Australia’s underground infrastructure network continues to grow in scale and complexity — and so do the risks associated with working around it. From telecommunications and gas to electricity and water, accurate utility locating plays a critical role in protecting workers, the public and essential services.
For utility locators, certification has become more than an optional extra - it is increasingly recognised as a clear marker of professionalism, capability and trust.
What Is CERTLOC Certification?
CERTLOC Certification is the national industry benchmark for underground utility locators in Australia. It provides independent, third-party verification that a locator has demonstrated the knowledge, skills and practical competence required to locate underground assets safely and accurately.
Unlike informal training or experience alone, CERTLOC Certification assesses both:
- Technical understanding; and
- Demonstrated field performance under assessment conditions
This approach reflects the reality of locating work - where decisions made on site can have significant safety, operational and financial consequences.
Certified Locators are relied upon by major asset owners, including Telstra, Optus, Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) and others, to work safely around critical networks.
Why Certification Matters More Than Ever
Across Australia, billions of dollars in damage occur each year as a result of underground asset strikes during excavation and other ground disturbance activities. These incidents are rarely caused by a single failure. More often, they arise from a combination of factors - including reliance on indicative plans, inadequate validation on site, and limited understanding of underground conditions. These factors can result in:
- Damage to underground assets
- Project delays and costly rework
- Serious safety incidents and near misses
Utility locating plays an important role in reducing risk by supporting safer planning and on-site decision-making. Certification helps ensure that this locating work is undertaken by people who can demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skill and experience for the task.
Excavation around underground services is recognised as high-risk work, and utility plans alone are indicative. As expectations around risk management, due diligence and accountability continue to rise, the ability to demonstrate that locating work has been undertaken competently is becoming increasingly important.
Certification responds directly to this challenge by providing structured, independent evidence that locating has been performed by personnel assessed against defined industry standards — rather than competence being assumed.
Why More Locators Are Choosing to Get Certified
CERTLOC Certification delivers clear, practical benefits for locators at all stages of their careers:
- Independent recognition of competence
Certification confirms capability through structured assessment - not just experience or time on the job. - Greater access to work opportunities
Many asset owners and principal contractors now prefer or require Certified Locators for site access and work on critical infrastructure. - Standing out in a competitive market
Certification signals accountability, consistency and commitment to recognised industry standards. - Contribution to safer outcomes
Robust locating practices support safer excavation by helping prevent asset strikes, injuries and service disruptions.
For organisations, engaging Certified Locators also supports stronger governance, reduced risk exposure and clearer evidence of competency when locating work is subject to scrutiny.
How to Become a CERTLOC Certified Locator
The certification process is structured, rigorous, and designed to reflect real-world locating conditions. Once a solid foundation in utility locating has been developed through training and on-site work, certification can be pursued.
The certification pathway includes:
- Read the free Candidate Manual
Visit certloc.com.au to review the online Candidate Manual, which outlines expectations, assessment structure, and required equipment. - Complete the free self-assessment
An online self-assessment helps locators evaluate their readiness for certification. - Undertake the theory assessment
A one-hour online assessment covering technical knowledge and industry understanding. - Pass the practical field assessment
Candidates demonstrate their locating expertise on site, using the required equipment, under observation by an industry assessor.
Once all stages are successfully completed, CERTLOC Certification is awarded - a nationally recognised credential that distinguishes competent underground utility locators.
The National Directory of Certified Locating Organisations (CLOs)
Where organisations do not have certified locating capability in-house, they can engage a CERTLOC Certified Locating Organisation (CLO) to carry out locating work to a recognised industry standard.
As Australia’s underground networks continue to expand, the National Directory of CLOs provides a transparent way to identify organisations with Certified Locators available to support projects nationwide. Visit the National Directory of CLOs at certloc.com.au.
Raising the Standard Across the Industry
CERTLOC plays a central role in supporting improved safety, reduced risk and greater consistency in underground utility locating across Australia.
Through guidance, assessment and certification, CERTLOC supports:
- Candidates progressing through the certification process
- Preparation and readiness for assessment
- Nationally consistent, competency-based locating practices
With over 1,175 locators already certified — and more joining each month - CERTLOC Certification is contributing to a more capable, accountable and professional locating industry focused on protecting people, projects, and essential services.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For uncertified locators looking to strengthen your credentials — or organisations seeking greater confidence in locating work — CERTLOC Certification represents a practical next step.
Learn more at certloc.com.au