Coal mining competencies
Mining staff in statutory positions need to show they have the appropriate skills and knowledge to perform their duties. This page provides information on the competencies required for coal mining statutory positions, including how to obtain certificates of competency and site senior executive notices issued by the Queensland Board of Examiners.
New experience requirements for Site Senior Executives (Coal)
Starting Monday 13 March 2023, applications for a Site Senior Executive Notice subject to the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 must also include a statement of experience that meets new criteria updated by the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee (see link below for more information). There are separate requirements for Site Senior Executives for Surface Coal and Underground Coal. Ensure that you complete the correct forms when applying.
New requirements when applying to sit examinations for certificates of competency
As of July 1, all applicants will be required to apply in a 2-step process. To sit the written legislation exam the applicant must complete the application form for the legislation exam and supply their work history along with all specified qualifications and any other specified documentation. The applicant must also have written verification for their readiness to sit the written legislation exam from the Site Senior Executive and where applicable from their Underground Mine Manager.
Once an applicant has passed their written legislation exam they must now apply to sit their oral exam. This entails completing the second application form and having the Site Senior Executive and where applicable the Underground Mine Manager provide a signed statement that they have assessed the applicant and consider them ready to sit their oral exam.
Site Senior Executives and Mine Managers are reminded to take into consideration their obligations under the Act when verifying the readiness of applicants to sit their exams. Applicants are also urged to give serious consideration to advice they may receive regarding their readiness to sit exams.
No pre-July 1 forms will be accepted by the Board of Examiners Secretariat after July 1.
Recognised competencies for coal mining
The required competencies for statutory coal mining positions are determined by the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee.
View the recognised competencies for coal mining statutory positions in Queensland.
Board of Examiners certificates and notices
The required competencies for some positions include a certificate of competency or a notice issued by the Board of Examiners.
To gain these, you need to pass a written law exam. You must then sit an oral exam on mining practice (site senior executive applicants do not have to sit the oral exam). You must pass the written test before you can sit the oral exam.
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.
How to apply
Complete the appropriate application form (see tables below) and attach the required documents. The Board of Examiners will review your application to make sure you have the required qualifications and experience, and contact you about the venue and time of the exam.
You must complete the application and examination process within 5 years of lodging your application. Otherwise, you will need to lodge a new application. This means that you will need to:
- meet the educational and practical experience criteria in force at the time of lodging your new application
- undertake the written and oral examination process from the beginning (e.g. if you had previously successfully completed the written examination but not the oral examination, you will need to re-sit the new written examination before proceeding to the oral examination).
Examination schedule
Written exams are held monthly in Brisbane, Dysart, Mackay, Moranbah and Rockhampton. They may also be held in Townsville and Mount Isa, depending on demand and the availability of staff.
If you cannot attend these venues, you can organise to sit the exam at a courthouse, library, school or similar government office. If you choose this option, read and complete the consent, information and rules for external supervisors and candidates (PDF, 121KB).
Preparing for an exam
The exam is a 2-hour, 2-part closed book exam that tests your knowledge of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 and the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017.
The pass mark is 70% for each part. Use the following resources to prepare for the exams.
Ensure you download the current application form and read and address all criteria.
Any of the following will immediately null and void any application, without notice:
- applications that are not submitted on the current application form
- providing uncertified identification or qualification documents
- applications submitted without the completed checklist page.
Applicants who submit a second application that fails to meet all criteria as per the current application form, and any deficiencies advised, cannot submit a further application form for 12 months from the date of notification of decline.
Forms and fees
Site senior executive notices
| Forms | Application fee |
|---|---|
| No fee |
Open-cut examiner certificate of competency
| Forms | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Application form (PDF, 344KB) Work history attachment (DOCX, 138KB) Shotfiring log (DOCX, 147KB) | $28.20 (excl. GST) |
Deputy certificate of competency
| Forms | Application fee |
|---|---|
Application form (PDF, 342KB) | $28.20 (excl. GST) |
Second class mine manager certificate of competency (underground coal mines)
| Forms | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Application form (PDF, 308KB) Work history attachment (DOCX, 141KB) | $47.65 (excl. GST) |
First class mine manager certificate of competency (underground coal mines)
| Forms | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Application form (PDF, 349KB) Work history attachment (DOCX, 139KB) | $47.65 (excl. GST) |
Ventilation officer certificate of competency
| Forms | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Application form (PDF, 287KB) Work history attachment (DOCX, 145KB) | $26.39 (excl. GST) |
Written and oral examination resit conditions and timelines
These resit conditions and timelines are effective from 1 January 2018.
Written exams
| Exam attempt | Resit conditions |
|---|---|
| First attempt fail (provided result is not 30% or less) | Candidate cannot undertake a second examination until after the expiry of 3 months from the date of notification of exam result. |
| First attempt fail with 30% or less result | Same conditions apply as for second attempt fail. |
| Second attempt fail | Candidate must submit a written report detailing the studies they have undertaken to better prepare for their exams, this must include dates and topics studied. The Board considers the report and advises if candidate can proceed to third attempt. Candidate is not eligible to undertake a third examination until 6 months from the date of notification of exam results. |
| Second attempt fail with 30% or less result | Same conditions as second fail. |
| Third or subsequent attempt fail | Candidate is requested to submit show cause request to Board. Board determines if candidate can proceed to further examination and may set conditions. The minimum period before a Candidate can resit for a third time is 12 months. |
Oral exams
| Exam attempt | Resit conditions |
|---|---|
| First attempt fail result | Candidate cannot sit a second examination for a minimum of 6 months from the date of notifications of result of first examination. Candidate must supply a report detailing the actions they have taken to rectify the deficiencies identified in their oral exam and supplied in writing at the time of result notification. This report must be endorsed by their Site Senior Executive and for Underground mining positions, also by the Underground Mine Manager. The report must detail topics covered, dates of activities undertaken and names of mentors/coaches. |
| Second attempt fail or result of 30% or less | Candidate must submit a report detailing the actions they have taken to rectify the deficiencies identified in their oral exam and supplied in writing at the time of result notification. This report must be endorsed by their Site Senior Executive and for Underground mining positions, also by the Underground Mine Manager. The report must detail topics covered, dates of activities undertaken and names of mentors/coaches. The Board considers the report and advises if the candidate can proceed to a third attempt exam. Candidate is not eligible to undertake a third examination until 12 months from the date of notification of exam results. |
| Third or subsequent attempt fail result | Candidate is requested to submit show cause request to the Board. Board determines if candidate can proceed to further examination and may set conditions. The Candidate must wait a minimum of 12 months before reapplying. |
Contact us
Send all correspondence to:
Board of Examiners Secretary
Resources Safety and Health Queensland
GPO Box 1321
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Email: BOESecretary@rshq.qld.gov.au
For more information, contact:
Phone: (07) 3199 8037
Email: BOESecretary@rshq.qld.gov.au
- Last reviewed: 1 Jul 2023
- Last updated: 10 Jan 2024