WorkCover issues national licences to perform high risk work (high risk work licences) for:
High risk work licences are recognised in all Australian states and territories.
A person performing high risk work must hold a relevant licence unless they are undergoing training. Only Registered training organisations (RTOs) approved by WorkCover can deliver training and assessment for high risk work licences in NSW. The training and assessment must be delivered under the supervision of an RTO but practical training can occur in the workplace.
New work health and safety laws
New work health and safety laws commence 1 January 2012.
Transitional arrangements have been put in place in NSW to support businesses, industry and workers move to this new system.
Check the transitional arrangements to see if they apply to your work.
Note: This page is currently being updated to include the changes required under the new WHS laws.
Eligibility for a high risk work licence
You are eligible to obtain a licence if you:
- are at least 18 years of age
- undertake a recognised course of training
- can use English at a level that enables the safe performance of high risk work
- have the necessary knowledge and ability to safely perform the high risk work
- have been assessed as competent by an assessor working for the RTO using the relevant 'assessment instrument’ under realistic workplace conditions
- apply to WorkCover for a high risk work licence.
The assessor will issue a Notice of satisfactory assessment and give you an application form.
Applying for a high risk work licence
You can apply for a high risk work licence by taking the following documents to an Australia Post Bank@Post outlet within 60 days of your assessment:
- the blue Application for a national licence to perform high risk work (HRW Licence): New application (N4) form (provided by your RTO or assessor)
- the blue copy of your Notice of satisfactory assessment (provided by the assessor)
- evidence of identity documents (originals only) showing your name, photo, date of birth, signature and current address to the value of 100 points
- a passport size and quality photograph of yourself with your name and date of birth printed on the back
- $65 (GST free) application fee for each high risk work class being applied for.
Commonly used evidence of identity documents include:
- an Australian birth certificate and an Australia drivers licence, or
- an Australian drivers licence, Medicare card, ATM card and a utilities bill.
Your high risk work licence is valid for five years from the date of issue.
Complete the Application to replace a high risk work licence form if your high risk work licence has been lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen. You can also complete this form if your licence contains a printing error or was not received.
Call 13 10 50 for more information about high risk work licences.
Changing your national certificate of competency to a high risk work licence
WorkCover is currently running a program to change all national certificates of competency issued by WorkCover to a new high risk work licence.
WorkCover will send you a renewal package with an application form and guide before your national certificate of competency is due to expire.
You must take the following to an Australia Post Bank@Post outlet in person within 60 days from the date on the letter:
- the red Application for a National licence to perform high risk work (HRW Licence): Renewal application (R4) form (not available online)
- evidence of identity documents (originals only) showing your name, photo, date of birth, signature and current address to the value of 100 points
- a passport size and quality photograph of yourself with your name and date of birth printed on the back
- $60 (GST free) application fee.
If you have changed your address, you can notify WorkCover using the change of address form or call the renewal team directly on 1800 201 225.