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NSW Resources

Competencies and portfolios

Revised competencies framework and portfolios. This page contains revised guidance on these documents for reference in applying for a certificate of competence and undertaking exams.

Competencies and portfolio requirements

Requirements vary between functions and must be satisfied in your application through the Regulator Portal. Attendance at briefing sessions provides insights into competencies and portfolio requirements, in addition to the application process and examination preparation.

Competencies

Competencies were identified from the statutory function descriptions (PDF, 266.36 KB) through workshops led by consultants with practitioners across the various functions and classes of mines in 2018 and 2019. The Resources Regulator, in consultation with the Mining and Petroleum Competence Board, had a framework of competencies (PDF, 242.33 KB) developed and endorsed with each statutory function grouped into one of three levels. 

The framework was revised by a working group of examination panel convenors in 2023 for more suitable use in examinations. Individuals should be familiar with the framework to understand the scope of what can be assessed and prepare for the examinations.

Portfolio requirements

Applicants for statutory functions in the mining and petroleum industries must submit a comprehensive portfolio as part of their application process. This portfolio serves as a crucial component in demonstrating an applicant's readiness and competence to undertake the required examinations. 

Qualifications and experience

Potential applicants should be aware of the requirements for a function well before the closing date for application to ensure they can satisfy them. This includes contacting the relevant engineering manager or engineer for each mine you have worked at (including any interstate) to confirm they can be contacted by the Resources Regulator to verify your experience. If in doubt, contact the Mining Competence team to resolve prior.

Briefing sessions

The Resources Regulator offers valuable briefing sessions conducted by examination panel members for applicants seeking certificates of competence. These sessions provide crucial insights into the application process and exam preparation for both written and oral exams.

  • Register via this link at least 1 month before the session date and confirm your attendance to ensure sufficient venue capacity 
  • Attendance is free and ensures you have the current information on what the exam panel may intend to examine, and your application is complete 
  • Sessions are typically held 1-3 months before exam application deadlines
  • Consult the Exam calendar for specific dates aligned with statutory function competencies 
  • Session formats are primarily face-to-face at selected venues. Online attendance may be available upon request.

Session recordings

Recordings covering various roles are available post-session. Links to new ones are updated as new ones are held.

Recorded briefing sessions