White Card

Overview

The white card is the common name for the general construction induction card in Australia. It shows that a person has completed general construction induction training, which is needed to do construction work. It is a training course, not a national exam. This page uses the New South Wales (NSW) process, which is run by SafeWork NSW, as a worked example. A white card can be used in any Australian state or territory, and NSW accepts construction induction cards issued by other states and territories.

Who needs it

You need a white card if you:

• are employed to carry out construction work (site managers, supervisors, surveyors, labourers and tradespeople);

• enter operational construction zones without being supervised by an inducted person, or routinely enter them because of your job;

• have held a white card but have not worked in construction for two years or more. In NSW the card becomes void after two consecutive years without construction work.

Who can take the training

You must be at least 14 years old. You need to provide 100 points of identification to the training provider.

How it works

1. Complete general construction induction training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). SafeWork NSW has an online search for white card trainers.

2. The RTO sends your application to SafeWork NSW when you finish. It also gives you a statement of training, valid for 60 days, to use until the card arrives.

3. The card usually arrives within 30 days. A digital white card can be added to the Service NSW app.

Fees

The course fee is set independently by each RTO, so it varies. This page does not give a single price.

After the training

• You also need to take part in a safety induction each time you start on a new construction site, and carry your card at work.

• NSW white cards can be verified online through Verify.licence. A lost card can be replaced online if your details have not changed.