Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Welcome to the FAQ section of the Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA).

This page is designed to support our members, partners, and industry stakeholders by providing clear and concise answers to some of the most common questions we receive. Whether you're new to the industry, considering membership, or seeking clarity on how we operate, you'll find helpful information here.

At TMAA, we are committed to fostering a safer, more professional, and well-represented traffic control industry across Australia. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident in your engagement with us.

If your question isn’t covered below or you’d like further assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly. We’re here to help.

About TMAA

What is the purpose of TMAA?

TMAA is the peak industry body representing the Traffic Control Industry across Australia. We advocate for safer working environments, improved industry standards, and for the interests of traffic management providers across Australia, from small regional businesses to large national companies delivering services on infrastructure, roadworks, and major projects.

Who can become a member of TMAA?

Membership is open to companies, individuals, and bodies that operate in traffic control and management within Australia, provided they meet our eligibility criteria as outlined in the TMAA rules.

What are the benefits of joining TMAA?

Our members gain access to national advocacy, industry updates, training opportunities, industry recognition and a platform to contribute to policy and standard-setting. Membership also provides a strong, united voice to influence government and regulatory change. More information can be found on our Membership Benefits page.

Employment

I’m a traffic controller. How can I get a traffic job with TMAA?

TMAA is not a traffic control company and does not directly employ traffic controllers. We are the national peak body representing companies that operate in the traffic management industry. Our role is to support, advocate for, and work with the businesses that provide traffic control services, not to provide those services ourselves.

If you're looking for employment in the industry, we recommend reaching out directly to traffic management companies in your local area or exploring training and job opportunities through recognised RTOs (Registered Training Organisations).

Can TMAA help me get a job on a union site?

TMAA does not employ traffic controllers, nor do we coordinate job placements or hiring for union or non-union sites. As the national industry association, our focus is on supporting traffic control companies, advocating for industry standards, and promoting safety and professionalism across the sector.

Traffic Management Qualifications

Verifying the credentials of traffic management workers is a legal and safety obligation, not just a box-ticking exercise. The qualification landscape in Australia is currently divided: some jurisdictions have adopted the Austroads National TTM Training Framework, while others continue to operate under state-specific licensing schemes. To complicate matters further, a significant number of workers still hold pre-reform qualifications that predate the national framework entirely.

Checking Post-Reform Austroads Credentials (VIC, SA, TAS, NT)

The Austroads National TTM Training Framework has been adopted by Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. These states issue credentials through Austroads-approved training providers (ATPs) and recognise qualifications under the national skill sets (for example, RIISS00060 and RIISS00061).

How to verify:

Use the Austroads TTM Training Registry. Credentials issued under the national framework by an approved training provider will appear here.

Checking Pre-Reform Qualifications  (VIC, SA, TAS, NT)

Pre-reform Statements of Attainment are not visible in the Austroads Registry. Verification requires a different approach.

Option 1: Request the USI Transcript

For training completed after 1 January 2015, the most reliable verification method is the Unique Student Identifier (USI) Transcript. Ask the worker to grant your organisation access to their USI transcript at usi.gov.au. This record is maintained by the Australian Government and reflects what was reported by the issuing RTO, including the unit codes, completion date, and provider details.

Option 2: Contact the Issuing RTO

The Statement of Attainment will show the issuing RTO's name and registration code. You can look up current and historical RTO contact details on the National Training Register at training.gov.au. Contact the RTO directly and request confirmation that the credential was legitimately issued.

Option 3: If the RTO No Longer Operates

Where the issuing RTO has closed, contact ASQA (the Australian Skills Quality Authority) directly. ASQA may hold student records for closed providers, provided those records were submitted upon closure. ASQA can be reached on 1300 701 801 (within Australia) or at asqa.gov.au.

For training completed before 1 January 2015, the USI system does not apply. Verification must be done through the issuing RTO or, if the RTO has closed, through ASQA.

Checking credentials from NSW

New South Wales operates its own regulated traffic control training system, administered by SafeWork NSW and governed by the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.

Workers performing traffic control on or adjacent to NSW public roads must hold a SafeWork NSW Traffic Control Work Training (TCWT) Card, issued following successful completion of training and assessment through a SafeWork NSW approved RTO. The card is issued by SafeWork NSW, not by the training provider.

SafeWork NSW cards can be checked online through the Verify NSW verification tool at verify.licence.nsw.gov.au. This tool is publicly accessible and allows verification by card number and worker name.

Checking credentials from QLD

Queensland operates a state-specific accreditation scheme administered by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). Workers must hold a Traffic Controller Industry Authority Card issued by TMR, which is separate from the Statement of Attainment issued by the training provider.

Training is delivered by RTOs approved by TMR. Upon completing training and meeting all requirements, workers apply for their Industry Authority Card through a TMR Customer Service Centre. The application process includes a criminal history check and a medical fitness declaration. The card is valid for three years.

Important distinction: A Statement of Attainment alone does not authorise a worker to control traffic on Queensland roads. The TMR Industry Authority Card is the operative document. Traffic controllers are required to produce their card immediately upon request by authorised officers, including police, Transport Inspectors, and worksite supervisors.

How to verify:

Queensland does not currently provide a public online card lookup. The primary verification mechanism is sighting the physical Industry Authority Card. Employers should note the card number, check the expiry date, and ensure the worker's name matches the card. For further enquiries about  accreditation, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/accreditations/traffic-controller-accreditation-scheme.aspx#displayed

Checking credentials from WA

Western Australia operates under its own accreditation system administered by Main Roads WA.

Workers in WA must hold a Main Roads WA Traffic Management Accreditation Certificate and Photographic Identity Card at the appropriate level for their role. The levels include Traffic Controller (TC), Basic Worksite Traffic Management (BWTM), Worksite Traffic Management (WTM), Advanced Worksite Traffic Management (AWTM), and Operate Truck Mounted Attenuator (OTMA). 

Credentials are issued through Main Roads WA approved training providers. Accreditation records are maintained centrally by Main Roads WA.

How to verify:

Main Roads WA provides a publicly accessible Graduate Search tool, which is the only official register of current WA Traffic Management accreditations. Employers can use this to confirm whether a worker holds a valid accreditation, check the accreditation level, and view the expiry date. 

Other questions

If your question isn’t answered here, we’d love to help. Please reach out to us directly. We’re always happy to provide support or point you in the right direction.

Have a helpful resource or insight others might benefit from? We welcome contributions from our community and encourage you to share anything that could support safer, smarter traffic management across Australia. Please share it with us at tmaa@tmaa.asn.au.