Building and Energy and the Electrical Licensing Board have established Essential Performance Capabilities Required for Licensed Electricians, a set of 55 competencies as safety outcomes for licensing purposes. These are a nationally consistent set as agreed by the National Uniform Electrical Licensing Council.

Licences can be obtained for those trained:

• in Western Australia;
• in other Australian jurisdictions;
• in New Zealand; or
• overseas.

How to become an electrician in Western Australia

1. Consider completing a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (UEE22020). This is a good way to sample this career path before committing to further training.\
2. Complete a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) as part of an apprenticeship. This typically takes 4 years and includes structured training through a registered training organisation and workplace experience.
3. Apply for an Electrician’s Licence. As licensing and registration requirements may vary between states, you should check with the licensing body in your state for specific details.
4. Ensure you have other relevant licences that may be required, such as a certification to work at heights and/or in confined spaces. You may also need to gain a White Card that will allow you to work on a construction site.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for this licence you must:

• Be a fit and proper person.
• 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.

What types of electrical licences are issued?

In Western Australia, licences are issued for the following types of work:

• Electrical contracting work – to electrical contractors.
• Electrical installing work – to electricians. Electricians are licensed for up to 5 years.
• Electrical training – to apprentices and trainees. An apprentice/trainee electrician will have a licence card issued for the period of the apprenticeship/traineeship. Training organisations and employers should ask to see the licence card to demonstrate that the apprentice is appropriately licensed to perform electrical work.
• Restricted electrical work – to restricted electrical workers. Restricted Electrical Licences (RELs) are issued to persons other than electricians to legally carry out a "restricted" range of electrical tasks. The holder of a REL is not permitted to carry out the installation or alterations to fixed wiring or to repair or replace items such as power points and lighting fittings.

Mutual recognition

If you are registered or licensed as an electrical worker elsewhere in Australia or New Zealand, and want to be registered as an electrical worker with the Electrical Licensing Board in Western Australia, you can find out more information about having your qualifications recognised in WA.

Further details and application forms can be obtained by clicking this link.