Certificates of competency | Resources Safety & Health Queensland

Certificates of competency

The Resources Safety and Health Legislation Amendment Act 2024 introduced 6 new certificates of competency for safety-critical roles at mine sites.

The new certificates are being introduced in stages and, if you apply before June 2026, you may eligible to fast track your application with recognition of prior experience (RPE).

All applications are administered by the Board of Examiners (BoE).  The BoE is transitioning to online applications via the RSHQ Portal (the Portal) – to provide a simpler, and more flexible application and assessment process.

To make an application you need to log-into the Portal (if you are already using it), or create a new account, log-in, and complete an identity verification. Watch these videos for help on how to create a Portal account and verify your identity, and how to apply for a Certificate of Competency.

Certificates of competencies open for application

The certificates of competencies currently available are listed below.  For most roles there is a pathway for both experienced and less-experienced applicants. An experienced applicant will be able to satisfy the recognition of prior experience (RPE) requirements identified under each role.

Click to expand each heading  for a checklist for each role. The checklist contain links to all the application templates you need to make your submission, plus some examples to use as a guide. The checklist will guide you through the application process.

  • Experienced applicants may apply for a certificate of competency with RPE if:

    • You are currently an appointed electrical engineering manager and have been for over 12 months.
    • You have been an electrical engineering manager for over three years within the last 10 years.
    • You have been an electrical engineering manager delegate for over four years.

    The relevant electrical engineering manager checklist below contains links to all the documents you need to complete your application, and a pre-filled example.

  • Experienced applicants may apply for a certificate of competency with RPE if:

    • as of 1 June 2025, you have been an appointed mechanical engineering manager (see definitions below) for over 12 months, or
    • have held the role for at least three years in the last 10 years.

    Definitions

    Underground coal mines: Mechanical engineering managers appointed by the underground mine manager as having the appropriate competencies to control and manage mechanical activities at the mine.

    Surface coal mines: Individuals in statutory roles responsible for controlling and managing mechanical activities at the mine

    The relevant mechanical engineering manager (MEM) checklist below contains links to all the documents you need to complete your application, and a pre-filled example.

  • Experienced applicants may apply for a certificate of competency with RPE if:

    • as of 1 June 2025, you were currently engaged as a surface mine manager and have been for the last 12 months, or
    • you have been a surface mine manager for over three years within the last 10 years.

    The relevant surface mine manager (SMM) checklist below contains links to all the documents you need to complete your application, and a pre-filled example.

Key dates

The  new certificates are being introduced over a period of  5 years.

  • Suitably experienced personnel already fulfilling these roles at sites can apply to the Board of Examiners to have their applications assessed to gain a certificate of competency through recognition of prior work experience (RPE).

    These applicants will only need to undertake a written legislation examination. This option acknowledges the considerable experience of some existing personnel in industry.

  • All applicants will be required to complete the full assessment process, including the written technical and oral examinations.

  • From June 2030 it will be mandatory for sites to appoint personnel who hold the relevant certificate of competency to these roles.

    Personnel currently in these roles or considering moving into them are encouraged to become familiar with the requirements. Site Senior Executives should also review the requirements and incorporate them into training needs analysis and succession plans.

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Last updated: 03 Jun 2025

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RSHQ respectfully acknowledges all Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the country on which we live and work. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and commit to ongoing reconciliation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present.