Registration class changes

A new Registration framework for Registered and Licensed Electrical Workers will take effect on 1 September 2024. The new framework follows the requirements set out in the Electricity (Prescribed Classes of Registration for Electrical Workers) Notice 2023.

Electricity (Prescribed Classes of Registration for Electrical Workers) Notice 2023

Under the new framework:

• Some existing Registration classes have different Registration requirements.
• New classes of Registration will be recognised.
• Limits of work have changed. These outline the work that an Electrical Worker is authorised to carry out, and outline the requirements for registration in each class.

Changes that apply from 1 September 2024

Associated Tradesperson Class: 

• Licensed Building Practitioners with a Carpentry Licence will be eligible to apply for this class.

Electrical Inspector: 

• This class now has only 1 option for Registration, which requires 3 years practical experience carrying out prescribed electrical work.
• This class now requires Registration as an Electrician or an Electrical Engineer (with a limit of work equivalent to an Electrician) for at least 3 years.

Electrical Engineer: 

• The practical experience requirement for this class has increased from 1 to 2 years for applications after 1 August 2024.
• For those who applied for an Electrical Engineer trainee limited certificate before 1 August 2024, you will still be eligible to complete your qualification with 1 year of practical work experience. You must however apply for full registration as an Electrical Engineer by 1 September 2026 to complete under the original 1 year requirement.
• If you applied for your limited or trainee limited certificate after 1 August 2024, you will be required to complete the new practical experience requirement of two years. 

Distribution Line Mechanic and Distribution Line Mechanic (Endorsed):

• These 2 Registration classes are merging into a single class. The current limits of work for Distribution Line Mechanic (Endorsed) will be covered by the new Distribution Line Mechanic Registration class. 

Changes that apply from 1 September 2025

All Electrical Workers can no longer carry out prescribed electrical work in the below areas without holding an endorsed class of Registration.

• Mains parallel generation systems
• Medical cardiac protected areas
• Hazardous areas
• Mining Operations
• Supervise 3 or more people (except Electrical Inspectors)

Changes that apply from 1 September 2026

Electrician: 

• This class will introduce a new option for experience pathway. This will allow Registration after being Registered as an Electrical Installer for 1 year, and completing 1 year of practical experience as an Electrical Installer with the examination requirements. 

Electrical Installer: 

• The experience pathway for this class will increase the required practical experience in PEW from 2 years to 3 years.
• This class will introduce a new option for experience pathway. This will allow Registration after being Registered as an Electrical Service Technician for 1 year, and completing 1 year of practical experience as an Electrical Service Technician and completing the examination requirements. 

Electrical Service Technician: 

• The experience pathway for this class will increase the required practical experience in PEW from 18 months to 2 years.

Electrical Appliance Serviceperson and Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (endorsed):

• These 2 Registration classes are merging into a single class. 
• The limits of work for the merged class will expand to include disconnect/ reconnect fixed wire appliances.

New endorsed classes of Registration

The new endorsed classes of Registration in the new framework are:

• Mains parallel generation systems
• Medical cardiac protected areas
• Hazardous areas
• Mining Operations
• Supervision for those wishing to supervise 3 or more people.
  • Electrical Workers under the Associated Tradesperson class are not able to gain the Supervision endorsed class of registration and cannot supervise others carrying out prescribed electrical work.
  • Electrical Inspectors can supervise any number of people without needing to gain an endorsed class of Registration.