Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Quarry Management Certification System (QMCS)?

The QMCS has been established to provide professional recognition for supervisors and managers in the quarry industry and to encourage a national approach to, and the maintenance of standards of competence and ethics or behaviour; it provides recognition of members’ commitment to those standards. 

For further information go to The Institute’s Quarry Management Certification System

Why was the Quarry Management Certification System established?

The Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) is the professional body for quarrying and related industries and has had as a long-term aim the establishment of a system of professional recognition for individuals in the industry. 

The Institute also encourages and supports its members and others in the industry to maintain and improve their knowledge and skills and sees its national system of professional recognition as being a cornerstone of this objective.  To this end The Institute has also worked with industry and the Industry Skills Council to develop nationally recognised qualifications for quarry employees. 

For further information go to Reasons for the Institute establishing the QMCS.

What are the benefits of QMCS recognition?

Most people currently working in, or having worked in quarry supervision and management positions should be eligible for CP (Certified Practicing) status.  It is granted after rigorous process by your peers that you have specified knowledge and skills and experience in supervising or managing quarrying and related operations.  It is also a reflection on you that you uphold certain standards of conduct and a commitment to maintaining your knowledge and skills. 

Many individuals who are not currently working on quarry sites would be eligible due to their prior experience and knowledge and skills.  Having QMCS recognition should be advantageous even if you’re no longer working in a quarry.

For further information go to Benefits of QMCS recognition

What are the requirements for gaining QMCS recognition?

The safe, effective and efficient control of extractive industries operations requires the input, supervision and management by personnel with a range of competencies and experience The Institute has established, initially, two (2) grades of certification:

  • Certified Practicing Quarry Supervisor (CPQS)
    This level is intended for the individual who is responsible for the day-to-day operational supervision of an extractive industry site.  In some cases a supervisor may run the whole site, while in other cases they may only be responsible for certain aspects of the operation (see more details below).

  • Certified Practicing Quarry Manager (CPQM)
    This level is intended for the person who is responsible for the on-going operational management of a larger or more complex site or group of sites.

  • Sites using explosives
    The existing regulatory system in some jurisdictions differentiates between those permitted to manage sites with or without explosives. The Institute’s certification system similarly differentiates between those who have the necessary competence and experience to supervise or manage quarry operations that involve the use of explosives and those that do not.

For further information go to Requirements for gaining QMCS recognition

Am I eligible for QMCS recognition?

Most people currently working in, or having worked in, quarry supervision and management positions should be eligible for CP (Certified Practicing) status.  It is granted after rigorous process by your peers that you have specified knowledge and skills and experience in supervising or managing quarrying and related operations.  It is also a reflection on you that you uphold certain standards of conduct and a commitment to maintaining your knowledge and skills.

Many individuals who are not currently working on quarry sites would be eligible due to their prior experience and knowledge and skills.  Having QMCS recognition should be advantageous even if you’re no longer working in a quarry.

For further information go to Eligibility for QMCS recognition

What are the basic steps in gaining & maintaining CP status?

A Flowchart describes the basic steps in gaining and maintaining CP status.

How do I gain QMCS recognition?

A summary Checklist is provided to help you check that you have completed all of the necessary requirements for gaining CP status.

What is The Institute’s Code of Conduct?

An essential requirement of all professional certification systems is their professional ethical standards and the commitment to those standards by those seeking to obtain and maintain that professional certification.

These ethical standards are codified into a formal Code of Conduct of The Institute, and are the means by which The Institute applies discipline to the behavior of its members. 

This is the main reason that the system is available only to Institute (or affiliated Institute) members. 

For further information, go to The Institute’s Code of Conduct

Can you give me examples of On-going Professional Development (OPD)?

You must keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date as well as your practice and experience.

Professional bodies have, for some time, encouraged members to take part in and record activities related to their On-going Professional Development (OPD).  OPD comprises knowledge, skills, practice and experience maintenance.  The Institute supports this and has included it as an essential requirement of gaining and maintaining of CP (Certified Practicing) status.

The Institute’s Professional Development Program (PDP) includes some courses that will allow people to fulfill their OPD needs.  This is particularly so in the area of knowledge and skills maintenance.  Practice or experience maintenance is also required.  For further information go to Examples of On-going Professional Development (OPD)

Is there an audit to make sure I maintain my OPD?

Every year, the CP Board will select a statistically representative random sample from amongst the registered Certified Practitioners and subject their OPD logbooks to review and/or audit.  An audited Certified Practitioner must provide any information that the CP Board may consider necessary.  The Board is not expecting lengthy documentation, but will want to examine:

  • details of recent experience; and
  • records of OPD activities over the past three years

A Certified Practitioner who, in the Board’s opinion, has not fulfilled the requirements of the Rules may be suspended or removed from the Register of Certified Practitioners, and this will be done with natural justice and equity; the individual will be given the opportunity to state their case.  The CP Board may be guided by The Institute’s Australian Council, especially as regards any appeal or disciplinary action. For further information, go to our audits page.

Can I appeal against decisions made?

An appeal against any decision by the Certified Practicing (CP) Board can be made to The Institute’s Australian Council. 

The person making the appeal will be given an opportunity to state their case to that Council, who will also consider any report coming from the CP Board.  The Council’s decision is final.

A fresh application for CP status cannot be made until after twelve months from the decision.

Can I view the Rules of the CP Board?

Yes, the Rules are available for download here in pdf format.



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