BHP WAIO Practical Assessments
BHP Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) Verification of Competency (VOC)
- Per person
- From $290
- Per assessment
- 2 - 3 hours
- AM & PM sessions
- Daily
What is a VOC?
A Verification of Competency (VOC) is typically a combined theory and practical assessment that confirms a worker can safely and competently operate a specific item of plant or equipment, or perform a task to the required standard.
A VOC is for workers who already hold the relevant units of competency and/or high risk work licences. Rather than training a licence from scratch, it essentially “verifies” that their existing skills are current, checking them against a set competency standard, often a particular site’s requirements, so they can be cleared to operate on site.
BHP WAIO Practical Assessment (VOC): what you need to know
A BHP WAIO (Western Australia Iron Ore) VOC is a site-specific verification of competency required for workers at BHP's Western Australian iron ore operations. These assessments are tailored to BHP's unique operational procedures, safety systems, and equipment standards used across their Pilbara mining sites including Newman, Mining Area C, South Flank, Jimblebar and Yandi, as well as the Port Hedland port operations at Nelson Point and Finucane Island.
Skills Training & Engineering Services (STES) is one of only five RTOs in Western Australia authorised to perform BHP WAIO Practical Assessments, and we conduct more BHP VOCs each year than any other provider in WA, giving your workers a trusted, high-volume assessor that BHP sites rely on.
BHP WAIO VOCs go beyond standard national qualifications by incorporating BHP-specific safety protocols, risk management procedures, and operational requirements. For example, a BHP WAIO Forklift VOC doesn't just test basic forklift operation. It assesses your knowledge of BHP's site-specific safety rules, reporting procedures, and operational standards that apply across all BHP WAIO sites.
These VOCs are mandatory for site access and employment at BHP WAIO operations. Workers must hold current BHP WAIO VOCs for any high-risk work activities they'll be performing, whether operating equipment like forklifts and elevating work platforms, or conducting rigging, dogging, or scaffolding work.
BHP WAIO VOCs have a validity period of 2 years, after which a renewal assessment is required. STES assesses workers directly against the current BHP WAIO competency checklists and, where access permits, conducts assessments onsite at the BHP facility using the site's own equipment.
BHP WAIO Practical Assessment
From$290/ assessment
Monday – Friday
Morning 8:00am – 12:00pm
Afternoon 12:30pm – 4:00pm
Valid for 2 years
Results on the day
27 Sphinx Way, Bibra Lake
Onsite at your BHP facility also available
BHP WAIO VOC types we assess
We conduct WAIO competency assessments across the plant and equipment categories required by BHP WA Iron Ore Pilbara operations.
Why choose STES for your BHP WAIO VOC?
Daily AM & PM sessions
Morning or afternoon slots every day.
After-hours available
Evening and weekend bookings on request.
Short notice available
Tight deadline? We can often fit you in fast.
Specialist equipment on short notice
Specific plant sourced quickly when you need it.
Fast turnaround
Same-day turnaround, with expedited documentation on request.
Onsite at your BHP facility
We travel to Pilbara and Perth-based BHP sites.
How our BHP WAIO VOC assessments work
From first contact to receiving your WAIO competency record, here's what to expect when working with STES.
01
Enquire & book
Contact us with the BHP site, equipment type, and number of workers. We'll confirm the applicable WAIO checklist and availability. Short-notice bookings are available.
02
Pre-assessment check
Workers provide evidence of their HRW licence (where applicable) and any prior WAIO training. Our assessor reviews documentation and confirms the correct BHP checklist version.
03
Theory & practical assessment
Each worker first completes a short theory examination to test their knowledge of the equipment and BHP WAIO site requirements. They then perform a practical assessment while our assessor observes them against the BHP WAIO competency checklist, onsite at your BHP facility where possible.
04
Result & record
Competent workers receive a signed WAIO VOC record on the day. Records are stored in our RTO management system and can be provided to BHP site management on request.
About the BHP WAIO competency standard
BHP WA Iron Ore operates one of the largest iron ore networks in the world, spanning mine sites, rail and port across the Pilbara. Their competency requirements reflect the scale and complexity of those operations.
Site-specific checklists
BHP WAIO uses detailed, equipment-specific competency checklists that go beyond the national HRW licence standard. Each checklist reflects the actual hazards, procedures and equipment configurations on BHP Pilbara sites.
Assessed to WAIO standards
STES assesses workers directly against the current BHP WAIO checklist for each equipment type. We do not use generic or off-the-shelf VOC tools. Every assessment is mapped to the WAIO framework.
Onsite where possible
Wherever access permits, we conduct assessments at the BHP facility using the site's own equipment. This gives the most accurate picture of a worker's readiness to operate safely on that specific site.
Records available to site management
Competency records are stored in our RTO management system and can be provided to BHP site management, contractors or HR teams on request to support mobilisation and induction.
Frequently asked questions: BHP WAIO VOC
What is a BHP WAIO VOC?
A BHP WAIO (WA Iron Ore) Verification of Competency is a practical assessment that confirms a worker can safely operate plant or equipment to BHP's specific site standards in their Pilbara operations. It is separate from and in addition to any nationally recognised HRW licence the worker holds.
Do I need an HRW licence before a BHP VOC?
For equipment that requires a High Risk Work (HRW) licence, such as cranes, rigging, dogging and scaffolding, you must hold the current licence before a VOC can be issued. For plant categories like EWP (Yellow Card), TMH and light vehicles, an HRW licence is not legally required, but the WAIO VOC is still needed before operating on BHP sites.
How long is a BHP WAIO VOC valid for?
BHP WAIO VOCs have a validity period of 2 years, after which a renewal assessment is required. Always confirm the current period with your BHP site supervisor or contractor management before mobilising, as BHP periodically reviews these requirements.
Can STES conduct the VOC at our BHP site?
Yes, we travel to BHP Pilbara sites and Perth-based facilities to conduct WAIO VOC assessments on your equipment. Onsite assessment is preferred where possible because it allows workers to be assessed on the actual machines they will operate in their working environment.
Which BHP WAIO checklist does STES assess against?
We assess against the current BHP WAIO competency checklists for each equipment type. Where BHP has updated a checklist, we use the current version. We recommend contacting us before booking to confirm the applicable checklist for your specific site and equipment.
What happens if a worker does not pass?
The assessor will provide specific feedback on the gaps observed. The worker can undertake additional practice or training and book a re-assessment. Our goal is to ensure genuine competency, not to create unnecessary barriers to site access.
How much does a BHP WAIO VOC assessment cost?
BHP WAIO VOC assessments with STES start from $290 per person. The price varies depending on the equipment type and whether machine hire is required. Contact us for a quote for group bookings or onsite assessments at your BHP facility.
How long does a BHP WAIO VOC assessment take?
Most BHP WAIO VOC assessments take 3 to 4 hours per person. This includes a theory component and a practical assessment on the equipment. We run AM and PM sessions daily at our Bibra Lake facility, and can also conduct assessments onsite at your BHP site.
Can STES assess multiple workers on the same day?
Yes, we regularly assess groups of workers in a single day, both at our Bibra Lake facility and onsite at BHP sites. Contact us with the number of workers, equipment types and your preferred location so we can confirm capacity and availability.
Ready to book a BHP WAIO VOC?
We travel to BHP Pilbara sites and Perth-based facilities, with short-notice bookings available. Contact us with your equipment type, site, and number of workers. We'll confirm the current WAIO checklist and get you booked in.