High risk work licence checker
Search the work you are doing and see which high risk work licence and class it needs. These are the nationally recognised licences (Schedule 3 of the WHS Regulations) for scaffolding, rigging, dogging, cranes, EWPs, forklifts, and more.
| Work | Licence | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Scaffolding (basic, intermediate, advanced) | Scaffolding licence | SB, SI, SA |
| Dogging (directing loads, selecting gear) | Dogging licence | DG |
| Rigging (basic, intermediate, advanced) | Rigging licence | RB, RI, RA |
| Operating a tower crane | Crane licence | CT |
| Operating a mobile / slewing crane | Crane licence | C2, C6, C1, C0 (by capacity) |
| Operating a non-slewing mobile crane (>3t) | Crane licence | CN |
| Operating a vehicle loading crane (>10t/m) | Crane licence | CV |
| Operating a boom-type elevating work platform (11m+) | EWP licence | WP |
| Operating a scissor lift (any height) | No licence class: WP covers boom-type only. Training and familiarisation still required | none |
| Operating a boom-type EWP under 11 m | No licence class: WP starts at a boom length of 11 m. Training and familiarisation still required | none |
| Operating a forklift (LO order picker / LF counterbalance) | Forklift licence | LF, LO |
| Operating a concrete placing boom | Crane licence | PB |
| Operating a materials hoist / personnel-materials hoist | Hoist licence | HM, HP |
| Operating a reach stacker (>3t) | Reach stacker licence | RS |
| Basic, standard or advanced boiler / turbine / reciprocating steam operation | Steam / boiler licence | various |
Licence classes are the nationally recognised high risk work licences (Schedule 3 of the WHS Regulations). Requirements can vary slightly by state; check your regulator to be sure.
A licence is not the same as a SWMS.
A high risk work licence lets a person operate the plant. A SWMS is the separate document the law requires before high risk construction work starts. Most of this work needs both.
Checking a licence in your state
The classes are national, but verifying a ticket is state business and the method differs more than most site managers expect. These are the states we have verified against the issuing authority; anywhere else, start at your WHS regulator’s licensing page.
NSW: issued by SafeWork NSW
Check the Verify NSW public register for the licence status and that the holder actually carries the class of work being done. On the card itself, check the photo quality, the expiry date and that the classes match front and back. Photocopies are not accepted.
Verified 2026-08-15 against the issuing authority.
VIC: issued by WorkSafe Victoria
WorkSafe’s online tool validates DIGITAL licences only. A plastic card cannot be checked online at all: it carries built-in security features and has to be sighted in person. Any instruction to "just check it online" is wrong for most tickets on a Victorian site. Whatever the format, the licence must show the holder’s photograph, date of birth, an identifying number, the expiry date and the classes authorised. Victorian licences run for up to five years.
Verified 2026-08-15 against the issuing authority.
QLD: issued by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
Sight the physical licence card and keep a copy on the worker’s file, then confirm the licence is valid and covers the right classes by calling WorkSafe Queensland on 1300 362 128. If validity is in doubt the worker must not do the work. Queensland high risk work licences run for five years.
Verified 2026-08-15 against the issuing authority.
Common questions
▸What is a high risk work licence?
A nationally recognised licence required to operate certain plant and perform certain work, such as scaffolding, rigging, dogging, cranes, elevating work platforms over 11 metres, and forklifts. The classes are set out in Schedule 3 of the WHS Regulations.
▸Is a high risk work licence the same as a SWMS?
No. A licence authorises a person to operate the plant. A SWMS is a separate document required before high risk construction work starts. Most licensed work also involves high risk construction work, so you usually need both.
More free tools
✅ Do I need a SWMS?
Pick your state and job, find out if a SWMS is legally required.
🛡️ SWMS compliance self-check
Score your SWMS against what a principal contractor checks before you send it.
💰 SWMS cost calculator
Compare the true cost of a SWMS: your own time, a consultant, or a generator.
📋 JSA builder
Build a printable Job Safety Analysis: steps, hazards, risk ratings, controls.
🔢 Risk matrix calculator
Score a hazard on the 5×5 matrix: likelihood × consequence.
🚧 Site induction checklist
Generate a printable site induction checklist for new workers.
📝 Incident report form
Generate a printable incident and injury report form for your site.
🚨 Is this incident notifiable?
Check if a workplace incident must be reported to the regulator, and who to tell.
🖊️ Toolbox talk sign-on sheet
Printable attendance sheet so your toolbox talk is documented.
Guides
What is a SWMS?How to write a SWMSHierarchy of controlsThe 18 HRCW categoriesAll guides
Need the real document, not just a tool?
A site-specific SWMS for your trade, verified and delivered in minutes. A$39, or A$179 for every SWMS your trade needs.
Build my SWMS for A$39