Practising certificates application process

New practising certificate application

There are several steps involved in applying for a new practising certificate. 

Note: different requirements apply for different tiered Quarry managers.

Applications are submitted via the Mining Worker's section of the Regulator Portal. They can take between 2 to 6 weeks to process, depending on your application and the total number received.

It is important to keep your details up to date when applying for or renewing a practising certificate. This aids with communication, whereby the regulatory body needs accurate contact information to send you important notifications, reminders about renewal deadlines, and other critical updates regarding your practising certificate and regulatory matters.

Quarry managers practising certificates

The NSW Resources Regulator uses a three-tier system approach for quarry manager practising certificates:

• Tier-1: quarry manager Practising Certificate attained on basis of holding Certificate of Competence.
• Tier-2: quarry manager Practising Certificate.
• Tier-3: competent person (no practising certificate required).

Read the Fact sheet: Quarry Managers Practising Certificates 3-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. The following diagram aims to give an overview of the different options pertaining to each tier.

Quarry managers resources and guides

• Supporting information application form (DOCX, 131.04 KB)
• Guide: Quarry manager tier 2 with conditions (PDF, 159.62 KB)
• Fact sheet: Quarry manager 3 tier approach (PDF, 135.79 KB)
• Risk profiling tool (DOCX, 860.43 KB)
• Small mines and quarries

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. Note that qualifications prescribed for statutory functions are not recognised as a certificate.

Depending on where your principal place of residence and work is, the holder of a statutory certificate can notify the Resources Regulator for registration in two different ways 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.

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.

Substantive registration (NSW practising certificate issued)

If you are or intend to have your principal place of residence and work in NSW:

• You must notify/apply and pay a fee (PDF, 77.27 KB) for a NSW practising certificate for the equivalent WHS statutory function that your interstate or NZ certificate enable you to carry out
• While waiting on approval of your application you can practise in the equivalent occupation(s) for up to 30 days (if application is refused then a mine operator can no longer nominate you to carry out the function)
• If granted mutual recognition in NSW, a practising certificate will be issued for five years (or a shorter period if determined by the Resources Regulator)
• Your practising certificate is subject to the condition requiring participation in the maintenance of competence scheme.

For further information on substantive mutual recognition for statutory functions read Fact sheet: Notification of mutual recognition of statutory standards (PDF, 255.48 KB)

Automatic Mutual Recognition – AMR (electronic registration only)

If you intend to only temporarily reside and work in NSW, notify Service NSW.

Privacy statement – Automatic mutual recognition

The Resources Regulator acts a Local Registration Authority (LRA) as part of the AMR program and thus certain personal information is required. 

This information may be used to: 

• Verify registration status (with consent) 
• Audit maintenance of competence compliance 
• Support compliance and enforcement activities

For further information on how we manage your information and privacy please refer to Managing your information – Automatic Mutual Recognition.

Note: mining occupations are no longer exempt from AMR.

Additional resource: Fact sheet: Mine operators managing workers under automatic mutual recognition (PDF, 88.66 KB)