Your Complete Guide to Getting an RIW Card: Costs, Medicals, and the Process

If you’re planning a career in the Australian rail industry, you’ll almost certainly need an RIW card (Rail Industry Worker card). This card is your passport to working on rail networks across the country. It proves you’ve met the necessary safety and competency standards. But how do you get one? What are the costs? And what about those medical assessments? This guide breaks down everything you need to know.

What is an RIW Card?

The Rail Industry Worker (RIW) card, managed by [Metro Trains Australia] https://www.riw.net.au/contact-us, is a nationally recognised system for managing the health, safety, and competency of rail workers. It’s a physical card (and a digital version is available) that contains your photo, ID details, and a record of your:

• Competencies: The specific training and qualifications you hold (e.g., Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure, Safely Access the Rail Corridor).
• Medical Fitness: Confirmation that you’ve met the required medical standards for working in the rail environment.
• Work History (Optional): Some employers may use the RIW system to track work history.

The RIW card ensures that everyone working on the rail network has the necessary skills and is fit to work, creating a safer environment for all.

Who Needs an RIW Card?

Generally, anyone working on or near the rail corridor in Australia needs an RIW card. This includes:

• Track workers
• Train drivers
• Signalers
• Electricians
• Engineers
• Construction workers (working on rail projects)
• Maintenance personnel
• Security staff
• And many other roles…

Even if you’re only working on a rail project for a short time, you’ll likely need an RIW card.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your RIW Card:

Employer Sponsorship (Usually Required): In most cases, you’ll need to be employed or sponsored by a company that is registered with the RIW system. This is because the RIW card is linked to your employment and the specific roles you’ll be performing. Your employer will initiate the RIW application process. There are some circumstances where you can apply as an individual, but this is less common. Check with the RIW provider for details.

Create an RIW Account: Your employer will typically help you create an online account within the RIW system. This is where you’ll manage your personal information, upload documents, and track the progress of your application.

Find all the information here for your card as an Individual.

Getting Started for Rail Industry Workers : Rail Industry Worker Knowledge Centre

Complete the Application Form: You’ll need to provide personal details, including:

Full name

Date of birth

Address

Contact details

100 points of ID (see details below)

100 Points of ID: You’ll need to provide identification documents that total at least 100 points. Common documents include:

• Primary Document (with photo and signature):
  • Australian Passport (70 points)Australian Driver’s Licence (40 points + 25 if used as a secondary ID)Foreign Passport (70 points)
  Secondary Documents:
  • Medicare Card (25 points)Birth Certificate (25 points)Bank Card (25 points)Utility Bill (25 points)Other government-issued cards (check the RIW provider’s website for a full list and point values)

Important: Make sure your documents are current and valid. You’ll usually need to provide certified copies (signed by a Justice of the Peace or other authorized person).

Rail Industry Worker Medical:

 This is a crucial step. You’ll need to undergo a medical assessment to ensure you’re fit to work in the rail environment. There are different categories of medicals (Category 1, 2, and 3) depending on the specific risks associated with your role.

• Category 1: For workers performing safety-critical work with high vigilance requirements (e.g., train drivers, signalers). This is the most stringent medical.

• Category 2: For workers performing safety-critical work where sudden incapacity could impact safety, but lower vigilance requirements.

• Category 3: For workers whose duties have a direct impact on the safety of the network, but don’t involve safety-critical tasks.

Your employer will advise you on which category of medical you need. The medical assessment will be conducted by an Authorized Health Professional (AHP) registered with the RIW system. You can find a list of AHPs on the RIW provider’s website. The medical assessment typically includes:

• Medical history questionnaire

• Physical examination

• Vision test (including color vision)

• Hearing test

• Drug and alcohol screening

• Depending on the category, additional tests may be required (e.g., ECG, psychological assessment).

The National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers sets the requirements for these medicals. You can find this document online. Authorised Health Professionals – Rail Industry Worker

Upload Documents: You’ll need to upload scanned copies of your ID documents, medical assessment results, and any relevant training certificates to your RIW account.

Pay the Fees: There are fees associated with the RIW card. Your employer may cover these fees, or you may need to pay them yourself.

Application Review: The RIW provider will review your application and verify your documents.

Card Issuance: If your application is approved, your RIW card will be issued. You’ll receive a physical card, and a digital version will also be available through the RIW app.