White Card Training
Everything You Need to Know (2025/2026 Guide)
Your complete guide to the construction induction card required to work on Australian building sites
What is a White Card?
A White Card (officially called a General Construction Induction Card) is a mandatory certification required for anyone working in the Australian construction industry. It proves you’ve completed general safety induction training and understand the fundamental health and safety requirements for construction sites.
The card gets its name from its physical appearance – a white plastic card similar to a driver’s license that displays your photo, name, and unique identification number.
Bottom Line: No White Card = No access to construction sites in Australia.
Who Needs a White Card?
You NEED a White Card if you:
- Work on any construction site in Australia
- Perform any construction-related work, including:
- Building and renovation
- Demolition
- Civil construction
- Landscaping on construction sites
- Maintenance work on construction sites
- Electrical work on construction sites
- Plumbing work on construction sites
- Painting on construction sites
- Are an apprentice in a construction trade
- Supervise construction work
- Are an owner-builder undertaking construction work
You may NOT need a White Card if you:
- Are a visitor accompanied by someone who has completed the training
- Are temporarily on site to deliver equipment, supplies, or services where a risk assessment shows other safety measures can control risks (such as restricted access, visitor management plans, etc.)
- Work in an office area physically separated from the construction zone
Important: Even if you’re just delivering materials, most sites will require you to have a White Card for access. When in doubt, get the card.
White Card Requirements by State
The White Card is recognized Australia-wide, meaning a card obtained in one state is valid in all others. However, each state has its own issuing authority:
| State/Territory | Issuing Authority | Contact |
| New South Wales | SafeWork NSW | safework.nsw.gov.au |
| Victoria | WorkSafe Victoria | worksafe.vic.gov.au |
| Queensland | WorkSafe Queensland | worksafe.qld.gov.au |
| Western Australia | Department of Commerce | commerce.wa.gov.au |
| South Australia | SafeWork SA | safework.sa.gov.au |
| Tasmania | WorkSafe Tasmania | worksafe.tas.gov.au |
| Northern Territory | NT WorkSafe | worksafe.nt.gov.au |
| Australian Capital Territory | Access Canberra | accesscanberra.act.gov.au |
Interstate Recognition
Your White Card is valid nationally. Here’s how cards are recognized:
Cards recognized in ALL states:
- All White Cards issued after their respective state’s current system implementation
- Cards must be current (not expired where expiry applies)
Note: Some older card colors (like Victoria’s red cards or WA’s blue cards) may still be valid – check with the issuing state for confirmation.
The Training Course
Course Name
CPCWHS1001 – Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry
(Previously CPCCOHS1001A – Work Safely in the Construction Industry)
What You’ll Learn
The course covers essential safety knowledge including:
- Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Legislation
- Understanding your rights and responsibilities
- Duty of care
- Penalties for non-compliance
- Hazard Identification
- Common construction hazards
- How to identify risks on site
- Risk assessment basics
- Risk Control Measures
- Hierarchy of controls
- Implementing safety measures
- Safe work procedures
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Types of PPE required on construction sites
- Correct selection and use
- Maintenance and inspection
- Emergency Procedures
- Emergency response protocols
- First aid basics
- Incident reporting
- Communication on Site
- Safety signs and symbols
- Reporting hazards
- Working with others safely
Course Duration
- Face-to-face training: 6-8 hours (one full day)
- Online component (where permitted): Varies by provider
- Assessment: Completed during or at end of training
How to Get Your White Card
Step 1: Find a Registered Training Organization (RTO)
Training must be delivered by an RTO approved by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and endorsed by your state’s WHS regulator.
Where to find approved RTOs:
- Training.gov.au (national database)
- Your state’s WorkSafe/SafeWork website
- TAFE colleges
- Group training organizations
- Private RTOs
Red Flags – Avoid providers that:
- Offer courses significantly shorter than 6 hours
- Don’t require photo ID verification
- Claim you can complete the course without any practical assessment
- Offer prices that seem too good to be true
Step 2: Enroll and Complete the Course
What to bring on training day:
- Photo ID (one of the following):
- Current Australian passport
- Current driver’s license
- Current proof of age card with photo
- Tertiary student ID card with photo
- Foreign passport (current, not expired)
- PPE for practical components:
- Hard hat (construction site standard)
- Safety glasses (not sunglasses)
- High-visibility vest (orange or yellow)
- Hearing protection (ear muffs or foam plugs)
- Safety boots (steel-capped) – some providers supply these
Note: Requirements vary by RTO – confirm what you need when you enroll.
Step 3: Pass the Assessment
You must demonstrate competency in:
- Identifying hazards
- Applying risk control measures
- Selecting appropriate PPE
- Understanding WHS legislation
- Emergency response procedures
Assessment typically includes:
- Written questions (multiple choice and short answer)
- Practical demonstrations
- Observation by assessor
Step 4: Receive Your White Card
Immediately after training:
- You’ll receive a Statement of Attainment (SOA) confirming you completed CPCWHS1001
- This SOA is valid for 60 days as proof of completion while your card is processed
White Card processing:
- Processing time varies by state (typically 2-4 weeks)
- Some states issue cards through the RTO; others through a central authority
- You’ll receive a plastic card with your photo and unique number
White Card Training: Face-to-Face vs Online
Face-to-Face Training (Recommended)
Pros:
- Complete in one day
- Hands-on practical assessment
- Direct interaction with trainers
- Immediate Statement of Attainment
Cons:
- Must attend at scheduled time
- May require travel to training location
- Less flexibility
Online Training (Connected Real-Time Delivery)
Some RTOs offer online courses, but there are strict requirements:
Requirements for valid online courses:
- Must be “connected real-time” (live, not pre-recorded)
- Assessor must be able to observe you via video
- Photo ID verification required
- PPE demonstration must be observed live
- Some practical assessments may require in-person attendance
Warning: Many online White Card courses are NOT compliant and may not be accepted by regulators. WorkSafe Victoria, for example, only accepts face-to-face training and will not issue White Cards for online-only courses.
Always verify with your state’s regulator that an online course will be accepted before enrolling.
Cost of White Card Training
| State | Approximate Cost | Notes |
| NSW | $80 – $150 | Includes card fee |
| VIC | $150 – $250 | Card fee separate (~$50) |
| QLD | $80 – $150 | Card issued by RTO |
| WA | $100 – $180 | Includes card |
| SA | $80 – $150 | Card issued by RTO |
| TAS | $100 – $180 | Application fee separate |
| NT | $100 – $180 | Varies by provider |
| ACT | $100 – $180 | Varies by provider |
Cost factors:
- TAFE courses often cheaper than private RTOs
- Some employers pay for employee training
- Group bookings may offer discounts
- Avoid courses priced significantly below market rate
White Card Validity and Renewal
Does the White Card Expire?
Victoria: White Cards do not expire, but refresher training is recommended if you’ve been out of construction for an extended period.
Other states: Generally, White Cards don’t have an expiry date, but:
- The card itself may degrade over time
- Refresher training is recommended after breaks from the industry
- Future legislative changes may introduce renewal requirements
Replacement Cards
Lost, stolen, or damaged cards can be replaced by:
- Contacting the RTO that issued your original card
- If the RTO no longer operates:
- Access your training records through USI (Unique Student Identifier) portal
- Contact your state’s regulator for guidance
- You may need to complete training again
Updating Details
If you change your name or other details:
- Contact the issuing RTO or state authority
- Provide evidence of name change (marriage certificate, deed poll, etc.)
- A new card with updated details will be issued
Special Situations
Apprentices
- Must obtain White Card before or immediately upon starting apprenticeship
- Often completed as part of pre-apprenticeship or first year of training
- Many TAFEs include it in Certificate II pre-apprenticeship courses
- Some employers arrange training for new apprentices
Owner-Builders
If you’re an owner-builder:
- You must complete White Card training
- Required when applying for Owner-Builder Certificate of Consent
- The Victorian Building Authority and similar bodies in other states require a current White Card
International Workers
If you’re from overseas:
- You must complete Australian White Card training
- Overseas safety certifications are NOT recognized
- Training is conducted in English
- Language support may be available through some RTOs
Students and School Leavers
- Minimum age is typically 16 years
- Parental consent may be required for under-18s
- School-based VET programs often include White Card training
- Pre-apprenticeship courses include White Card as standard
What Happens Without a White Card?
Penalties for Workers
Working on a construction site without a valid White Card can result in:
- On-the-spot fines
- Removal from site
- Impact on employment
- Potential prosecution in serious cases
Penalties for Employers
Allowing workers without White Cards on site can result in:
- Significant fines (often $5,000-$50,000+)
- Prohibition notices
- Prosecution for WHS breaches
- Insurance implications
Site Access
Principal contractors and site managers are required to:
- Verify White Card status before allowing site access
- Maintain records of all workers’ induction status
- Display or provide White Card on request by inspectors
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is the White Card course? A: The course takes approximately 6-8 hours (one full day) for face-to-face training.
Q: Can I do the White Card online? A: Some states accept connected real-time (live video) online training, but face-to-face is generally preferred and accepted everywhere. Victoria specifically requires face-to-face training.
Q: How much does it cost? A: Typically $80-$250 depending on the provider and state. Be wary of courses priced significantly below this range.
Q: Is the White Card valid in all states? A: Yes, a White Card obtained in any state is recognized Australia-wide.
Q: Does the White Card expire? A: Generally no, but refresher training is recommended after extended breaks from construction work.
Q: Can I start work with just the Statement of Attainment? A: Yes, the SOA is valid for 60 days while your physical card is being processed.
Q: I lost my White Card – what do I do? A: Contact the RTO that issued your card for a replacement. If they no longer operate, contact your state’s WHS regulator.
Q: Do I need any other cards to work in construction? A: The White Card is the minimum. Depending on your work, you may also need:
- High-risk work licenses (forklifts, cranes, scaffolding, etc.)
- Trade licenses (electrical, plumbing)
- Working at Heights certification
- Asbestos awareness training
Q: Is the White Card the same as a Blue Card? A: No. Blue Card in Queensland refers to a Working with Children check. WA previously used blue cards for construction induction (now replaced by White Cards).
Tips for Training Day
- Arrive early – You’ll need time to register and verify ID
- Bring correct ID – Check with your RTO what’s accepted
- Bring your PPE – Required for practical assessment
- Stay engaged – Active participation helps with retention
- Take notes – Useful for the assessment and future reference
- Ask questions – Trainers are there to help you understand
- Don’t rush – The course is designed to take a full day for good reason
After Your White Card
Site-Specific Inductions
Your White Card covers general safety knowledge, but you’ll also need to complete:
- Site induction – Specific to each construction site you work on
- Company induction – Your employer’s safety procedures
- Task-specific training – For particular equipment or processes
Building Your Safety Knowledge
Consider additional training in:
- Working at Heights
- Manual handling
- First aid
- Traffic management
- Confined spaces
- Asbestos awareness
Career Progression
With your White Card and trade qualifications, you can progress to:
- Leading Hand
- Site Supervisor (may require additional safety qualifications)
- WHS Advisor/Officer
- Safety Manager
Where to Get White Card Training
National Providers
- TAFE (all states)
- Master Builders Association
- Housing Industry Association (HIA)
- Various private RTOs
State-Specific Resources
NSW: safework.nsw.gov.au/construction-induction
VIC: worksafe.vic.gov.au/construction-induction-training-white-card
QLD: worksafe.qld.gov.au/general-construction-induction
WA: commerce.wa.gov.au/work safe
SA: safework.sa.gov.au/white-card
TAS: worksafe.tas.gov.au/white-cards
NT: worksafe.nt.gov.au/white-card
ACT: accesscanberra.act.gov.au
Conclusion
The White Card is your entry ticket to working in the Australian construction industry. While it’s just the first step in your construction safety journey, it provides essential knowledge that could save your life or the lives of your workmates.
Choose a reputable RTO, take the training seriously, and keep your card safe once you receive it. It’s a small investment of time and money that opens the door to opportunities across one of Australia’s largest employment sectors.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Requirements may change – always verify current requirements with your state or territory’s workplace health and safety authority.