Mineral 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 mineral mining statutory positions, including how to obtain certificates of competency and site senior executive notices issued by the Queensland Board of Examiners.
Important examination information effective 1 January 2018
Conditions and timelines apply if you fail either a written or oral examination. Ensure you read about the written and oral examination resit conditions and timelines.
Recognised competencies for mineral mining
The required competencies for statutory metalliferous mining positions are determined by the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee.
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 a certificate, you need to pass a written law exam, then sit an oral exam on mining practice. You must pass the written test before you can sit the oral exam.
To gain a notice, you need to complete the application form and provide copies of relevant documents.
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.
Qualifications and experience
To obtain a first class mine manager certificate, you must hold academic qualifications that are acceptable to the Board of Examiners. You must contact the Board before lodging your application and before undertaking a course of study to obtain your certificate.
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 (mineral mines and quarries site senior executive applicants do not sit exams).
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 resit 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 one of these venues, you can organise to sit the exam at a court house, library, school or similar government office. Read and complete the consent, information and rules for external supervisors and candidates (PDF, 139KB) if you choose this option.
Preparing for an exam
The exam is a 3-hour exam that tests your knowledge of the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 (MQSH Act) and the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulation 2017 (MQSH Regulation).
There are 2 sections to this paper, which are broken into 10 topics (see tables below for list of topics).
The pass mark is 70% in each topic. Read below for resources to help you prepare for the exams.
Forms and preparation resources
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.
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.
Site senior executive notices
Site senior executive notices are not issued for sites employing 10 persons or less.
| Forms | Application fee |
|---|---|
Application form (PDF, 198KB) | No fee |
First class mine manager certificate of competency (underground metalliferous mines)
| Forms | Application fee |
|---|---|
Application form (PDF, 269KB) | $47.65 (excl. GST) |
Exam topics
Section 1 covers the MQSH Act and the following topics.
| Section 1 topics | MQSH Act reference |
|---|---|
| Preliminary | Parts 1 and 5 |
| Basic concepts and safety and health obligations | Parts 2 and 3 |
| Provisions about the operation of mines | Part 4 |
| Site safety and health representatives, committees, district worker representatives, inspectors and other officers | Parts 7, 8 and 9 |
| Accidents, incidents and general safety matters | Parts 5, 7, 11 and 16 |
Section 2 covers the MQSH Regulation and the following topics.
| Section 2 topics | MQSH Regulation reference |
|---|---|
| Risk management, safety and health management systems; and procedures and safe working instructions | Parts 1, 2, 11, and General Regulations |
| Accidents, incidents, injuries and emergency management | Parts 4 and 5 |
| Facilities and process, work environment, mine plans and persons on site | Parts 6, 8, 9 and 14 |
| Hazardous substances and dangerous goods, including explosives | Part 7 |
| Electrical, fixed and mechanical plant including winders | Parts 4, 10 and 13 |
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 notification 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 Board approval to resit. |
| 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: 11 Jul 2023