If you fail the self-assessment we recommend further training and/or further work experience in the field prior to attempting the re-assessment.

No, use of Ground Penetrating Radar is not currently part of assessment or certification.

Electromagnetic location techniques are used by all Locator's for tracing both conductive and non-conductive underground services. Although more commonplace now, GPR is locating method that is used by smaller group of Locator's. Skills with GPR is not necessary to demonstrate competence as a Locator.

GPR is another technique that a locator may utilise in certain conditions.

An Assessor must have:

1. a minimum of 5 years (full time equivalent) experience in locating underground assets/utilities, including pipe and cable networks, since entering the industry;
2. a high level of knowledge and skills (both theoretical and practical) in locating underground assets/utilities, including pipe and cable networks;
3. a genuine interest in and commitment to the quality of locating in New Zealand;
4. strong support for beforeUdig and its Locator certification process;
5. at least two high level industry referees or nominators;
6. NZQA Workplace Assessors Qualification or recognised equivalent
7. hold a current beforeUdig Locator Certification

beforeUdig is not a regulatory body and therefore cannot require the use of Certified Locators. The beforeUdig Locator brand will be recognised in the industry in the near future. Only beforeUdig Certified Locators can use the beforeUdig Certified logo and will be issued with an ID card. If asset owners or clients specify that beforeUdig certified locators must be used and they aren’t, then the damages may be deemed negligent by the asset owner in regards to damage cost liability.

Applicable prior learning is essential to be able to pass the assessment. The assessment does not specify which particular prior learning is applicable to be able to pass the assessment. This is largely because beforeUdig cannot retrospectively determine whether the various courses run in the past are suitable or were delivered to meet current certification assessment requirements.

The assessment is on a locator’s competency and does not differ between rural and city locators.

The certification covers the main locating techniques that are common to locating a broad range of underground services including communications, power, water etc. Further details on topics covered can be found in the self-assessment.

The certification does not give permission to locate or access underground assets. Permission needs to be sought from asset owners. It is planned that asset owners will in time also require beforeUdig locator certification for any Locator working around their infrastructure.

It is necessary for the assessor to be a locator and have relevant locating experience. However, beforeUdig endeavours to avoid any conflict of interest where possible, by allocating assessors that may not be in direct competition to the participants. The assessment is a rigorous and well documented process based on technical application. If a participant fails then the cause of that failure will be documented and available for the participant to review.

Yes, a locator has to be able use the methods prescribed to locate fibre optic cables in order to pass the assessment. Fibre location is required, because fibre is now a common in ground asset installed across New Zealand by many different asset owners.

The certification is suitable for all experienced locators or contractors that locate assets on the job. If ground breaking is occurring as a regular part of your business it may be more practical and cheaper to have your own staff certified rather than engaging an outside company.

Engaging a certified locator offers assurance that the locator has passed a rigorous assessment, has been deemed competent, and has the appropriate equipment. They should also be able to meet your duty of care when excavating, especially if an asset owner has specified the use of a certified locator in locating its assets.

There is no guarantee that use of a certified locator won’t result in any damage. The beforeUdig certification is currently the most rigorous and only fully independent competency assessment for locators in New Zealand.

The practical assessments are carried out by beforeUdig approved assessors.

The work experience itself cannot be proven; however, it is unlikely that an inexperienced locator will be able to pass the practical assessment.

There is no insurance requirement to become beforeUdig certified. It is highly recommended and may be a requirement of some clients.

Any known damages or incidents involving a beforeUdig certified locator will be investigated (within legal boundaries) and if a beforeUdig Certified locator is shown to have contributed to the damage due to negligence then appropriate action will be taken where possible. Depending on the circumstance this may include having beforeUdig Certification withdrawn.

The initial certification is valid for two years.

The theory component is undertaken online and takes approximately 45-60 minutes. The practical assessments take about 1.5 to 2 hours, however as more asset owners endorse this course there is potential for the assessment to take a longer duration. The practical assessments will be grouped by region depending in the number of participants. beforeUdig will endeavour to arrange practical assessments in a timely manner.

The UALL course offers a good foundation for new locators and focuses on theoretical knowledge. It is recommended that new or inexperienced locators seek further face-to-face training before enrolling in the beforeUdig certification.

For people new to the industry we recommend to start with the Utility Advanced Line Locating online course with Locate Management and then seek further face-to-face training with an approved training provider.

Currently a list of certified locators will not be sent out with the beforeUdig Enquiry Confirmation Sheet, however Certified Locators will be listed on the beforeUdig website.

beforeUdig is in discussions with further asset owners.

beforeUdig has made the recommended RTOs aware of the content covered in the assessment to ensure the courses are relevant.

Locators that fail the assessment (and do not re-attempt) are not prohibited from practicing their trade. It does not limit them from locating but they cannot represent themselves as certified.

The assessments have been designed by a group of subject matter experts from both New Zealand and Australia.

Asset owners have the right to determine their own requirements. beforeUdig’s aim is to have more asset owners adopt the certification as requirement for locators.

The current certification has been designed to incorporate the three core asset type location techniques. It is expected that some asset owners may have additional requirements that in the future will be included in the assessment itself or alternately provided separately by the asset owner. Until other asset owners come on board specific requirements in addition to the existing have not been quantified.

There is a benefit for locator information to be provided when beforeUdig enquiries are made and this is being discussed. See earlier question

Once asset owners have adopted the certification, further modules may be added to the assessment. beforeUdig does not envision that certified locators will need to be re-assessed prior to their renewal date.

beforeUdig will be communicating with the Civil Contractors NZ to raise awareness amongst contractors. It is the overall aim to have certified locators on all dig sites.

No, the assessors do not assess their own employees.

{slider Is the UALL online course relevant for New Zealand locators?}

The UALL online course develops knowledge and skills associated with locating underground utilities. Whilst the terminology may differ on a few occasions, the course is relevant for New Zealand locators as basic locating techniques do not differ around the world.

The practical assessments are held at a location determined by the assessor that is convenient for all participants.

The exact renewal process is yet to be determined. Depending on asset owners’ requirements it is likely that there will be a re-assessment, but not to the extent and costs as the initial assessment.

A new locator would probably need practical experience in conjunction with a training course, in order to pass the practical assessment but it is not mandatory.

During the assessment it will be evident whether the participant has had sufficient experience. An inexperienced locator is unlikely to pass the practical assessment.

The certification verifies an individual’s competence to locate underground assets.

The assessor can also work as a locator. beforeUdig is trying to avoid conflicts of interest by not having an assessor assess locators in his home market.

The locator must have access to and be fully proficient with the required equipment, but does not necessarily have to own it.

New Zealand currently has no standard related to the recording and communication of information about located underground services and assets. Although several guideline documents exist in New Zealand, the 2002 OSH Guide for Safety with Underground Services is the only government issued document.

AS5488 defines a set of Quality Levels (A-D) that help communicate the level of confidence associated with the location and tracing of an underground service. It is an integral part of a best practice approach to locating. Knowledge of AS5488 is a mandatory requirement of the Australian DBYD Locator Certification assessment.

In preparing for the beforeUdig Locator Certification, you should be familiar with the quality levels defined in AS5488. You will be asked about them in the theory and practical assessments.