7 Best FIFO and Mining Certificates That Will Get You Hired

Working in FIFO roles offers great career prospects like good salaries, free on-site accommodation and meals, organised rosters, and opportunities to explore areas rarely seen by tourists.

However, finding a job on a mine or resource site requires specific mining and resource-sector certificates (FIFO and mining certifications). You don’t need to worry about acquiring these necessary skills; the required training needed to secure a bulk of the FIFO job roles can be completed within a few days or sometimes in one sitting.

These easy-to-get qualifications (which differ from trade training courses or university degrees requiring several years of hard work) indicate to employers that you understand the concept of workplace safety rules, are aware of your rights and duties under law and are capable of starting work immediately at a regulated workplace from day 1.

This guide covers exactly which certificates you need, what each one involves, how long they take, and how to use them strategically to maximise your employment options across the full range of FIFO and mining roles available in Australia.

What Is FIFO Work and Why Does It Pay So Well?

FIFO stands for Fly-In Fly-Out, a type of employment that involves staff who travel by chartered or commercial air services to isolated mines, minerals resources or construction sites for the duration of their roster before returning home to rest.

The FIFO system is used to provide an adequate labour force to undertake big resource projects in isolated parts of Australia, as establishing a stable number of skilled personnel living locally is difficult.

Typical FIFO Rosters and What to Expect

Rosters vary between employers and projects, but the most common patterns in Australian mining are:

• 2 weeks’ work followed by one week’s leave (2:1) for extended distance. Fly-in options available in Western Australia and Queensland.
• 8 days of work and 6 days of leave for construction and mining projects requiring regular cycles of operation.
• 4 weeks of work, followed by 1 week of leave, for projects based internationally or in very remote regions, with better remuneration.

Working hours on site range from 12 hours per shift, and many of the camps offer good facilities such as accommodation, food, a fitness center, internet connectivity and recreational spaces at no extra cost to employees.

So, compared to jobs available in cities, we earn much higher wages in FIFO jobs because our essential day-to-day needs are met at work.

Why Entry-Level FIFO Roles Are More Accessible Than People Expect

Many believe that FIFO jobs require tradespeople or individuals with substantial experience in industries such as mining. This is not always the case. Mining sites, large construction projects and remote worker accommodation camps need a diverse range of workers beyond engineers and operators.

You don’t need any kind of trade training to fill these types of roles. All you’ll need are the relevant safety and compliance certificates, a clean police record, good health (as proven by a doctor’s clearance before starting employment) and the ability to follow the roster.

If you have all the necessary FIFO training certificates when applying for work, you will be able to find employment much faster than candidates who are waiting to complete their training.

7 Certificates for FIFO and Mining Jobs in Australia

The required certificates for doing FIFO and working in the mining sector vary depending on the role you’re interested in. However, across a wide range of entry-level jobs available through major FIFO companies and labour hire services throughout Australia, a small set of essential qualifications is frequently advertised.

White Card (CPCCWHS1001)

The White Card, also known as the Construction Induction Card, provides proof of having completed the nationally recognised training course ‘Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry’ (unit code CPCCWHS1001).

Required for accessing active construction sites nationwide, it’s also widely required for all mining and resource projects, as many involve construction activities.

The course covers work health and safety laws, identifying hazards, managing risks, using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), dealing with emergencies, and explaining your rights and duties as an employee. Completing this course takes around one day.

Live online courses delivered by approved RTOs are accepted in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania, while face-to-face training is required in Victoria, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

Food Handler Certificate

Every FIFO camp includes a canteen/mess hall serving meals to staff. Large mine sites provide several meals to hundreds of employees daily, with kitchen staff consistently busy assisting with various meal services.

Being qualified as a Food Handler enables you to address matters related to food hygiene, prevent food contamination, ensure proper food storage and maintain the desired food temperature conditions. Even large camps that employ Food Safety Supervisors require basic food handler qualifications for general kitchen duties.

RSA Certificate (SITHFAB021)

Many large FIFO sites have bars or recreational facilities that serve liquor to employees during designated times.

Although these venues may be operated informally, they operate under state liquor licenses and must adhere to all laws applicable to licensed establishments. Therefore, all employees working at a bar or in hospitality at a FIFO site require current RSA certification to provide alcohol services.

Based on SITHFAB021, Provide responsible service of alcohol (a nationally recognised training unit), RSA certificates take between 3 and 6 hours to obtain. In most states, self-paced online courses from registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are available.

However, New South Wales requires students to complete a live interactive online class taught by a teacher. Upon completion of the course, you will receive your Statement of Attainment on the same day.

First Aid Certificate

Having an up-to-date first aid certificate isn’t always necessary to secure a place on an entry-level FIFO roster, but it features regularly in job adverts as a highly desirable qualification. Remote mine sites lack immediate access to medical care. Anyone able to handle injuries and medical emergencies until help arrives contributes significantly to maintaining good safety standards on our sites.

HLTAID011 Provide First Aid is the most commonly offered first-aid training in Australian workplaces. The course teaches CPR techniques, using defibrillators to save lives, wound care strategies and dealing with various types of emergencies.

First aid training involves a combination of classroom instruction and practical exercises over the course of one day. Several FIFO companies require or provide employees with annual or biannual refresher courses.

Working at Heights

Mine sites and construction areas regularly require work on elevated platforms, scaffolding, rooftops and structures. Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injury on Australian work sites, and employers won’t put anyone at elevation without proof they know how to work safely up there.

The course covers fall prevention, correct harness fitting, anchor point identification, using lanyards and fall arrest systems, and emergency rescue procedures. It combines theory with hands-on practical assessment, and most providers complete it within a day.

Unlike the White Card, Working at Heights certification isn’t a single nationally standardised unit. Different RTOs deliver it under various unit codes depending on the industry. Make sure your provider is accredited and your certificate clearly states the units completed, as some employers and sites have specific requirements.

Confined Spaces

Mine sites involve a lot of work in enclosed or restricted areas, tanks, vessels, tunnels, pits and underground chambers. Entering a confined space without proper training is genuinely dangerous, with risks including oxygen deficiency, toxic gases and limited rescue access.

This course covers hazard identification, atmospheric testing, permit-to-work systems, correct use of personal gas monitors, entry and exit procedures, and emergency rescue protocols. Training is face-to-face and runs for one day, including practical components.

Holding this certificate puts you ahead of most entry-level applicants for maintenance, utility and underground-adjacent roles, where confined space entry is a regular part of the job.

Forklift Licence (TLILIC0003)

A forklift licence is one of the most practical add-ons for anyone targeting FIFO work without a trade background. Mine sites run large stores, warehouses and laydown areas that need licensed operators daily, and having this ticket opens up roles that most applicants simply can’t apply for.

TLILIC0003 is a nationally recognised High Risk Work Licence issued by your state’s workplace safety authority. The course covers pre-operational checks, load handling, stacking and de-stacking, travelling safely on site, and relevant safety legislation. Training takes one to two days and includes a practical assessment.

Once issued, the licence doesn’t expire, though some employers require evidence of recent operation. It’s also useful well beyond FIFO. Warehousing, logistics and manufacturing roles across Australia require the same ticket.

Why Stacking FIFO Certificates Gives You a Real Edge

Having just one qualification opens doors to jobs in only specific areas. Holding two or three, however, provides access to a broader range of job opportunities, making you an attractive candidate for labour hire companies and direct employers seeking flexible employees capable of performing diverse duties at various site locations as operational requirements change.

How Certificate Stacking Works in Practice

Imagine a situation where you hold a White Card, a Food Handler’s Certificate, and a valid First Aid Certificate. With this array of skills, you can apply for labourer jobs, kitchen/catering jobs, or support roles within the camp. Your ability to work flexible hours across several departments when colleagues are absent due to sickness is really valued, especially when there are concerns about inadequate workforce levels.

However, an individual who only holds a White Card can only get jobs related to giving out IDs/Site Passes. Although both could apply for Labouring Jobs, one can fulfill duties related to preparing food and handling medical emergencies, while the other cannot!

How Long Does It Take to Stack the Core FIFO Certificates

Getting the four most useful FIFO certificates in place does not take long:

• White Card: one day (available online or in-person, dependent upon your state/territory)
• Food Handling Certificate: 2-3 hours (completely online)
• RSA Certificate: 3-6 hours (online or virtual classroom sessions, depending on your state)
• First Aid Certificate: one day (including a practical component delivered in person)

Assuming you complete the white card on Monday, food handler’s certification on Tuesday morning and first aid training on Wednesday, you can obtain all essential FIFO qualifications by the end of the week. You can apply for work opportunities on Thursday and Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a White Card for FIFO mining jobs?

Yes, in most cases. All FIFO and mining site jobs require access to  construction sites or controlled work areas, meaning the White Card is a mandatory requirement before being employed. Big labour hire companies, as well as direct employers operating FIFO schemes, consider White Cards an important prerequisite before inviting any candidates to an interview.

Can I get FIFO work with no mining experience?

Yes. What prospective employers seek are suitable safety qualifications, good pre-employment medical, a clean Police Record and motivation to follow FIFO Rosters.

How much can I earn in an entry-level FIFO job?

The annual salaries for Entry Level FIFO Jobs range from $65,000 to $95,000, inclusive of site allowance, with free accommodation and food. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the mining industry had the highest average weekly total earnings of any sector in Australia in May 2024, at $3,015.30 per week. Senior personnel and operators earn higher salaries.

How long does it take to complete the core FIFO certificates?

You can obtain four essential FIFO qualifications within a week. A White Card and First Aid Certificate can be obtained in one day. The Food Handler Certificate requires 2-3 hours of online study. RSA training takes 3-6 hours, depending on where you live. If done sequentially, you can get all the necessary certificates within 5 working days.