FAQs about the licence

The following are frequently asked questions about the Licence for High Risk Work.

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General FAQs

• What is a Licence to Perform High Risk Work?
• Why is the Licence to Perform High Risk Work being introduced?
• What if I already have a Certificate to work with high risk equipment?
• How do I arrange assessment for a Licence to Perform High Risk Work?
• How do I apply for a Licence to Perform High Risk Work or for an additional class to be added to my Licence?
• Where can I obtain a Licence to Perform High Risk Work application form?
• Will the new Licence have my photo on it?
• How much will it cost to apply for a new Licence or additional class?
• How do I find a participating Australia Post outlet?
• How do I provide proof of identity?
• What if my contact details change?
• What if I change my name?
• Can Licences be suspended or cancelled?
• Can I get a replacement if my Licence to Perform High Risk Work is lost, stolen or destroyed?

Interstate Licence FAQs

• Will WorkSafe Victoria accept Licence applications from interstate applicants?
• In the future, will it be possible to transfer a Licence that was issued interstate?
• Will WorkSafe Victoria recognise interstate Licence holders?
• Will interstate authorities recognise my Victorian Licence to Perform High Risk Work?

Renewing your Licence FAQs

• Do I need to renew my Licence to Perform High Risk Work?
• What will happen if I don't renew my Licence on time?
• How much will it cost to renew my Licence to Perform High Risk Work?

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What is a Licence to Perform High Risk Work?

A Licence to Perform High Risk Work is issued by WorkSafe Victoria under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 to people working with plant and equipment considered to be high risk. It replaces the Certificates of Competency issued under the 1994 Regulations.

A Licence holder must achieve the required standards for competency and safe operation of this plant or equipment, as determined by a Licence Assessor.

There are 29 classes of high risk plant and equipment that require a Licence to Perform High Risk Work. Check the full list of Licence classes.

Why is the Licence to Perform High Risk Work being introduced?

The Licence will better recognise the skills and responsibilities of people operating high risk equipment through a more rigorous system that aligns with the National Standard.

The new licensing system will ensure:

• A competency based Licence for people performing high risk work, which must be renewed every five years to maintain safety standards.
• Protection against identity fraud through photo identification on the Licence and stricter security checks during the application process.
• National consistency and a free flow of skills across states.

What if I already have a Certificate to work with high risk equipment?

All existing Certificates of Competency and ‘Old Style’ Certificates (issued pre-1995) will expire; therefore you need to transfer to a Licence to Perform High Risk Work. Check your Certificate expiry date now.

If you register your intent to transfer now, WorkSafe can manage your application process and ensure you receive your transfer application pack at the correct time.

For more information, check the FAQs for Existing Certificate of Competency Holders or Existing Old Style Certificate (issued pre-1995) Holders.

How do I arrange assessment for a Licence to Perform High Risk Work?

To be assessed for a new Licence or additional class(es) on your Licence, you must:

• Arrange an assessment with a Licence Assessor who is authorised by WorkSafe Victoria. Check here for a list of Assessors.
• Arrange a passport size photo and photo identification (original and photocopy) to verify your identity at the assessment. Check here for Photo requirements.

The Licence Assessor will:

• Complete the new ‘Licence to Perform High Risk Work Assessment Record (L1)’ form.
• Check your identification.
• Carry out your assessment.
• Complete one Notice of Assessment for each class.

If you are deemed competent, the Licence Assessor will provide you with two copies of the Notice of Assessment: the green original, to be submitted with your application; and the pink assessment summary, to be retained as proof of competency until you receive your Licence. Should you be deemed not yet competent, the Licence Assessor will provide you with the pink assessment summary which you will need to take to your re-assessment.

How do I apply for a Licence to Perform High Risk Work or for an additional class to be added to my Licence?

As of 1 July 2007, all applications for a Licence to Perform High Risk Work need to be lodged at a participating Australia Post Outlet.

After being assessed (see question 4), you are required to submit your application at a participating Australia Post outlet including:

• A completed, original ‘Licence to Perform High Risk Work New or Additional Class Application’ form.
• The original green copy of the Notice of Assessment.
• A passport size photo - additional to the one given to the Assessor (check here for Photo requirements).
• Your original proof of identity documents (check here for Proof of identity requirements).
• Your existing Certificate(s) or Licence to Perform High Risk Work (this will be returned after being checked by an Australia Post Customer Service Officer).
• The required application fee - $60 per Notice of Assessment.

Where can I obtain a Licence to Perform High Risk Work application form?

The ‘Licence to Perform High Risk Work New or Additional Class Application’ form will be available after 1 July 2007 from:

• All participating Australia Post outlets.
• The WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service.

Will the new Licence have my photo on it?

Yes, you will need to provide a passport size photo of yourself when lodging your application at Australia Post. Refer to the Photo requirements section for specifications. Some Australia Post outlets can take your photo for an additional fee.

How much will it cost to apply for a new Licence or additional class?

The cost for a new Licence or additional class will be $60 per class.

How do I find a participating Australia Post outlet?

A full list of participating Australia Post outlets is available at www.auspost.com.au/pol.

How do I provide proof of identity?

Check here for Proof of identity requirements.

What if my contact details change?

If your contact details change after applying for your Licence, you are required to notify the WorkSafe Victoria Licensing Branch by submitting a Change of Personal Details form or by calling 1300 852 562.

What if I change my name?

If you change your name, you are required to notify the WorkSafe Victoria Licensing Branch by submitting a Change of Personal Details form, together with proof of your name change. Documents accepted as proof are Marriage or Change of Name Certificates, which are issued by a State or Territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. You will need to submit certified copies of the originals.

Can Licences be suspended or cancelled?

Licences or classes of Licences issued by WorkSafe Victoria can be suspended or cancelled under Part 6.1.41 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2007 for the following reasons:

• The Licence holder is no longer competent to do the work covered by their Licence.
• The Licence holder can no longer be relied on to do the work covered by their Licence without endangering the health or safety of themselves or any other person.
• The Licence holder fails to comply with any of the terms and conditions of the Licence.
• The Licence was obtained on the basis of false or misleading information or a failure to disclose or provide required information.

Can I get a replacement if my Licence to Perform High Risk Work is lost, stolen or destroyed?

Yes, you need to contact the WorkSafe Victoria Licensing Branch (email licensing@worksafe.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 852 562). A replacement fee of $45 applies.

WorkSafe will notify you by letter when your replacement card is ready for collection at your nominated Australia Post outlet. You will be required to take the letter to the Australia Post outlet in person, where the Customer Service Officer will check that you are the Licence holder.

Will WorkSafe Victoria accept Licence applications from interstate applicants?

No, although the Licence to Perform High Risk Work is recognised nationally, to apply in Victoria you must live in Victoria or hold a Victorian issued certificate or have a Notice of Assessment issued by a recognised Victorian Licence Assessor.

In the future, will it be possible to transfer a Licence that was issued interstate?

Yes, if you have an interstate-issued Licence and now live in Victoria, you will be able to transfer to a Victorian Licence to Perform High Risk Work.

Will WorkSafe Victoria recognise interstate Licence holders?

Yes, an interstate-issued Licence to Perform High Risk Work (or equivalent) that is valid and current will be recognised in Victoria. An applicant with an interstate-issued Licence, wanting to add an additional class to their Licence in Victoria, will need to transfer to a Victorian Licence to Perform High Risk Work. A new class can be added at the time of transfer.

Will interstate authorities recognise my Victorian Licence to Perform High Risk Work?

Yes, a Licence to Perform High Risk Work that was issued in Victoria will be recognised and accepted in all Australian States and Territories.

Do I need to renew my Licence to Perform High Risk Work?

Yes, a Licence will be valid for five years from the date of issue, at which time it will need to be renewed. WorkSafe Victoria will issue a renewal notice to your last known postal address when your Licence is due to be renewed.

What will happen if I don't renew my Licence on time?

Your Licence will expire on the date shown on the card. You will not be able to perform the work covered by your Licence unless it is current. It will be possible to renew your Licence for up to six months after the expiry date.

How much will it cost to renew my Licence to Perform High Risk Work?

The cost to renew your Licence will be $45.