HomeCourses RII40220 Certificate IV in Surface Coal Mining
RII40220 Certificate IV in Surface Coal Mining (Open Cut Examiner)
This nationally recognised qualification is a prerequisite for those wanting to be certified as an Open Cut Examiner (OCE) for an above ground coal mine.
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Area of Learning — RII40220 Certificate IV in Surface Coal Mining
The Certificate IV in Surface Coal Mining (Open Cut Examiner) is a mandatory qualification for people who don’t have a Bachelor of Mining Engineering through an Australian university but want to perform the role of Open Cut Examiner (OCE) at a surface coal mine or open cut coal mine site.
This qualification will give you skills to manage a broad range of, day-to-day, operational mining activities as well as handle in-depth issues and problems.
You will gain skills in:
communication
initiative and enterprise
leadership and teamwork
planning and organising
problem solving
risk management
self-management
technology
WHS management
This qualification supersedes RII40215 Certificate IV in Surface Coal Mining (Open Cut Examiner) and RII40213 Certificate IV in Surface Coal Mining (Open Cut Examiner).
Program Outline
To complete the qualification you must complete 14 units.
Our programs offer seven, two day, workshops held every two weeks, covering 12 of the 14 units.
The final two elective units are completed by RPL and workplace evidence – you choose based on your experience as an operator. Choose one from Dragline, Shovel & Excavator.
Course Schedule
Please read down the below columns to decide whether you'd like to study in the current, next or future intake for this course. Crossing over intakes is not advisable.
Units
Current Intake
Cluster 1 -
Two days of training
RIICOM301E
RIICOM301E
Communicate information
BSBMGT401
BSBMGT401
Show leadership in the workplace
23rd July 2025 24th July 2025
Cluster 2 -
Two days of training
RIIWHS301E
RIIWHS301E
Conduct safety and health investigations
RIIRIS402E
RIIRIS402E
Carry out the risk management process
13th August 2025 14th August 2025
Cluster 3 -
Two days of training
BSBSUS401
BSBSUS401
Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
RIIWHS402E
RIIWHS402E
Examine and maintain mine safety
27th August 2025 28th August 2025
Cluster 4 -
Two days of training
RIIBLA301E
RIIBLA301E
Conduct surface shotfiring operations
RIIBLA205E
RIIBLA205E
Store, handle and transport explosives
17th September 2025 18th September 2025
Cluster 5 -
Two days of training
RIIMEX405E
RIIMEX405E
Apply and monitor systems and methods of surface coal mining
8th October 2025 9th October 2025
Cluster 6 -
Two days of training
RIIWHS404E
RIIWHS404E
Implement and monitor health and hygiene management systems
RIIERR401E
RIIERR401E
Apply and monitor emergency preparedness and response systems in surface operations
22nd October 2025 23rd October 2025
Cluster 7 -
Two days of training
RIIMPO403D
RIIMPO403D
Monitor interaction of heavy and light vehicles and mining equipment
12th November 2025 13th November 2025
Equipment Prerequisites
The course requirements stipulate that candidates must have at least two (2) equipment skills. One equipment skill must come from Table A. The second skill can come from any of Table A, B, or C as per the packaging rules for the qualification.
Table A
Unit Code
Unit Name
Elective/Core
RIIMPO301E
Conduct hydraulic excavator operations
Elective
RIIMPO302E
Conduct hydraulic shovel operations
Elective
RIIMPO303E
Conduct rope shovel operations
Elective
RIIMPO329F
Conduct dragline operations
Elective
Table B
Unit Code
Unit Name
Elective/Core
RIIBHD301E
Conduct blast hole drilling operations
Elective
RIIMPO304E
Conduct wheel loader operations
Elective
RIIMPO308F
Conduct tracked dozer operations
Elective
RIIMPO310F
Conduct grader operations
Elective
RIIMPO312E
Conduct scraper operations
Elective
Table C
Unit Code
Unit Name
Elective/Core
RIIMPO336E
Conduct belly dump truck operations
Elective
RIIMPO337E
Conduct articulated haul truck operations
Elective
RIIMPO338E
Conduct haul truck operations
Elective
Consider OCE Examination Mentoring
Forsythes Training also offers expert mentoring to help participants to pass with flying colours. Click on the link below to see the mentoring options.
People wanting to work as an Open Cut Examiner (OCE), or a Mine Supervisor. You need to have at least one year’s mining experience using at least two mobile plant pieces of equipment to enroll in this course
An OCE is responsible for ensuring a safe work environment by applying the safety and health management system in and around work areas of surface excavation, including monitoring the quantity and quality of output, supervising others, and applying solutions to non-routine problems.
The process to gain a Certificate of Competence to be an OCE varies between Australian states and territories. In NSW, you need to complete this course (or a Bachelor of Mining Engineering), have minimum industry experience, and pass both an additional written and oral examination. Read this guide from the resources regulator for more information.
Highly qualified trainers with real industry experience
Flexible delivery – online and classroom
FREE extra student support and resources – online portal and student support days
We also offer mentoring for the OCE written and oral examinations (fees apply)
Our lead trainer has more than 35 years’ experience as an engineer and manager in the mining sector. He has both a NSW Open Cut Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency and a NSW Open Cut Examiner’s Certificate of Competency.
Student Information Handbook
Download our Student Information Handbook for more information about Forsythes Training quality approach to training including:
student registration process including our refund policy and course cost information
student induction
student records and information
assessment processes and policies
rights, responsibilities and standards
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL), Recognised Current Competency (RCC), Direct Credit Transfer (DCT)
student feedback
appeals process
WHS policies and procedures
the Forsythes Training Guarantee.
Student Information Handbook
If there is anything in the handbook where you require further clarification, please do not hesitate to call Forsythes Training on 02 4708 9593 and one of our friendly team members will be more than happy to assist you.
Course Details
Dates for next course
N/A
Training Location
Newcastle or Singleton locations available (We can customise and conduct this on your site for groups of minimum of 10).
Forsythes Training is an established, trusted, quality training provider with an extensive list of corporate clients and individuals who have attended our training courses over the last twenty years in a variety of learning areas:
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