Unlock Exclusive Access to Underground Assets as a CLO

What is a Certified Locating Organisation (CLO)?

A CLO is an organisation that has achieved CERTLOC certification by meeting specific criteria and recognised industry standards. CLO status is highly regarded by asset owners and utilities across Australia, who depend on certified professionals to deliver safe, accurate, and reliable locating services.
CLOs represent the highest level of professionalism in the locating industry — maintaining the required technical expertise, equipment, insurances, and permissions to perform underground utility locating safely and accurately. Each CLO employs at least one CERTLOC Certified Locator — the only locators authorised to access specific utility networks and perform locating to the highest industry standards.

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Certified Locating Organisation Benefits

Becoming a Certified Locating Organisation (CLO) offers many advantages for businesses involved in underground asset locating, excavation, and construction. Here are the main benefits:

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More Employment and Contract Opportunities

Critical underground infrastructure is complex and requires expertise to locate and protect. CLO status gives you an edge in winning work. Major projects, utility providers, and asset owners increasingly require the use of Certified Locators — and many contracts specify them in Duty of Care statements. Being a CLO shows you have the expertise and compliance client's demand.

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Exclusive Telstra
Network Access

Your Certified Locators gain exclusive access to Telstra’s pit and pipe network (including manholes). This means safer and more accurate locating of cables and plant. Access is covered by a formal agreement with CERTLOC, so you meet all Telstra requirements.

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Exclusive Optus
Network Data

CLOs who qualify as Optus Accredited Asset Locators (OAAL) gain exclusive access to Optus network maps and asset data. This allows for accurate, compliant, and reliable locating when working around Optus infrastructure.

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CERTLOC National Directory of CLOs

All CLOs who opt in are listed on the CERTLOC National Directory of CLOs, making it easier for new clients to find you. This trusted resource helps people connect with certified professionals they know they can rely on. The search function lists CLOs closest to the client’s dig site and is easily accessed through the CERTLOC website. BYDA include a link to the National Directory of CLOs with each plan enquiry through their referral service.  

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Client Assurance and 
Industry Recognition

Clients trust CLOs because they follow Australian standards, use industry-recognised locating and gas detection equipment, apply appropriate safety measures, and hold mandatory insurances. Achieving CLO certification builds your reputation as a professional, reliable organisation committed to quality and industry best practice. Utilities, asset owners, contractors, and local government recognise CLOs for safe, accurate, and compliant locating of subsurface utilities.

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Lower Risk on Every Job

Utilising your Certified Locators reduces the risk of costly utility strikes, injuries, fatalities, delays and disruptions for your clients. CLOs safeguard workers, communities, and utility assets by meeting strict safety and quality standards. This reduces legal, financial, and reputational risks.

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Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) Referral Service

In addition to the CERTLOC National Directory, CLOs can also choose to appear on the BYDA Referral Service, where they’re displayed by service areas. This listing gives your business visibility to anyone lodging a BYDA enquiry, including thousands of people planning excavation works.

The Certification Process

A CLO is an organisation that meets CERTLOC’s specific criteria and recognised industry standards -sought after by asset owners and utilities across Australia. CLOs employ at least one Certified Locator who has demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the location and marking of underground utilities and assets. 

CLO Certification Fee:
$200 + GST for each Certified Locator, for a 2-year term

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  • Before Applying

    Before starting the certification process, make sure you read the online Overview to understand the full requirements.
    To apply, your organisation must:

    • Hold a valid ABN.
    • Employ at least one CERTLOC Certified Locator.
    • Sign a formal certification agreement with CERTLOC LTD and pay a certification fee based on the number of Certified Locators in your team requiring utility pit and manhole access.
    • Hold current business insurances:
      • Public Liability ($10 million coverage) – public liability is mandatory
      • Professional Indemnity ($2 million coverage) – professional indemnity is mandatory
      • Workers’ Compensation/WorkCover – Government compulsory (Sole Traders and Partnerships are exempt from coverage).
    • Maintain all equipment on the CERTLOC Equipment List.
    Read Overview

  • Apply Online Up to 14 days

    Complete the online application form with your business details and pay the CLO Certification Fee. 
Once your application is received, our team will review the details, confirm any outstanding information, and prepare your CLO Certification Agreement and Telstra Deed Poll for signing. 

    Apply now

  • Sign and Upload Documents

    Upload your signed agreements, completed equipment self-audit, and current insurance certificates.

  • Complete Profile

    Set up your CLO profile for display on the CERTLOC website and the Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) Referral Service. Link your Certified Locator(s) to your CLO profile to finalise your listing.

  • Certification Valid for 2 years

    Organisations that successfully meet all CERTLOC requirements will be formally recognised as a CERTLOC Certified Locating Organisation (CLO). The CLO will receive a Statement of Certification, valid for two years from the certificate date, confirming the organisation’s capability, professionalism, and compliance with CERTLOC and utility network requirements.
    Certified Locating Organisations appear in the CERTLOC National Directory of CLOs and can also choose to be listed on the Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) Referral Service, helping clients find trusted, certified locating professionals.
    To help promote your business’s certified status, CERTLOC provides a CLO Partner Kit, which includes marketing materials to help you proudly display your organisations certified status to clients and industry partners. You will also be provided with CLO ID cards. To maintain certification, CLOs must keep business insurances current and ensure their Certified Locator(s) remain registered throughout the certification period.

Get CERTLOC Certified

Start your journey to become a Certified Locating Organisation (CLO) and join the network of trusted professionals recognised across Australia. When you’re ready, click Prepare Application below to begin your online application.

If you have any questions while preparing your application, Contact Us — our team is here to help.

Apply now

Our CLO Network

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Frequently Asked Questions

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A Certified Locating Organisation (CLO) is a locating company with properly certified employees who have access permissions to locate certain utilities assets, for example Telstra and Optus.

In addition to being a CERTLOC Certified Locator, locators need to be accredited with Optus to be able to access the Optus network. This is required to meet our legal and WHS requirements.
For all Optus Locator Accreditation enquiries please contact Peter Godschalk at [email protected]

To access the Telstra network for locating purposes, a CERTLOC Certified Locator needs to be registered with a Certified Locating Organisation.
Apart from Telstra and Optus, there are many other utilities that require only CERTLOC Certified Locators access their assets. Please contact us for a full list.

In order to become a CLO, you (the locating company) need to sign a formal agreement with CERTLOC Ltd – who administers the program on behalf of the Utility or Network provider:

  • Demonstrating that your certified locating team is appropriately skilled to identify whatever network type may be present onsite, i.e. they are CERTLOC Certified Locators.
  • That you are using up-to-date and properly calibrated asset location and gas detection equipment.
  • That you have the safety equipment to detect unsafe conditions and are able to deal with them.
  • That your company carries business insurance appropriate to plant location type work for the protection of your clients, the infrastructure and your business.

Download Application Form

Complete CLO Application Online

Download CLO Overview Document

Not sure what you need?

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CERTLOC LTD is ISO 9001 certified

CERTLOC is proud to have achieved ISO 9001 Certification of quality management system standards for the provision of the Certified Locator, Certified Locating Organisation Program, the delivery of the Pre-Excavation Management Course and Skills Development Program.

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