Eligibility for a restricted electrical licence

The national restricted electrical licence (NREL) system has nine work area categories and six units of competence.

Authorisation for the licence holder to carry out electrical work is shown on the licence with the work area category and units of competence.

Applicants for a restricted electrical licence need to demonstrate a regular need to carry out electrical work attached to their primary work function.

Examples are:

• a domestic appliance service person may often need to repair cords and plugs or replace a motor
• an instrument fitter may often disconnect and reconnect electrical equipment connected to fixed wiring.

A licence may be issued to a person satisfying the licensing authority that:

• the electrical work to be authorised by a licence is linked to the function the person is or intends to do
• the person has the required experience and training for the electrical work to be authorised by the licence
• the person has completed any assessment requirements or has been exempted through recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Refer to Section 38 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF File, 1.02 MB) and the Electrical Safety Office Licensing Eligibility Policy (PDF File, 202.5 KB) for eligibility requirements for a restricted electrical licence.