Understanding CPD Requirements for Dual Competency Holders in Queensland Mining
As Queensland moves toward full implementation of the Practising Certificate Scheme on 10 June 2025, clarity around CPD (Continuing Professional Development) requirements is essential for statutory position holders in both the coal and mineral mining industries.
For those who hold dual competencies across both sectors, recent updates from Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) and the Board of Examiners (BOE) provide important guidance.
How the Practising Certificate Scheme Works
From 10 June 2025, all statutory holders with a Certificate of Competency or Notice must apply for and maintain a practising certificate to remain eligible to hold a statutory position. This certificate is issued by the BOE and will:
Identify your highest level of competency (e.g., underground Mine Manager in coal or minerals)
Outline the total number of CPD hours required to be completed over a five-year period
Dual Competency? One CPD Obligation.
If you hold competencies in both coal and minerals, you are only required to meet the CPD obligations for your highest level of responsibility (HLR), as determined by the BOE. The practising certificate will clearly state:
Your highest competency branch
The CPD hour requirement attached to that branch
CPD hours must be earned through events or learning that relate to the industry specified on your certificate. You cannot count activities completed under your lower-level competency.
Submitting Competencies and Tracking Progress
To be issued a practising certificate, you will first be required to submit your competencies through the Board of Examiners' portal . The BOE will then assess and confirm your highest competency and associated CPD requirements.
Practitioners must complete:
The total required CPD hours (based on HLR)
At least 20% of hours per year over the first four years
CPD that spans key topic areas such as safety legislation, emergency management, leadership, and mining methods
CPD activities must be submitted and tracked via the BOE portal for renewal every five years.
What CPD Activities Can I Count towards my CPD Hours?
Only activities as prescribed by the BOE can be recorded against required CPD hours. Approved CPD activities cover a range of options and are listed on the RSHQ Practising Certificate Scheme website at https://www.boepcs.qld.gov.au/knowledgebase/category/?id=CAT-01000
What This Means for Practitioners
You only need to complete CPD aligned with your highest competency and the related stream it is associated with (i.e. coal or metals)
The BOE will advise your CPD hour total and confirm your highest level of competency
CPD activities must be from the list approved by the BOE
Practising certificates will not be renewed without full CPD compliance
Stay Informed, Stay Compliant
Understanding and meeting your CPD obligations is not just about ticking a box. It ensures that you continue to operate safely, competently, and within the legal framework required in Queensland's high-risk mining environments.
Future SSE Co blog posts will explore approved CPD activities and upcoming industry events that count toward your hours.
Sources:
Board of Examiners Practising Certificate Scheme: https://www.boepcs.qld.gov.au
Business Queensland - Coal competencies: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/resources/safety-health/mining/competencies-certificates/coal
Business Queensland - Mineral competencies: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/resources/safety-health/mining/competencies-certificates/mineral
Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1999-039
Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1999-010
