In this section:
On this page:
1. The Application Process
Q. How do I find out what evidence is required for registration?
A. Read the website pages on registration, the ‘Simple Guide to Registration’ and the registration checklists.
Q. How do I find out what evidence is required for re-registration?
A. Read the website pages on re-registration, the ‘Guide to Re-registration’ and the Re-registration tables.
Q. What happens once my application has been submitted?
A. The following process is completed for all NOLRS applications:
- An email acknowledging receipt of the application will be sent.
- Payment is processed.
- The NOLRS administrator will check the application to ensure all the required evidence has been provided and documents have been certified or verified.
- The NOLRS administrator will email the applicant if further evidence/information is required.
- Once all evidence has been received and checked, the NOLRS administrator will contact some of the verifying contacts to confirm the logbooks are correct.
- The NOLRS administrator will send an acceptance email with an attached letter confirming the approved registration categories and the expiry date of the registration.
- The NOLRS administrator will send the NOLRS card via post.
Q. How long will the NOLRS application process take?
A. If all the required evidence is submitted, applications should be finalised within 3 weeks. Applications are valid for 3 months from the date they are received by the NOLRS administrator.
Q. When will my application expire?
A. Applications are valid for 3 months from the date they are received by the NOLRS administrator. If all evidence has not been received in the 3 month period the application will be closed and the applicant will have to re-apply.
Q. How long does my registration last?
A. Registration is for a 3 year period. The NOLRS administrator will send a reminder email 3 months before your registration is due to expire. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure their email address on the NOLRS database is up to date.
Q. If my registration has expired can I still re-register?
A. There is a 3 month grace period, during which, you can continue to re-register for the same fee. If you wish to re-register after the 3 month grace period there is an additional cost. If your NOLRS card has been expired for more than 12 months you must complete the registration process again to re-register.
Q. Is my NOLRS registration still valid in the grace period?
A. No, but you are still able to re-register.
2. Registration Fees
Q. If my application is unsuccessful, will the application fee be refunded?
A. No, payment is processed on application and not on approval of your registration. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they have all the required evidence before applying. If you are unsure if you will meet the requirements please contact the NOLRS administrator.
Q. Who is entitled to the reduced member fees?
A. The member fee applies to individuals who are members of any organisation which is a member of the OCA (please refer to OCA Members). Proof of membership must be submitted at time of application.
3. Logbooks
Q. What is the difference between a guide and an instructor?
A. The definitions of Guide and Instructor for NOLRS are taken directly from the training package. They are:
- Guiding – It requires technical knowledge of the outdoor recreation activity to be transferred to allow individuals to safely participate in the outdoor activity. It does not provide the skills and knowledge to impart the required level of technical knowledge and expertise to allow participants to independently undertake outdoor recreation activities.
- Instructing – An instructor has the skills, knowledge and experience to facilitate skill transfer or development to clients in order that they may participate independently (or with minimal supervision) in outdoor activities.
Q. If I have just completed a qualification through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) do I need to provide logbook evidence of currency?
A. Yes, all new registrations need to meet the currency requirements.
4. Certified and Verifiable Documents
Q. Which documents need to be certified?
A. All required evidence except documents that are the work of the applicant, e.g. logbooks and re-registration tables.
Q. How do I certify a document?
A. Certified under the NOLRS means a copy of the document has to be signed by somebody from the Australian Government’s Statutory Declaration Signatory List. Each document needs to include the signatory’s name, signature, occupation and acknowledgement that they have sighted the original.
Q. Which documents need to be verifiable?
A. All logbook entries must be verifiable.
Q. What is a verifiable logbook?
A. Verifiable log books must include a verifying contact name and contact number for each of the log book entries. This person is ideally a supervisor or manager and must be able to confirm the details of the session including the role of the leader. A land manager permit or similar evidence may be used in some circumstances.