VOC (Verification of Competency)
VOC (Verification of Competency) is an on-site practical assessment of a plant operator's competency. Required under harmonised WHS where no formal licence exists.
Ask Chalkline about this →A VOC (Verification of Competency) is an on-site practical assessment conducted by a qualified assessor to confirm that a plant or equipment operator can safely perform the relevant tasks. Under the harmonised Work Health and Safety Act (adopted by most Australian states and territories from 2011), there is no single national licence for most earthmoving plant. Instead, the PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking, typically the builder or principal contractor) is legally obligated to ensure operators are competent. A current VOC, or a nationally recognised qualification such as RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations, satisfies that obligation.
A VOC is not a “yellow card” (the term is used colloquially by some training providers but is not a formal Australian credential). The VOC wallet card or competency record must be held and produced on request. Builders should require VOC evidence from earthworks contractors and other plant operators as part of their subcontractor prequalification process.
Also known as: Verification of Competency, plant VOC, operator VOC.
Category: WHS / plant safety.
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Last updated: 2026-05-08. Verified: 2026-05-08. Quarterly review for currency.