How to Get Your Electrician’s Licence in Australia
Complete 2025 Guide
From apprenticeship to fully licensed electrician – your step-by-step pathway
Introduction
Becoming a licensed electrician in Australia is a rewarding career path that offers job security, excellent earning potential, and the opportunity to work independently. However, the pathway to licensure involves several steps and varies slightly by state.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process – from completing your apprenticeship to obtaining your full electrician’s licence and eventually becoming a registered electrical contractor.
Overview: The Path to Becoming a Licensed Electrician
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ APPRENTICESHIP │
│ 4 years: On-the-job training + TAFE/RTO │
│ Outcome: Certificate III in Electrotechnology │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
↓
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ STATE ASSESSMENTS │
│ VIC: LEA (LET + LEP + SWP) | NSW: VTRP + Experience │
│ QLD: Completion statement | Other states: Various │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
↓
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ELECTRICIAN’S LICENCE │
│ Apply to the state regulator with qualifications │
│ Outcome: Licensed to perform electrical work │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
↓
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR LICENCE (Optional) │
│ Additional requirements: Insurance, REC course, etc. │
│ Outcome: Run your own electrical business │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Step 1: Complete Your Electrical Apprenticeship
Duration
4 years full-time (can be shorter with recognition of prior learning)
What’s Involved
An electrical apprenticeship combines:
On-the-Job Training (80%)
- Working under a licensed electrician
- Practical experience in residential, commercial, and/or industrial settings
- Learning real-world skills and industry practices
Formal Education (20%)
- TAFE or private RTO classes
- Typically, one day per week or block release
- Theory, calculations, regulations
Qualification
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Current code: UEE30820
- Previous codes: UEE30811, UEE30807, UEE30806
This nationally recognised qualification covers:
- Electrical principles and theory
- Wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000)
- Safety practices
- Installation methods
- Testing and commissioning
Finding an Apprenticeship
- Group Training Organisations (GTOs) – They employ apprentices and place you with host employers
- Direct employment – Apply directly to electrical contractors
- Australian Apprenticeships Support Network – apprenticeshipsupport.com.au
- SEEK, Indeed, Jora – Job boards with apprenticeship listings
- Electrical contractor associations – NECA, Master Electricians
Apprentice Wages (2025)
| Year | Approximate Weekly Wage |
| 1st Year (Adult 21+) | $650 – $750 |
| 2nd Year (Adult 21+) | $750 – $850 |
| 3rd Year (Adult 21+) | $850 – $950 |
| 4th Year (Adult 21+) | $950 – $1,050 |
Junior rates are lower. Wages vary by award, employer, and location.
Step 2: State-Specific Requirements
Each state has additional requirements after completing your Certificate III. Here’s what you need in each jurisdiction:
New South Wales
Regulatory Body: NSW Fair Trading
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Certificate of Proficiency from the Vocational Training Review Panel (VTRP)
- Minimum 12 months of electrical wiring work experience
- Knowledge of AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules
Pathways:
Pathway A – Standard (most common):
- Complete Certificate III + VTRP Certificate
- 12 months of experience in residential/commercial/industrial
- Referee’s Statement from employer
Pathway B – Lapsed licence (within 5 years):
- Submit the current licence number
- May need Wiring Rules assessment
Pathway C – Lapsed licence (more than 5 years):
- Complete the TAFE Digital Re-Licensing course
- Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 assessment
How to Apply:
- Gather documentation
- Complete application via Service NSW
- Pay fee ($90 – $270 depending on licence duration)
- Receive a licence within 2-4 weeks
Licence Types:
- Qualified Supervisor Certificate – Supervise electrical work
- Contractor Licence (Endorsed) – Contract for electrical work
East Coast Recognition: QLD, VIC, and ACT electricians can work in NSW under the East Coast Electricians Scheme without applying for a separate NSW licence.
Victoria
Regulatory Body: Energy Safe Victoria (ESV)
Victoria has the most rigorous licensing assessment process in Australia.
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Pass the Licensed Electrician’s Assessment (LEA)
- 12 months of electrical installation work experience
- Employer support letter
The Licensed Electrician’s Assessment (LEA):
The LEA consists of THREE separate assessments:
| Assessment | Type | Duration | Pass Mark |
| LET (Licensed Electrician’s Theory) | Written exam | 2hr 15min | 75% |
| LEP (Licensed Electrician’s Practical) | Practical assessment | 3-4 hours | 75% |
| SWP (Safe Working Practice) | Practical assessment | 50 minutes | 75% |
LEA Content:
LET (Theory):
- AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules
- Electrical theory and calculations
- Safety regulations
- Installation standards
LEP (Practical):
- Design and connect the meter panel and switchboard
- Test the electrical installation
- Identify visual defects
- Reference defects to Australian Standards
SWP (Safe Working Practice):
- Safely isolate electrical equipment
- Disconnect and reconnect procedures
- Safe work practices
Assessment Venues:
- TAFE institutions
- Box Hill Institute
- Holmesglen
- The Gordon
- Future Energy Skills
- NECA Education & Careers
Cost: ~$350-500 for all three assessments
Preparation:
- Sample assessments available othe n ESV website
- LEP training courses available (3 days, ~$600-800)
- Study the current AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules
If You Fail:
- Results below 41%: Can reattempt immediately
- Results 41-74%: Must wait 14 days before reattempting
- Unlimited attempts allowed
How to Apply:
- Register on the ESVConnect portal
- Upload documentation:
- Certificate III transcript
- LEA result letters (LET, LEP, SWP)
- Employer support letter
- VRQA registration number
- Pay application fee (~$170-340)
- Receive a licence within 10 business days
Licence Types:
- Electrician’s Licence (A Grade) – Perform electrical work as an employee
- Supervised Worker’s Licence – Work under supervision while completing LEA
- Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) – Contract for electrical work
Queensland
Regulatory Body: Electrical Safety Office (WorkSafe Queensland)
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820)
- Completion statement from RTO and employer (DTET form ATF012)
- Current CPR certification
- Meet Queensland-specific requirements
Key Points:
- Queensland does NOT participate in Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR)
- Interstate workers must apply through traditional mutual recognition
- Completion statement confirms competency in the trade
How to Apply:
- Complete the application form
- Provide qualification evidence
- Provide a completion statement
- Pay fee
- Receive licence
Licence Types:
- Electrical Work Licence – Perform electrical work
- Electrical Contractor Licence – Contract for electrical work
Western Australia
Regulatory Body: Building and Energy (Electrical Licensing Board)
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Complete apprenticeship in WA or equivalent
- Australian police check (introduced December 2024)
- Meet the fit and proper person criteria
Training Licence: While completing your apprenticeship, you hold an Electrical Training Licence.
How to Apply:
- Complete the application form
- Provide qualification evidence
- Provide a police check (no older than 3 months)
- Pay fee
- Receive licence
Licence Types:
- Electrician’s Licence – Perform electrical installation and fitting work
- Electrician’s Licence (Fitting Only) – Fitting work only
- Electrical Contractor’s Licence (EC) – Contract for electrical work
For Contractor’s Licence:
- Hold current Electrician’s Licence
- Complete Electrical Contractor Training Program (ECTP)
- Hold public liability insurance
- Display EC number on all advertising
South Australia
Regulatory Body: Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Current CPR certification
- Registration with CBS
Licence Types:
- Electrical Worker Registration
- Electrical Contractor Licence
For Migrants: SA offers the Skilled Migrant Trade Recognition Pathway Program with funded gap training for those with an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR).
Tasmania
Regulatory Body: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Complete apprenticeship or equivalent
- Apply through CBOS
Provisional Licence: Available while completing requirements, must work under supervision.
Northern Territory
Regulatory Body: NT WorkSafe
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- NT-specific registration
- Apply through NT WorkSafe
Australian Capital Territory
Regulatory Body: Access Canberra
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Meet qualifications in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration
- Apply through Access Canberra
For International Workers:
- Unrestricted Permit Electrotechnology Systems (provisional)
- Complete Australian context gap training
- 12 months supervised work
- Then apply for a full licence
Step 3: Apply for Your Electrician’s Licence
Documentation Checklist
✅ Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (transcript/certificate)
✅ Completion of apprenticeship evidence
✅ State-specific assessments (e.g., LEA results for VIC)
✅ Certificate of Proficiency (NSW)
✅ Employer support letter / Referee’s statement
✅ Photo ID (passport, driver’s licence)
✅ CPR certification (where required)
✅ Police check (WA, some others)
✅ Passport-style photo (for licence card)
Application Process
- Gather all documentation
- Register on state portal (ESVConnect for VIC, Service NSW for NSW, etc.)
- Complete online application
- Upload supporting documents
- Pay the application fee
- Wait for processing (typically 10-20 business days)
- Receive a licence card
Fees by State (Approximate)
| State | Electrician’s Licence | Contractor Licence |
| NSW | $90 – $270 | $400 – $900 |
| VIC | $170 – $340 | $500 – $900 |
| QLD | $100 – $200 | $300 – $600 |
| WA | $150 – $300 | $400 – $800 |
| SA | $100 – $200 | $300 – $600 |
| TAS | $100 – $200 | $300 – $600 |
| NT | $100 – $200 | $300 – $600 |
| ACT | $100 – $200 | $300 – $600 |
Fees vary by licence duration (1, 3, or 5 years)
Step 4: Become an Electrical Contractor (Optional)
If you want to run your own electrical business, you’ll need a contractor’s licence.
Additional Requirements
| State | Requirement |
| NSW | Endorsed Contractor Licence application |
| VIC | REC registration + REC course + insurance |
| QLD | Electrical Contractor Licence + insurance |
| WA | Complete ECTP + insurance + EC registration |
| SA | Contractor licence + insurance |
| TAS | Contractor licence + insurance |
| NT | Contractor licence + insurance |
| ACT | Contractor licence + insurance |
Insurance Requirements
Public Liability Insurance:
- Minimum $5-20 million (varies by state)
- Protects against third-party claims
Professional Indemnity (some states):
- Protects against advice/design errors
Workers Compensation:
- Required if you employ staff
- Even as a sole trader, consider personal accident cover
REC Course (Victoria)
The Registered Electrical Contractors course covers:
- Business management
- Legal obligations
- Contract law
- Insurance requirements
- Supervision responsibilities
- Compliance requirements
Available through NECA, Master Electricians, and RTOs.
Business Setup
- Register your business name (ASIC)
- Obtain ABN (Australian Business Number)
- Register for GST (if turnover >$75,000)
- Set up an accounting system
- Get appropriate insurance
- Apply for a contractor licence
- Set up compliance systems (certificates, records)
For International Electricians
Skills Assessment
International electricians must have their skills assessed by:
- Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
- Through an approved RTO
Assessment outcomes:
- Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) – shows competencies achieved
- Identifies the gap in training required
Pathway to Licence
- Complete TRA skills assessment → OTSR
- Apply for a provisional/supervised licence in your state
- Complete Australian context gap training (10809NAT)
- Work under supervision (typically 12 months)
- Obtain Certificate III (after completing gap training)
- Pass state assessments (if applicable)
- Apply for a full licence
Gap Training
Australian Context Gap Training covers:
- Australian Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000)
- Australian regulations and standards
- Local installation practices
- Climate-specific requirements
Available through approved RTOs – typically 4-12 weeks.
Maintaining Your Licence
Renewal
| State | Renewal Period | CPD Required? |
| NSW | 1, 3, or 5 years | No formal CPD |
| VIC | 1, 3, or 5 years | Yes (CPD program) |
| QLD | 5 years | No formal CPD |
| WA | 3 years | No formal CPD |
| SA | Varies | No formal CPD |
| TAS | Varies | No formal CPD |
| NT | Varies | No formal CPD |
| ACT | Varies | No formal CPD |
Continuing Professional Development (Victoria)
Energy Safe Victoria requires CPD for licence renewal:
- Electrical Safety Units (ESUs) required
- Complete through approved providers
- Track on ESVConnect
Keeping Up to Date
Even without mandatory CPD, stay current by:
- Attending industry seminars
- Completing manufacturer training
- Reviewing updated standards
- Joining industry associations (NECA, Master Electricians)
Common Questions
Q: How long does it take to become a licensed electrician? A: Minimum 4 years for apprenticeship, plus time for state assessments and licence processing.
Q: Can I do a pre-apprenticeship? A: Yes – Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) provides foundation skills and may give you an advantage when applying for apprenticeships.
Q: What if I fail the LEA in Victoria? A: You can reattempt. Wait 14 days if you scored 41-74%, no wait if below 41%. There’s no limit to attempts.
Q: Can I use my interstate licence in another state? A: Through Automatic Mutual Recognition (except QLD) or traditional mutual recognition applications.
Q: How much do licensed electricians earn? A: Average $90,000-$110,000. Contractors and specialists can earn significantly more.
Q: Do I need insurance as an employee? A: Your employer’s insurance covers you. You need your own insurance only as a contractor.
Timeline Summary
| Milestone | Timeframe |
| Start apprenticeship | Day 1 |
| Complete Certificate III | 3-4 years |
| Complete state assessments | 4 years + 1-3 months |
| Obtain an electrician’s licence | 4 years + 2-4 months |
| Gain additional experience | 4+ years |
| Obtain a contractor licence | 5+ years |
| Start own business | When ready! |
Resources
National
- Trades Recognition Australia: tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au
- Australian Apprenticeships: apprenticeshipsupport.com.au
State Regulators
- NSW: fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
- VIC: energysafe.vic.gov.au
- QLD: worksafe.qld.gov.au
- WA: wa.gov.au/building-and-energy
- SA: sa.gov.au/cbs
- TAS: cbos.tas.gov.au
- NT: worksafe.nt.gov.au
- ACT: accesscanberra.act.gov.au
Industry Associations
- NECA: neca.asn.au
- Master Electricians: masterelectricians.com.au
Standards
- AS/NZS 3000: Wiring Rules (purchase from SAI Global)
Conclusion
Getting your electrician’s licence requires dedication, time, and meeting various requirements – but it’s worth it. Licensed electricians enjoy strong job security, excellent wages, and the option to run their own business eventually.
Focus on:
- Complete your apprenticeship thoroughly
- Prepare for state assessments (especially LEA in Victoria)
- Maintain accurate records of your experience
- Keep your licence current through renewals
- Consider contractor licensing when you’re ready
Your electrical licence is your passport to a rewarding career in one of Australia’s most essential trades.
Disclaimer: Requirements change regularly. Always verify current requirements with your state’s electrical licensing authority.