Operating an excavator in Australia is not just about jumping into the cabin and grabbing the joysticks. As the technical skills and risks are involved, the operators must pass some legal and safety requirements. That is where the excavator ticket comes in.
If you’re considering a career in construction or already working on-site and want to add some strength to your qualifications, this blog will take you through everything you need to know about the requirements for an excavator ticket in Australia, from who needs it to how to get certified and stay compliant.
An excavator ticket is a formal certification that verifies a person’s proficiency in operating an excavator safely and productively.
While for most states, a high-risk work license (HRWL) is not required when operating an excavator, proof of competency is legislatively required by Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws under the Model WHS Laws.
It is the responsibility of employers to train and equip employees to operate plant machinery, such as excavators. The most convenient and professional way to demonstrate your competency is to obtain a nationally accredited excavator ticket.
While there is no need for an official state or federal government excavator licence, Australian law does require workers to be capable of proving “competence to operate plant” under the WHS Act 2011.
You’ll need an excavator ticket if you:
Even if you have worked on an excavator in an unofficial role for years, many employers and site managers now require proof of certification before allowing access to equipment.
To get an excavator ticket in Australia, you will need to:
Certain training providers might also demand a White Card as a prerequisite. This is needed if the course involves on-site training.
Excavator training is done through an RTO and includes:
Once you’ve successfully completed both, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment and an Excavator Ticket.
Excavator courses generally take:
Duration can vary depending on the RTO. It also depends on your level of experience, and whether or not the course includes additional machinery training.
The cost of an excavator ticket in Australia varies from location to location and training provider. On average:
Always check that the provider is nationally accredited (RTO) and provides the unit of competency RIIMPO320F. This makes your ticket valid in the country.
Yes. If your excavator ticket is issued by a RTO and complies with national training standards then it’s recognized in every state and territory. This includes:
While your excavator ticket does not expire, WHS legislation requires operators to remain competent in the long term. Employers may ask:
The most advisable thing is to renew your skills and ticket for constant compliance and safety at the workplace.
Whether you’re starting a new career or levelling up your existing skills, an excavator lesson and certification can open doors, raise your earning potential, and keep you compliant with WHS laws.
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