Frequently asked questions

To apply to be examined to obtain a certificate of competence to practise in one or more NSW statutory functions, you will need to: 

• refer to the How to apply webpage
• submit an online application form via Regulator Portal
• submit a separate application for each certificate of competence that you are seeking to apply for
• provide evidence of your identity, age, portfolio, qualifications, and experience.

To determine your eligibility and understand the specific criteria for each certificate, please refer to the Applying for a certificate of competence guide (PDF, 218.04 KB).

If you are able to satisfy the criteria, you may then be eligible to undertake the written and oral exams applicable to the certificate you are applying to obtain.

The Resources Regulator offers valuable briefing sessions conducted by examination panel members for applicants seeking certificates of competence. These sessions provide crucial insights into the application process and exam preparation for both written and oral exams.

Briefing sessions are generally held one to three months before the closing date for an exam.

Register via this link at least 1 month before the session date to confirm your attendance.

An initial application fee is payable with your application. Refer to the Fact sheet: Examination fee schedule (PDF, 82.51 KB) for the current application fee. The application fee is non-refundable.

After your application or re-sit application is processed and you are approved, you will receive an invitation with details of the exam you are about to sit. This invitation will include a link to pay the applicable written or oral examination fee to be paid by the specified date in the invitation.

Refer to the Fact sheet: Examination fee schedule (PDF, 82.51 KB) for the current examination fee. The exam fee is refundable, less a $50 administration fee, only where notification of non-attendance is received in advance of the exam date.

You will receive your results after the examiners have completed their assessments through the Regulator Portal. The results will detail the next step in the assessment process and will be received within six weeks of sitting your exam. If you are successful, you will be invited to attend an oral exam.

You will receive your results after completing your oral exam through the Regulator Portal. This can take up to six weeks. If you are deemed not yet competent, your results will advise how to attend the next oral exam. If you are deemed competent, you will have your certificate of competence emailed to you.

You can reapply for the next exam through the Regulator Portal. If you decide to re-sit an exam, we ask that you carefully review the examiner's report to see how you can improve. Please be aware some candidates require several attempts to pass the examination process successfully and be deemed competent. 

You should contact us via email at mca@regional.nsw.gov.au or call us on 1300 814 609 (option 2 then 3). We will provide you with feedback and comments on your assessment outcome. If you are still not satisfied, you can complete a review of examination outcome on the Regulator Portal within 28 days from the date you were advised of your exam result.

There is a fee for review which is detailed in our Fact sheet: Examination fee schedule (PDF, 82.51 KB). You must include the reasons why you believe your exam results were wrong, made in error or were otherwise inadequate.

Yes possibly, read more overseas qualifications here. 

Click here for more information.

You can ask them to contact us at mca@regional.nsw.gov.au with your full name, date of birth and certificate number. We will provide your details to a mine operator, otherwise they will need to submit a consent form signed by you to release your information.

You can update your email in the Update contact details form on the Mining Workers section of the Regulator Portal. Or if you are unable to access the Regulator Portal to fill in the form, please contact us at mca@regional.nsw.gov.au.

On the Mining Workers section of the Regulator Portal, click on the forms menu (clipboard icon) on the top left-hand side, then click on Register to sit an exam and fill in the form.

Please check the status of your application on the Mining Workers section of the Regulator Portal. Below is a table explaining the status of your application.

Please contact us at mca@regional.nsw.gov.au.

We are unable to renew expired practising certificate. Please apply for a new practising certificate via the Mining Workers section of the Regulator Portal.

No, you can renew the practising certificate which expires next and it will list all with the statutory functions listed that you have attained.