Top Licenses & Tickets by Industry
A practical guide to the certifications and tickets that will boost your employability in each industry.
In Australia, certain licenses and certifications can dramatically increase your job prospects. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your skills, investing in the right tickets pays dividends.
Pro Tip: On SecureMatch, employers can filter candidates by specific licenses. Having the right tickets means you show up in more searches and get more connection requests.
Construction & Trades
The construction industry requires specific tickets for site access and equipment operation. Here are the essential ones:
White Card (Construction Induction)
Mandatory for ANY work on a construction site in Australia. Without it, you cannot legally enter a construction site as a worker.
Forklift License (LF)
High demand in warehousing, construction, and manufacturing. One of the most versatile tickets you can get.
Elevated Work Platform (EWP)
Required for operating boom lifts, scissor lifts, and cherry pickers. Under 11m requires Yellow Card; over 11m requires HRWL.
Working at Heights
Required for work above 2 metres. Often combined with harness training for construction work.
Confined Space Entry
For work in tanks, pipes, tunnels, and other restricted areas. Required in many industrial settings.
Traffic Controller (TC)
Required for directing traffic around construction sites and roadworks. One of the highest-paying entry-level roles in construction.
RIW (Rail Industry Worker) Card
Required for any work on or near rail infrastructure. Essential for rail construction, maintenance, and civil projects near rail corridors.
Civil Construction
Civil construction is one of Australia's largest employers, covering roads, bridges, tunnels, and major infrastructure. Here are the essential tickets:
White Card (Construction Induction)
Mandatory for all civil construction sites. Your starting point for any infrastructure work.
Roller/Compactor Ticket
Essential for road construction and earthworks. Operate various types of compaction equipment.
Excavator Ticket
Operate excavators for digging, trenching, and earthmoving. One of the most versatile civil tickets.
Front End Loader/Skid Steer
Operate loaders for material handling and site work. Common on most civil sites.
Grader Ticket
Essential for road construction and levelling. Skilled grader operators are always in demand.
Dozer/Scraper Ticket
Operate bulldozers and scrapers for bulk earthmoving. Critical for major infrastructure projects.
Asphalt Tickets (Paver/Profiler)
Specialised equipment for road surfacing. Premium pay rates for experienced operators.
Civil Construction Cert III
Formal qualification covering multiple aspects of civil construction. Highly valued by employers for career progression.
Hospitality & Food Service
Working in hospitality requires specific certifications depending on your role:
RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol)
Legally required for anyone serving, selling, or supervising the sale of alcohol in licensed venues.
RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling)
Required for staff in venues with gaming machines. Often needed alongside RSA.
Food Safety Certificate
Required for food handlers in commercial kitchens. Covers hygiene, contamination prevention, and safe food handling.
Barista Training
Not legally required, but highly valued for cafe work. Learn espresso technique, milk texturing, and latte art.
Healthcare & Aged Care
Healthcare roles have strict requirements to protect vulnerable people:
First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011)
Essential for healthcare, childcare, aged care, and many other industries. Includes CPR.
NDIS Worker Screening Check
Required for anyone working with NDIS participants. Background check covering criminal history.
Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Required for anyone working with children in paid or volunteer roles. Free for volunteers in most states.
Manual Handling Training
Essential for aged care and nursing roles. Covers safe lifting and moving of patients.
Security Industry
Security work is strictly regulated in Australia:
Security License (Unarmed Guard)
Required for static guards, crowd control, and retail security. Certificate II in Security Operations.
Crowd Control License
Additional endorsement for venues, events, and licensed premises. Often required for bouncer work.
Transport & Logistics
MR License (Medium Rigid)
Drive trucks over 8 tonnes GVM. Opens doors to delivery and transport roles.
HR License (Heavy Rigid)
Drive buses and larger trucks. Significantly increases earning potential.
Dangerous Goods (DG) License
Required for transporting hazardous materials. Adds premium pay to driving roles.
Best Value Ticket Combinations
Some ticket combinations are particularly valuable because they qualify you for multiple industries:
The Warehouse Starter Pack
- Forklift License
- White Card
- First Aid
Total cost: ~$600 | Opens: Warehousing, logistics, construction, manufacturing
The Hospo Essentials
- RSA
- Food Safety
- Barista Training
Total cost: ~$300 | Opens: Bars, restaurants, cafes, hotels, events
The Care Worker Bundle
- First Aid + CPR
- NDIS Worker Screening
- Manual Handling
Total cost: ~$400 | Opens: Aged care, disability support, healthcare
The Construction Combo
- White Card
- Forklift License
- EWP License
Total cost: ~$900 | Opens: Construction, maintenance, civil works
The Civil Operator Pack
- White Card
- Excavator Ticket
- Roller Ticket
- Front End Loader
Total cost: ~$1,000-1,500 | Opens: Road construction, earthworks, civil infrastructure
The Traffic Management Bundle
- Traffic Controller (TC)
- White Card
- First Aid
Total cost: ~$500-700 | Opens: Roadworks, construction sites, events - $35-50/hr rates
Got Your Tickets? Show Them Off!
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Create Your ProfileLast updated: December 2025. Prices and durations are approximate and may vary by provider and location.