Crane crews on construction and mining sites rely on a licensed dogman to sling each load and guide the operator through the lift, so plenty of employers require a dogman ticket before they’ll put you on a crew. You can get your dogging licence by completing a dogman course with a registered training organisation (RTO) and then applying to your state’s regulator for the licence itself.
At Civil Safety (RTO 32381), we deliver our Licence to Perform Dogging (CPCCLDG3001) course in Queensland and WA. We’ll explain each step, what it costs, your funding options and how to renew your licence below.
What does a dogman do?
A dogman slings loads for a crane and directs the crane operator whenever the load moves out of their view. Before each lift, you’ll choose and inspect the lifting gear, including slings and chains. You’ll then attach it to the load and guide the operator with hand signals or a radio until the load is in place.
You’ll only need a dogging licence whenever you decide for yourself how to sling a load, like choosing which gear to use and where to attach it, or whenever the crane operator won’t have sight of the load during the lift. Many dogmen go on to become riggers, who handle more complex lifting work like erecting structural steel.
How to get your dogging ticket, step by step
You can get your dogging ticket by completing our Licence to Perform Dogging (CPCCLDG3001) course and applying to your state’s work health and safety regulator for the licence. These are the steps you need to follow to get your dogging ticket:
Enrol in the course and choose a session at one of our training centres.
Attend four to five days of face-to-face training, where you’ll practise slinging loads and signalling a crane operator.
Complete your theory and practical assessments on a real crane with an assessor who holds dogging accreditation from the regulator.
Receive your Statement of Attainment within three to five business days and apply for your licence within 60 days.
Entry requirements
Before you enrol, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).
Have enough language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills to complete the written assessments.
Have basic computer skills and internet access for enrolment.
Wear steel-capped boots and personal protective equipment (PPE) to every session.
Applying for your licence in QLD or WA
You’ll apply for your dogging licence with WorkSafe Queensland or WorkSafe WA, depending on the state where you complete your assessment. Your licence will be valid in every Australian state and territory once it’s issued, so you won’t need a new one if you move to a different state. These are the details for each state:
Queensland | WA | |
Where to apply | Online with WorkSafe Queensland | Online with WorkSafe WA |
Deadline | Within 60 days of your Statement of Attainment being issued | Within 60 days of your Notice of Assessment, which is the form your assessor signs when you pass |
Fee | $113.41 | $92 |
Licence term | 5 years | 5 years |
Where can you do a dogging course?
You can complete our Licence to Perform Dogging (CPCCLDG3001) course in Perth, Bunbury, Kalgoorlie and Newman in WA, or on the Gold Coast and in Weipa in Queensland. Our Perth training centre also offers night classes on Monday to Thursday evenings between 4pm and 10pm, followed by a day session on Friday. These classes suit workers who want to get their dogging ticket in Perth without taking a full week off. We can also deliver the course at your workplace as group training for your crew.
How much does a dogging ticket cost?
A dogging ticket costs $1,225 to $2,100 with us depending on where you train, plus the licence fee you’ll pay the regulator when you apply. Our Licence to Perform Dogging (CPCCLDG3001) course costs $1,225 in Perth and Bunbury, while remote centres like Weipa cost more. Afterpay is available if you’d like to split the fee into instalments, and you may be eligible for construction industry funding:
Queensland: Workers in Queensland’s building and construction industry may be eligible for Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) funding. CSQ can cover 75 to 100% of the fee, and you’ll usually pay a small co-contribution.
WA: Eligible WA construction workers may save up to 70% on metro courses and 80% on regional courses with Construction Training Fund (CTF) funding. We’ll claim the funding for your enrolment, so you’ll only pay the remaining fee.
Renewing your dogging licence
You need to renew your high risk work licence for dogging every five years with the regulator that issued it, which costs $102.99 in Queensland and $44 in WA. You can renew a WA licence up to 90 days before it expires. Both states also accept renewals for up to 12 months after expiry, although you can’t do any dogging work until your renewed licence comes through. You’ll need to retrain and pass a new assessment if you miss that 12-month window.
Where to next after dogging?
Many doggers move on to rigging after doing their dogging ticket, since it’s a prerequisite before enrolling in a rigging course. WA workers can also book both tickets together through our 7-day Licence to Perform Dogging and Basic Rigging bundle. You can take any of these courses after you get your dogging ticket:
Course | What you’ll learn | Why it’s a good next step |
Rigging for structural steel, precast concrete, hoists and safety nets | A rigging licence covers dogging work in WA, so one licence handles both jobs | |
Licence to Perform Rigging - Intermediate Level (CPCCLRG3002) | Tilt-up panels, demolition work, dual crane lifts and rigging for cranes and conveyors | Intermediate rigging gives you access to larger and more complex lifts once you’ve finished basic rigging |
Licence to Operate a Non-Slewing Mobile Crane (CN) - over 3 tonnes (TLILIC0040) | Operating pick-and-carry cranes that lift loads over 3 tonnes | Dogging will become a prerequisite for the CN licence once QLD and WA adopt Safe Work Australia’s changes |
Book your dogging course with Civil Safety
You can earn your dogging ticket in four to five days and start working on crane lifts as soon as your licence comes through. Book our Licence to Perform Dogging (CPCCLDG3001) course today to secure a spot at an upcoming session in WA or Queensland. Our team can also help you check if you’re eligible for CSQ or CTF funding, so contact us before you enrol if you’d like a hand.