High Risk Work Licence in Australia: What Trades Need One and How to Get It

If you're working in the trades and someone mentions a High Risk Work Licence, the usual reaction is either "yeah I've got one of those" or "do I need one of those?"

The answer to the second question is less obvious than it should be. The licensing system covers 29 separate classes of work across cranes, scaffolding, rigging, forklifts, pressure equipment, and more - and the consequences of doing that work without the right licence range from on-the-spot fines to serious legal exposure if something goes wrong on site.

This is a plain-English guide to what a HRWL is, which trades need one, and exactly how to get it.

1. What is a High Risk Work Licence

A High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) is a nationally recognised licence that authorises you to carry out specific classes of work defined as high-risk under the Work Health and Safety Regulations. It is issued by the WHS regulator in your state or territory, is valid for five years, and is recognised across every state and territory in Australia.

The HRWL system is set out in Schedule 3 of the model WHS Regulations, which defines the classes of high risk work and the training and assessment requirements for each one.

The licence is attached to you personally, not your employer or your trade licence. You can hold multiple classes on a single licence card, and it will authorise you to perform work in those classes in any state or territory within Australia.

2. The 29 classes - what they cover

As of 2026, there are 29 specific classes of High Risk Work Licences grouped into six main categories: Scaffolding, Dogging and Rigging, Cranes and Hoists, Forklifts, Pressure Equipment, and Reach Stackers.

Here's a plain-English breakdown of what's relevant to each trade category:

Scaffolding (SB, SI, SA)

Basic, intermediate, and advanced scaffolding. If you're erecting, altering, or dismantling scaffolding on a construction site - even basic tube-and-coupler or system scaffolding - you need the appropriate class. Plenty of builders, concreters, painters, and roofers encounter this.

Dogging and Rigging (DG, RB, RI, RA)

Dogging (DG) covers slinging loads and directing crane operators when the load is out of their sight. Rigging covers more complex load-moving work. Any tradie working around cranes and needing to direct lifts needs to understand whether they're operating in dogging territory.

Cranes and Hoists (CT, CS, CD, CP, CB, CV, CN, C2, C6, C1, C0, HM, HP)

Tower cranes, self-erecting cranes, mobile cranes at various capacity levels, vehicle loading cranes, materials hoists, and personnel and materials hoists. If you operate any of these on site, you need the matching class.

Forklifts (LF, LO)

An LF licence covers a standard counterbalance forklift where the operator sits in a fixed cab. An LO licence is required for forklifts where the operator's platform rises with the load to pick stock from high racking. An LF licence does not cover LO work. Relevant to tradies working in warehouses, manufacturing, or large trade supply environments.

Pressure Equipment (BB, BI, TO, ES)

Covers boiler operation, turbine operation, and engine operation. Relevant to plumbers, mechanical services tradies, and anyone working with pressure vessels or steam plant equipment.

Reach Stackers (RS)

Covers reach stackers over 3 tonne capacity used for moving shipping containers. Niche, but relevant to tradies working in ports, logistics, or large construction yards.

3. Which trades most commonly need one

To be direct: a HRWL is not a general trade requirement. Your electrical licence, plumbing licence, or builder's registration is separate. A HRWL is specifically for the high-risk work classes listed above - and you only need it if your work involves those tasks.

That said, the trades where HRWL classes come up most often:

• Builders and construction managers - scaffolding, dogging, and crane-related classes are common on larger residential and commercial sites.
• Concreters and formwork carpenters - scaffolding classes (SB at minimum) frequently required.
• Electricians and mechanical services - pressure equipment classes relevant for commercial and industrial work.
• Riggers and crane operators - multiple classes often held.
• Plumbers working on commercial or industrial plant - boiler and pressure equipment classes relevant.
• Tradies working in warehousing or logistics environments - forklift licence (LF) commonly required.

If you're a sole trader doing domestic work and you've never touched a crane, scaffolding, or pressure equipment professionally, you probably don't need one. If you're expanding into commercial or industrial work, it's worth reviewing the list carefully.

4. How to get a High Risk Work Licence

The process is the same in every state. There are three steps.

Step 1: Complete training through a registered RTO

You need to complete the relevant unit of competency through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that is listed on the national register. See training.gov.au for the training you need and a list of accredited RTOs offering each class.

Course length varies by class - a basic scaffolding licence typically takes 3-5 days of training, while a forklift licence can be completed in 1-2 days depending on your prior experience.

Step 2: Pass the national assessment

When you pass the national assessment instrument for the licence class, you will receive a statement of attainment or equivalent from the RTO. The assessment is conducted under realistic workplace conditions by an accredited assessor - it's a practical assessment, not just a written test.

Step 3: Apply to your state regulator within 60 days

You must apply for your HRWL within 60 days of receiving your statement of attainment. You can work in that class for up to 60 days from the date of assessment while your application is processed.

Application is made to the WHS regulator in your state:

• NSW: SafeWork NSW
• VIC: WorkSafe Victoria
• QLD: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
• WA: WorkSafe WA
• SA: SafeWork SA
• TAS, NT, ACT: contact your state or territory regulator directly.

You'll need 100 points of ID and a recent passport photo. Some states allow online applications; others require a form submitted at Australia Post.

5. How long does it take and what does it cost

Training cost varies by class and RTO. Broadly:

• Forklift (LF): $300-$600 for a 1-2 day course.
• Basic scaffolding (SB): $600-$1,200 for a 3-5 day course.
• Rigging and dogging: $500-$1,000 depending on class.
• Crane classes: $1,000 and up, more for higher-capacity classes.

Application fees to the state regulator are separate and vary by state - generally $50 to $150 per class. Your licence expires after 5 years and must be renewed if you want to continue high risk work.

Shop around across RTOs - prices vary significantly for the same class. Check training.gov.au for a full list of RTOs offering the class you need in your state.

6. Renewing your HRWL

You need to renew your HRWL before it expires. You cannot do high risk work on an expired licence. SafeWork NSW will email and text you approximately 60 days before your licence expires as a reminder. Other state regulators have similar processes.

You can renew your licence up to 12 months after it expires. If you don't renew within 12 months of expiry, you will need to redo the training with a registered RTO, be reassessed as competent, and submit a new application.

Don't let it lapse. The cost of retaking training to reinstate an expired licence is avoidable.

7. Interstate transfers

If you have permanently moved to a new state, you will need to transfer your high risk work licence to that state. A HRWL can be transferred if the licence is current or within 12 months of expiry.

The transfer process is handled through the regulator in your new state of residence. You generally cannot hold active licences in two states simultaneously, so transfer promptly when you relocate.

8. Can you work without one while waiting

You are not required to hold a HRWL if you are enrolled in training towards gaining a high risk work licence and are under the direct supervision of a person who holds that licence class. Once you've passed assessment, you have 60 days to lodge your application and can continue working in that class while it is processed.

After that, the licence is required. Working without a current HRWL in a class that requires one is a breach of WHS legislation and can result in fines for both the individual and the business engaging them.

9. Where the SWMS fits in

If your work involves a HRWL class - scaffolding, cranes, rigging - it almost certainly also requires a Safe Work Method Statement before you start. A SWMS isn't just paperwork; it's a legal requirement for high-risk construction work under WHS Regulations, and a poorly written one won't protect you if something goes wrong.

For a refresher on what a compliant SWMS needs to include and how to produce one quickly, see How to Write a SWMS in 5 Minutes. The SWMS Generator in Smart Tools handles the draft - you add the site-specific detail.

Bottom line

A High Risk Work Licence is not something you can work around if your trade requires it. The good news is the process is straightforward: find an RTO, complete training, pass assessment, lodge your application within 60 days.

If you're not sure whether the work you're doing requires a HRWL, the safest starting point is Safe Work Australia's licence class list or your state regulator. A 10-minute read now is significantly cheaper than finding out the wrong way on site.

For any job where a HRWL is involved, there's almost certainly a SWMS requirement sitting alongside it. Get started on both at Smart Tools, or compare what's included across plans at Pricing.