General Construction Induction Card
When working on a construction site in the ACT you need a General Construction Induction Card, known as a ‘White card’.
WorkSafe ACT also considers it best practice for owner builders to have a White card.
Read more about your obligations on the WorkSafe ACT website.
The process to get a White card has 2 steps:
- Complete General Construction Induction Training
- Apply to Access Canberra for the card.
If you already have a white card and your address changes, you'll need to update your address.
General Construction Induction Training
General Construction Induction Training is a competency unit known as ‘Prepare to work safely in the construction industry’.
The unit is a 6-hour training program that provides construction workers with an awareness and understanding of:
- their rights and responsibilities under Work Health and Safety law
- common hazards and risks in the construction industry
- basic risk management principles
- the standard of behaviour expected of workers on construction sites.
You must complete the training through a registered training organisation.
You can search for a provider on www.training.gov.au.
Once successfully completed you’ll receive a certificate. You then have 60 days to apply for a White card.
If you can’t apply within the 60 days, you must provide a written declaration from the trainer stating you’ve successfully completed the training.
Apply for a White card
You can apply for the White Card online.
- Use the Application for a general construction induction card form.
- Upload 3 forms of proof of your identity, with at least one being Primary proof of identity.
- Upload a copy of your general induction training certificate or written declaration of attainment.
- Pay the fee.
View acceptable forms of identification.
Access Canberra will review your application and contact you if anything is missing.
If your application is complete, a decision will be made within 5 business days.
Access Canberra will post your card to you within 2 weeks of the decision.
The General Construction Induction Card does not expire. Unless cancelled by the Work Health and Safety Commissioner, it remains valid indefinitely.
Working while you wait
While Access Canberra reviews your application, your application receipt and your training certificate is sufficient to start work on a construction site.
If you aren’t approved for a card, you must stop work immediately.
Using your White card
The White card is automatically recognised for construction work in any state or territory of Australia.
Each state and territory may have different requirements to have your card available for inspection.
Check the relevant legislation to the state or territory before you start work there.
Replacement cards
If your card is lost, stolen or damaged you can apply for a replacement.
- Complete the Construction and workplace licensing application for a replacement card form
- Pay the fee.
If your card was issued in a different state or territory, you’ll need to contact the relevant authority there for a replacement.
Fees
Fees current from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
- Application fee: $41.00
- Replacement card fee: $41.00