The national restricted electrical licence system

The national restricted electrical licence (NREL) system is a program of training and assessment. It assists non-electrically trained persons get a restricted electrical licence to do a restricted range of electrical work as part of their function.

A restricted electrical 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 and units of competence.

Training

Training generally involves two parts:

• Off-the-job instruction simliar to a classroom environment
• On-the-job instruction while under the supervision of a suitably licensed person.

Training is co-ordinated by training providers or registered training organisations.

Training in on-the-job competencies is normally done by the trainee’s employer, under supervision of a person authorised to supervise trainees. A person who is self-employed or intends to be, must make arrangements for a licensed person to supervise any electrical work while undergoing training.

Applicants for a restricted electrical licence should get approval to start training from the licensing authority. Competencies from both off-the-job and on-the-job are recorded in a formal logbook.

Trainees in Queensland are issued with a permit to do restricted electrical work under supervision until all competencies are demonstrated and a licence issued.

A person with a current restricted electrical licence issued in one State may get an equivalent licence in another State by applying to the licensing authority and paying the fee.

Assessment

Assessments are done to determine the competence of applicants for a restricted electrical licence.

An applicant without the required restricted electrical competencies will undergo training in NREL system. During the course of this training, applicants will have their competencies assessed to validate that the levels are being achieved. This applies to both on-the-job and off-the-job training.

Applicants believing they already have the required skills and do not need to undergo training and may choose to have their competencies assessed in recognition of their prior learning (RPL). RPL assessments are carried out by registered training organisations (RTOs).