Licence classes

There are six classes of electrical licence in the ACT. Each class has different scopes of work.

There are a further two classes of electrical permit. Permits can be issued to individuals who have not yet attained the full qualifications for the unrestricted licence. A permit holder must only perform wiring work under the direct supervision of an individual who is fully licensed and who has not been restricted from supervising in their conditions.

Class Scope of work

Unrestricted electrician

  • Electrical wiring work without supervision.
  • Supervision of electrical wiring work.
  • Contract only in circumstances where the   licence is not conditioned to exclude this service.

Electrotechnology systems permit

  • Electrical wiring work under supervision of an   unrestricted electrician licence holder.
  • Incidental electrical wiring work.

Note: Generally, you would apply for this permit so you can get the practical wiring experience required to upgrade to the unrestricted electrician licence.

Restricted – Electrotechnology systems assembly and servicing electrical fitting permit

  • Incidental electrical wiring work, under   supervision, related to either:
    • electrical   fitting disconnection and reconnection
    • mechanical   fitting disconnection and reconnection
    • plumbing   and gas fitting disconnection and reconnection
    • refrigeration   and air-conditioning disconnection and reconnection
    • disconnection   and reconnection of type B gas appliances.

Restricted – Electrotechnology systems assembly and servicing electrical fitting

  • Incidental electrical wiring work in relation   to electrical fitting disconnection and reconnection work.
  • Contract only in circumstances where the   licence is not conditioned to exclude this service.

Restricted – Electrotechnology systems mechanical fitting

  • Incidental electrical wiring work in relation   to mechanical fitting disconnection and reconnection work.
  • Contract only in circumstances where the   licence is not conditioned to exclude this service.

Restricted – Electrotechnology systems plumbing and gasfitting

  • Incidental electrical wiring work in relation   to plumbing and gasfitting disconnection and reconnection work.
  • Contract only in circumstances where the   licence is not conditioned to exclude this service.

Restricted – Electrotechnology systems refrigeration and air-conditioning

  • Incidental electrical wiring work in relation   to refrigeration and air-conditioning disconnection and reconnection work.
  • Contract only in circumstances where the   licence is not conditioned to exclude this service.

Restricted – Electrotechnology systems type B gas appliances

  • Incidental electrical wiring work in relation   to disconnection and reconnection of type B gas appliances.
  • Contract only in circumstances where the   licence is not conditioned to exclude this service.

Other electrical licences and endorsements

Corporation or partnership licence

If a corporation or partnership wants to provide or advertise electrical services in the ACT, it will need a licence. For more information, see corporation or partnership licence.

Electrical licence endorsements

Endorsements are ‘additions’ to a licence and are required if you want to undertake the below electrical wiring work.

Endorsement Scope of work

Distributed energy resource
(for Unrestricted Licensees)

Electrical wiring work on:

  • Solar photovoltaic panel installations
  • Grid-connected inverters (as part of a solar PV system)
  • Grid-connected battery energy storage systems.

Interval Metering
(for Unrestricted Licensees)

Electrical wiring work on an interval meter, includes removing a type 5, type 6, or type 7 meter to replace it with an interval meter.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a licence, permit or endorsement, you need to meet relevant mandatory qualifications outlined in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration.

Where multiple methods are listed for a particular licence class, you are only required to meet one of the methods listed.

Interstate licence holders

You may be able to apply for an ACT licence if you’re already licensed in another state or territory. Find out more about mutual recognition.

Applying for a licence

Step 1 – Gather required evidence to support your application

  • Evidence of your training qualification/s (Certificate and Transcript)
  • Evidence of your experience (if required).
  • Letter of need (if required)
  • Evidence of your accreditations (if required)
  • A criminal history check.

Access Canberra will not accept checks that are more than 6 months old.

Step 2 – Start your application

Note: you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won’t be submitted until the documents are lodged and the fee is paid.

Step 3 – Assessment

Once submitted, your application will be assessed to ensure you meet:

  • Fit and proper person requirements
  • Qualification and work experience requirements.

Step 4 – Decision

Once the assessment of your application is complete you will either be offered a licence, or your application will be refused.

Please note, you may be offered a licence with conditions restricting the scope of works that can be undertaken under your licence.

If you are offered a licence you will need to pay a licence term fee of either 1 or 3 years. Fees are determined by the Fee Determination for the relevant financial year.

Note: It will take up to 7 days for your licence to be published on the public register after your licence term fee is paid, and up to 21 days for a licence card to be printed and sent to you.

Timeframe

Access Canberra triages electrical licence applications and prioritises applicants who have completed their apprenticeship, including passing the capstone test and have applied within 2 weeks of receiving their training certificate.

For the prioritised applicants, the assessment of your application will take three weeks.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Note: assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

As an electrical licensee you are responsible for:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • undertaking work in a proper and skilful way
  • rectifying issues that may arise with the quality of your work
  • understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations.

Further information can be found on the licence responsibilities page.