The Standard 11 is the training that turns an applicant into a site-ready worker.
It’s the legal and practical foundation for anyone wanting to work in mining, especially FIFO roles in Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.
Think of it as your passport to the mining world. Without it, you can’t legally step onto most mine sites. With it, you’re recognised as someone who understands safety, communication, and the culture that defines the mining industry.
Whether you’re chasing your first FIFO job or moving up to a trade or supervision role, understanding the Standard 11 is the starting point for everything that comes next.
1. What the Standard 11 Actually Is
The Standard 11, officially known as the Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set, was developed by the Queensland Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee. It’s designed to make sure every person entering a mine site — from drillers and fitters to cleaners and contractors — meets the same baseline of safety training.
Although it originated in Queensland, the Standard 11 has become a national benchmark. Even companies based in Western Australia and the Northern Territory now recognise it because it goes beyond minimum compliance. It reflects a shared safety culture that modern mining demands.
It’s regulated under the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017, which sets the rules for induction, risk management, and emergency response.
2. Why Every FIFO Worker Needs It
FIFO work is not just about operating machines or following procedures. It’s about working safely in high-risk environments where everyone depends on each other’s awareness and discipline.
The Standard 11 makes sure that before anyone starts, they can:
- Identify and report hazards that could cause injury or death
- Communicate clearly across multiple departments and shifts
- Participate effectively in safety meetings and toolbox talks
- React quickly and correctly to emergencies
- Follow site rules and permit systems
Having a Standard 11 on your resume tells recruiters that you’re not a beginner. It says you understand the environment, the culture, and the expectations. It’s one of the first things hiring managers look for before considering a candidate for site deployment.
3. What the Course Teaches You
The Standard 11 combines both theoretical and hands-on learning. It’s not about memorising rules — it’s about building awareness, teamwork, and the confidence to operate safely under pressure.
The six key components include:
1. Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures
Learn how to recognise hazards, understand risk control, and follow site safety protocols.
2. Communicate in the workplace
Develop skills for radio use, hand signals, and team briefings. You’ll also learn how to report hazards and incidents accurately.
3. Contribute to risk management
Understand how risk assessments, JSAs (Job Safety Analyses), and permits work in daily operations.
4. Conduct local risk control
Apply practical steps to reduce risk — from isolating equipment to using correct PPE.
5. Respond to local emergencies and incidents
Hands-on training in how to act during fires, medical emergencies, or evacuations.
6. Comply with site work processes and procedures
Learn how to follow mine-specific policies, induction systems, and shift-change procedures.
The course is practical and immersive. Expect simulated emergencies, group problem-solving, and plenty of safety drills.
4. Duration, Cost, and Format
A full Standard 11 course usually takes two to three days to complete. Some RTOs offer blended options, where you complete the theory online and attend one day of practical training in person.
Cost range:
- Full course: around four hundred to six hundred dollars
- Refresher course: around two hundred to three hundred dollars (every five years)
Training often includes lunch, PPE for practical sessions, and assessment materials.
5. Where to Study and Who Delivers It
Only Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) accredited under the unit of competency can issue the qualification.
Some of the most established and respected providers include:
- TAFE Queensland – available across major campuses and regional centres
- MyneSight (Mackay and Moranbah) – industry-specific mining induction specialists
- Major Training Group (QLD and WA) – offers blended and corporate delivery
- CQUniversity (Rockhampton and Emerald) – popular among engineering and trades students
- Australasian Mining Services Training (Brisbane and Perth) – practical field-based induction
Choose an RTO that provides both the Statement of Attainment and a wallet-sized card. These are both required for site entry.
6. Where Courses Are Most Common
Standard 11 training centres are heavily concentrated in major mining corridors.
Queensland: Mackay, Rockhampton, Moranbah, Emerald, Brisbane
Western Australia: Perth, Karratha, Port Hedland
Northern Territory: Darwin, Katherine
New South Wales: Singleton, Muswellbrook (Hunter Valley coal operations)
Most FIFO workers train in their home state before mobilisation.
7. Course Validity and Refreshers
The Standard 11 remains valid for five years from the date of issue. After that, you must complete a one-day refresher course to remain compliant.
Some employers require refreshers every three years, especially on high-risk or shutdown sites. It’s always better to renew early rather than risk being turned away at mobilisation.
8. What You Can Do Once You Have It
Once certified, you’ll be eligible for a wide range of FIFO and mining jobs. Entry-level positions often include:
- Trades Assistant
- Field Technician
- Driller’s Offsider
- Maintenance Labourer
- Site Logistics and Cleaning Crew
- Plant Operator Assistant
Holding the Standard 11 is also a prerequisite for additional tickets such as Confined Space Entry, Working at Heights, and First Aid, which further improve your job prospects.
Many workers complete these three courses in the same month to make themselves fully deployable.
9. What to Bring and Expect
When attending training, bring:
- Photo identification
- Steel-cap boots and long-sleeve workwear
- Notebook, pen, and water bottle
- A willingness to participate in roleplays and physical drills
Expect to work in groups, handle mock emergencies, and interact with experienced trainers who have worked on real mine sites.
By the end of the course, you’ll not only know the rules — you’ll understand how to think and act like a safety-conscious worker.
10. How It Fits Into Your FIFO Career
The Standard 11 is the bridge between basic training and your first actual site placement.
When combined with your White Card, it makes you eligible for short-term contracts, shutdown projects, and entry-level mining operations. From there, you can build experience and pursue trade qualifications, high-risk tickets, and leadership courses.
Employers view it as proof that you can adapt to remote conditions and follow safety systems without constant supervision.
Conclusion: The Course That Opens the Gate
The Standard 11 is not just another certificate. It is the key that opens the mine gate and signals to employers that you are serious about working safely and professionally.
It prepares you for the reality of FIFO work — long shifts, heavy machinery, complex teams, and constant risk management. Completing it early shows initiative, discipline, and genuine readiness to start your mining career.
Every successful FIFO worker begins here. Once you hold your Standard 11, you can apply confidently for your first role, knowing you’ve met the same safety benchmark as every worker on site.
