South Australia • Electrician

Electrician Licence Requirements in South Australia

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

Office of the Technical Regulator SA

Visit official website

Do You Need a Licence?

Yes — a licence is required

You must hold a valid licence to carry out electrician work in South Australia. This is regulated by Office of the Technical Regulator SA. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Electrical Contractor Licence

Contract to carry out electrical work in SA

Electrical Worker Licence

Carry out electrical work under a contractor

Restricted Electrical Licence

Limited to specific types of electrical work (e.g. disconnect/reconnect)

Requirements

To obtain a electrician licence in South Australia, you need:

  • Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • SA Office of the Technical Regulator electrical licence
  • Contractor: additional business qualifications and experience
  • Public liability insurance

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $310 for electrical worker licence
Renewal Fee $310 annually
Renewal Period 1 year

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed electrical work in SA carries fines up to $50,000 for individuals. The Technical Regulator can also issue compliance orders, prohibition notices, and cancel licences.

Exemptions

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a electrician in South Australia?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out electrician work in South Australia. The licensing body is Office of the Technical Regulator SA. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a electrician licence cost in South Australia?
The application fee for a electrician licence in South Australia is $310 for electrical worker licence. Renewal costs $310 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 South Australia?
To obtain a electrician licence in South Australia, you typically need: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; SA Office of the Technical Regulator electrical licence. Check with Office of the Technical Regulator SA for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed electrician work in South Australia?
Unlicensed electrical work in SA carries fines up to $50,000 for individuals. The Technical Regulator can also issue compliance orders, prohibition notices, and cancel licences.
Can I use my South Australia electrician licence in other states?
South Australia 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)
New South Wales (NSW)
Victoria (VIC)
Western Australia (WA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

Ready to verify a electrician?

Check any electrician's licence status in South Australia instantly. Free and sourced from official registers.

Check a Licence