High risk work licensing

Current processing times are 4-6 weeks for a licence to be issued. Application processing times vary depending on the volume of applications being received and the completeness of the application submitted. You will receive email confirmation when your licence is granted. 

A confirmation of receipt email is sent to all applicants within 14 days of receiving the application. Posted applications will take longer to be received.

If your application is missing details or does not meet the required standard, you will receive an email and/or text message. Please ensure you monitor your messages, including junk mail folders, for any communication. 

The answer is usually yes. You can work while your high risk work licence application is being considered if you meet the requirements detailed below. 

New high risk work licence

You can work for up to 60 days from the date that you are issued with a Notice of Satisfactory Assessment (NOA) without a HRWL.

You can continue to work beyond 60 days without a licence if you apply for the required licence within the 60 day period, and until:

1. the application is granted,
2. the application is withdrawn, or
3. the application is refused.

If your application is withdrawn or refused you must stop work under that class of licence within 28 days of being notified of the refusal.

Add a class to an existing high risk work licence

Below are the units of competency which will help when searching for an RTO.

The following information is provided to support Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) who submit HRWL applications on behalf of applicants. 

Registered training organisations lodging high risk work licence applications: Information sheet.

Online bulk submissions 

Up to ten (10) Application submissions can be made online per submission for either: 

• new HRWL, or
• new multiple class applications
• transfer/renew an interstate HRWL only.

Online submission is not available for adding a class to an existing HRWL.

Submit bulk applications online

In person and post bulk applications

When submitting a batch of applications (more than 1 and less than 50 by post or more than 3 and no more than 50 in person) RTOs are required to also provide a completed cover sheet:

RTO coversheet for bulk applications 

The Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 require high risk work licence applicants to disclose information about any current or previous licences held anywhere in Australia. If the applicant has further information to disclose, they must complete the Probity questionnaire and declaration document for you to submit on their behalf. 

Information for students 

If your students will be submitting the application themselves the HRWL applicant flyer information sheet is provided for RTO’s to distribute to them.

Plant Operations

• The work is carried out at a workplace solely for the purpose of:
  • Manufacturing
  • Testing or trialling
  • Installing or commissioning
  • Maintaining or servicing
  • Repairing, altering, demolishing, or disposing of the plant
  • Moving the plant within the workplace
• The plant is operated without a load, except when using standard weight loads with fixed points for calibration.

“Moving” includes operating the plant to load or unload it from a vehicle or equipment used to transport it.

Crane or Hoist Work

• The work is only to set up or dismantle the crane or hoist, and
• The person holds a rigging licence, which qualifies the person to carry out the work.

Boiler Work for Historical Purposes

• A historical activity (e.g. display, parade, demonstration, re-enactment), or
• Related tasks such as restoring, maintaining, modifying, or servicing the boiler for historical use.

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have completed a course with a registered training organisation (RTO) and gained a Statement of Attainment (SOA) in the class of high risk work they wish to apply for.
  • Refer to Training.gov website to search training courses or RTOs.
• Be assessed by a registered assessor and issued a Notice of Assessment (NOA).

A HRWL is valid for 5 years. 

You can renew your licence from 90 days before up until 12 months after expiry.

An assessor accreditation is valid for 3 years. 

You can renew your Assessor accreditation 90 days prior to expiry, no renewal is available past expiry.

You can current replace a licence/accreditation card:

Online

OR by completing the application form below and submitting by post or in person:

Application for replacement licence or accreditation document.

• Applications can be submitted online or via paper forms.
• You must provide proof of identity, qualifications, and any required assessments.