Can I use my QLD White Card in other states?
Yes. A Queensland White Card is recognised in every other Australian state and territory, and a White Card issued interstate is recognised in Queensland. You don’t need to redo the course or swap your card when you move.
There are a few conditions, though, and some older cards and digital cards have their own rules. Here’s what you need to know before you start work interstate.
Why White Cards are recognised everywhere
Every state and territory requires general construction induction training before a person carries out construction work, and they all use the same nationally recognised unit of competency: CPCWHS1001 - Prepare to work safely in the construction industry (and the earlier units it replaced). The CPCWHS1001 unit itself states that it meets the induction requirements of the model Work Health and Safety Regulations, Western Australia and Victoria.
Because the training is the same, the regulations recognise each other’s cards. In Queensland, section 318 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 says a reference to a White Card includes an equivalent card issued under a corresponding WHS law in another jurisdiction, unless that card has been cancelled.
State-by-state
New South Wales
SafeWork NSW recognises interstate White Cards issued under corresponding WHS laws. If you hold a valid Queensland White Card, you don’t need to complete NSW training or get a NSW card.
SafeWork NSW notes that interstate cards must be produced if a NSW inspector asks for them, and the inspector may also ask for a sample of your signature.
Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria says a White Card lawfully obtained in another Australian state or territory is recognised in Victoria. WorkSafe Victoria doesn’t accept online White Card courses, or courses that aren’t from an approved registered training organisation (RTO), so this matters if your card came from a self-paced online course.
Western Australia
WorkSafe WA recognises nationally recognised construction induction training completed in other states and territories, so you don’t need to do the WA course if you can show evidence of your training. The card must be similar, issued under a corresponding WHS law, and not cancelled.
Tasmania, South Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory
WorkSafe Tasmania says a person with a current, valid construction induction card from another jurisdiction generally doesn’t need to do the Tasmanian training or get a Tasmanian card. South Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory also use the national White Card system and generally accept interstate cards. If you’re unsure about a specific card, check with the regulator in the state you’re moving to before your first day on site.
The conditions that apply everywhere
- The card must not be cancelled. A card cancelled in the state that issued it isn’t recognised anywhere.
- The 2-year rule still applies. If you completed your training more than 2 years ago and haven’t carried out construction work in the last 2 years, you need to retrain, no matter which state issued your card. Read more about whether a White Card expires.
- Carry your card. Workers must keep their White Card available for inspection on site, and inspectors in other states can ask to see it.
Old Blue Cards, Red Cards and Green Cards
Before the national White Card was introduced, states issued their own induction cards. Queensland issued Blue Cards until 30 June 2009.
Recognition of older cards varies. SafeWork NSW says it still recognises Queensland Blue Cards issued by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, as well as Western Australian Blue Cards and Victorian Red Cards. Old NSW Green Cards are no longer valid, and WorkSafe Victoria doesn’t recognise them either.
If you hold an old card, it’s worth replacing it with a current White Card before working interstate, to avoid problems on site. We can’t replace a lost Blue Card with a White Card, so if you’ve lost an old Blue Card, you’ll need to complete a current White Card course.
Digital White Cards
NSW offers a digital White Card through the Service NSW app. Service NSW notes that the digital card may not be recognised in other states and territories, so carry your physical card when working outside NSW.
Online White Cards and interstate work
Self-paced online White Card courses are generally only available to residents of Western Australia and Tasmania. A card obtained this way is lawfully issued in that state, but as noted above, WorkSafe Victoria doesn’t accept online White Card courses, and some principal contractors set their own requirements. If you’re planning to work on the east coast, a face-to-face course avoids any doubt. Read more about why White Card training moved away from online delivery.
Lost your card while interstate?
Replacement cards are issued by the state that issued your original card. If your card was issued in Queensland, see our guide to replacing a lost Queensland White Card, which also lists where to go for cards from other states.
Get a White Card that works anywhere in Australia
Our face-to-face Queensland White Card course takes 4.5 hours, costs $99 and you’ll leave with your White Card on the day, ready to work in any state.