Who needs a white card?

Anyone who is to carry out construction work in Australia must successfully complete general construction induction training and hold a general construction induction card — the "white card" — before they start (model Work Health and Safety Regulations r316). A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must not direct or allow a worker to carry out construction work unless the worker holds the card or has applied for it within 60 days of completing the course (r317-318). In South Australia the card is the construction induction card administered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

What work counts as construction work?

Construction work is broadly defined and includes the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting-out, commissioning, renovation, repair, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, decommissioning or dismantling of a structure, as well as related work such as site preparation and the installation or removal of services. If you are doing this kind of work — or are about to start on a construction site — you generally need a white card.

Is my interstate white card valid in another state?

Yes. General construction induction cards are nationally recognised, so a card issued in one state or territory is generally accepted in the others. If you move and base yourself in a new jurisdiction, you may need to apply for that jurisdiction's card within the set period — check with the local regulator or issuing body.

How do I get a white card?

Complete the general construction induction training course (CPCWHS1001) with a registered training organisation (RTO). The RTO issues your white card. In South Australia the card is then administered through the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) rather than directly by the work health and safety regulator.

Does a white card expire?

A general construction induction card does not have a fixed expiry date in most jurisdictions, but it can lapse or need to be re-issued if you have not carried out construction work for a continuous period of two years, or if it is lost, damaged or your details change. Check your state or territory's rules for re-issue requirements.

Do I Need a White Card? Construction Induction Checker

Check whether you need a construction induction (white) card, what work requires it, and whether your interstate card is recognised.

Last verified: 21 June 2026

Anyone who carries out construction work in Australia must hold a general construction induction card — the white card — before they start. This tool tells you whether you need one, what it's called and who issues it in your state, whether your interstate card is recognised, and the 60-day rule for starting work while your card is on its way.

Check if you need a white card

Answer a few questions to see whether you need a general construction induction (white) card before you start, what it is called in your state, who issues it, and whether an interstate card is recognised. This is general information — confirm with your regulator or training organisation.

1. Your state or territory

2. Are you doing (or about to do) construction work?

Choose whether you are doing construction work above to see your answer.

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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