RPL Can Get You Ready for Schedule 26 Statutory Supervisor Requirements—and More
If you’re aiming to continue in, or step into, a statutory position on a Western Australian mine site, the rules are changing.
By 31 March 2026, all individuals appointed to Schedule 26 Statutory Supervisor roles must meet new mandatory eligibility requirements, including specific WHS qualifications.
The good news? If you’ve already built WHS knowledge and leadership experience on the job, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can help you get qualified—fast.
New Schedule 26 Requirements at a Glance
The Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022 require that statutory positions are filled by appropriately trained and competent personnel.
Common statutory positions include:
Statutory Supervisor
Underground Supervisor (coal and non-coal)
Restricted Quarry Manager
Mine Air Quality Officer
Noise Officer
Electrical Supervisor
You will find a full list of positions this change affects here.
To meet the new statutory eligibility requirements, you must hold two key WHS units of competency:
BSBWHS414 – Contribute to WHS risk management
BSBWHS411 – Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs
Go Beyond the Minimum:
RPL for the Full Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
While these two units are the minimum required for statutory supervisor eligibility, they are also core units within the BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety—a full, nationally recognised qualification that offers far greater value.
By applying for the full Certificate IV through RPL, you can:
- ✅ Gain a stronger WHS skillset that enhances your leadership and risk management capabilities
- ✅ Stand out for promotions or broader WHS-related roles in mining and beyond
- ✅ Meet future regulatory changes or higher-level roles that may require a full qualification
- ✅ Have a recognised qualification on your resume that reflects your real-world expertise
- ✅ Achieve it without study, based purely on your existing skills and experience
Boost Your Leadership Credentials with the Certificate IV in Leadership and Management
Industry experts also advise that many organisations favour applicants for supervisory roles who hold the BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management.
This nationally accredited qualification recognises your ability to lead teams, manage operations, and communicate effectively in high-risk environments.
Through RPL, many experienced supervisors are eligible to achieve both qualifications—maximising your credentials while minimising effort.
By pairing your WHS expertise with proven leadership capabilities, you position yourself as a well-rounded, competitive candidate for supervisory roles across the mining industry and beyond.
How RPL Works
RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) is a nationally recognised assessment pathway that evaluates your existing experience—no need for study or classroom time.
If you’ve been managing WHS responsibilities or leading teams as part of your role, it’s likely you already have what it takes to be awarded one or both qualifications.
With Churchill Education, the process is straightforward:
Free initial appraisal of your WHS and leadership experience
One-on-one support from your dedicated Career & Education Advisor
Fast-track your qualification—many of our graduates complete the process within 14 days.
Only pay for what you’re eligible to achieve and choose to enrol in.
Apply for a zero-cost RPL appraisal here.
What Happens After You’re Qualified?
Once you’ve completed the necessary WHS units (or the full Certificate IV), your next step is to:
Book the DEMIRS Legislation Examination through the WHS Mines Statutory Positions Portal (MSPP).
This exam confirms your ability to interpret and apply the WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022 and WHS Act 2020—the final requirement for statutory supervisor eligibility.
Get Ahead of the March 2026 Deadline
You can only be appointed to a Schedule 26 statutory role without these qualifications until 20 March 2026. After that, full compliance is mandatory.
However, industry insiders tell us that in practice, most companies are already looking for supervisors with these qualifications. And those with both WHS and leadership credentials are often top of the list.
If you’re ready to meet the requirements—and strengthen your credentials in the process—RPL for the full Certificate IV in WHS and Leadership and Management is the smart way forward.
Contact Churchill Education to get started with a free RPL appraisal. You bring the experience. We help you turn it into nationally recognised qualifications.
