Verification of Competency

Workers may hold current qualifications but have limited recent experience with a particular task, item of equipment or workplace environment. A VOC gives employers an opportunity to check practical capability before authorising a worker to perform the task independently.

It can help your organisation identify:

• Whether the worker can complete the task safely
• Whether workplace procedures are understood
• Whether equipment is used correctly
• Whether additional instruction or supervision is required
• Whether skills have been maintained since previous training
• Whether refresher training should be considered

A Verification of Competency is a practical assessment of a worker's current ability to perform a defined workplace task. The assessment may consider:

• The worker's existing qualification, licence or training record
• Knowledge of the task and associated hazards
• Understanding of workplace procedures
• Pre-start and safety checks
• Correct use of equipment
• Practical task performance
• Response to foreseeable risks or changing conditions
• Completion of relevant workplace documentation

The assessment is based on the agreed task, equipment and workplace requirements. A VOC does not automatically provide a new qualification or licence. It verifies current competency for the agreed workplace purpose.

Verification of Competency is not a substitute for mandatory qualifications, licences or accredited training. Where a worker is required to hold a particular licence or qualification, the worker must hold that requirement before undertaking the relevant work.

A VOC can be used alongside these requirements to confirm that the worker remains capable of performing the specific task safely.

A VOC may be useful when:

• A new worker or contractor joins your site
• A worker presents an existing qualification from another employer
• A worker has not performed the task recently
• New equipment or operating controls are introduced
• Workplace procedures have changed
• A worker transfers into a different role
• An incident or near miss raises competency concerns
• A client or principal contractor requests evidence of current competency
• Your internal competency system requires periodic verification
• A supervisor needs evidence before authorising independent work

SafeWork NSW guidance highlights the importance of having competency systems in place and validating them before workers undertake high-risk activities.

Generic assessments may not reflect the equipment, risks or procedures your workers actually encounter. Zokal can discuss the scope of the VOC with your organisation before assessment so the process reflects the agreed workplace context. This may include consideration of:

• The specific task being verified
• Plant or equipment used at your workplace
• Manufacturer instructions
• Site safety procedures
• Safe work method statements
• Permit systems
• Required personal protective equipment
• Emergency procedures
• Relevant operating limitations
• Workplace documentation and reporting requirements

This helps make the verification relevant to the work the employee or contractor is expected to perform.

At your workplace

On-site verification allows the worker to be assessed using the equipment, procedures and conditions relevant to your operations. This can reduce travel, minimise disruption and make the assessment directly relevant to the worker's role.

Your workplace must provide a suitable and safe area for the assessment, along with access to the applicable equipment and documents.

At Zokal's Newcastle facility

Depending on the task and equipment required, verification may also be arranged at Zokal's purpose-built safety training facility in Sandgate, Newcastle. Zokal's training facility supports practical, scenario-based safety instruction and assessment.

• On-Site Training
• Training Locations

1. 1Tell us what needs to be verified — the task or equipment, number of workers, existing qualifications or licences, workplace location, relevant site procedures and preferred assessment dates.
2. 2Zokal confirms the scope — whether Zokal can conduct the requested verification, the evidence workers must provide, the assessment location, site and equipment requirements, expected duration, quotation and scheduling.
3. 3Worker records are checked — workers may be asked to provide qualifications, Statements of Attainment, licences, previous competency records, identification and employer or site documentation. Providing a record does not replace the practical verification.
4. 4Knowledge and practical skills are verified — the worker completes the agreed assessment activities under the direction of the assessor, which may include questions, safety checks, task planning and practical demonstration.
5. 5The employer receives the outcome — the result identifies whether the worker demonstrated competency for the agreed task and whether any further action is recommended.

Competency verified

The worker has demonstrated the required skills and knowledge for the agreed task and assessment conditions. The employer can use the result as part of its internal authorisation and competency-management process.

Further training or practice required

The assessment may identify gaps that should be addressed before the worker performs the task independently. Recommended action may include refresher training, additional supervised practice, familiarisation with the equipment, review of site procedures, further assessment or completion of required accredited training.

Unable to verify

Competency may be unable to be verified where mandatory evidence is missing, the worker does not hold a required licence or qualification, the equipment or assessment area is unsuitable, the task cannot be completed safely, or the worker does not demonstrate the required performance. Zokal will explain the identified issue and the recommended next step.

Zokal delivers training across areas including:

• Confined space
• Working at heights
• Fire fighting
• Emergency response
• Elevated work platforms
• First aid
• Electrical transmission, distribution and rail
• Work health and safety

VOC availability depends on the specific task, equipment, required evidence and Zokal's approved assessment capability.

Practical safety experience

Zokal's training is built around practical, scenario-based learning for workers in high-risk industries.

Workplace delivery

Assessments may be arranged at suitable client workplaces, helping businesses reduce employee travel and operational downtime. Zokal already delivers on-site safety training and can contextualise delivery to company needs, including workforce scheduling.

One safety provider

Zokal's broader services include safety training, equipment servicing, equipment hire, standby and rescue personnel, and fall-protection services. This gives the team practical exposure to the equipment and workplace risks faced by high-risk industries.

Registered Training Organisation

Zokal Safety Training operates as Registered Training Organisation 91267.

Verification can support businesses managing:

• Permanent employees
• Labour-hire workers
• Contractors
• Subcontractors
• Project mobilisation
• Site transfers
• Returning workers
• Workers using unfamiliar equipment

Employers remain responsible for determining whether a worker is appropriately trained, licensed, supervised and authorised for the work. A VOC provides practical evidence to support that decision.

Safe Work Australia recommends maintaining training records so employers know who has been trained, how they performed and whether further training is required. A structured VOC program can help your organisation record:

• Who was assessed
• What task or equipment was assessed
• When the verification occurred
• The assessment outcome
• Any limitations or conditions
• Recommended corrective actions
• When another review may be required

These records can support workforce planning, site mobilisation and internal compliance systems.

What does VOC stand for?

VOC stands for Verification of Competency. It is a process used to confirm that a worker can currently perform an agreed task safely and competently.

Is a VOC the same as a qualification?

No. A qualification confirms the successful completion of nationally recognised training. A VOC checks the worker's current ability to perform a specific task.

Does a VOC replace a high-risk work licence?

No. A VOC does not replace any licence, qualification or training required by law.

Does every worker need a VOC?

That depends on the work, workplace risks, client requirements and your organisation's competency system.

Can a VOC be completed at our workplace?

Potentially, yes. On-site assessment depends on the task, equipment, site conditions and Zokal's ability to conduct the requested verification.

Can Zokal use our workplace procedures?

The agreed assessment scope may take relevant site procedures, equipment and operating requirements into account.

What happens if a worker is not verified?

Zokal may recommend further training, supervised practice, familiarisation or reassessment before the worker performs the task independently.

Can contractors complete a VOC?

Yes, subject to the assessment scope and required evidence. VOCs can support the onboarding and mobilisation of contractors and labour-hire workers.

How often should competency be verified?

The appropriate timing depends on the level of risk, frequency of task performance, equipment or procedure changes, workplace requirements and the worker's experience. Employers should regularly monitor the effectiveness of training and supervision.

Will Zokal issue a nationally recognised certificate?

A VOC is not automatically nationally recognised training. The documentation issued will depend on the service agreed with Zokal. Where nationally recognised training is required, Zokal can discuss an appropriate course pathway.

Do not rely on a card, certificate or licence alone. Verify that your workers can safely perform the tasks your workplace requires. Tell Zokal what needs to be assessed, where the work takes place and how many employees or contractors are involved.

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