Apply for a practising certificate
Learn how to apply and how we determine whether you are competent to be issued with a certificate or can gain mutual recognition for interstate or NZ certificates.
Regulator Portal - Mining Worker's section to apply
Mining Worker's section can be accessed via the Resources Regulator portal to enable workers to apply for examinations, certificates of competence and practising certificates online.
A help guide for navigating the portal is available here (PDF, 758.08 KB).
Assistance is also available by phoning the Mining Competencies and Authorisations team on 1800 814 609 (options 2 then 3) or emailing mca@regional.nsw.gov.au
Application process
To apply for a practising certificate complete and submit an application form via the Resources Regulator portal (Mining Worker's portal).
The Practising certificate fact sheet (PDF, 173.65 KB) provides an overview of the system of practising certificates and eligibility requirements.
To apply for a renewal of a practising certificate complete and submit an application via the Resources Regulator portal.
Before applying for a practising certificate complete it is recommended to read the relevant guidance material before submitting your application so it is complete and avoid unnecessary delays in our processing of it.
Quarry manager practising certificate
Tier-2 quarries
To apply for a Tier-2 Quarry manager practising certificate you must complete and submit the supporting information application form below below as part of your online application via the Resources Regulator portal:
The Guide to the quarry manager practising certificate for Tier-2 with conditions (PDF, 159.62 KB), provides information on eligibility, how to apply and how we determine whether you are competent to be issued with a certificate.
Three-tiered approach for quarries
The Resources Regulator has a three-tiered approach to what is required for a person to apply and be granted a Quarry Manager practising certificate.
View the Fact sheet: Quarry Managers Practising Certificates three-tier approach (PDF, 159.07 KB) to understand what tier may apply at the quarries at which you want to exercise the statutory function. The tier of the quarry will determine how you apply for a practising certificate:
Tier 1
Requirement: Quarry Manager certificate of competence
Application process status: Ongoing
Further information: Applying for a practising certificate (refer to portal) or Guide to exams (to obtain a competence certificate)
Tier 2 — all quarries
Requirement: Experience and qualifications
Application process status: Ongoing
Further information:
Tier 2 — specific quarries
Requirement: Experience and examinations
Application process status: Transitional until 30 September 2022
Further information:
Tier 3
Requirement: Mine operator can be exempt from nominating a person with a Quarry Manager practising certificate.
Application process status: Not required
Further information: Fact sheet: Quarry Managers Practising certificates three-tier approach (PDF, 159.07 KB)
To find out what tier may apply at the quarries you want to practise at, refer to the mine operator who is to nominate you. The mine operator may know the quarry(s) tier level by using the information available on the Practicing certificate requirements for Quarry Managers page and the Fact sheet: Quarry Managers Practising certificates three-tier approach. (PDF, 159.07 KB)
Mutual recognition of interstate or New Zealand certificates for WHS statutory functions
Applying for mutual recognition of an interstate or New Zealand certificate to obtain a practising certificate or Automatic Mutual Recognition to carry out the equivalent occupation in NSW. Qualifications prescribed for statutory functions are not recognised as a certificate.
The holder of a statutory certificate can notify the Regulator under the provisions of the Mutual Recognition (NSW) Act 1992 for Australian states or territories, or the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition (NSW) Act 1996 for New Zealand for registration in NSW in 2 different ways depending on where your principal place of residence and work is. For example, the principal place of residence and work for a fly-in fly-out worker living in State A who travels to State B to work, but who does not relocate to State B permanently, would be State A.
Regardless of the type of mutual recognition you obtain, all interstate workers must comply with NSW regulations and codes while working in NSW. This includes maintenance of competence.
1. Substantive registration (NSW practising certificate issued)
If you are or intend to have your principal place of residence and work in NSW, then you must notify/apply for a NSW practising certificate for the equivalent WHS statutory function that your interstate or NZ certificate enables you to carry out.
While waiting for a response to your application within 30 days, you can practise in the equivalent occupation(s). But if your application is refused then a mine operator can no longer nominate you to carry out the function.
If you are granted mutual recognition in NSW, you will be issued a practising certificate for five years (or a shorter period if determined by the Regulator). Your practising certificate will be subject to a condition requiring you to participate in the maintenance of competence scheme. You are not required to continue to hold your certificate in the original state in order to continue holding the NSW practising certificate.
To notify/apply, go to the Resources Regulator portal. You must pay a fee when submitting your notification and include payment details in the application.
The following fact sheets provide information for substantive mutual recognition and the associated certificate fees.
- Fact sheet: Notification for mutual recognition of statutory functions (PDF, 255.48 KB)
- Fact sheet: Fee schedule for certificates (PDF, 61.49 KB)
2. Automatic Mutual Recognition – AMR or Job Pass (electronic registration only)
If you are or intend to only temporarily reside and work in NSW, then you can apply for AMR through the Job Pass portal that can be accessed on the nsw.gov.au website through the link here.
Apply for change, variation or replacement
Vary or revoke condition(s)
Holders of a quarry manager practising certificate can apply to vary or revoke a condition of their certificate via the Resources Regulator portal.
Note: holders of production manager permits cannot vary conditions as the permit is no longer recognised. They should read the above sections for the Three-tiered approach for quarries and the Quarry manager practising certificate for Tier-2 quarries and apply for the appropriate practising certificate.
Replacing lost certificates
If you have lost your practising certificate, you can apply for a replacement by submitting an application through the Resources Regulator portal.
Change of details
If you are the holder of a practising certificate and your personal, contact or work details have changed you need to inform us of the changes in accordance with the conditions of your practising certificate by submitting a change of details notification through the Resources Regulator portal.
Application fees
Fees are payable at the time of lodgement of your application via a link within the schedule of fees for certificates below. Details of payment must be recorded in your application form.
Further information
Further information regarding practising certificates on the overview page and the certificate condition to maintain competence on our maintenance of competence page.
Our statutory functions guide outlines the statutory positions in NSW mining and petroleum industries that are required to hold a practising certificate.
Additional resources: