Traffic Control Certification: What You Need to Know

So you want to get into traffic control? Smart choice. After 17 years in this industry, I can tell you it’s one of the quickest ways to start making decent money with minimal qualifications. But there’s still paperwork and hoops to jump through before you can pick up that stop/slow bat. Here’s what you actually need to know about getting certified as a traffic controller in Australia - explained by someone who’s trained hundreds of newbies and knows the system inside out.

The Basics: What Tickets Do You Actually Need?

States often call their tickets slightly different names, but let’s cut to the chase. In most states, there are three main types of traffic control certifications (commonly called “tickets”):

1. Traffic Controller (TC)

  • This is your entry-level ticket
  • Allows you to control traffic with a stop/slow bat
  • Required for anyone directing traffic
  • Often called different names in different states (TCR in NSW, TC1 in some states under the new AustRoads system)

2. Traffic Management Implementer (TMI)

  • Allows you to set up and pack up traffic control sites
  • Includes placing signs, devices, and implementing traffic management plans
  • Does NOT allow you to control traffic (unless you also have a TC ticket)
  • May be called IMP in NSW or TMI1 in some states

3. Traffic Management Designer (TMD)

  • Advanced qualification for creating traffic management plans
  • Allows you to design and modify traffic control plans
  • Much more complex and typically requires experience
  • Called PWZ in NSW or TMD1 in some states

The smart play for most beginners is to get the first two tickets (TC and TMI) as a combo course. This gives you the flexibility to both control traffic AND set up sites, making you much more employable. Most companies want people who can do both.

State by State: The Frustrating Differences

Here’s where it gets annoying. Despite all the talk about “national harmonisation,” each state still has its own quirks when it comes to traffic control certification. Let me break it down:

New South Wales

  • Run by SafeWork NSW
  • Cards called Traffic Control Work Training (TCWT) cards
  • Three types: Traffic Controller (TCR), Implementer (IMP), and Designer (PWZ)
  • Valid for 3 years
  • Requires a Statement of Completion first, then workplace assessment
  • White Card (construction induction) needed for construction sites

Victoria

  • Run by Department of Transport
  • Uses the national units of competency system
  • Requires completion of RIIWHS205E and RIIWHS302E
  • No separate government license, just the RTO certification
  • White Card needed for construction sites

Queensland

  • Run by Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)
  • Requires Traffic Controller License after completing training
  • Must apply through TMR Customer Service Center
  • Additional requirements: medical declaration, clean driving history
  • Must have held a driver’s license within last 5 years
  • White Card and First Aid Certificate often required

Western Australia

  • Run by Main Roads WA
  • Requires Basic Worksite Traffic Management accreditation
  • Need to register with Main Roads after completing training
  • Follows national competency standards
  • White Card needed for construction sites

South Australia, Tasmania, ACT, Northern Territory

  • Each has its own regulatory body
  • All follow the national competency units, but with local variations
  • Check with your local authority for specifics

The frustrating bit is that while there’s supposed to be mutual recognition between states (except Queensland), in practice you’ll often find yourself jumping through extra hoops if you move interstate. I’ve had TCs who’ve had to practically restart the process when moving from Victoria to NSW.

The National Training Units

Regardless of what state you’re in, the actual training is based on nationally recognized units of competency. As of 2025, the current units are:

  • RIIWHS205E: Control traffic with a stop-slow bat
  • RIIWHS302E: Implement traffic management plans
  • RIIWHS303E: Position, set up and program portable traffic control devices
  • RIIWHS401E: Supervise traffic management
  • RIICWD503E: Prepare traffic management plans and traffic guidance schemes

These codes might change slightly over time (they used to end with ‘D’ instead of ‘E’), but the content remains similar. When booking a course, make sure it delivers these current units.

The Process of Getting Certified

Here’s the step-by-step process for getting your traffic tickets:

1. Complete Pre-Requirements

  • Get a White Card (Construction Induction Card) - mandatory in most states
  • Create a Unique Student Identifier (USI) - required for all nationally recognized training
  • Check if your state has additional requirements

2. Book and Complete Your Training

  • Find a Registered Training Organization (RTO) approved by your state authority
  • Choose between TC only, TMI only, or a combo course (recommended)
  • Attend 1-2 days of classroom and practical training
  • Pass the theory and practical assessments

3. Get Your Statement of Completion (SOC)

  • After training, you’ll receive a temporary Statement of Completion
  • In most states, this allows you to work under supervision for 90 days
  • Use this time to get experience and complete workplace assessments

4. Complete Workplace Assessments

  • For full certification, you’ll need to be assessed on actual worksites
  • For TC tickets: Usually need to be assessed directing traffic on 2-3 occasions
  • For TMI tickets: Typically need 3 separate implementations

5. Apply for Your Card/License

  • Once workplace assessments are complete, your RTO submits paperwork
  • The relevant authority issues your official card/license
  • This can take 2-4 weeks to arrive
  • Cards/licenses are typically valid for 3 years

How Much Will It Cost?

Let’s talk money. As of 2025, here’s what you can expect to pay:

  • Traffic Controller course only: $200-300
  • Traffic Management Implementer course only: $250-350
  • Combo course (TC + TMI): $350-500 (best value)
  • Traffic Management Designer: $600-900
  • White Card: $50-100 if you don’t already have one
  • License/card application fee: $0-70 depending on state

Pro tip: Many RTOs run regular specials and discounts, especially for combo courses. Shop around, but make sure you’re choosing a reputable provider - not just the cheapest. A dodgy RTO might leave you with paperwork headaches down the track.

The Fine Print: What They Don’t Tell You

After training hundreds of newbies, I’ve seen the same issues trip people up time and again:

1. Workplace Assessments Can Be Tricky

Getting your SOC is just step one - the workplace assessments are where many people get stuck. You need a company willing to put you on sites where you can be assessed. This can be a catch-22 if you can’t find work without full certification.

2. ID Requirements Are Strict

Most state authorities have strict 100-point ID requirements. Make sure you check what’s needed BEFORE you show up for training. I’ve seen people turned away because they didn’t bring the right ID.

3. English Requirements Matter

You need decent English skills to pass the courses and work effectively as a TC. The assessments require you to understand and communicate safety-critical information.

4. Physical Requirements Are Real

Being a traffic controller means standing for long periods, often in challenging weather. Some states have explicit fitness requirements.

5. Certifications Expire

Most traffic tickets are valid for 3 years. After that, you’ll need a refresher course to renew - don’t let them expire or you might need to do the full training again.

Recent Changes: The AustRoads Framework

In March 2025, Austroads released an updated Guide to Temporary Traffic Management, which is gradually being implemented across Australia. This introduces a new categorization system:

  • Category 1: Low-risk environments (residential streets, low-volume roads)
  • Category 2: Medium-risk environments (higher volume roads, higher speeds)
  • Category 3: Complex environments (freeways, motorways, major highways)

The new framework uses different terminology (TC1, TMI1, TMD1, etc.) and may require additional endorsements for working in higher-risk environments. As of writing, states are at different stages of implementing these changes, so check with your local authority for the latest requirements.

Where to Get Trained

There are numerous RTOs offering traffic control training across Australia. Some of the larger providers include:

  • NSW: TCP Training, Licences4Work, Traffic Control Licences
  • VIC: Star Training, Access Training Centre
  • QLD: Workmate Training Academy, All Onsite Training
  • WA: JSW Training, Pinnacle Safety and Training

Remember that you need to choose an RTO approved by your state’s regulatory authority. Always check that they’re authorized to deliver the training you need.

From Ticket to Employment: Next Steps

Once you’ve got your tickets, how do you actually land a job?

  1. Register with traffic control companies: Most major cities have numerous traffic management companies always looking for staff.

  2. Update your resume: Make sure your resume clearly lists your certifications, including expiry dates.

  3. Be prepared to start casual: Most traffic controllers start as casual employees before moving to full-time roles.

  4. Be persistent: Traffic companies are constantly hiring, but they also have high turnover. If one isn’t hiring, try the next one.

  5. Consider getting additional qualifications: First Aid certificates, heavy vehicle licenses, or plant operation tickets can make you more valuable.

The Bottom Line

Getting certified as a traffic controller is relatively straightforward compared to many other careers. With 1-2 days of training and a few thousand dollars investment, you can be earning $35+ per hour almost immediately.

The trick is understanding the specific requirements for your state and being persistent through the certification process. Don’t get discouraged by the paperwork - thousands of people manage to get through it every year.

And remember - once you’re certified, the job opportunities are substantial. Every road project, construction site, and event needs traffic controllers, and there’s always a shortage of reliable, professional TCs.

Want insider tips on how to make the most of your first day once you’re certified? Download our FREE First Day Kit for a comprehensive guide to starting your traffic control career with confidence.

About the author: Roger has 17 years of experience in the Traffic Management industry, working his way up from a green TC to managing major infrastructure projects across Australia. Through various roles from Supervisor to National Safety Manager, he’s personally trained hundreds of new controllers and witnessed thousands of people enter and exit the industry. This extensive experience has helped him identify what truly makes a top gun in Traffic Management and recognize the significant gap between RTO-delivered training and real-world job expectations. Roger founded Traffic Control Academy with a commitment to helping newcomers avoid the common pitfalls that push so many out of the industry within their first month.

Traffic Control Academy brings together industry professionals at all experience levels to create a collaborative learning community. Our mission is to provide traffic controllers with relatable training resources based on real-world knowledge, while building a space where controllers can share insights, ask questions, and support each other’s growth. By joining Traffic Control Academy, you’re not just downloading a resource—you’re becoming part of a movement to transform how traffic controllers learn, connect, and advance in their careers.