Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (11 metres or more)
Licence to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding intermediate level
Licence to operate a vehicle loading crane (Capacity 10 metre tonnes and above)
Why Study High Risk Licensing
High risk work involves tasks that present a significant danger to the health and safety of workers and others on site. To perform high risk work legally in Australia, individuals must hold a valid high risk work licence. This licence is issued only after completing completed training and passing a satisfactory assessment with a registered training organisation.
A high risk work licence is required for a wide range of tasks, including:
- Dogging and rigging work, including basic rigging, intermediate rigging, and advanced rigging
- Operating an order picking forklift truck, forklift truck, or vehicle loading crane
- Working with materials hoist systems and hoist operation
- Performing scaffolding work, including basic scaffolding, intermediate scaffolding, and advanced scaffolding
- Operating high-risk plant such as gantry crane, bridge crane, and machinery involving boom length and complex lifting tasks
- Managing industrial systems such as standard boiler, advanced boiler operation, turbine operation, steam turbine, or a reciprocating steam engine
Specialised situations such as fabricated hung scaffolds, structure safety nets, gin poles, wire ropes, static lines, shear legs flying foxes, and coupler covered ways may also require a licence depending on the relevant class.
A risk work licence is valid for 5 years and recognised across every Australian state, allowing workers to operate safely in multiple locations. To obtain a work licence, you must complete the relevant training, pass assessment, and lodge a licence application with the required documents. Your application may be submitted by online form, online application, or in-person depending on the regulator.
Employers must ensure all workers hold the correct licence class before they perform work involving any form of risk work. Holding a valid licence is not only a legal requirement—it is essential to maintaining a safe and compliant workplace across construction, rigging, lifting and heavy machinery environments.
HIGH RISK WORK
Major Training Group delivers flexible, reliable and high-quality training across a wide range of high risk work licence classes. Whether you are seeking to complete Dogging, basic rigging work, Crane Operation, materials hoist training or open-class licences, our experienced team supports students at every stage of their development.
Our offerings include:
- Regular flexible courses with study options
- State-of-the-art worksite environments with a diverse training vehicle fleet
- A dedicated training coordinator for company and group bookings
- Onsite or offsite training delivery options across the Gold Coast, Caboolture, Sunshine Coast, and Ipswich
Our trainers and assessors work within strict work health and safety regulations and include accredited assessors specialised in high risk environments. We also support workers transitioning between states, including interstate transfer requirements for their existing hrw licence.
Major Training provides advice on funding pathways, licence categories, and career progression within high risk industries so students and employers can make informed training decisions.
RENEWING YOUR HIGH RISK LICENCE
A high risk work licence must be renewed every five years. If your licence expires, you cannot lawfully perform any risk work until a renewal application is processed. In some cases, you may need to apply online for a new licence if the renewal period has lapsed beyond the permitted timeframe.
For full guidance, including rules, fees, licence verification, and how to complete your renewal, refer to How to Renew Your High Risk Work Licence.
High Risk Licensing FAQS
Who issues high-risk work licences in Queensland?
In Queensland, high-risk work licences are issued by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ), which sits under the Office of Industrial Relations. You won’t directly receive your licence from Major Training – you’ll use your nationally accredited statement of attainment to apply directly to WHSQ online within 60 days of your assessment. Payment is made via BPOINT using a credit card. If WHSQ doesn’t receive full payment within 14 days of lodgement, your application is withdrawn, and you’ll need to reapply.
How do you apply for a high-risk work licence in Queensland?
Once you’ve passed your assessment with an accredited assessor, you’ll receive a Candidate Assessment Summary (CAS). You then have 60 days to complete your application online through the WHS Queensland portal. You’ll need your Queensland Digital Identification (QDI), a customer reference number (CRN) from a Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads card, such as your driver’s licence and your CAS form. Your photo and signature on file with TMR are used to print the licence card, which is then posted to you. If you don’t have a TMR CRN, you can still apply, and WHSQ will contact you with further instructions. Major Training’s team can walk you through the process. Get in touch via the contact page.
How long does a high-risk work licence last in Queensland, and how do you renew it?
Your HRWL is valid for five years from the date it’s issued. WHSQ will send a renewal notice by post and email four to six weeks before your expiry date, but it’s your responsibility to keep your contact details up to date with WHSQ, or you may miss the notice entirely. Renewal is completed online through the WHSQ portal, and you’ll need your Queensland driver’s licence or proof of age card along with your renewal number. Importantly, Australia Post outlets don’t process HRWL renewals, so your high-risk licence renewal must be done online. If your licence expires and more than 12 months pass, you may need to complete full training and assessment again before you can renew.
Can interstate workers apply for a Queensland high-risk work licence?
Yes, interstate residents can apply for a Queensland HRWL as long as they were trained and assessed in Queensland by a Queensland-based RTO and accredited assessor. If you already hold an interstate HRWL and move to Queensland, you can transfer your existing licence classes to a Queensland licence. To be eligible for transfer, your interstate licence must be current and photographic or non-photographic licences may not be eligible, so it’s worth calling WHSQ on 1300 362 128 before lodging. FIFO workers whose primary place of work is Queensland are also eligible to apply for a Queensland HRWL even if they live interstate.
Can WHSQ direct you to be reassessed after your licence is issued in Queensland?
Yes, and it’s worth knowing about. WHSQ has the authority to direct a licence holder to undergo reassessment if the regulator has reasonable grounds to believe that the person may no longer be competent to perform the high-risk work covered by their licence class. This can happen if WHSQ receives information that you’ve carried out high-risk work incompetently, or if there are concerns about the standard of your original training or assessment. If you don’t successfully complete the reassessment by the date WHSQ nominates, your licence can be suspended or cancelled. It’s a strong reminder that holding a licence is needed to stay genuinely competent in the work you’re licensed to do.
Why Our Students choose to study with major
Both students and employers consistently select Major Training as their training partner of choice due to our regularly scheduled short courses and flexible training delivery options. We offer weekly short courses across multiple sites including on-site/private courses, and our qualifications can be delivered either onsite or remotely, catering to diverse preferences. Our trainers, who are industry experts, dedicate themselves to customising their delivery to meet the specific needs of our students.
Students Each Year
Over 10,000 students complete their training with us every year!
Student Pass Rate
We maintain an impressive 95% pass rate and offer additional support where needed to ensure every student's success.
RTO For Flexible Delivery Options
Our commitment to flexible delivery options allows you to train on your terms.
Years Experience in Training
Leading the way in real-world training for the Construction, Automotive and Engineering Industries for over 2 decades.
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