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 training.gov.au.
After you complete the training
You’ll receive your certificate. You then have 60 days to apply for a White card.
If you cannot 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
Fees
Fees are current from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
- Application fee: $42.00
- Replacement card fee: $42.00
Before you start
Before you can apply online, you’ll need:
- a Level 2 ACT Digital Account
- a digital copy of your General Construction Induction Training certificate or a declaration of attainment.
You must apply using your own Digital Account. A parent or guardian cannot apply for you.
If you only have one name (a first name without last name), contact us by email cwpl@act.gov.au.
To get a Level 2 ACT Digital Account, register for an ACT Digital Account.
Learn more about the ACT Digital Account.
If you cannot apply online
Contact Access Canberra Construction Licencing and Governance at cwpl@act.gov.au.
After you apply
Access Canberra will review your application and contact you if anything is missing.
It can take up to one month to assess an application.
When we approve your White card, we'll post your new card to you within 2 weeks.
Working while you wait
The General Construction Induction Card does not expire. Unless cancelled by the Work Health and Safety Commissioner, it remains valid indefinitely.
While Access Canberra reviews your application, your application receipt and your training certificate is sufficient to start work on a construction site.
If you are not 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.
- Fill in 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.