What is dogging work?

Under the WHS Regulation it is either applying slinging techniques — including selecting and inspecting lifting gear — to safely sling a load, or directing a plant operator to move a load when the load is out of the operator’s view.

How long does a dogging course take?

Most dogging courses listed here run 5 days, some 4. You are then assessed by a SafeWork NSW accredited assessor.

Do I need a dogging licence if I have a rigging licence?

Dogging sits beneath the rigging classes in SafeWork NSW’s licence hierarchy, and basic rigging includes dogging work. If you plan to rig, check with your provider which licence to go for first.

Dogging licence (DG) in NSW: what doggers do and how to get licensed

What counts as dogging work under the WHS Regulation, how the DG licence relates to rigging, and the steps, cost and renewal in NSW.

Updated 2026-09-29

What dogging is

The Work Health and Safety Regulation defines dogging work as:

applying slinging techniques, including selecting and inspecting lifting gear, to safely sling a load, or
directing a plant operator in moving a load when the load is out of the operator’s view.

Slinging techniques here means the ones that need judgement — about whether the lifting gear is suitable and in good condition, and how to sling the load given its nature, mass and centre of gravity. That judgement is what makes it high risk work.

The licence is class DG, issued by SafeWork NSW. The unit is CPCCLDG3001 Licence to perform dogging.

Dogging and rigging

Dogging sits at the bottom of the rigging ladder in SafeWork NSW’s licence hierarchy: dogging → basic rigging → intermediate rigging → advanced rigging. The basic rigging class includes dogging work. If rigging is where you are heading, ask the provider whether to start with dogging or go straight to basic rigging — see rigging licences in NSW.

Getting the licence

Be 18 or over.
Train with an RTO that holds CPCCLDG3001 on its scope. Courses listed here mostly run 5 days.
Be assessed by a SafeWork NSW accredited assessor.
Apply through Service NSW within 60 days of your Notice of Satisfactory Assessment.

Cost

Providers listed on this site advertise a median of about $1,550, with the middle half between $1,300 and $1,650, plus the SafeWork NSW licence fee. See the dogging price analysis.

Renewal

Valid for 5 years. Renew online through Service NSW before expiry or up to 12 months after. Any class you add later expires on the same date as your licence.

Find dogging courses

Frequently asked questions

What is dogging work?: Under the WHS Regulation it is either applying slinging techniques — including selecting and inspecting lifting gear — to safely sling a load, or directing a plant operator to move a load when the load is out of the operator’s view.
How long does a dogging course take?: Most dogging courses listed here run 5 days, some 4. You are then assessed by a SafeWork NSW accredited assessor.
How much does a dogging licence cost in NSW?: Providers listed here advertise a median of about $1,550, with the middle half between $1,300 and $1,650. The SafeWork NSW licence fee is separate.
Do I need a dogging licence if I have a rigging licence?: Dogging sits beneath the rigging classes in SafeWork NSW’s licence hierarchy, and basic rigging includes dogging work. If you plan to rig, check with your provider which licence to go for first.