Exam calendar
Certificate examination dates and information regarding exam application submission timeframes.
Exam fee schedule - certificate of competence (PDF, 88.31 KB)
Application deadlines
Refer to the exam dates below and submit a completed application at least one week before the closing date for the exam.
Certificate of competence exam calendar starting in 2026
Underground coal mines
| 2026 Certificate | Briefing session | Written closing date | Written exam | Oral closing date | Oral exam | Oral closing date | Oral exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mining engineering manager | 8 Dec 25 | 27 Jan 26 | 17 & 18 Mar 26 | 7 May 26 | 24 Jun 26 | 13 Oct 26 | 2 Dec 26 |
| Undermanager | 18 Feb 26 | 26 Mar 26 | 12 May 26 | 1 Jul 26 | 18 & 19 Aug 26 | 7 Dec 26 | 16 & 17 Feb 27 |
| Deputy | 30 Mar 26 | 28 Apr 26 | 17 Jun 26 | 3 Aug 26 | 22, 23 & 24 Sep 26 | 19 Jan 27 | 9, 10 & 11 Mar 27 |
| Electrical engineering manager | 3 Jun 26 | 15 Jul 26 | 2 Sep 26 | 20 Oct 26 | 9 Dec 26 | 21 Apr 27 | 9 Jun 27 |
| Mechanical engineering manager | 21 Apr 26 | 24 Jun 26 | 12 Aug 26 | 15 Sep 26 | 20 & 21 Oct 26 | 18 Feb 27 | 6 & 7 Apr 27 |
Coal mines other than underground
| 2026 Certificate | Briefing session | Written closing date | Written exam | Oral closing date | Oral exam | Oral closing date | Oral exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mining engineering manager | 10 Mar 26 | 23 Apr 26 | 11 Jun 26 | 29 Jul 26 | 15 & 16 Sep 26 | 13 Jan 27 | 2 & 3 Mar 27 |
| Open cut examiner | 10 Mar 26 | 22 Apr 26 | 10 Jun 26 | 29 Jul 26 | 15 & 16 Sep 26 | 13 Jan 27 | 2 & 3 Mar 27 |
| Electrical engineer | 3 Jun 26 | 15 Jul 26 | 2 Sep 26 | 20 Oct 26 | 9 Dec 26 | 21 Apr 27 | 9 Jun 27 |
| Mechanical engineer | 21 Apr 26 | 24 Jun 26 | 12 Aug 26 | 15 Sep 26 | 20 & 21 Oct 26 | 18 Feb 27 | 6 & 7 Apr 27 |
Underground mines other than coal mines
| 2026 Certificate | Briefing session | Written closing date | Written exam | Oral closing date | Oral exam | Oral closing date | Oral exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mining engineering manager | 3 Dec 25 | 11 Feb 26 | 31 Mar 26 | 14 May 26 | 16 Jun 26 | 13 Nov 26 | 3 Dec 26 |
| Underground mine supervisor | 11 Feb 26 | n/a | n/a | 9 Apr 26 | 19 & 20 May 26 | 30 Sep 26 | 17 & 18 Nov 26 |
Mines other than underground mines or coal mines
| 2026 Certificate | Briefing session | Written closing date | Written exam | Oral closing date | Oral exam | Oral closing date | Oral exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarry manager | 26 May 26 | 8 Jul 26 | 26 Aug 26 | 1 Oct 26 | 9 Nov 26 | 23 Mar 27 | 12 May 27 |
Licensed activities at coal mines
| 2026 Certificate | Briefing session | Written closing date | Written exam | Oral closing date | Oral exam | Oral closing date | Oral exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable repair signatory | 6 May 26 | n/a | n/a | 16 Jun 26 | 4 Aug 26 | n/a | n/a |
Virus/infectious diseases safety measures
Exams will be held in a format as close to normal as possible. Safety measures include when required:
- additional cleaning
- hand sanitiser availability
- increased spacing between desks
- temperature check.
Showing symptoms?
Candidates who show symptoms of being unwell are directed not to attend their exams and to notify the mining competencies unit. If a candidate attends an exam showing symptoms, they will be directed to leave the exam area.
Refunds
Approved candidates who are unable to attend rescheduled exams may apply for a refund.
- A $50 administration fee is deducted from refunds.
- Refund only refers to exam fees paid. Application fees remain non-refundable.
Copies of certificates
Electronic copies of your certificate/s can be downloaded by logging on to the NSW Resources Portal.
If further assistance is required, please email the Mining Competence Team at info@sys.resources.nsw.gov.au.
Note: A fee may apply for lost/replacement certificates.