New South Wales • Electrician

Electrician Licence Requirements in New South Wales

Everything you need to know about electrician licensing in New South Wales — qualifications, costs, the licensing body, available licence types, and penalties for unlicensed work. Updated for the 2025–2026 financial year.

Licensing Body

Electrician licences in New South Wales are issued and regulated by:

NSW Fair Trading

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Do You Need a Licence?

Yes — a licence is required

You must hold a valid licence to carry out electrician work in New South Wales. This is regulated by NSW Fair Trading. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Electrical Contractor Licence

Contract for and supervise electrical work in NSW

Qualified Supervisor Certificate — Electrical

Supervise electrical work carried out under a contractor licence

Electrician Tradesperson Certificate

Carry out electrical work under a contractor

Requirements

To obtain a electrician licence in New South Wales, you need:

  • Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • NSW electrical licence from Fair Trading
  • Contractor: Home Building Compensation Fund cover for residential work over $20,000
  • Public liability insurance

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $388 for 1-year contractor licence
Renewal Fee $388 per year or $959 for 3 years
Renewal Period 1 or 3 years

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed electrical work in NSW can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals and $330,000 for corporations. Dangerous electrical work can also lead to imprisonment.

Exemptions

A licence is not required for the following work in New South Wales:

  • Replacing a light bulb or starter (like-for-like)
  • Plugging in portable electrical appliances
  • Replacing a plug-in fuse
  • Extra-low-voltage work under 50V AC (e.g. doorbells)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a electrician in New South Wales?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out electrician work in New South Wales. The licensing body is NSW Fair Trading. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a electrician licence cost in New South Wales?
The application fee for a electrician licence in New South Wales is $388 for 1-year contractor licence. Renewal costs $388 per year or $959 for 3 years and must be renewed every 1 or 3 years. Additional costs may include public liability insurance and any required assessments.
What qualifications do I need to become a licensed electrician in New South Wales?
To obtain a electrician licence in New South Wales, you typically need: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; NSW electrical licence from Fair Trading. Check with NSW Fair Trading for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed electrician work in New South Wales?
Unlicensed electrical work in NSW can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals and $330,000 for corporations. Dangerous electrical work can also lead to imprisonment.
Can I use my New South Wales electrician licence in other states?
New South Wales electrician licences are not automatically valid in other states. However, Australia's Mutual Recognition Act allows you to apply for an equivalent licence in another state through a streamlined process. You'll still need to lodge an application and may need to meet additional local requirements.

Compare Electrician Requirements in Other States

Licence requirements vary between states. Compare electrician requirements across Australia:

Queensland (QLD)
Victoria (VIC)
Western Australia (WA)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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