Queensland • Electrician

Electrician Licence Requirements in Queensland

Everything you need to know about electrician licensing in Queensland — 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 Queensland are issued and regulated by:

Electrical Safety Office Queensland

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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 Queensland. This is regulated by Electrical Safety Office Queensland. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Electrical Contractor Licence

Contract for and supervise electrical work

Electrical Mechanic Licence

Carry out general electrical installation work

Restricted Electrical Licence

Perform specific limited electrical tasks such as disconnect/reconnect air-conditioning

Requirements

To obtain a electrician licence in Queensland, you need:

  • Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • Electrical licence issued by the Electrical Safety Office
  • Contractor: additional business and supervisory qualifications
  • Public liability insurance

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $228 for electrical mechanic licence
Renewal Fee $228 annually
Renewal Period 1 year

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed electrical work in QLD carries fines up to $40,245 for individuals. Serious offences involving risk of death or injury can result in imprisonment up to 3 years.

Exemptions

A licence is not required for the following work in Queensland:

  • Replacing a light bulb or fluorescent tube (like-for-like)
  • Plugging in portable appliances
  • Replacing a fuse in a plug
  • Low-voltage extra-low-voltage work under 50V AC (e.g. doorbells, thermostats)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a electrician in Queensland?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out electrician work in Queensland. The licensing body is Electrical Safety Office Queensland. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a electrician licence cost in Queensland?
The application fee for a electrician licence in Queensland is $228 for electrical mechanic licence. Renewal costs $228 annually and must be renewed every 1 year. Additional costs may include public liability insurance and any required assessments.
What qualifications do I need to become a licensed electrician in Queensland?
To obtain a electrician licence in Queensland, you typically need: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; Electrical licence issued by the Electrical Safety Office. Check with Electrical Safety Office Queensland for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed electrician work in Queensland?
Unlicensed electrical work in QLD carries fines up to $40,245 for individuals. Serious offences involving risk of death or injury can result in imprisonment up to 3 years.
Can I use my Queensland electrician licence in other states?
Queensland 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:

New South Wales (NSW)
Victoria (VIC)
Western Australia (WA)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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