Building on insights from the review we conducted a couple of years ago, the StayLive WCP working group has worked alongside learning experts. Along the way, industry champions from across our member organisations and service providers tested and helped to refine it, making sure it works in practice.

How will consistency in assessment and certification be assured across organisations?

Formative assessment is woven throughout the eLearning using interactive questions and scenario-based checks, and feedback loops that help the learner test and strengthen their understanding as they work through. This means it is not dependent on individual assessors.

In the first instance, monitoring will occur via current site H&S performance reviews and assurance processes.

The final development phase is for WCP Audit and Review - this will include competency assurance.

The Pathway

Do I need to complete all WCP certifications?

No - you only need to complete the certifications relevant to the work you carry out.

Who will require the new StayLive WCP certifications?

StayLive Work Party Member – for staff and contractors required to work on or around a generation site within the WCPs.

StayLive General Work Supervisor – for staff and contractors required to supervise general work on a generation site.

StayLive Work Authority Recipient – for staff and contractors required to be the Recipient of a Work Authority on a generation site.  

StayLive Permit Recipient – for staff and contractors required to be the Recipient of an Access Permit or Test Permit on a generation site.

What if I only need to understand the role, not perform it?

You can complete the eLearning to a Work Ready (Provisional) level without progressing to full certification.

Are there any prerequisites for WA and Permit Recipients?

• Best practice experience:Ideally, a Recipient stepping into the StayLive WCP role will already have some exposure to the WCP system and the specific role function by participating as part of a work party. With this background, they arrive well-prepared and, after completing the eLearning, are considered Work Ready. The provisional period then acts as a consolidation stage, allowing them to reinforce and embed their foundational learning.
• Formal prerequisites: see below

Training & Certification

What are the two parts to the new WA and Permit certifications?

StayLive Work Authority Recipient Provisional (Work Ready): WA Recipient eLearning Module.

StayLive Work Authority Recipient Certified (Work Capable): Achieved through coaching on-the-job and an employer attestation.

StayLive Permit Recipient Provisional (Work Ready): Permit Recipient eLearning Module.

StayLive Permit Recipient Certified (Work Capable): Achieved through coaching on-the-job and an employer attestation.

Research shows that many individuals build on formal learning experiences once they’re on site and can engage with experienced staff such as local operators. This insight forms the foundation of the Work Capable / Provisional approach for StayLive WA and Permit Recipient certifications. 

What is Work Ready vs Work Capable?

The StayLive WCP competency pathways are aligned to the StayLive Training & Competency Guideline* and reflect the Work Ready / Work Capable format. 

Work Ready - Can demonstrate theory and knowledge 

Work Capable - Can demonstrate practical application of theory 

* /Site/staylive/guidelines/ 

What does it mean to be StayLive WA or Permit Recipient Provisional (work ready)?

WA or Permit Recipient Provisional means an employee has completed the required eLearning module(s) having demonstrated the associated process theory and knowledge.

The Provisional period supports application of learning in practice under general supervision.  

After completing the required eLearning, the individual may perform the relevant WCP Recipient role under general supervision of the Issuer and other experienced Recipients.

Their Provisional status is clear to the Issuer as they are certified StayLive WA or Permit Recipient Provisional (work ready). This remains in effect until they have been the Recipient of enough Work Authorities or Permits (a minimum of 3) within a 24-month period to demonstrate to their employer their capability to fulfill the responsibilities as a Recipient.

How does an individual transition from StayLive WA or Permit Recipient Provisional (work ready) to WA or Permit Recipient Certified (work capable)?

Following this Provisional period, they qualify for the Work Capable certification which is awarded on receipt of their employer Attestation to achieve StayLive WA or Permit Recipient Certified (work capable). 

What is meant by General Supervision and who is responsible for this?

EEA definition of General Supervision: Where the Work Party or Worker being supervised is under such control and direction to the extent necessary to ensure the work is carried out competently and while the work is being undertaken, all appropriate health and safety requirements are being implemented.​

It is the employer's responsibility to ensure the appropriate level of supervision is provided. This works best when a member of the work party is a competent Recipient and can provide it.

What does the WA Recipient eLearning cover?

The StayLive WA Recipient eLearning module introduces key concepts through scenario-based experiences and is the next best thing to on-the-job exposure. It covers:

• An overview of the Work Authority (WA) and the types of situations where it applies. 
• Understanding the WA as a minor works management – while recognising it does not equate to low risk. 
• How the WA Recipient also fulfils the role of Work Party Supervisor. 
• Roles and responsibilities of the WA Recipient. 
• The importance of collaboration and coordination between the WA Recipient and the Issuer. 
• Best practice for completing WA forms, including using common terms, describing equipment to be worked on, outlining the work to be done and identifying precautions. 
• Recipient applied safety measures (RASMs): what they are, when to apply them, and how they are used.  
• Isolation points and methods: how to describe them effectively and why selecting them in consultation with the Issuer is critical. 
• Using electrical and mechanical drawings to confirm isolation points. 
• Plant status controls, with examples of when and how to apply them. 
• Issuing and accepting the WA.  
• Managing work completion and close-out actions under the WA. 

What does the Permit Recipient eLearning cover?

The course introduces:

• When to use a Permit vs Work Authority
• Collaboration with the Issuer
• Verification of plant condition (IASMs)
• Responsibilities of the Permit Recipient
• Supervision and work party management
• Managing work, testing, and close-out under a Permit

Work Authority vs Permit

What's the difference between a Work Authority and a Permit?

Work Authorities are typically used for managing minor works where plant remains in service.

Permits are used where plant must be isolated and presented in a defined condition, requiring a higher level of control.

Do I need both Work Authority and Permit certifications?

This depends on your role. If you are required to act as both a Work Authority Recipient and a Permit Recipient, you will need to complete both certifications.

Implementation & Transition

How do we transition from the existing WA and Permit certifications (WAC and PHC) to the new ones?

Transition to the new StayLive WA Recipient certifications began December 2025 and from May 2026 Genesis, Meridian, Nova / Todd, Contact, and Mercury will be transitioning to the new StayLive Permit Recipient certifications and provide the means to do so:

1. All new or not-yet-competent individuals seeking to perform the WA or Permit Recipient role will be required to complete the new StayLive WCP Recipient pathways. These pathways comprise: 
   • eLearning (fundamental knowledge) – work ready 
   • Provisional period with supported field practice under general supervision 
   • Employer Attestationconfirming work capable 
2. For those currently certified and active Recipients under the existing WAC (Work Authority Certification) and PHC (Permit Holder Certificate), when the certification expires or within the organisation reset date, they will transition to the new pathway requirements (eLearning + Employer Attestation) to achieve the new StayLive WA or Permit Recipient (work capable) certification. 

   The new StayLive WA Recipient Certified will be recognised as equivalent to WAC and the StayLive Permit Certified as PHC at all sites if they have not yet transitioned.

Working in the Role

What are the expectations for Issuers and other field staff during the provisional period?

The Issuer is responsible for ensuring that the Recipient sufficiently understands the WA or Permit requirements to carry out the work and take on Recipient responsibilities whilst under general supervision. They already ask probing questions to gauge the Recipient’s capability and provide support as needed, so this ‘coaching’ role simply places more structure around what they are (and should be) doing.

The level of coaching and supervision required will depend on the Recipient’s prior experience and starting point. Though not always possible, best practice for a Recipient stepping into the role involves gaining exposure to the system and the Recipient function as part of a work party. In this scenario, they should present well-prepared and, having completed the eLearning, are Work Ready - already further along than under the previous provision. The provisional period then serves as a catch-all stage, giving Recipients the opportunity to consolidate and reinforce their foundational learning.

Are there insights from the pilot on how much time or effort is typically required during Recipient's 'provisional' on Issuers and field staff?

Timeframes varied widely, depending on factors such as the Recipient’s preparedness (e.g., prior experience as a work party member versus a first day on a generation site) and the complexity of the job. We anticipate that in the first few instances an Issuer supports a Recipient - taking extra time to check in and reference new materials - the sign-on could take an additional 15–30 minutes. However, this upfront investment and support is expected to deliver gains in overall work completion, through the Recipient’s improved clarity and ability to function more effectively in their role.

We also heard that, even under the current informal process, Issuers instinctively take extra time when a new Recipient presents to be the Recipient of a WA or Permit, to ensure they are clear on the process.

What are the expectations for Field Recipients providing Supervision during the provisional period?