If you’re thinking about getting a dogging ticket, it helps to get the entry requirements and paperwork sorted before you book. Dogging is hands-on work around suspended loads, lifting gear and crane communication, so the course has practical expectations as well as enrolment checks.
A dogging ticket is the everyday name many people use. The WorkSafe licence class is DG, or a dogging High Risk Work licence. A dogman licence and dogging licence are the same thing, and the nationally recognised unit is CPCCLDG3001 Licence to Perform Dogging.
What a dogging ticket is for
A dogging licence covers work where you use judgement to select or inspect lifting gear, decide how a load should be slung, or direct a crane or hoist operator when the load is out of their view. It is not a general site-access card or an informal record that someone has worked around cranes.
On a normal lift, that can mean checking a chain, sling or lifting beam, considering the load and giving the operator standard signals where they cannot see the load. Training lets you practise those choices in a controlled setting before you make them on site.
A DG ticket is for people who need to take responsibility for parts of a lift that call for trained judgement, clear communication and safe load control.
What you need before starting a dogging course
The fastest way to avoid a delayed enrolment is to check the practical and administrative basics before the first day.
Be 18 and able to apply in Victoria
You must be at least 18 by the time your High Risk Work assessment starts. WorkSafe can refuse an application from someone under 18.
You will also need to live in Victoria or have reasonable grounds for applying for a Victorian licence if you live elsewhere. If you are travelling from interstate for a dogging course, speak to CTI before you book so you know whether your circumstances meet WorkSafe’s requirements.
Have your USI, photo ID and LLN check ready
CTI asks learners to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI), complete a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment, and present photo identification when enrolling. The LLN check helps the training team make sure you can engage with the written and practical parts of the course.
Bring current photo ID that shows your full legal name and date of birth. This detail needs to match your enrolment record. A driver licence is useful, but it is not the only form of identification available for the later WorkSafe application.
Bring the right PPE and prepare for practical work
A dogging course is not a classroom-only course. You will work with lifting gear, signals and load movement, so you need basic personal protective equipment (PPE) for the practical sessions:
- steel-capped boots
- high-visibility clothing
- a hard hat
- gloves
You also need to be able to take part safely in manual handling and work at heights. If you have a health condition, injury or other concern that could affect practical tasks, talk to CTI before enrolling. It is better to have that conversation early than arrive unsure of what the course involves.
Know where your White Card fits
A valid White Card is not a prerequisite for a dogging course. However, you may need one to enter the construction sites where you plan to work after gaining your DG ticket.
If you are new to construction, check your employer’s and site’s entry requirements before choosing a course date. CTI also has White Card training for people who need to complete that step first.
What happens after training and assessment
At CTI, the Dogging Course runs over 5 full days. It combines theory with practical training and assessment, so arrive ready to listen, calculate, communicate and work safely around lifting equipment. You need to attend the complete course.
Check the training location, start times and any forms CTI sends before you lock in your plans. A little preparation can make your first morning a lot less stressful.
Passing the course is not the final administrative step.
After a successful assessment, you will receive an Assessment Number by email or a Notice of Assessment. You then need to apply to WorkSafe for your High Risk Work licence within 60 calendar days. If you miss that window and you will need to complete the assessment again.
For an online application, WorkSafe asks for your assessment number, identity documents, a driver licence or Medicare card, and a way to pay the application fee. Once your application is approved, you can access your digital licence through myWorkSafe while the plastic card is sent to you.
A quick pre-course checklist
Before your dogging course starts, make sure you have:
- confirmed that you will be 18 before assessment day
- created or located your USI
- completed CTI’s enrolment and LLN steps
- checked that your photo ID is current and matches your enrolment details
- packed your steel-capped boots, high-vis, hard hat and gloves
- made a plan to apply for your DG ticket within 60 days of passing
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate DG ticket if I already have a forklift or EWP licence?
Yes. High Risk Work licences are class-based. A forklift or boom-type EWP licence does not cover dogging work, so you need to complete training and assessment for the DG class before applying for a dogging licence.
Can an employer book a dogging course for a crew?
Yes. Employers can contact CTI about group training and onsite options. Each learner still needs to meet the same enrolment, training and assessment requirements, so it helps to collect USIs and ID details early.
What should I do if my name is different on my ID and USI?
Raise it with CTI before the course begins. Your records and identification need to be accurate for enrolment and assessment. Waiting until assessment day may slow things down.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re all set, view the Dogging Course calendar for upcoming training dates.
And if you’re still not sure which ticket you need, enquire now and tell us what work you’re doing (or plan on doing) and we’ll help you out.
