Do You Need a Licence to Operate a Scissor Lift in Victoria?
Updated: 2 hours ago
If your employer has asked you to operate a scissor lift, you might be searching for a “scissor lift licence”, “EWP ticket” or “Yellow Card”.
But here’s something worth knowing before you book:
A Yellow Card isn’t your only training option.
You can undertake nationally recognised EWP training and, after successfully completing the required assessment, receive a Statement of Attainment.
So what’s the difference, and which should you choose?
Let’s make it simple.
Do You Need a Scissor Lift Licence in Victoria?
There isn’t a specific High Risk Work Licence class just for operating a scissor lift.
However, that doesn’t mean you can operate one without appropriate training and competency.
The High Risk Work Licence requirement commonly associated with EWPs applies to a boom-type EWP with a boom length of 11 metres or more.
For other EWPs, such as scissor lifts and boom-type EWPs below that licensing threshold, appropriate operator training and competency are still important.
This is where you’ll commonly come across two different options:
Nationally recognised EWP training and the Yellow Card.
Statement of Attainment vs Yellow Card: What’s the Difference?
This is an important distinction that many workers don’t realise when searching for EWP training.
Statement of Attainment
When you successfully complete an applicable nationally recognised unit of competency through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you receive a Statement of Attainment that does not expire.
It formally records the nationally recognised competency you have successfully completed.
Yellow Card
The Yellow Card is an operator training program administered by an industry association.
It is widely known within the access-equipment industry, but it is not the same thing as completing a nationally recognised unit of competency and receiving a Statement of Attainment from an RTO.
Unlike a Statement of Attainment, a Yellow Card typically expires after 5 years.
That’s an important difference.
Why Choose Nationally Recognised EWP Training?
When you’re comparing EWP courses, don’t just ask:
“Do I get a card?”
A better question is:
“What recognised competency will I receive when I successfully complete the training?”
With Origin Institute’s nationally recognised EWP training, successful students receive a Statement of Attainment for the relevant nationally recognised unit of competency.
That means your training outcome isn’t simply an operator card issued through an industry program. You have formal evidence of completing a nationally recognised competency.
For workers building a longer-term career in construction, maintenance, warehousing or other industries, this can be an important consideration when choosing training.
Do I Need a Yellow Card If I Have a Statement of Attainment?
No, a Yellow Card is not a mandatory legal requirement for operating a scissor lift or other EWP that does not require a High Risk Work Licence in Victoria.
Both nationally recognised EWP training and the Yellow Card program can provide evidence of operator training and competency.
Safe Work Australia requires operators of EWPs that do not require a High Risk Work Licence to have appropriate training, information and instruction to operate the equipment safely.
A nationally recognised Statement of Attainment is a valid way to demonstrate relevant EWP competency. In fact, WorkSafe Victoria recommends structured, nationally recognised training with appropriate competency assessment.
Some employers or construction sites may specifically request a Yellow Card. However, this does not necessarily mean a Yellow Card is legally required.
If you already hold a relevant Statement of Attainment, you can show your employer the official WorkSafe Victoria EWP Industry Standard, which provides guidance on EWP training and competency.
Your employer can then assess whether your nationally recognised training satisfies the requirements for the equipment and work involved. Employers may still have additional site-specific requirements.
Why Choose a Statement of Attainment?
Unlike an industry-issued operator card, a Statement of Attainment formally records the successful completion of a nationally recognised unit of competency.
It does not expire, although refresher training or additional equipment-specific familiarisation may still be necessary.
At Origin Institute, you can complete our nationally recognised EWP training in just one day, receiving a Statement of Attainment and digital EWP ticket upon successful completion.
What Does Origin Institute’s EWP Training Give You?
Origin Institute is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and provides nationally recognised EWP training.
Upon successfully completing the required training and assessment, you’ll receive:
✓ A nationally recognised Statement of Attainment
This formally records the competency you have successfully achieved.
✓ Origin Institute Digital EWP Ticket
You’ll also receive a convenient digital EWP ticket that can be stored on your phone, making it easy to carry evidence of your training.
✓ Hands-On Practical Training
Our course isn’t only about theory. You’ll undertake practical EWP training and assessment using relevant equipment.
✓ One-Day Training
And one of the biggest advantages for busy workers:
You can complete the training in just one day.
For someone already working in construction, that’s a convenient way to add another nationally recognised competency to your skill set.
What About EWPs 11 Metres or More?
There is one more important distinction.
If you need to operate a boom-type EWP with a boom length of 11 metres or more, you’ll need the appropriate WP High Risk Work Licence.
Origin Institute also provides training for workers seeking the relevant High Risk Work Licence pathway.
So think of EWP training as two different pathways:
Scissor lifts and relevant EWPs under the HRW licensing threshold→ Nationally recognised EWP training→ Statement of Attainment upon successful completion
Boom-type EWP with a boom length of 11 metres or more→ High Risk Work Licence training and licensing requirements apply
Get Nationally Recognised EWP Training in Victoria
Need to operate a scissor lift or other relevant EWP for work?
Don’t just search for the nearest “Yellow Card course.”
Consider whether you can complete nationally recognised EWP training and receive a Statement of Attainment for the competency you’ve achieved.
With Origin Institute, you can get:
✓ One-day EWP training
✓ Nationally recognised training
✓ Statement of Attainment upon successful completion
✓ Hands-on practical training
✓ Digital EWP ticket
✓ Multiple Melbourne training locations
One Day. Nationally Recognised. More Skills.
Whether you’re a construction labourer, tradesperson, maintenance worker or someone looking to expand your employment opportunities, EWP training can be a practical addition to your skill set.
Important Information
Training and licensing requirements depend on the equipment and work being performed. A WP High Risk Work Licence is required to operate a boom-type EWP with a boom length of 11 metres or more. Individual employers and worksites may impose additional competency or card requirements, so workers should confirm any specific requirements before enrolling.
