How do you get a White Card?
Every step from picking your training state to holding your card: what you need to enrol, how the course runs, and who issues your White Card.
Written byEdway
The short answer
Are you looking to work in the construction industry in Australia? If so, then you will need a White Card. Whether you are starting out in the industry or just want to refresh your skills, this guide walks you through how to get a White Card, step by step.
You book construction induction training, complete the course, pass the assessment, and receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for CPCWHS1001. Your construction induction card follows.
Start by choosing the state where you will train. That choice decides how the course runs, what identification you need, and who issues your card.
The White Card training itself is quick and informative. You cover your work health and safety duties, how to spot common construction hazards and control the risks, how site safety communication and reporting works, and how to respond to incidents and emergencies. It is the General Construction Induction for labourers, trades, apprentices, supervisors, contractors and site visitors alike.
Train in one state, use your White Card Australia-wide
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, wherever you plan to work. A valid card is recognised across Australia, so training in one state does not stop you working in another.
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. This White Card online course lets you study at a time that suits you. 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. Together they are your White Card certificate and card, ready to show on site.
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
| State | Who issues your card | How you get it |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | SafeWork NSW | Training Aid applies for you; posted, usually within 30 days |
| Victoria | WorkSafe Victoria | Edway applies for you; posted, allow up to 60 days |
| South Australia | Edway Training (RTO 91401) | Printed after your course and posted to you |
| Western Australia | Edway Training (RTO 91401) | Posted to you and recorded in the state card database |
| Tasmania | WorkSafe Tasmania | You apply in person at Service Tasmania within 60 days |
| Australian Capital Territory | Access Canberra | You apply online within 60 days; card posted |
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.
How do you avoid White Card scams in Australia?
A real White Card always comes from real training. You complete construction induction training with a registered training organisation, pass the assessment and receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for CPCWHS1001. Your card then comes from the issuer for your state, as set out in the table above.
When you book through the White Card course page, you see the training organisation and its RTO number before you pay. Then you can book with confidence.
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.
Getting a White Card is an essential step for anyone looking to work in the construction industry in Australia. If you have any questions about how to get a White Card, chat to us today!
Sources
- SafeWork NSW — White cardsNew South Wales card process, Statement of Training and evidence of identity
- SafeWork NSW — Conditions for RTOs delivering general construction induction trainingNew South Wales identity check, minimum age and Statement of Training timing
- WorkSafe Victoria — Construction induction training: information for registered training organisationsVictorian same-day Statement of Attainment and the 60-day work window
- Safe Work Australia — Model Work Health and Safety RegulationsConstruction induction card duty and mutual recognition across Australia (regulation 318)
- training.gov.au — CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industryUnit code and official title
