How do you get a White Card?

Start with your training state

You can book a White Card course in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

Choose the state where you will do the course, not the state where you plan to work. A valid card is recognised across Australia, so training in one state does not stop you working in another. Sites can still run their own inductions.

Working in Queensland? A card issued in another state lets you work on Queensland sites.

What you need to enrol

Everywhere, you need valid photo identification, a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and enough English to take part. After you book, you complete a short language, literacy, numeracy and digital check in your student account. Bring enclosed footwear to an in-person class.

Three states add a step:

• New South Wales — 100 points of identification, checked by your trainer before the class starts. You must be at least 14.
• Western Australia — the online course is for Western Australian residents, and you provide evidence of that when you enrol.
• South Australia — upload a photo in your Edway student account. Your card cannot be printed without it.

Booking and the training day

You book and pay online, then get a confirmation email with your details.

In a classroom or a live online class, the course runs about 6.5 hours including breaks — one day. A live online class is real time and trainer-led over Zoom: you need a webcam and microphone, your camera stays on, and your identity is checked on camera. You complete the assessment in the session.

In Tasmania and Western Australia the course is online and self-paced. Most people finish in around 6.5 hours, and your enrolment stays open for 2 months from the date of your confirmation email. You complete the assessment online.

What you receive

You receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for CPCWHS1001, plus a construction induction card.

In New South Wales the training is delivered by Training Aid Australia (RTO 91411). In Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory it is delivered by Edway Training (RTO 91401).

Who issues the card is a separate question, and the answer changes by state.

How your card reaches you

Tasmanian and Australian Capital Territory applications carry an application fee.

In New South Wales your trainer gives you a SafeWork NSW Statement of Training — on the day for a classroom class, within 3 days for Zoom — and it covers you for 60 days while your card is processed. In Victoria you get your Statement of Attainment on the day you finish, and it lets you do construction work for 60 days. In the Australian Capital Territory your application receipt plus your Statement of Attainment are enough to start work.

In Tasmania, some employers will let you start on your Statement of Attainment and your Service Tasmania receipt — check with your employer first, and with WorkSafe Tasmania if you are unsure. In South Australia and Western Australia, ask your employer what evidence they need while your card is in the post.

How long your card lasts

There is generally no fixed expiry. Your card lapses if you are out of construction work for 2 or more years, and some states set their own validity rules.

Next step

Choose your state on the White Card course page to see the delivery method, the dates, the price and the card process that apply to you.