Board of Examiners
Applications open for certificates of competency
Applications are now open for certificates of competency for:
If you're already in one of these roles, you may be eligible to fast-track your application with recognition of prior experience if you apply before June 2026.
This page provides information on the roles and functions of the Board of Examiners, including details on how to register for a Certificate of Competency and enrol in the Practising Certificate Scheme for ongoing professional development.
The Board of Examiners is established under Part 10 of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 and Part 10 of the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999.
Role and functions
The Board's role is to set exams and issue certificates of competency to people who want to work in statutory positions in the metalliferous and coal mining industries in Queensland.
The Board of Examiners:
- determines the required competencies
- assesses applications
- grant Certificates of Competency and Site Senior Executive (SSE) Notices
- ensures the competencies required in Queensland are consistent with those in other Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions.
Board Members as at 18 June 2024
The Board of Examiners is a tripartite body, consisting of at least 7 members with representation from operators, workers, and regulators. Each member has a minimum of 10 years of practical experience in the mining industry. Additionally, at least 6 of the members must be currently active in the mining sector.
| Member | Appointed | Term of appointment ends |
|---|---|---|
|
Jacques le Roux (Chair) (Chief Inspector of Coal Mines) Ex-Officio Appointment | 3 February 2023 | 1 January 2050 |
| Adam Barton | 18 June 2024 | 17 June 2027 |
| Angela Dow | 4 June 2023 | 3 June 2026 |
| Deon Esterhuizen | 18 June 2024 | 17 June 2027 |
| Hermann Fasching (Chief Inspector of Mines and Quarries) | Ex-Officio Appointment | 1 January 2050 |
| Leslie Marlborough | 4 June 2023 | 3 June 2026 |
| Martin Filar | 18 June 2024 | 17 June 2027 |
| Matthew Way | 4 June 2023 | 3 June 2026 |
| Neville Stanton | 4 June 2023 | 3 June 2026 |
| Stephen Watts | 4 June 2023 | 3 June 2026 |
| William Davison | 18 June 2024 | 17 June 2027 |
Certificates of Competency
The Board of Examiners assess applicants' suitability for Certificates of Competency and Site Senior Executive Notices under the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 and the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 .
The Board reviews applications to determine whether candidates are eligible for further assessments, which typically include a law exam and an oral panel interview. To be considered for the oral panel interview, candidates must first pass the law exam. For more detailed information on the requirements, refer to coal mining certificates and metalliferous mining certificates.
New certifications are now required for Surface Mine Manager, Mechanical Engineering Manager and Electrical Engineering Manager. Refer to the RSHQ Certificates of Competency web page for more information.
Practising Certificate Scheme
The Practising Certificate Scheme online portal is now accessible to all Certificate of Competency and Notice holders.
Registration to the Practising Certificate Scheme will be mandatory for all Certificate of Competency and Notice holders who wish to continue working in their statutory positions. This requirement must be fulfilled by 10 June 2025.
The Practising Certificate Scheme has been developed by the Board of Examiners and closes out the recommendation from the 1994 Moura No.2 disaster, and subsequent inquiry report (from 3 January 1996), concerning "certificate holders maintain a sound knowledge base on, and keep abreast of, technical developments in coal mining and most particularly those relevant to coal mine safety", and the Johnstaff review of Board of Examiners (from 11 May 2020).
It further aligns with contemporary continuing professional development required of high hazard industries and professions, allowing alignment with other mining jurisdictions to enable transferability of certificates.
Once registered, you can start recording your continued professional development activities. The hours accrued before 10 June 2025 will be credited toward the first year of the official practising certificate (up to the max threshold).
Prior to registering, ensure you read the requirements and instructions.
Strategic plan
The Board of Examiners strategic plan outlines the vision and direction for the next 4 years, providing a comprehensive roadmap for our future. It details our goals and objectives, emphasizing our commitment to drive efficiency, improve quality and consistency and equip for industry change.
Through this plan, we aim to continually safeguard competency standards to empower effective, sustainable safety and health leadership. This strategic framework is designed to guide our efforts and measure our progress as we work towards achieving our long-term mission and vision.
View the Board of Examiners Strategic Plan 2024–2028 (PDF, 496KB).
Policies
Our policies are the foundation of our operations, ensuring consistency, fairness, and transparency. They are designed to guide our decision-making processes and uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
These policies are reviewed and updated to reflect best practices and evolving industry standards, ensuring that we remain responsive to changing needs while maintaining a strong commitment to our core values.
Contact us
Board of Examiners Secretary
Resources Safety and Health
GPO Box 1321
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Phone: (07) 3199 8037
Email: BOESecretary@rshq.qld.gov.au
Also consider...
- Find out how to apply for coal mining certificates and metalliferous mining certificates required for statutory positions in mines.
- Read the annual reports of the Board of Examiners for more information on its membership and activities.