Certificates of competency | Resources Safety & Health Queensland

Certificates of competency

Mine workers seeking employment in safety-critical statutory roles need to demonstrate they have the appropriate skills and knowledge to perform their duties. The Certificate of Competency (competency) assessment process determines whether a worker is suitably experienced and qualified to take on the responsibility of a statutory safety role at a mine.

In addition it is mandatory (since 10 June 2025) for competency and notice holders who work in statutory positions to be registered in the Board of Examiners' Practising Certificate Scheme, and to hold a current practising certificate.  The required competencies for statutory positions in coal mines and mineral mines and quarries are determined in consultation with the applicable advisory committee being the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee (CMSHAC) or the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee (MSHAC).

The Board of Examiners assess applicants’ suitability under the authority of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 and the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999.

All competency and notice applications must be submitted via the RSHQ Portal (the Portal), for a simpler, and more flexible application and assessment process. New advice has been released for applicants with regard to completing their portfolios. For more information, download the Advice for applicants: portfolios fact sheet (PDF, 90KB).

New certificates of competency

New competencies for safety-critical roles at mine sites were introduced into legislation in June 2025. The legislation sections for new competency examinations fact sheet contains information to assist to prepare for examinations.

The new competencies are listed on this page. Under each Certificate of Competency type, you will find links to all the application templates you need to make your submission, plus some examples to use as a guide. The checklists will guide you through the application process.

Key dates for new certificates

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

  • All applicants will be required to complete the full assessment process, including the online law, online 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.

Established certificate of competency

All applications must meet the educational and practical experience criteria in effect at the time. Previously passed written examination will not be considered for new applications.

You must complete both the application and examination process within 3 years of submitting your application. Failure to receive a certificate of competency within this time will require a new application to be submitted.

Site Senior Executive (SSE) notices

All SSE applications have mandatory requirements as listed below.

Each notice type has additional specific requirements. The checklist will guide you through the application process.

How to apply

  1. Review the checklist for the competency or notice you’re applying for
  2. Make sure your application includes all the required documents, certified as requested
  3. Log-in to the RSHQ Portal, ensure you complete (or have already completed) an identity verification to a ‘standard’ strength
  4. A fee may be payable when you submit your application, download and view the Fees for Board of Examiners applications fact sheet (PDF, 289KB)

If you do not already have an account, watch these videos on how to create a Portal account and verify your identity, and how to apply for a Certificate of Competency.

What’s next?

Once submitted, the BoE Chair will assess the application to determine eligibility for further assessments, which may include a law exam and an oral panel interview. Candidates must pass the law exam  before being eligible for the oral panel assessment (with the exception of SSE notice applicants).

Transition to online written examinations

The Board of Examiners is transitioning away from paper-based written examinations to online randomised examinations in a highly secure environment. Surface Mine Managers, Electrical Engineering Managers and Mechanical Engineering Managers are already undertaking their written examinations in the online environment. Open Cut Examiners have also moved to online examinations. All other cohorts will follow throughout 2026, with advice being provided to industry as this transition continues.

Replacement of existing certificates and notices

If your certificate of competency (a hard copy issued prior to December 2025) has been lost or destroyed, you can apply for the issue of a duplicate certificate. Contact the BOESecretary@rshq.qld.gov.au to enquire.

The Board of Examiners keeps a register of certificates and notices issued. To check if one has been issued, email BOESecretary@rshq.qld.gov.au.

Last updated: 24 Jun 2026

Acknowledgement of Country

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.