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Leading Safety
Evaluation & Excellence

become a certified locator
Become a Certified Locating Organisation (CLO)

We Assess

CERTLOC Certifications provides industry-leading assessment expertise and resources for utility locators and the organisations they work for.

Locators can complete an online self-assessment to evaluate their readiness before attempting our certification process, which includes both theoretical and practical assessments of their competence. Participants must have the appropriate equipment before undertaking practical assessments.

Certification is only awarded when a locator has demonstrated the required competence according to our rigorous standards. These standards exist to enhance industry safety, protect underground assets, and develop professional expertise and proficiency in the locating industry.

Not all locators achieve certification on their first attempt. We provide guidance and support for reassessment, helping candidates demonstrate the required competence to meet certification standards.

We Certify

CERTLOC Certifications provides independent certification expertise for organisations and the locators they employ.

We certify organisations that meet defined criteria, including:

  • Employing Certified Locators who are competent to identify underground assets present on site.
  • Using current, properly maintained and calibrated plant location and gas detection equipment.
  • Having appropriate safety gear and equipment to detect and deal with unsafe conditions.
  • Holding business insurance appropriate to plant location work, protecting clients, employees, infrastructure assets and the organisation itself.

Certification is granted only when our rigorous standards have been satisfied. These standards are designed to enhance industry safety, protect underground assets, and strengthen professional capability within the locating industry.

Upon certification, a formal agreement is established between CERTLOC (as representative of participating asset owners) and the locating organisation. This agreement provides certified employees with authorised access permissions to asset owner networks for the purpose of locating underground assets.

Become a certified locator

Become a Certified Locating Organisation (CLO)

Get CERTLOC Certified

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CERTLOC CERTIFIED LOCATOR

Have your locating expertise and commitment to safety formally recognised. Enrol in the CERTLOC Certified Locator program and take the next step toward recognised competence and industry credibility.

Certification represents more than a credential — it reflects proven capability, professionalism, and commitment to safety.

Get certified
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CERTLOC CERTIFIED LOCATING ORGANISATION (CLO)

Have your organisation’s commitment to safety and professional standards formally recognised by achieving Certified Locating Organisation (CLO) status.

Through the CERTLOC CLO Certification program, organisations are independently assessed against defined criteria and industry standards. Successful certification provides authorised access permissions to participating asset owner networks for the purpose of locating underground assets.

Enquire today
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CERTLOC CERTIFIED vacuum excavator

Vacuum Excavator Certification - launching late 2026.

 

Is your certification up to date?

Renew now

Frequently Asked Questions

To become a Certified Locator, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Read the Candidate Manual 
The first step in the process is to read the Candidate Manual before enrolling in the Certified Locator Program, to understand what to expect from the practical assessment and decide if you are ready to enrol. See the online 'Candidate Manual'.

Step 2: Complete the Free Self-Assessment
Complete the free online self-assessment. This assessment asks you a series of questions about your expertise and helps you determine if you're ready to undertake the Certified Locator Program.

Step 3: Enrol in the Certified Locator Program
On successful completion of the self-assessment, you will be asked to formally enrol in the Certified Locator Program and pay the assessment fee. Enrolment into the Program must be completed before you can attempt and pass the theory assessment and book in for your practical assessment.

Step 4: Complete the Theory Assessment
After successful enrolment, you will receive an email with log-in details, that allows you to access the theory assessment. You can log in and attempt the theory assessment when it suits you. Please allow at least 1 hour to complete the theory assessment, which consists of 70 multiple-choice questions about locating. You need to score at least 96% within two attempts to proceed to the next stage.

Step 5: Schedule your Practical Assessment
Once you successfully pass the theory assessment, you will be contacted by a CERTLOC team member to schedule your practical assessment, or you can book a practical assessment by clicking 'Book a Practical Assessment' online.

Step 6: Attend the Practical Assessment
Prior to undertaking the practical assessment, please ensure you have all the required equipment. See the online 'Required Equipment List' which is also in the Candidate Manual. During the practical assessment you must also present with all the required equipment. You will be required to acknowledge that you have read the Candidate Manual at the practical assessment. During the practical field assessment, an Assessor will evaluate your ability to identify underground assets/utilities by performing locating procedures to accepted industry standards.

Step 7: Certification
Upon successfully passing the practical assessment, you will receive your CERTLOC Certified Locator Certificate, officially recognising you as a CERTLOC Certified Locator. To assist you in promoting your Certified Locator status, we will provide you with a CERTLOC Certified Locator Partner Kit.

Plan Enquiry

Before your assessment, you must complete a BYDA enquiry for the assessment location in your name. Ensure all plans are legible by printing them in A3 size or displaying them on a 10-inch tablet (minimum size).

Preparation

The assessment begins with an equipment inspection (you must present with all the equipment on the required equipment list), a Telstra plan reading task, safety briefing, and an explanation of the locating scenario and required marking method. You will also be required to acknowledge that you have read the Candidate Manual.

Locating Process

You have two hours to perform the locating. The assessor needs to see enough of your work to evaluate your competency, including using Direct Connect and Induction Clamp on at least two or three asset types.

Assessor's Role

During the assessment, the assessor will observe your process, take notes and photos, and occasionally ask questions or inspect connection points. They will generally observe you from a distance to give you space to perform your work.

After successfully completing the theory and practical assessments, you will receive your CERTLOC Certified Locator Certificate, officially recognising you as a CERTLOC Certified Locator, usually within 24 hours. To assist you in promoting your Certified Locator status, we will provide you with a CERTLOC Certified Locator Partner Kit.

Next, you will be contacted to discuss access to Telstra pits and manholes through the Certified Locating Organisation (CLO) program. The CLO program ensures compliance with utility network requirements.

Once you are registered in this program, you'll receive a photo ID card issued through your CLO employer.

Please note, only Certified Locators registered with a CLO can access Telstra infrastructure for locating purposes.

Certified Locator Certificates are valid for 2 years. To renew your certification, you must accumulate 50 Continuing Education Units (CEU) within that period.

March, 2025 Resources
Technical Tips for Certified Locators – Edition 5
December, 2024 Resources
Technical Tips for Certified Locators – Edition 4
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CERTLOC LTD is ISO 9001 certified

CERTLOC is proud to have achieved ISO 9001 Certification of quality management system standards for the provision of the Certified Locator, Certified Locating Organisation Program, the delivery of the Pre-Excavation Management Course and Skills Development Program.

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