Unlock Exclusive Access to Underground Assets as a CLO

What is a Certified Locating Organisation (CLO)?

A CLO is an organisation that has achieved CERTLOC certification by meeting defined criteria and recognised industry standards. CLO status is recognised by asset owners and utilities across Australia, who rely on certified professionals to deliver safe, accurate, and compliant underground locating services.

CLOs maintain the technical expertise, equipment, insurances, and permissions required to conduct underground utility locating safely and reliably. Each CLO employs at least one CERTLOC Certified Locator — the only locators authorised to access specific utility networks and carry out locating in accordance with industry standards.

Certified Locating Organisation Benefits

Achieving Certified Locating Organisation (CLO) status provides verified recognition for businesses involved in underground asset locating, excavation, and construction. Certification demonstrates compliance with defined industry standards and offers a range of tangible operational, safety, and credibility benefits.

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Expanded Employment and Contract Opportunities

Critical underground infrastructure is complex and requires specialised expertise to locate and protect. CLO status demonstrates that your organisation meets defined industry standards and employs Certified Locators, who are recognised by major projects, utility providers, and asset owners. Many contracts now specifically require the use of certified professionals in Duty of Care statements, giving CLOs formal access to opportunities that require proven competence and compliance.

Exclusive Telstra
Network Access

Certified Locators employed by your organisation are granted exclusive access to Telstra’s pit and pipe network, including manholes, under a formal agreement with CERTLOC. This access enables safe, accurate, and compliant underground asset locating in accordance with Telstra requirements.

Exclusive Optus
Network Data

CLOs who qualify as Optus Accredited Asset Locators (OAAL) gain exclusive access to Optus network maps and asset data. This allows for accurate, compliant, and reliable locating when working around Optus infrastructure.

CERTLOC National Directory of CLOs

CLOs who opt in are listed on the CERTLOC National Directory of Certified Locating Organisations, increasing visibility and making it easier for prospective clients to identify certified providers. This directory is accessible via the CERTLOC website and includes a location-based search function, enabling clients to find CLOs closest to their project or dig site.

Through its referral service, Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) includes a link to the National Directory of CLOs with each plan enquiry, further connecting asset owners, contractors, and excavators with certified organisations.

Client Assurance and  Industry Recognition

CLOs operate in accordance with Australian standards, utilise industry-recognised locating and gas detection equipment, apply appropriate safety measures, and maintain mandatory insurances. Achieving CLO certification formally demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to compliance, quality, and professional accountability. Utilities, asset owners, contractors, and local government recognise CLOs for delivering safe, accurate, and compliant subsurface utility locating services.

Lower Risk on Every Job

Engaging Certified Locators reduces utility strike risk and associated impacts, including injuries, project delays, service disruptions, and financial loss.

CLOs operate in accordance with defined safety and quality standards, helping protect workers, communities, and critical infrastructure. This commitment to compliance assists in managing legal, financial, and reputational risk across projects.

Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) Referral Service

In addition to the CERTLOC National Directory, CLOs may choose to be listed on the Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) Referral Service, where organisations are displayed by service area. This listing increases visibility to contractors, asset owners, and individuals lodging a BYDA enquiry for planned excavation works, connecting certified organisations with projects requiring professional locating services.

The CLO Certification Process

A Certified Locating Organisation (CLO) is an organisation that meets CERTLOC’s defined criteria and recognised industry standards, and is recognised by asset owners and utilities across Australia. Each CLO employs at least one CERTLOC Certified Locator who has demonstrated verified competence in locating and marking underground utilities and assets in accordance with industry standards.

CLO Certification Fee:
$200 + GST for each Certified Locator, for a 2-year term

Apply now

Before Applying
Before starting the certification process, make sure you read the online Overview to understand the full requirements.
To apply, your organisation must:
- Hold a valid ABN.
- Employ at least one CERTLOC Certified Locator.
- Sign a formal certification agreement with CERTLOC LTD and pay a certification fee based on the number of Certified Locators in your team requiring utility pit and manhole access.
- Hold current business insurances:
  
  Public Liability ($10 million coverage) – public liability is mandatory
  
  Professional Indemnity ($2 million coverage) – professional indemnity is mandatory
  
  Workers’ Compensation/WorkCover – Government compulsory (Sole Traders and Partnerships are exempt from coverage).
- Maintain all equipment on the CERTLOC Equipment List.
Read Overview
Apply Online Up to 14 days

Complete the online application form with your business details and pay the CLO Certification Fee.  Once your application is received, our team will review the details, confirm any outstanding information, and prepare your CLO Certification Agreement and Telstra Deed Poll for signing.
Apply now
Sign and Upload Documents

Upload your signed agreements, completed equipment self-audit, and current insurance certificates.
Complete Profile

Set up your CLO profile for display on the CERTLOC website and the Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) Referral Service. Link your Certified Locator(s) to your CLO profile to finalise your listing.
Certification Valid for 2 years

Organisations that successfully meet all CERTLOC requirements will be formally recognised as a CERTLOC Certified Locating Organisation (CLO). The CLO will receive a Statement of Certification, valid for two years from the certificate date, confirming the organisation’s capability, professionalism, and compliance with CERTLOC and utility network requirements.
Certified Locating Organisations appear in the CERTLOC National Directory of CLOs and can also choose to be listed on the Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) Referral Service, helping clients find trusted, certified locating professionals.
To help promote your business’s certified status, CERTLOC provides a CLO Partner Kit, which includes marketing materials to help you proudly display your organisations certified status to clients and industry partners. You will also be provided with CLO ID cards. To maintain certification, CLOs must keep business insurances current and ensure their Certified Locator(s) remain registered throughout the certification period.

Get CERTLOC Certified

Begin the process to become a Certified Locating Organisation (CLO) and join a nationally recognised network of certified professionals. When ready, click Prepare Application below to start your online submission.

For any questions during the application process, Contact Us — our team can provide guidance and support to ensure your application meets CERTLOC requirements.

Apply now

Our CLO Network

telstra

Nulca Australia

beforeudig

Optus

LMI

Toowoomba

Find a trusted clo

Frequently Asked Questions

view all FAQ

A Certified Locating Organisation (CLO) is a locating company with properly certified employees who have access permissions to locate certain utilities assets, for example Telstra and Optus.

In addition to being a CERTLOC Certified Locator, locators need to be accredited with Optus to be able to access the Optus network. This is required to meet our legal and WHS requirements.
For all Optus Locator Accreditation enquiries please contact [email protected].

To access the Telstra network for locating purposes, a CERTLOC Certified Locator needs to be registered with a Certified Locating Organisation.

Apart from Telstra and Optus, there are many other utilities that require only CERTLOC Certified Locators access their assets. Please contact us for a full list.

In order to become a CLO, you (the locating company) need to sign a formal agreement with CERTLOC Ltd – who administers the program on behalf of the Utility or Network provider:

Demonstrating that your certified locating team is appropriately skilled to identify whatever network type may be present onsite, i.e. they are CERTLOC Certified Locators.
That you are using up-to-date and properly calibrated asset location and gas detection equipment.
That you have the safety equipment to detect unsafe conditions and are able to deal with them.
That your company carries business insurance appropriate to plant location type work for the protection of your clients, the infrastructure and your business.

Download Application Form

Complete CLO Application Online

Download CLO Overview Document

Unlock Exclusive Access to Underground Assets as a CLO

What is a Certified Locating Organisation (CLO)?