How to get a White Card in each Australian state & territory

Want to work in construction? A White Card is your legal ticket to enter any construction site in Australia, as it’s a legal document that proves that you’ve completed the necessary safety training to work in construction.

And it’s not hard to see why you’d want to get a White Card. The construction industry employs around 1.3 million people and contributes 7.0% of Australia's GDP. Plus, the average construction salary in Australia is $86,000 for base pay and can grow considerably with experience. That means almost 10% of Australian workers are already making good money in construction, while you’re on the outside looking in.

To get a White Card, you’ll need to complete safety training through an approved provider, though this usually doesn’t take longer than a day. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to get your White Card quickly and start earning money on construction sites across Australia.

What is a White Card?

A White Card is your ticket to working legally on any construction site in Australia. It’s a legal document that proves that you understand the basic rules for staying alive and uninjured while doing construction work. Without this card, you can’t set foot on a building site as a worker, even if you’re just carrying tools for someone else. 

The official name is the General Construction Induction Card, but everyone calls it a White Card because that’s exactly what it looks like. You get it by completing a one-day training course that covers workplace health and safety basics like how to identify hazards, use personal protective equipment properly and follow emergency procedures when things go wrong. 

Every single person working in construction needs one, from apprentice sparkies to seasoned project managers. The government made it mandatory because construction sites can be highly dangerous places where people can get seriously hurt or even killed if they don’t know what they’re doing. Even if you’re planning to work as a subcontractor or run your own building business, you’ll need a White Card to legally work on construction sites.

Most White Cards do not expire as long as you don’t take extended breaks from work or if regulations change significantly. Most people knock out the course in a day and then they’re set for the rest of their career, which makes it one of the best investments you can make in your construction career.

Why you should get a White Card

Getting your White Card might feel like another hoop to jump through, but it’s actually one of the smartest moves you can make if you’re serious about your construction career. The construction industry is booming right now, with total employment in Australia projected to grow by around 950,000 people over the next five years and construction workers are among the fastest-growing job roles. 

The Australian construction market is expected to reach $230.89 billion by 2030, growing at 5% per year. That means there’s plenty of work today and even more to come for skilled tradies who’ve got their paperwork sorted. These are some of the biggest reasons why getting your White Card is worth it:

• It opens every door in construction: You can’t legally work on any construction site without one, so having your White Card means you’re eligible for every construction job going. Whether you want to work for a big commercial builder or a small residential outfit, they all require the same basic safety qualification.

• The training actually keeps you alive: Construction sites are dangerous places where 45 workers died in workplace fatalities in 2023, which is 36% higher than the five-year average. The White Card course teaches you how to spot hazards before they hurt you, which could literally save your life or prevent a career-ending injury.

• It’s a one-time investment that lasts forever: You spend one day doing the course and then you’re set for your entire career. Compare that to other qualifications that need constant renewal or updating and it’s actually excellent value for money.

• Employers know you’re serious: Having your White Card shows potential bosses that you understand the industry and you’re committed to working safely. It’s the bare minimum qualification, but it shows that you’ve taken the first step toward being a professional tradie.

• You can start work immediately: Once you’ve got your White Card, you don’t need to wait around for additional safety training before starting most construction jobs. You’re ready to start making money straight away.

How do you get a White Card in Australia?

Getting your White Card is pretty easy, but you have to do it through a registered training organisation because you can’t just show up and take a quick quiz. The process includes completing a General Construction Induction training course that covers workplace health and safety fundamentals specific to construction sites. 

Here’s exactly how to get a White Card in Australia:

1. Find a registered training provider: Look for an RTO that offers General Construction Induction training in your area. You can do this online or in person, but in-person courses are usually much quicker. Confirm that they’re properly registered because dodgy providers will just waste your time and money.

2. Complete the training course: The course takes about six hours and covers things like reading safety signs and understanding site evacuation procedures. You’ll learn about real-life scenarios like working around heavy machinery, wearing PPE, dealing with electrical hazards and staying safe when working at heights.

3. Pass the assessment: After the training, you’ll need to answer multiple-choice questions about identifying hazards and safety procedures. Don’t stress about this part because most people can pass the test easily if they’ve paid attention during the course. The questions are designed to test practical safety knowledge rather than trick you.

4. Receive your card: Once you pass, your training provider will issue your General Construction Induction Card. You’ll get a physical card that you need to carry on construction sites as proof of qualification. Some states also have digital versions for your phone, but keep a physical backup just in case.

A state by state guide

While the White Card is recognised across Australia, each state and territory has slightly different rules about how you get one and what training providers you can use. Some states let you do the entire thing online, while others require some level of face-to-face instruction. 

Queensland (QLD)

Getting a White Card in Queensland is one of the most straightforward processes in Australia, with plenty of flexibility in how you complete your training. Though WorkSafe Queensland no longer allows self-paced online courses, you can still get your White Card fully online with live sessions with an instructor.

New South Wales (NSW)

Getting a White Card in NSW is easy with both online and face-to-face options, but you’ll need 100 points of identification and the training must include supervised assessment components. NSW also offers digital access once you receive your physical card.

Victoria (VIC)

Getting a White Card in Victoria is similar to the national requirements with approved RTOs delivering the training. The state accepts cards from other Australian jurisdictions but has specific training providers you must use.

Western Australia (WA) 

You can get a White Card in WA through both online and in-person training. Some providers have express delivery options so you can start work as soon as possible.

South Australia (SA) 

Getting a White Card in South Australia is quite easy, as this is one of the most flexible jurisdictions. The state accepts training from most reputable RTOs and doesn’t impose additional state-specific modules.

Tasmania (TAS) 

Tasmania offers online training, which is quite handy considering the state’s sparse population and lack of face-to-face providers on the island. You have to be living in Tasmania to do online training there. They also accept White Cards from all other states if you already have one.

Northern Territory (NT)

The NT follows the standard national rules with training available through approved providers in the territory. Given how spread out everything is up there, many people find online training to be much more practical. 

How long does it take to get a White Card?

The actual training for your White Card doesn’t take long, but how long it takes to get the card depends on whether you choose face-to-face or online training. In-class training usually takes one full day, around six or eight hours including breaks. You’ll show up in the morning, sit through the safety training, do your assessment and walk out with your card that afternoon if you pass everything. 

Online training usually takes four to six hours, usually in live sessions with a real instructor. Most states don’t allow self-paced courses, so you’ll have to sit through classes just as if you were in a classroom. You’ll just be in a Zoom meeting instead. 

Getting your physical card is where things get very different between states. Some face-to-face providers issue your card on the spot, while others post it out within a few days. Online training providers can usually process cards within two business days and post them to you. If you’re working through a state authority like SafeWork NSW, you can expect your card to arrive in the mail within two to four weeks. 

Most providers can also give you a temporary Statement of Training certificate that lets you start work immediately while you wait for your physical card to arrive. This temporary certificate is valid for 60 days, which gives you plenty of time to receive your White Card in the mail. 

How much does it cost to get a White Card?

White Cards don’t have one specific cost attached to them. Instead, it’s the training provider that decides how much to charge for their courses. How much it costs to get a White Card can be as low as under $100 or well over $200 in some states. Face-to-face training is usually cheaper because providers can train multiple people at once, while online courses sometimes require individual instruction.

This is how much it costs to get a White Card in Australia:

How to get a replacement White Card

Lost your White Card or had it damaged on site? Don’t panic because White Cards don’t expire. Even if you don’t have your original card anymore, you likely won’t have to redo the entire course just to get a replacement. 

Here’s how to get a replacement White Card in Australia:

1. Contact your original training provider first: Most RTOs can issue replacement cards if you completed training with them. You’ll need to provide proof of identity and pay a replacement fee of around $30 to $50.

2. If your RTO no longer operates: Contact the relevant state workplace safety authority. They can help you get a replacement through another approved provider or directly through their office.

3. Present required documents: These usually include original identification documents, proof of your original training completion, a completed replacement application form and the replacement fee payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do White Cards expire?

No, White Cards don’t expire and remain valid for your entire career. However, if you haven’t worked in construction for two years or more, some employers might ask you to refresh your training.

Can I use a White Card from another Australian state?

Yes, White Cards are recognised nationally across all Australian states and territories. A Queensland White Card works just as well on a Victorian construction site as a local one.

Can international students apply for a White Card?

Yes, international students can get White Cards in most states. You’ll need valid identification and must meet the same requirements as Australian residents, including being physically present in the state or territory during training.

What happens if you work without a White Card?

You’ll be kicked off site immediately and your employer will face heavy fines. Site managers can’t legally allow unqualified workers on construction sites, so no exceptions are made.

Is the White Card course hard or easy?

The White Card course is designed to be straightforward and covers basic safety knowledge. Most people find it easy because it focuses on practical safety rather than complex theory.

Can you fail White Card training?

Yes, you can fail if you don’t pass the assessment or can’t demonstrate proper PPE usage. However, most people pass easily if they pay attention during training.

Your construction career starts with that first step onto a building site...

And your White Card gets you through the gate.

We offer nationally accredited courses like the Diploma of Building and Construction to get you the skills that you need to get started. Whether you’re in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, South Australia, the Northern Territory or the ACT, our flexible online courses are ideal for anyone looking to break into the construction industry. 

Browse our diplomas and certificates and make that first step today.