Traffic control tickets in NSW: the card types explained
The three SafeWork NSW traffic control work training cards, the exact units each needs, and what changed when the scheme moved from Transport for NSW.
Updated 2026-09-25
Three cards, not one
NSW has three Traffic Control Work Training (TCWT) cards, issued by SafeWork NSW. Which one you need depends on whether you direct traffic, set up the site, or write the plan.
1. Traffic Controller
For operational roles working in live traffic, usually in a team under supervision. Units:
- RIIWHS201E Work safely and follow WHS policies and work procedures
- RIICOM201E Communicate in the workplace
- RIIWHS205E Control traffic with a stop-slow bat
- RIIWHS206 Control traffic with portable traffic control devices and temporary traffic signs
2. Implement Traffic Control Plans
For supervisory roles. Units:
- RIIWHS201E, RIICOM201E, RIIRIS301E Apply risk management process
- RIIWHS302E Implement traffic management plans
- RIIWHS303 Position, set-up and program portable traffic control devices
3. Prepare a Work Zone Traffic Management Plan
For those writing the plans. Units:
- RIIRIS402E Carry out the risk management process
- RIICWD503E Prepare traffic management plans and traffic guidance schemes
Prerequisites
None for any of the three. SafeWork NSW recommends traffic control experience before the second and third cards, but does not require it.
Who can train you
Only an RTO that is registered with ASQA and holds an agreement with SafeWork NSW may deliver traffic control work training in NSW. Holding the units on scope is necessary but not sufficient — always confirm the provider is on the SafeWork NSW traffic controller training RTO list before you pay.
What changed
The scheme transferred from Transport for NSW to SafeWork NSW. Older material still refers to TfNSW cards and the yellow/blue card language. The Traffic Control at Work Sites Standard is still published by Transport for NSW, but the card and the training approvals are SafeWork NSW's.
Card validity
SafeWork NSW does not publish the card's validity period on its training pages. Check the expiry printed on your own card, or call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 — we do not publish a figure we cannot source.
Cost
Providers listed on this site advertise the stop-slow course from about $199 to $1,050 (median near $312) and the implement-traffic-management-plan course from about $229 to $1,050 (median near $300). The spread is wide because some prices are for a single unit and others for the full card.
Find traffic control courses · Implement traffic management plan
Frequently asked questions
- Who issues traffic control cards in NSW now?
- SafeWork NSW. The Traffic Control Work Training scheme moved across from Transport for NSW, and the card is now a SafeWork NSW Traffic Control Training Card.
- Which card do I need to hold a stop-slow bat?
- The Traffic Controller card, which requires RIIWHS201E, RIICOM201E, RIIWHS205E and RIIWHS206.
- Can any RTO train me?
- No. The RTO must be registered with ASQA and hold a separate agreement with SafeWork NSW to deliver traffic control work training in NSW. Every provider listed on this site is checked against the national register, and traffic control approvals are recorded separately.
- Are there prerequisites?
- There are currently no prerequisites for any of the three cards. SafeWork NSW recommends traffic control experience before the supervisory and planning cards, but does not require it.