To perform specific types of licensed electrical work, you must hold the relevant electrical licence.

Electrical mechanic licence/open electrical work licence

An electrical mechanic licence authorises all electrical work such as:

• installing or changing an overhead electrical line
• installing electrical wiring
• repairing any electrical equipment.

Electrical linesperson licence

An electrical linesperson licence allows you to perform all electric line work such as:

• building or maintaining an overhead electric line
• building or maintaining an underground electric line
• testing of overhead electric lines.

Electrical fitter licence

An electrical fitter licence allows you to perform electrical equipment work such as:

• rewinding and repairing an electric motor
• building and assembling a switchboard
• maintaining/repairing electrical equipment.

Electrical jointer licence

An electrical jointer licence allows you to perform electrical equipment work such as:

• limited specialist installing, jointing and terminating of electrical cables

• work relating to electrical cables and equipment such as jointing and terminating a high voltage cable.

Restricted electrical work licence

The restricted electrical work licence limits you to specific electrical work associated with a trade or calling. For example, a refrigeration mechanic requires a restricted electrical licence to work on electrical equipment of refrigeration systems.

Electrical work training permit

This is a training licence that allows electrical work to be performed under specified conditions while being trained.

Also consider...

• Find out the type of electrical licence a person or a company holds and whether it is current using the electrical licence holder search.
• Learn more about electrical work licences at the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS).

Electrical work licence for apprentices

If you have electrical apprentices nearing completion, you should ensure they transition to licensed status if continuing to perform electrical work under your employment. If you have a worker that has completed their apprenticeship you can apply by completing an application for an electrical work licence for apprentices.

Electrical work licence for permit holders

An electrical work training permit allows eligible persons to undertake training to achieve competency in electrical work necessary to meet the eligibility requirements for an electrical work licence.

Permit holders may need to complete a structured on-the-job and off-the-job training program coordinated by a supervising registered training organisation. If you are a training permit holder and have completed your training, you will need to apply for an electrical licence by completing an application for electrical work licence (permit holders).

Electrical work licence/permit (other than apprentice)

An electrical work training permit allows an eligible person to train and gain the experience necessary to meet the eligibility requirements for an electrical work licence.

Permit holders may need to complete a structured on-the-job training program coordinated by a supervising Registered Training Organisation.

An electrical work training permit is issued for 1 year.

You can hold an electrical work training permit if you:

• have completed the term of an electrical apprenticeship but have not completed the required training
• are eligible for a restricted electrical licence and who need on job experience under supervision
• are eligible to train for an additional licence endorsement.

To apply, you must complete an application for electrical work licence (other than apprentice).

Also consider...

• For an Electrical Work Training Permit summary visit the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS).
• Find more information about safety in the electricity industry.

A restricted electrical work licence authorises the holder to do electrical work linked to or for the purposes of their trade or calling. It is subject to restrictions or conditions as specified on the licence.

A restricted electrical work licence does not authorise the holder of the licence to carry out installation work. Restricted electrical licences apply to specific work area categories. For more information on restricted electrical work licences, read the electrical licensing eligibility guide (PDF, 432KB).

To apply for a restricted electrical licence, submit an application for a restricted electrical work licence/permit (other than an apprentice). An application fee applies.

Also consider...

• Find more information about safety in the electrical industry.

External licence equivalents

If you hold an external equivalent unrestricted electrical licence from any Australian jurisdiction or New Zealand, you can be employed in Queensland as an electrical mechanic (electrician), without getting a Queensland licence.

If you hold an external equivalent to a Queensland electrical fitter licence from any Australian jurisdiction or New Zealand, you can be employed in Queensland as an electrical fitter. At present, the 2 Australian jurisdictions with licences equivalent to the Queensland electrical fitter licence are the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Interstate and New Zealand applicants (mutual recognition)

If you hold an electrical licence issued in any Australian jurisdiction or New Zealand, you may be eligible for the issue of a Queensland licence that authorises an equivalent scope of work.

Also consider...

• Learn if your interstate or New Zealand electrical licence is an external equivalent of a Queensland licence in Schedule 1 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.
• Find out how to apply under mutual recognition for an equivalent Queensland electrical licence.

Renewing an electrical work licence

As an electrical worker you must keep your licence current if you are performing electrical work. An electrical worker licence is valid for 5 years, unless cancelled or suspended.

If your licence is due for renewal and a notice has not arrived, phone Electrical Licensing Enquiries on 1300 362 320.

To renew your licence, you need evidence that you have maintained your trade and first aid skills. If the licence is renewed within 12 months after expiry, the renewed licence will be issued with an expiry date 5 years from the original expiry date.

Step 1: Maintaining your skills

To renew your licence, you need to have kept your basic skills up to date in:

• electrical safety legislation
• risk management
• testing
• resuscitation.

You can assess your skills online using a Skills Maintenance Online Assessment.

Registered Training Organisations also deliver a number of approved courses to help you maintain your skills.

Step 2: Renewing online

You need a current cardiopulmonary (CPR) competency for your online renewal. Your CPR competency is current if it was issued within the last 12 months.

The online renewal payment options include credit card or BPAY.

Complete this online renew/reinstate electrical worker licence form to:

• renew a Queensland electrical work licence due to expire
• reinstate an electrical work licence which has expired in the last 12 months.

Before you start make sure you have:

• the renewal letter mailed to you which contains your unique renewal numbers
• the skills maintenance requirements
• competence in CPR
• competence for lineworker rescue (If you are a linesperson).

Once you have completed your application and paid the fee your renewal will be processed.

Reinstating an electrical work licence

Electrical worker licence recognition - applying for a new licence if expired for more than 12 months

To have a licence that has been expired for more than 12 months reinstated, you must supply evidence that you have maintained your trade and CPR skills. In the case of a linesperson licence you must supply evidence that you have maintained your lineworker rescue skills.

Step 1: Maintaining your skills

To have your previous Queensland electrical work licence recognised, your basic skills must be up to date in:

• electrical safety legislation
• risk management
• testing
• resuscitation.

You can assess your skills online using a Skills Maintenance Online Assessment.

Registered Training Organisations also deliver a number of approved skills maintenance courses.

Step 2: Completing the application form for recognition of your previous licence

Recognition of your licence requires that you have a current CPR competency. In order to be current it must have been issued within the last 12 months. You must keep your rescue and resuscitation skills current. You may need them to save a life. You need to prove you are competent in resuscitation of a person who has stopped breathing, or is unconscious, because of electric shock.

The application for renewal or reinstatement of an expired electrical work licence also includes payment options of credit card or cheque. If you have any questions about completing this form, phone Electrical Licensing Enquiries on 1300 362 320.

Before you complete the form make sure you have:

• skills maintenance requirements
• competence in resuscitation
• competence for lineworker rescue (if you are a linesperson)
• a current employer's letter for recognition of a restricted electrical worker licence, if the licence is not for refrigeration or instrumentation trades person.

To complete your application you must post the application and pay the licence fee.

Renewing or reinstating an electrical contractor licence

You cannot renew or reinstate your electrical contractor licence if:

• it expired more than 1 year ago
• you have changed the structure of your business (e.g. changed from sole trader to a company)
• your contractor licence was cancelled because there was no qualified person, as required.

Renewing online

Complete this online renew/reinstate electrical contractor licence form to:

• renew a Queensland electrical contractor licence due to expire
• reinstate an electrical contractor licence which has expired in the last 12 months.

You need current insurance to renew online. Make sure you have current insurance that complies with section 51 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 (Qld). Before you start make sure you have your insurance details available.

The renewal also includes payment options of credit card or BPAY.

Once you have completed your application and paid the fee your renewal will be processed.

If you are an electrical worker or electrical contractor, you can face disciplinary action from the Electrical Licensing Committee.

Grounds for disciplinary action include, but are not limited to:

• performing unsafe, negligent or incompetent electrical work
• supplying incorrect or misleading information to obtain an electrical licence
• no longer complying with the eligibility requirements for the licence, and
• committing an offence under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld).

The Electrical Licensing Committee may take a range of disciplinary action including:

• cancelling or amending the licence
• suspending the licence
• putting conditions on the licence
• imposing fines
• ordering electrical contractors to correct faults or defects.

Important information for electrical contractors

Each electrical contractor licence must have at least 1 qualified technical person and 1 qualified business person. A qualified person must either be an employee of the electrical contractor, a member of the partnership, or an executive officer of the corporation. Only people in these positions can qualify as a business person or a qualified technical person.

An electrical contractor licence will be cancelled if there is no qualified business and/or technical person attached to the licence for a period of 1 month. Make sure your qualified technical person's electrical work licence is current. If your qualified technical person's licence expires and you have no other nominated qualified technical person on your licence, you cannot perform electrical work.

If the qualified technical person or qualified business person on your licence has changed you should advise the Electrical Safety Office by completing the application for addition or change of qualified person/authorised parties for a contractor licence.