Understanding Electrical Licensing Requirements Across Australia

Your electrician hands you an invoice and leaves. But did they lodge the safety certificate? Is their licence unrestricted or restricted? And does their state licence actually cover the type of work they just performed on your home?

Electrical licensing in Australia is not a single national system. Each state and territory has its own electrical safety regulator, its own licence classes, its own supervision rules, and its own compliance certificate requirements. With over 5,100 active licensed electricians listed on TradieVerify in the ACT and data from other states being added regularly, understanding how electrical licensing works is the first step to protecting yourself and your property.

This guide breaks down electrical licensing requirements across all eight Australian jurisdictions so you know exactly what to check before you hire.

Why Electrical Licensing Exists

Electrical work kills. Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires in Australia, and electrical contact injuries can be fatal. Every state classifies electrical work as high-risk regulated work, meaning it is illegal for anyone without a current electrical licence to perform electrical work, whether for payment or not.

No DIY electrical work. Unlike plumbing or building, where some minor work is permitted without a licence, almost no electrical work can be legally performed by a homeowner. Changing a light globe or replacing a like-for-like power point cover plate is about as far as you can go. Everything else, from installing a ceiling fan to adding a power point, requires a licensed electrician.

National standard. All electrical work must comply with AS/NZS 3000:2018 (the Wiring Rules), regardless of which state you live in. The Wiring Rules set out minimum requirements for the design, construction, and verification of electrical installations.

Compliance certificates. After completing electrical work, a licensed electrician must issue a compliance certificate confirming the work meets Australian Standards. Without this certificate, you may face problems selling your home, making insurance claims, or passing building inspections.

You can verify any electrician’s licence on TradieVerify’s search page.

Restricted vs Unrestricted Electrical Licences

This is the most misunderstood aspect of electrical licensing in Australia. There are two broad licence categories, and the difference matters to every homeowner.

Unrestricted Licence

An unrestricted electrical licence allows the holder to perform all electrical installation work that is not otherwise prohibited by law. This is the full “qualified electrician” licence. Holders have completed a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820), served a four-year apprenticeship, accumulated thousands of supervised work hours, and passed their state’s licensing assessment.

In practical terms, an electrician with an unrestricted licence can wire a new house, upgrade a switchboard, install solar panels (with CEC accreditation), run three-phase power, and perform any residential, commercial, or industrial electrical work within their endorsement scope.

Restricted Licence

A restricted electrical licence limits the holder to a defined range of electrical tasks. These licences exist for tradespeople in adjacent fields, such as plumbers, air conditioning technicians, and refrigeration mechanics, who need to disconnect and reconnect electrical equipment as part of their primary trade work.

A plumber with a restricted electrical licence can disconnect a hot water system to replace it, then reconnect the new unit. They cannot rewire your kitchen, install new circuits, or do any electrical work beyond their restricted scope.

What this means for you: Always confirm whether your electrician holds an unrestricted licence before they start work. If someone quotes on a full rewire or switchboard upgrade, they need an unrestricted licence. A restricted licence is not enough for general electrical work.

The Apprenticeship Pathway

Every licensed electrician in Australia has completed a structured apprenticeship before receiving their licence.

Step 1: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820). The mandatory qualification, delivered through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or TAFE. Covers circuit theory, wiring rules, safety procedures, testing and verification, and the National Electricity Code.

Step 2: Four-year apprenticeship. The apprentice works under the supervision of a licensed electrician while attending block release or day release training at their RTO.

Step 3: Supervised work hours. Each state requires a minimum number of on-the-job hours, typically between 4,000 and 8,000 hours across the four years.

Step 4: State licensing assessment. After completing the apprenticeship, the candidate applies for their state electrical licence. Some states require a separate exam (QLD, ACT). Others accept the Certificate III completion as sufficient (VIC, NSW).

Step 5: Ongoing competency. Licensed electricians must renew their licence periodically (every one to five years depending on the state).

Supervision Requirements

Supervision of electrical apprentices is a safety-critical issue that has seen significant regulatory tightening in recent years. As a homeowner, this affects you because an improperly supervised apprentice working on your home creates real safety risks.

NSW (mandatory since September 2024). NSW introduced the most prescriptive supervision framework in Australia. Three levels apply:

• Direct supervision (1:1). The licensed electrician must be physically present at all times. Required for new, complex, or high-risk tasks.
• General supervision (1:3). Intermittent physical presence, with a maximum of three apprentices per licensed electrician.
• Broad supervision (1:5). Instruction-based with occasional contact, for experienced apprentices on routine tasks. Maximum five apprentices per supervisor.

Victoria (updated September 2025). Energy Safe Victoria now requires documented supervision arrangements for all apprentice electricians. Supervisors must assess the apprentice’s competency for each task and maintain supervision records.

Queensland. No prescribed ratios. Supervisors must use professional judgement based on the apprentice’s competency and the complexity of the task.

What this means for you: If an apprentice is working at your home, a licensed electrician must be supervising them. You can ask about the supervision arrangement and request the licensed electrician inspect completed work before you accept it.

Electrical Safety Certificates

After completing electrical work, your electrician must issue a compliance certificate. This is not optional. It is a legal requirement in every state, and failure to provide one is an offence. The certificate confirms the work has been tested and complies with AS/NZS 3000.

The certificate goes by different names in each state:

Victoria’s Prescribed vs Non-Prescribed System

Victoria is the only state that splits electrical work into two distinct categories for compliance purposes.

Prescribed work includes mains connections, switchboard installations, metering equipment, and earthing systems. After prescribed work is completed, the electrician lodges the COES with Energy Safe Victoria, and an ESV inspector may attend to verify the work. You should not use the electrical installation until the prescribed COES has been accepted.

Non-prescribed work covers routine tasks like installing power points, light fittings, safety switches, and general wiring. The electrician still lodges a COES, but no inspection is triggered. The work can be used immediately.

What this means for you: Always ask for your copy of the compliance certificate. If your electrician does not provide one, follow up immediately. You need this certificate for insurance claims, property sales, and building inspections.

State-by-State Electrical Licensing Guide

Each state has its own electrical safety regulator, separate from the building regulator that oversees trades like builders and plumbers.

Queensland (ESO / WorkSafe QLD)

Regulator: Electrical Safety Office (ESO) within WorkSafe QLD Building regulator for comparison: QBCC (covers builders, plumbers, but not electricians directly)

Queensland has six distinct licence classes for electrical workers:

Queensland also requires separate contractor licences (unrestricted or restricted) for businesses that contract electrical work.

Victoria (ESV)

Regulator: Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) Key licence types: A Grade Electrician’s Licence (AAE) for unrestricted work, Restricted Electrical Worker’s Licence (REL) for adjacent trades.

Victoria’s ESV is completely separate from the VBA, which regulates builders and plumbers. ESV manages all electrical licensing, safety certificates, and compliance inspections. The prescribed/non-prescribed COES system (described above) is unique to Victoria.

New South Wales (Fair Trading)

Regulator: NSW Fair Trading (Electrical Licensing division) Key licence types: Unrestricted Electrical Worker Licence (UEWL), Restricted Electrical Worker Licence (REL), Master Electrician Licence (MEL).

NSW uses a three-tier system. The UEWL covers all general electrical work. The REL covers specific tasks for adjacent trades. The MEL is the highest tier, allowing holders to supervise other electricians and certify complex installations. From March 2026, all CCEWs must be submitted digitally.

Western Australia (Building and Energy)

Regulator: Building and Energy WA (Energy Safety division within DEMIRS) Key licence types: Electrician’s Licence (unrestricted), Restricted Electrical Licence, Electrical Contractor’s Licence.

WA’s electrical licensing sits within the same department (DEMIRS) as building licensing but operates through a separate Energy Safety division.

South Australia (OTR)

Regulator: Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR), within the Department for Energy and Mining Key licence types: Licensed Electrician, Restricted Electrical Licence.

SA’s OTR is completely separate from Consumer and Business Services (CBS), which regulates builders. The OTR manages electrical licensing, gas fitting licensing, and plumbing licensing for technical safety matters.

ACT (Access Canberra)

Regulator: Access Canberra (Construction Occupations Registrar) Active electricians on TradieVerify: 5,115

The ACT is the only jurisdiction where TradieVerify currently has active electrician licence data. You can browse all 5,115 licensed electricians and verify their credentials directly.

Tasmania (CBOS)

Regulator: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) Key licence types: Electrician’s Licence, Restricted Electrical Licence.

CBOS handles both electrical and building regulation in Tasmania, unlike most other states where these are separate bodies.

Northern Territory (NT WorkSafe)

Regulator: NT WorkSafe (Electrical Safety Team) Key licence types: Licensed Electrician, Restricted Electrical Licence.

The NT requires general supervision ratios of 1:3 (Level 1) or 1:5 (Level 2) for apprentice electricians.

State-by-State Comparison Table

What Happens If You Use an Unlicensed Electrician

Using an unlicensed electrician creates legal consequences for the worker and practical consequences for you.

Penalties for unlicensed electrical work vary by state but are among the highest of any trade. Queensland penalties reach $71,610 for individuals. NSW penalties can reach $110,000 for companies. These penalties exist because unlicensed electrical work is not just illegal, it is genuinely life-threatening.

Consequences for you as the homeowner:

• No compliance certificate, which means no proof the work meets Australian Standards
• Your home insurance may refuse claims related to electrical faults from unlicensed work
• You may fail building inspections, delaying renovations or property sales
• No access to state dispute resolution or fair trading complaints processes
• If the work causes a fire or electrocution, you may face liability questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an unrestricted and restricted electrical licence?

An unrestricted licence allows the holder to perform all electrical installation work. This is the standard “qualified electrician” licence. A restricted licence limits the holder to specific tasks related to their primary trade. Plumbers, air conditioning technicians, and refrigeration mechanics commonly hold restricted electrical licences so they can disconnect and reconnect equipment. Always confirm your electrician holds an unrestricted licence for general electrical work.

Do electricians need a separate licence in each state?

Yes. Electrical licensing is state-based. A licence issued in Queensland does not automatically allow the holder to work in Victoria. Mutual recognition arrangements let electricians apply for equivalent licensing in other states without repeating their full apprenticeship, but they must be approved by the destination state’s regulator before starting work. The East Coast Electricians Scheme streamlines this process between NSW, QLD, and the ACT.

Should I receive a compliance certificate after electrical work?

Always. In every Australian state, your electrician must issue a compliance certificate (CCEW in NSW, COES in Victoria, ESC in QLD and WA, eCoC in SA) after completing electrical work. This is a legal requirement, not optional. The certificate confirms the work has been tested and meets AS/NZS 3000. If your electrician does not provide one, contact your state’s electrical safety regulator.

Can I do any electrical work myself?

Almost none. Changing a light globe, replacing a like-for-like power point cover plate (not the power point itself), and plugging in appliances are about the limit. Installing a ceiling fan, adding a power point, changing a light switch, or any work involving fixed wiring requires a licensed electrician.

How do I verify an electrician’s licence?

Ask for their licence number and search it on TradieVerify. You can browse licensed electricians by state, starting with the ACT where TradieVerify has 5,115 verified records. You can also verify directly with the state regulator: ESV (VIC), WorkSafe QLD (QLD), Fair Trading (NSW), Building and Energy (WA), Access Canberra (ACT).

What is prescribed electrical work in Victoria?

Prescribed electrical work covers high-risk installations: mains connections, switchboard work, metering equipment, and earthing systems. After prescribed work, the electrician lodges a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) with Energy Safe Victoria, and an ESV inspector may attend to verify the work. Non-prescribed work (power points, lighting, safety switches) still requires a COES but does not trigger an inspection. Victoria is the only state with this two-tier system.

Key Takeaways

• Electrical licensing is state-based. Each state has its own electrical safety regulator, separate from building regulators. There is no single national electrical licence (though national licensing reforms are in progress).
• Confirm unrestricted vs restricted. For general electrical work, your electrician must hold an unrestricted licence. Restricted licences only cover specific tasks for adjacent trades.
• Demand your compliance certificate. Your electrician must provide a safety certificate (CCEW, COES, ESC, or equivalent) after every job. This is a legal requirement.
• Understand supervision. If an apprentice is working on your home, a licensed electrician must be supervising them. NSW now mandates specific supervision ratios.
• Verify before you hire. Search for your electrician on TradieVerify or with the relevant state regulator before any work begins.

With over 5,100 licensed electricians verified in the ACT and data from additional states being added, finding a qualified electrician starts with a simple licence check. Search for a licensed electrician in your area on TradieVerify and verify their credentials before your next electrical project.

Related Guides

• How to Hire a Licensed Electrician — Our electrician hiring guide
• How to Check a Tradesperson’s Licence — Our licence verification guide
• How Much Does Electrical Rewiring Cost? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide — Our electrical rewiring costs

Sources

1. Energy Safe Victoria: Electrical Licensing and Certificates of Electrical Safety, https://www.energysafe.vic.gov.au/
2. WorkSafe QLD: Electrical Safety Office and Classes of Electrical Licences, https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/
3. NSW Fair Trading: Electrical Compliance Requirements and CCEW, https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/
4. NSW Government: Supervision Practice Standard for Licensed Electricians (September 2024), https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/compliance-and-regulation/electricians/supervision-practice-standard-for-licensed-electricians-supervising-apprentices
5. Building and Energy WA: Electrical Licensing and Safety Certificates, https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy
6. SA Office of the Technical Regulator: Electrical Trades Licensing, https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/industry/regulatory-services/office-of-the-technical-regulator/electrical-trades
7. Access Canberra: Construction Occupations Licensing, https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/
8. Standards Australia: AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules, https://www.standards.org.au/