High Risk Work Licence - Concrete Placing Boom (PB)

It certifies you to operate a concrete placing boom, including setting up, moving the boom, and controlling the pour, within the conditions of the licence. It does not cover other high risk work such as crane, dogging or rigging, which need separate licences. Check your state or territory regulator for any local restrictions.

Most candidates sit a multiple-choice knowledge test, a written or calculation section (often load charts and reach), and a practical assessment where you demonstrate setup, boom movement and shutdown under an assessor. The exact mix is set by the regulator and training provider, so confirm the current structure when you book.

It is competency-based rather than a ranked exam. The knowledge test rewards careful reading of load charts and safety procedures, while the practical rewards smooth, deliberate control and correct signalling. Candidates with supervised operating hours and solid pre-start routines generally find it manageable; those who only memorise theory often struggle in the practical.

Retake rules are set by the regulator and your training provider. Typically you can resit the knowledge or practical component after further training, and fees may apply. Ask your provider about their reassessment policy before you enrol so you know the process and any waiting period.

Course length and assessment time vary by provider and by your prior experience. Rather than rely on a fixed figure, check the current duration with the provider you book with and confirm the assessment day schedule. The official regulator website publishes licensing and assessment requirements for your jurisdiction.

Start with legislation, duty of care and hazard identification so the safety logic frames everything else. Then study boom types and components, followed by pre-operational inspection and setup. Move to operating principles and load charts, then communication and emergency procedures. Finish with maintenance, defect reporting and environmental considerations, and practise calculations throughout.

Typical weak spots are misreading load charts, especially capacity at reach and outrigger spread; skipping pre-start checks; poor communication with the pump operator or concrete crew; and rushing boom movements near people or structures. Practical candidates also lose marks for not establishing exclusion zones or not following the shutdown procedure.

Fees differ by state or territory and by training provider, and they change over time. The official regulator for your jurisdiction publishes the current application and assessment fees on its website. Check there before budgeting, and ask your provider whether course fees include the licence application.

High risk work licences are generally issued for a set period and must be renewed. The exact validity period and renewal requirements are set by your state or territory regulator. Confirm the current rules on the official regulator site, and diarise your renewal date so you do not operate with an expired licence.