Rio Tinto site competency assessment
Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) Verification of Competency (VOC) Assessments
- Per person
- From $325
- 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.
Rio Tinto RTIO VOC: what you need to know
A Rio Tinto RTIO (Iron Ore) VOC is a site-specific verification of competency required for workers at Rio Tinto's Western Australian iron ore operations. These assessments are tailored to Rio Tinto's unique operational procedures, safety systems, and equipment standards used across their Pilbara mining sites including Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Dampier, Cape Lambert, Yandicoogina, and Brockman.
Rio Tinto RTIO VOCs go beyond standard national qualifications by incorporating Rio Tinto-specific safety protocols, risk management procedures, and operational requirements. A Rio Tinto Forklift VOC, for example, doesn't just test basic forklift operation. It assesses your knowledge of Rio Tinto's site-specific safety rules, reporting procedures, and operational standards that apply across all RTIO sites.
These VOCs are mandatory for site access and employment at Rio Tinto RTIO operations. Workers must hold current RTIO 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.
Rio Tinto RTIO VOCs typically have a validity period of 2 years, after which a renewal assessment is required. STES assesses workers directly against the current RTIO competency checklists and, where access permits, conducts assessments onsite at the Rio Tinto facility using the site's own equipment.
Rio Tinto RTIO VOC
From$325/ 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 Rio Tinto site also available
Rio Tinto RTIO VOC types we assess
We conduct RTIO competency assessments across the plant and equipment categories required by Rio Tinto Iron Ore Pilbara operations.
| VOC Type |
|---|
| Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) Forklift Verification of Competency (VOC)124669Book now$325 per Assessment |
| Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) Elevated Work Platform (EWP) Verification of Competency (VOC)124637Book now$325 per Assessment |
| Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) Dogging (DG) Verification of Competency (VOC)124346Book now$325 per Assessment |
| Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) Rigging Basic (RB) Verification of Competency (VOC)30377658Book now$325 per Assessment |
| Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) Rigging Intermediate (RI) Verification of Competency (VOC)30377661Book now$325 per Assessment |
| Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) Non-Slewing Crane (CN) Franna MAC25 Verification of Competency (VOC)30385798Book now$500 per Assessment |
Please note: Rio Tinto RTIO VOCs do not include a formal STES certificate unless it is requested at the time of booking. A formal certificate is available on request and is subject to an additional charge.
Why choose STES for your Rio Tinto RTIO 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 Rio Tinto facility
We travel to Pilbara and Perth-based Rio Tinto sites.
How our Rio Tinto RTIO VOC assessments work
From first contact to receiving your RTIO competency record, here's what to expect when working with STES.
01
Enquire & book
Contact us with the Rio Tinto site, equipment type, and number of workers. We'll confirm the applicable RTIO checklist and availability, short-notice bookings are available.
02
Pre-assessment check
Workers provide evidence of their HRW licence (where applicable) and any prior RTIO training. Our assessor reviews documentation and confirms the correct Rio Tinto checklist version.
03
Theory & practical assessment
Each worker first completes a short theory examination to test their knowledge of the equipment and Rio Tinto RTIO site requirements. They then perform a practical assessment while our assessor observes them against the Rio Tinto RTIO competency checklist, onsite at your Rio Tinto facility where possible.
04
Result & record
Competent workers receive a signed RTIO VOC record on the day. Records are stored in our RTO management system and can be provided to Rio Tinto site management on request.
About the Rio Tinto RTIO competency standard
Rio Tinto Iron Ore is one of the world's largest producers of iron ore, operating an integrated network of mines, rail and port across the Pilbara. Their competency requirements reflect the complexity and scale of those operations.
Site-specific checklists
Rio Tinto RTIO uses detailed, equipment-specific competency checklists that go beyond the national HRW licence standard. Each checklist reflects the actual hazards, procedures and equipment configurations across RTIO Pilbara sites.
Assessed to RTIO standards
STES assesses workers directly against the current Rio Tinto RTIO checklist for each equipment type. We do not use generic VOC tools. Every assessment is mapped to the RTIO framework.
Onsite where possible
Wherever access permits, we conduct assessments at the Rio Tinto 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 Rio Tinto site management, contractors or HR teams on request to support mobilisation and induction.
Frequently asked questions: Rio Tinto RTIO VOC
What is a Rio Tinto RTIO VOC?
A Rio Tinto RTIO (Iron Ore) Verification of Competency is a theory and practical assessment that confirms a worker can safely operate plant or equipment to Rio Tinto's specific site standards across their Pilbara iron ore 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 Rio Tinto VOC?
For equipment that requires a High Risk Work (HRW) licence, such as cranes, rigging, dogging and scaffolding, yes, 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 RTIO VOC is still needed before operating on Rio Tinto sites.
How long is a Rio Tinto RTIO VOC valid for?
Rio Tinto RTIO VOCs typically have a validity period of 2 years, after which a renewal assessment is required. Always confirm the current validity period with your Rio Tinto site supervisor or contractor management before mobilising, as Rio Tinto periodically reviews these requirements.
Can STES conduct the VOC at our Rio Tinto site?
Yes, we travel to Rio Tinto Pilbara sites and Perth-based facilities to conduct RTIO 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 Rio Tinto RTIO checklist does STES assess against?
We assess against the current Rio Tinto RTIO competency checklists for each equipment type. Where Rio Tinto 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.
Ready to book a Rio Tinto RTIO VOC?
We travel to Rio Tinto 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 RTIO checklist and get you booked in.