your training meets WorkSafe Victoria’s requirements.

How to get a white card in NSW?

To obtain a white card in New South Wales, you must first complete general construction induction training with an RTO. This training is required for all workers who wish to carry out construction work, including site managers, supervisors, surveyors, labourers, tradespeople, and anyone who accesses operational construction zones.

The eligibility criteria include:

  • You must be at least 14 years old.
  • You will need to provide 100 points of ID to the RTO.
  • The course fee is set independently by the RTO.

After completing the training, the RTO will submit your application to SafeWork NSW. The RTO will also provide you with a statement of attainment, which you can use as proof of completion until your official white card arrives. This statement is valid for 60 days. Most cards are issued within 30 days, but if you haven’t received your card within this timeframe, you can contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.

You can also use construction induction cards issued by other states and territories to work in NSW.

Once issued, your white card will allow you to work safely on sites across New South Wales. If you haven’t carried out construction work for two consecutive years or more, your white card becomes void, and you will need to complete the training again to renew it.

How long does it take to get a white card?

In Victoria, the course is facilitated via face-to-face training and will run for at least 6 hours. You should expect your card issued by WorkSafe Victoria two weeks after completing the course. The same timeframe applies in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

For other states such as NSW, your card will usually arrive within 30 days.

Do white cards expire?

How long does a white card last? White cards have no expiration date. However, if you have not worked in the construction industry for 2 years or more at any time you are encouraged to complete the white card training again to refresh your safety knowledge.

Can I use my card to work in any state?

Yes, it allows you to carry out construction work in any Australian State. This was also known as the Red, Green or Blue Cards depending on your State or Territory previously. It is now standardised and nationally recognised with each state issuing its own Construction Induction Card that can be used anywhere. You must keep this available for inspection whenever you are on a construction site.

What happens after you get a white card?

Once you’ve got your white card, you’re ready to take the next step toward working in rail. That’s where CERT comes in.

If you’re looking to move into the rail construction industry, your white card is only the beginning. Rail worksites are treated as sites, so having your white card is a must before you can complete the rail-specific inductions and training required to access the rail corridor.

As a specialist rail training provider, CERT delivers nationally recognised, entry-level courses across five states to help you build a safe and successful career in rail.

After you’ve completed your white card training with a registered provider, CERT can guide you through the next stage of your journey. These include:

  • Introduction to Rail – A helpful starting point if you’re new to the industry. This course explains how rail systems work, the types of roles available, and key safety expectations.
  • Safely Access the Rail Corridor (SARC) – A critical course for anyone who needs to access or work within the rail corridor. It’s often required before applying for a Rail Industry Worker (RIW) card.
  • Rail Medical (Category 1, 2 or 3) – CERT also helps you meet the medical fitness requirements for rail roles, depending on the job you’re aiming for.

If you’re unsure where to begin, the CERT team can help you map out the right training pathway based on the type of rail job you want, your location, and your experience level.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering working in construction then you must have your white card before you can start work. Once you have this you will be able to work safely on construction sites anywhere in Australia.

Construction careers can be lucrative, exciting and challenging. They can take you to many places and work with others on projects big and small.

Get your career and earnings on the right track, speak to CERT today about getting this mandatory requirement.

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