Machinery Assessment Information

Assessment facts

There are two types of assessments involved when qualifying for your earthmoving machinery ticket (bobcat, excavator, etc.) — theory-based assessments and practical assessments.

Whether you’re based on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane, our earthmoving machinery training courses, including bobcat and excavator training courses, are nationally accredited and offer flexible training dates and plans to suit your lifestyle.

Choices of machinery are:

  • Skid Steer Loader (Bobcat)
  • Excavator
  • Front End Loader
  • Roller
  • Backhoe

For more information on each machinery assessment, please read the information below.

Theory assessment facts

To successfully qualify for a bobcat or excavator licence in QLD, you will need to pass the theory assessment which is made up of approximately 100 questions. The maximum allowable time to sit the exam is 3 hours.

  • You must get 100% correct to achieve competency.
  • The exam must be conducted in English, therefore you must be able to speak and understand English well (no interpreter is permitted.)
  • The exam is not multiple choice, but rather a series of short statements or one-word answers.
  • It is an open book assessment
  • It is permissible to undertake the theory exam orally for students who struggle with written English.

Practical assessment facts

The student must:

  • Conduct a detailed pre-operation check
  • Evaluate the work site
  • Identify any hazards within the work area
  • Plan work, make sure machine is capable of doing the job you are required to do
  • Excavate or shift a series of loads, allowing for the terrain and choice of attachment etc. for earthmoving machinery
  • Demonstrate good safe operations at all times
  • Correct post-operational checks and shut-down procedures
  • Get a 100% pass mark to achieve competency.

Practical assessment at your worksite

If you have undergone roller, front end loader, backhoe, bobcat or excavator training and want the practical assessment to be conducted at your worksite in Brisbane or elsewhere in Southeast QLD, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Access to machinery of the required standard
  • Any onsite requirements, site induction, blue card that you need our assessor to complete
  • Somewhere to dig, i.e. excavate pipe
  • Suitable loads, chains, lifting eye, slings, etc.
  • Suitable area to perform assessment
  • Your employer is aware the test could interrupt production
  • Facilities to do the necessary paperwork without interruption
  • The owner of machinery must be aware that you are being assessed

On completion of a training course

On completion of an earthmoving machinery training course with The Operator School, the trainee will be able to:

  • Understand the theory behind the safe operation of the piece of machinery they are training for
  • Name all the main components of that particular machine and have knowledge of some of the main types of attachments
  • Have a basic understanding of OHS Legislation and Compliance and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Be able to undertake Hazard identification and site evaluation in the workplace
  • Be able to conduct Pre and Post Operational Checks, and understand their importance
  • Operate a machine in the correct manner i.e. speed and stability of load etc
  • Have an understanding and basic experience of shifting/excavating a load if driving a piece of earthmoving machinery
  • Carry out a post-operational check and safe shut-down procedure and understand the importance of such checks.

For further earthmoving ticket assessment, course and training information, contact us.

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