Earthmoving excavator operator ticket (nationally recognised unit)

Excavator Ticket: Cost, Length and Providers

An excavator ticket is a statement of attainment for unit RIIMPO320, not a national high risk work licence. Across 8 providers, published course prices run $500 to $2,400, usually 1 to 2 days. States and employers differ on whether they call it a ticket or a licence, and sites may ask for a VOC.

Last checked 10 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm with the regulator or provider before you book.

Key facts

Unit code: RIIMPO320
Price range: $500 to $2,400 (6 published prices)
Typical length: Usually 1 to 2 days. Some providers run it over 5 days, and Civil Safety adds online theory to finish within 30 days before a 1 day practical.
Expiry: No national expiry is set for the unit. Employers and sites often ask for a verification of competency (VOC), commonly every 2 to 3 years or when you start a new job.
Providers compared: 8
Last checked: 10 October 2026

Compare excavator ticket providers

How much does a excavator ticket course cost?

Published prices run $500 to $2,400 across 6 of the 8 providers we compared. Each figure comes from the provider’s own course page on 10 October 2026. See every provider, sorted cheapest first.

What are the rules for excavator ticket?

The national unit for excavator tickets is RIIMPO320 Conduct civil construction excavator operations (Release 1, published 2 September 2026). It supersedes RIIMPO320F, which training.gov.au now shows as superseded, and the two are listed as equivalent.
Source: training.gov.au
The unit's Application text says it applies to those working in site-based roles. Its Licensing/Regulatory Information says no licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to the unit at the time of publication.
Source: training.gov.au
A separate unit, RIIHAN308 Load and unload plant (Release 1, supersedes RIIHAN308F), covers loading and unloading. Its Application text says that before performing the activity, skills and knowledge should be developed for the individual plant, either by completing the equivalent operator unit or by being assisted by someone who has that knowledge. RIIMPO320 does not list it as a prerequisite.
Source: training.gov.au
Victoria: WorkSafe Victoria states that you do not need a high risk work licence to operate earthmoving equipment (eg excavator).
Source: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
New South Wales: SafeWork NSW states that high risk work licences are no longer required for earth moving plant such as excavators, front end loaders and bulldozers, leaving the onus on the PCBU to ensure the competency of the operator.
Source: www.safework.nsw.gov.au
South Australia: a notice of satisfactory assessment (NSA) is no longer a legislative requirement for operators of front-end loaders, front-end loaders of skid steer type and excavators, but load shifting equipment must still be operated safely and competently. Accepted evidence of competency includes a statement of attainment or other nationally accredited qualification for the plant operated.
Source: www.sa.gov.au
Western Australia: the WA Government high risk work licensing page says a HRWL is required for work including operating cranes, boilers, forklifts, hoists, reach stackers, reciprocating steam engines, rigging, scaffolding and turbines. Excavators and loaders are not named.
Source: www.wa.gov.au
Saferight describes a Verification of Competency (VOC) as an assessment confirming a worker can already perform a task safely, not a course that teaches new skills. It says there is no nationally set VOC expiry, and that many companies require one every 2 to 3 years or when starting a new job.
Source: saferight.com.au
Civil Safety lists RIIMPO320F as a blended course with online theory to complete within 30 days plus a one day practical, with the fee depending on the session location.
Source: civilsafety.edu.au
Saferight lists a separate excavator verification of competency (VOC) for people who already hold an excavator ticket.
Source: saferight.com.au
North Regional TAFE lists the Excavator Skill Set (RIIMPO320F) as a 5 day on-campus course under its Skills Ready low-fee program,.
Source: northregionaltafe.wa.edu.au
Coal Train lists its excavator course at $500 and says it is fully funded under the Construction Skills Queensland program for eligible people.
Source: coaltrain.com.au

excavator ticket questions answered

What is the excavator ticket unit code?

RIIMPO320, Conduct civil construction excavator operations. It supersedes RIIMPO320F, which training.gov.au now shows as superseded, and the two are listed as equivalent. Providers issue a statement of attainment for the unit. Many provider pages still show the previous code RIIMPO320F, so confirm the code when you book.

How much does an excavator ticket cost?

Across 8 providers, published course prices run $500 to $2,400, as listed on each provider's own page and last checked 10 October 2026. Some providers show no price, and subsidised TAFE places are not counted in that range. Funding and session location can change what you pay.

Is an excavator ticket a high risk work licence?

No. The unit is a nationally recognised competency, not a national high risk work licence. WorkSafe Victoria says you do not need a high risk work licence to operate earthmoving equipment such as an excavator. SafeWork NSW says HRWLs are no longer required for earth moving plant. WA lists no earthmoving class among its HRWL work.

Is it called a ticket or a licence?

Usage varies by state and employer. In plain terms you get a statement of attainment, and sites often call it a ticket. South Australia accepts a statement of attainment as evidence of competency. The unit says no licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to it at the time of publication, so check your state regulator.

What is a VOC and will a site ask for one?

A verification of competency (VOC) checks you can already do the task safely. Saferight says there is no nationally set VOC expiry, and many companies ask for one every 2 to 3 years or when you start a new job. Ask your employer or site what they accept.

Do I also need a load and unload plant unit?

RIIMPO320 does not list it as a prerequisite. Loading and unloading plant is a separate unit, RIIHAN308 Load and unload plant, and its Application text says skills and knowledge for the individual plant should be developed first, for example through the equivalent operator unit. Ask your provider whether it is bundled.

Is any funding available?

Some providers advertise it. Coal Train says its course is fully funded under Construction Skills Queensland for eligible people. Saferight and Civil Safety mention Construction Training Fund (CTF) funding in WA. WA regional TAFEs list low-fee skill sets. Eligibility rules apply, so check with the provider.

Want the full walkthrough? Read our excavator ticket guide.