Electrical licensing

Electrical work is defined in the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 and means work on electrical machines or instruments, on an electrical installation or on electrical appliances or equipment to which electricity is supplied or intended to be supplied, at a nominal pressure exceeding 50 volts alternating current or 120 volts direct current, whether or not the thing on which the work is being performed is part of, or is connected to or to be connected to, any distribution works or private generating plant and, where work is performed on any appliance, whether or not electricity is supplied or may be supplied thereto through an electric plug socket or socket outlet.

Only licensed electricians can do electrical installation work because unsafe installations can be very dangerous even if they seem to work fine. For example, an electrical system might run for years without problems, but if something goes wrong, a missing safety feature could lead to serious harm.

To keep people safe, Western Australia requires electricians to be licensed under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991. Only those who meet strict competency standards can get a licence, and there are rules in place to make sure they stay qualified. If someone breaks the rules, they can be:

• Taken to court
• Lose their licence
• Have restrictions placed on their licence

Electrical work must be done by a licensed contractor, who must employ licensed electricians. Some electricians are licensed for all electrical work, while others may be limited to just electrical fitting.

Contractors must display their licence number (starting with “EC”) on all business materials like ads, vehicles, and business cards. They don’t get a plastic card but must display a Certificate of Registration at their main office.

To apply for an electrician’s licence, you must:

• Be a fit and proper person (including a recent police check).
• Have successfully completed an approved apprenticeship, course or skills training program, VET course or training and practical experience equivalent to an apprenticeship.
• Have the required experience or training for the type of work to be carried out under the licence.
• Have passed all required examinations or assessments.
• Satisfy the board that you have been assessed as satisfactory in relation to safety issues.

• Applications can be submitted online or via paper forms.
• You must provide proof of identity, qualifications, and any required assessments.
• Mutual recognition is available for licensed individuals from other Australian states or New Zealand.

Current processing times are 6-8 weeks for a licence to be issued. You will receive email confirmation when your licence is granted. 

• Electricians are typically licensed for up to 5 years.
• You can renew your licence 90 days before expiry until up to 30 days after expiry.

You licence will need renewing every 5 years. Courtesy renewal reminder notices are now only sent by email.

• Two and one months before expiry, a renewal reminder will be sent to you by email.
• On expiry, a final email will be sent, advising of any late lodgement processes that may apply.

Ensure your contact details are up to date to receive courtesy renewal reminders. 

You can apply for a copy of your electrical licence, permit or certificate of registration online. A replacement fee does apply.

You need:

• Your licence number
• Access to the email or mobile phone number registered with the Department

Apply Online

If you are unable to apply online, you can apply in person or via post.

• Lost or stolen electrical licence R071A – for Individuals (Electrical)
• Lost or stolen electrical licence R071B – Company/body corporate (Electrical)

You can cancel a licence:

• Online
• OR by complete application form and lodge in person or via post:
  • Individual: Lost or stolen electrical licence R071A
  • Company / Body Corporate: Lost or stolen electrical licence R071B