Mutual recognition of competency | Resources Safety & Health Queensland

Mutual recognition of competency

If you hold an equivalent Certificate of competency issued by another Australian or New Zealand jurisdiction, you can apply to have it recognised by mutual recognition. You will need to hold the relevant risk management competency as outlined in the application form below.  Mutual recognition is available for the certificates listed below.

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.

Pathways to mutual recognition

There are two pathways to apply for mutual recognition:

  • When the applicant plans to sit a law exam to demonstrate knowledge of the Queensland Act and Regulations, a nominated session for the written exam at the Board of Examiners' scheduled venue or a suitable alternative.

    Please refer to the examination schedule section on the Examinations webpage.

  • If an applicant has prospective employment at a Queensland site, the Site Senior Executive (SSE) of that site must verify they have assessed the applicant as having adequate knowledge of the Queensland Act and Regulations.

    Therefore a signed statement from the current SSE (PDF, 177KB) must be provided.

    This statement confirms that the SSE has taken responsibility for ensuring the applicant's understanding of the relevant Queensland legislation.

Mandatory documents required for mutual recognition applications

The following documents are required for ALL applications, regardless of the competency.

  • Certified copies of all current registration documents (certificate of competency, and practising certificate if applying from NSW).
  • Certified copy of current qualifications specific to the role (see the table on page 2 of the Fees for Board of Examiners applications).

Where indicated, documents requiring certification must be certified by either a commissioner for declarations, or a justice of the peace. Find a justice of the peace or commissioner for declarations in Queensland.

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.

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.

Last updated: 17 Dec 2025

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.