How to Get a White Card in Perth (Construction Induction Card WA)

If you want to work on any construction site in Western Australia, you need a white card. It’s the most basic requirement for every worker — from first-year apprentices to experienced site supervisors.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting your white card in Perth, including where to do the course, what it costs, and what happens on the day.

What Is a White Card?

A white card — officially called a General Construction Induction Card — proves you’ve completed nationally recognised safety training for working on construction sites. It’s required under Work Health and Safety legislation across Australia.

The card is issued after completing the CPCCWHS1001 unit of competency (Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry). Without it, you cannot legally step foot on a construction site as a worker.

The white card is valid nationwide and does not expire, though some employers may require you to redo the training if your card is older than a certain number of years.

Who Needs a White Card?

Everyone. If you’re going to carry out construction work on a construction site in WA, you need one. This includes:

Tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, etc.)
Labourers and trades assistants
Apprentices and trainees
Site supervisors, foremen, and project managers
Engineers and surveyors working on site
Traffic controllers on construction sites
Delivery drivers who enter active construction zones
Anyone performing maintenance or renovation work on a construction site

How to Get Your White Card in Perth

Step 1: Choose a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

You need to complete the course through an RTO approved by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). There are dozens of providers in Perth offering the white card course.

You can complete it either:

In person: A face-to-face course typically runs for 6 to 8 hours in a single day
Online + in person: Some providers offer a blended model where you complete theory online and then attend a shorter face-to-face assessment

Fully online white card courses have been phased out in most states. In WA, you must attend a face-to-face component for the practical assessment.

Step 2: Bring Your ID

On the day, you’ll need to bring:

Valid photo identification (driver’s licence, passport, or proof of age card)
Your Unique Student Identifier (USI) — you can create one for free at usi.gov.au if you don’t already have one

Step 3: Complete the Course

The course covers:

WHS legislation and regulations relevant to construction
Identifying common construction hazards (falls, electrical, manual handling, hazardous substances, plant and equipment)
Risk management and control measures
Reading and understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Emergency procedures on construction sites
Rights and responsibilities of workers and employers
Reporting hazards and incidents

There’s no heavy exam. Assessment is typically a combination of written questions and practical demonstrations. As long as you pay attention and participate, most people pass on the day.

Step 4: Receive Your Card

After successfully completing the course, the RTO will issue your white card. You’ll usually receive a temporary card or statement of attainment on the day, with the physical card arriving by post within a few weeks.

You can start work with the temporary card or statement of attainment — you don’t need to wait for the physical card.

How Much Does a White Card Cost in Perth?

White card courses in Perth typically cost between $80 and $150 depending on the training provider. Some providers offer discounts for group bookings, which can be useful for employers enrolling multiple workers at once.

Where to Do a White Card Course in Perth

White card courses run daily across Perth at training centres in areas like Osborne Park, Malaga, Welshpool, Joondalup, and Rockingham. Some providers also run courses in regional WA towns like Bunbury, Geraldton, and Kalgoorlie.

Popular training providers in Perth include:

IADT (International Academy of Design and Technology)
Construction Training Centre Belmont
Allens Training
Trainwest
Real Response

Most centres run courses Monday to Saturday, with some offering weekday evening sessions.

Other Essential Tickets for Construction Work in Perth

While the white card gets you on site, many roles require additional tickets and licences. Here are the most common ones:

Working at Heights

Required for anyone working above 2 metres. Essential for scaffolders, roofers, steel fixers, and anyone using elevated work platforms.

Confined Space

Required for work in tanks, tunnels, manholes, and other enclosed areas. Common in plumbing, civil construction, and industrial maintenance.

EWP (Elevated Work Platform) Ticket

Required to operate boom lifts, scissor lifts, and cherry pickers. Very common across commercial and industrial construction.

Forklift Licence

Required to operate forklifts on construction sites and warehouses. Useful for labourers and trades assistants handling materials.

Rigging and Dogging

Required for workers who sling loads for cranes or set up rigging equipment. Essential on high-rise and heavy construction sites.

First Aid Certificate

Not always mandatory but highly valued. Many site supervisors and foremen are required to hold a current first aid certificate.

Asbestos Awareness or Removal Licence

Required for anyone working with or around asbestos-containing materials, which is common in renovation and demolition work on older Perth buildings.

Tips for Getting Started in Construction in Perth

Start as a Labourer or Trades Assistant

If you don’t have a trade qualification, the fastest way to get onto a construction site is as a labourer or trades assistant. All you need is a white card, basic fitness, and a good attitude. From there, you can start an apprenticeship or work your way up.

Get Multiple Tickets

The more tickets you hold, the more employable you become. Employers love workers who arrive with a white card, working at heights, EWP, and first aid already completed.

Register With a Recruitment Agency

A specialist construction recruitment agency like Perth Trades Recruitment can help you find your first construction job — or your next one. We work with builders, civil contractors, and industrial companies across Perth who need workers at all levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my white card from another state in WA?

Yes. The white card is nationally recognised, so a card issued in any Australian state or territory is valid in Western Australia.

Does the white card expire?

No, it doesn’t officially expire. However, some employers and sites may require workers with older cards (typically 5+ years) to redo the training.

Can I do the white card course online?

The theory component can be done online with some providers, but you must complete a face-to-face practical assessment in person. Fully online white cards are no longer accepted in most jurisdictions.

How long does the course take?

A face-to-face course typically takes 6 to 8 hours (one full day). Blended courses with online theory may have a shorter face-to-face component.

I lost my white card. How do I get a replacement?

Contact the RTO that issued your original card or apply through the relevant state authority. You’ll need your USI to look up your training records.

Ready to Start Working in Construction?

Once you’ve got your white card, Perth Trades Recruitment can help you find construction jobs across Perth and Western Australia. From labourer positions to skilled trade roles, we connect workers with employers who are hiring right now.

Get in touch with Perth Trades Recruitment to start your construction career today.