How do I get a scissor lift ticket in Australia?

How do I get a scissor lift ticket in Australia?

To get a scissor lift ticket in Australia, complete a nationally recognised course — such as RIIHAN301E Operate elevating work platform or the EWPA Yellow Card program — through an approved training provider, then keep your card or statement of attainment as proof of competency.

At BORACK, a scissor lift ticket is required to operate one on site, and it's also what moves you from Level 1 to Level 2 as a Racking Installer. If you don't have one yet, don't worry — once you're through your initial training, we'll help you book the course, and we'll reimburse the cost after three months.
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What is a scissor lift ticket?

A scissor lift ticket is the common name for training that shows you can operate a scissor lift safely. Scissor lifts are elevating work platforms, or EWPs, that lift straight up on a crossed, scissor-like support underneath — hence the name.

The training covers the basics: inspecting the machine, reading the work area, using the controls properly, and knowing what to do if something goes wrong.

It doesn't replace hands-on experience. Think of it as the safety fundamentals — the practical experience of using a scissor lift on an actual job comes from working alongside your crew and with the guidance of your team leader.
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Do you need a high-risk licence to operate a scissor lift?

No — a scissor lift does not need a high-risk work licence. That requirement applies to a different category of machine: boom-type EWPs.

Boom-type EWPs are a separate category — think cherry pickers and knuckle booms, where the platform sits on an extending arm rather than lifting straight up. If your job involves operating one of these with a boom length of 11 metres or more, you need the WP high-risk work licence instead.
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How do you get a scissor lift ticket?

Check what the job or site requires, then book a nationally recognised course with a Registered Training Organisation — either RIIHAN301E Operate elevating work platform or an EWPA Yellow Card, an industry program that covers the same ground and is widely accepted as proof of training. Once you pass, hold onto your card or statement of attainment; some sites will also ask for a site-specific verification of competency before you get on the machine.

Chasing the boom-type EWP licence instead? That's a different pathway — TLILIC0005 through an RTO, then apply to your state regulator for the WP high-risk work licence.
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How long will it take you to get a scissor lift ticket?

There's no single national timeframe, but most scissor lift courses run for a single day, with the practical assessment completed on the same day.

Don't rush the practical side. A ticket only helps if you're actually confident using the machine safely.
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How much will a scissor lift ticket cost you?

There is no fixed Australia-wide price. Providers set their own fees, and the cost can vary by location, course and provider.

As a general reference, a standard scissor lift ticket (RIIHAN301E / EWPA Yellow Card) typically costs somewhere between $250 and $350 across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Before booking, confirm the full price and what the course covers, and make sure the provider is a Registered Training Organisation.
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Do you need a White Card before scissor lift training?

You don't need a White Card to enrol in scissor lift training — it's not a prerequisite for the course itself.

But if you're working on a construction site, you'll need one regardless of your scissor lift ticket. It's a site access requirement, not a training requirement — the two cover different things. A White Card proves you've completed general construction safety induction; a scissor lift ticket proves you can operate the machine. Most construction and warehouse installation roles, including at BORACK, require both.

For a full breakdown of the first step, read our guide: How do I get a White Card in Australia?
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Will a scissor lift ticket help you get a construction job?

Yes, it can. A scissor lift ticket shows you're job-ready for roles across construction, warehouse installation, maintenance and industrial work where EWPs are used — a genuine, practical head start.

It won't guarantee a job on its own, but paired with a White Card and the right work rights, it's a solid sign to employers that you're serious about getting started. If you are starting from scratch, read our guide: How do I get a construction job in Australia?
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What should you check before you use a scissor lift at work?

Even with a ticket, don't jump straight on the controls. Make sure you've been inducted on that specific site, the machine suits the task, and you know where the emergency controls are.

If anything feels off — the ground, overhead clearance, the machine itself — stop and ask your Leading Hand or Supervisor. That's part of working safely, not a sign you don't know what you're doing.
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Looking for a job that requires a scissor lift license?

If you want practical work, a crew that will teach you properly and a role you can build a career out of, apply for a Racking Installer role with BORACK.

At BORACK, we support team members who want to grow and upskill. Once you complete your Level 1 assessment, we will help you obtain a scissor lift licence for you and if you complete 3+ months upon receiving your licence, we’ll reimburse the course cost.