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NSW Resources

Maintenance of competence

Dispensation for impact of COVID-19

In response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Resources Regulator, in collaboration with the Mining and Petroleum Competence Board, has approved a 12-month (20% of learning hours) dispensation for MOC requirements. This applies to all practicing certificate holders who held a certificate between April 1 2020, and March 31 2021. As a result, current certificate holders will only need to complete 80% of their MOC requirements during the five-year certificate period. This dispensation does not apply to holders of practising certificates granted after this time.

The Maintenance of competence (MOC) scheme is a mandatory requirement for individuals holding a practising certificate to ensure they maintain the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the statutory function.

If you hold a practising certificate, you will need to undertake specified hours of recognised learning for areas of competence over the five-year validity period of your certificate. This applies to all practising certificates issued by the Resources Regulator. Key features include:

  • Customised learning (requirements vary based on your specific certificate type)
  • Flexible learning options (includes both formal and informal learning activities)
  • Regular updates (scheme requirements may be updated to reflect industry changes).

Key steps

1. Obtain your practising certificate

  • Apply through the Regulator Portal
  • MOC requirements begin from the date your certificate is granted

2. Understand your learning requirements

3. Engage in learning activities 

  • Participate in formal courses, seminars, and workshops
  • Undertake self-directed learning and on-the-job training
  • Attend industry conferences and webinars

 4. Record your learning 

  • Use logbook template (XLSX, 441.47 KB) to track your activities or alternatively you may use your own log recording system such as suitable apps that may be available.
  • Document details such as: 
    • date of learning 
    • topic covered 
    • type of learning (e.g. formal, informal)
    • hours spent (Note: there are strict rules about claimable hours)
  • Keep supporting evidence (e.g. certificates, attendance records) 

5. Prepare for audits

  • Audits are conducted randomly, on an annual basis
  • External organisations contracted by the Regulator perform these audits 
  • Be ready to provide your logbook and supporting evidence if you are selected 
  • A report on the outcomes of the auditing program for each financial year is provided to the NSW Mining and Petroleum Competence Board
  • For more details refer to the Fact sheet: Auditing of WHS practising certificate holders for maintenance of competence

 6. Renew your certificate 

  • Apply for renewal every 5 years 
  • Submit a declaration of compliance with MOC requirements
  • No need to submit your logbook unless requested

Learning from disasters

The minimum requirement for maintaining competence is to complete either the Regulator's one-day Learning from Disasters program or at least 7 hours of other formal learning within the five-year certificate period. 

The Regulator's Learning from Disasters webpage provides information on various learning options, including 3 programs that can contribute to the 7-hour requirement. One of these options is a one-day course delivered by approved training providers, which are listed with their contact details on the webpage.

Stay informed

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Webinars

We host webinars regularly to keep you informed about MOC requirements and changes: 

Resources and guides

Related information

Statutory functions

Practising certificates