Practical guide · Plant operator competency
Do you still need an earthmoving machinery ticket in Queensland?
For several common earthmoving machines, Queensland no longer requires the former operator certificate. Employers must still ensure operators receive appropriate training, supervision and are competent for the work.
01
The short answer
The old certificate may be gone, but the competency duty remains.
Under current Queensland guidance, the former earthmoving or particular crane certificate is no longer required for machines including excavators, front-end loaders, scrapers, rollers, graders, skid steer loaders, dozers and front-end loader backhoes.
The person or business controlling the plant must still provide adequate information, training, instruction and supervision, and must ensure the operator is competent.
- Excavator
- Grader
- Road roller
- Skid steer loader
- Dozer
- Scraper and front-end loader equipment
02
Evidence of competency
Keep evidence that matches the operator and the work.
WorkSafe Queensland lists several ways competency may be demonstrated. These include recognised training, previous certificates, verifiable on-the-job training, logbooks, employer references and structured in-house training.
The evidence should be considered alongside the machine, hazards, site conditions and the operator's actual capability. A document alone does not remove the need for suitable supervision and site-specific instruction.
- A relevant Statement of Attainment
- Recognised previous or current competency evidence
- Verified on-the-job training and logbooks
- Previous employer references
- Structured workplace training records
03
Formal and informal training
The right training depends on the risk and intended outcome.
Formal training may involve a nationally recognised course delivered by an RTO or an industry training school. Informal training may include supervised on-the-job learning or structured, machine-specific workplace instruction by a competent person.
Training should be practical, suited to the learner and relevant to the hazards and tasks they will encounter. Employers remain responsible for deciding what evidence and supervision are appropriate.
- Consider the operator's prior experience
- Match training to the specific machine
- Account for worksite hazards and conditions
- Provide direct supervision for inexperienced operators
- Record how competency was established
04
Do not confuse the systems
Forklifts and other high-risk work are different.
A forklift licence is part of Queensland's high-risk work licensing system. High-risk work training must be provided through an appropriately scoped RTO, with assessment by an accredited assessor.
Always identify whether the machine or work falls under high-risk work licensing before relying on general earthmoving competency guidance.
- Check the exact plant and work activity
- Confirm whether a high-risk work class applies
- Verify the RTO and assessor arrangement
- Do not market all machinery training as the same kind of ticket
Official references
Sources used for this page
- WorkSafe Queensland: earthmoving or particular crane occupational classes↗
- WorkSafe Queensland: high-risk work RTOs and assessors↗
Requirements can change. Confirm current rules with the relevant authority before making licensing or workplace decisions.
Start with the machine and outcome
Tell us what needs to be operated and what evidence is required.
Include the machine, location, learner experience and employer requirements so the correct training conversation can begin.