FAQs from Certificate of Competency holders
The following are frequently asked questions about the Licence for High Risk Work from holders of the existing Certificate of Competency.
- I have a Certificate of Competency, will I need a Licence to Perform High Risk Work?
- When does my Certificate of Competency expire?
- Will I still hold the same classes when I transfer to a new Licence?
- How do I transfer my Certificate of Competency to a Licence to Perform High Risk Work?
- What if I don’t have my Certificate of Competency?
- Where do I obtain a transfer application form?
- How do I find a participating Australia Post outlet?
- How do I provide proof of identity?
- Will the Licence have my photo on it?
- How much does it cost to transfer my existing Certificate of Competency to a new Licence?
- How long will it take for a Licence to be issued once I have submitted my application?
- What happens if I fail to transfer to a Licence to Perform High Risk Work before my Certificate expires?
- Will WorkSafe Victoria accept transfer applications from interstate applicants or people with an interstate Certificate?
- I have changed my name, what do I need to do?
- Do I need to update my Registration to transfer if my details change?
I have a Certificate of Competency, will I need a Licence to Perform High Risk Work?
Yes, you will need to transfer your Certificate to a Licence to Perform High Risk Work because your current Certificate will expire. You can continue working with your current Certificate for now, but you must have a new Licence before your Certificate expires. For further information go to When does my Certificate of Competency expire?
If you register your intent to transfer now, WorkSafe can manage your application process and ensure you receive your transfer application pack at the correct time.
When does my Certificate of Competency expire?
Your Certificate expiry date is scheduled according to the date of issue. Check your Certificate expiry date now (you will need the issue date of your existing Certificate).
All Certificates of Competency will progressively expire over a five year transition period starting 31 January 2008. By 30 June 2012 all Certificates of Competency will have expired.
Will I still hold the same classes when I transfer to a new Licence?
Yes, the new Licence to Perform High Risk Work will recognise the same classes as a Certificate of Competency.
Are there classes on my existing Certificate that don’t require a Licence?
See Licence classes for an explanation.
How do I transfer my Certificate of Competency to a Licence to Perform High Risk Work?
The first step is to register your intent to transfer to a Licence. By registering you have signalled your intent to transfer and WorkSafe will send your transfer application pack three months before your Certificate expires giving you plenty of time to apply for and receive your new Licence. Once you receive your transfer application pack you will need to:
- complete the ‘Licence to Perform High Risk Work Transfer Application’ form
- provide details of your current Certificate(s), proof of identity (see Proof of identity requirements), provide a current passport photograph (see Photo requirements) and provide the required $45 transfer fee.
- submit the form at a participating Australia Post outlet
What if I don’t have my Certificate of Competency?
If you do not have your Certificate, contact WorkSafe Victoria Licensing Branch (email licensing@worksafe.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 852 562). WorkSafe Victoria cannot re-issue your current Certificate(s), but will issue you with a letter stating the Certificate classes you currently hold. The letter can be presented at an Australia Post outlet in place of your Certificate(s) allowing you to apply to transfer to a Licence to Perform High Risk Work.
Where do I obtain a transfer application form?
If you register your intent to transfer, WorkSafe will automatically send you a transfer form and instructions. Otherwise, the ‘Licence to Perform High Risk Work Transfer Application’ form is available from:
- All participating Australia Post outlets
- The WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service
How do I find a participating Australia Post outlet?
A full list of participating Australia Post outlets is available at www.auspost.com.au/pol.
How do I provide proof of identity?
See Proof of identity requirements.
Will the Licence have my photo on it?
Yes, you will need to provide a passport size photo of yourself when lodging your transfer application at an Australian Post outlet. Refer to the Photo requirements section for specifications. Some Australia Post outlets can take your photo for an additional fee.
How much does it cost to transfer my existing Certificate of Competency to a new Licence?
The cost to transfer your Certificate to a new Licence will be $45.
How long will it take for a Licence to be issued once I have submitted my application?
Applications are expected to take between 10 and 20 business days to process. The maximum, as stated by the Regulation, is 60 days.
If you do not transfer your Certificate by the expiry date, you will not be able to perform the work it specifies. You will, however, be able to use your Certificate to transfer to a Licence for up to 12 months past expiry, rather than lodging a new application and being re-assessed.
No, even though the Licence to Perform High Risk Work is a nationally recognised Licence, to transfer to a Licence in Victoria you must have a Victorian issued Certificate and reside in Victoria.
I have changed my name, what do I need to do?
If you change your name, you are required to notify the WorkSafe Victoria Licensing Branch by submitting a Change of Personal Details form, together with proof of your name change. Documents accepted as proof are Marriage or Change of Name Certificates, which are issued by a State or Territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. You will need to submit certified copies of the originals.
Do I need to update my Registration to transfer if my details change?
Yes, even if you have already registered, WorkSafe will need to be notified if any of your contact information changes. Please register again with your latest information.
