Electrical licensing

On 1 July 2024 the Electrical Safety Act 2022 and Electrical Safety Regulations  2024 commenced in the Northern Territory. One of the changes under the new electrical laws is the abolishment of the Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board, with the responsibility for licensing transferred to the Electrical Safety Regulator within NT WorkSafe. The  new laws Introduce new licence classes and endorsements to improve consistency with other jurisdictions.

Existing licences remain valid

Existing electrical licences issued under the Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Act 1978 will remain valid until the expiration date shown on the licence. Upon expiry, an application for a new electrical licence should be submitted to the Electrical Safety Regulator.

Pending licence applications

Licence applications that were submitted before 1 July 2024 to the Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board will be processed by NT WorkSafe and applicant will receive a licence under the Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Act 1978.

Licence types under the Electrical Safety Act 2022

Four types of licenses exists under the Electrical Safety Act 2022.

• Unrestricted electrical work licence
• Restricted electrical work licence
• Electrical contractor licence
• In-house electrical licence

New application forms

All applications to apply, renew or amend a licence must be made on an NT WorkSafe approved form. Old Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board licensing forms will not to accepted from 1 July 2024.

How to apply for a licence

Download and complete the relevant application form for the licence type  you are applying for:

• Application for unrestricted electrical work licence
• Application for restricted electrical work licence
• Application for electrical contractors licence - sole trader
• Application for electrical contractors licence - partnership or company
• Application for in-house electrical licence by a partnership or company

Completed applications can be lodged in person, email or via post at the Territory Business Centre. Visit the Territory Business Centre website for locations and opening hours.

Photographs

Photographs can be taken at any Territory Business Centre. Alternatively, attach to the application, one clear passport-size photograph not more than 6 months old.

Proof of identity

The applicant is required to provide ID as detailed in the information bulletin Identity requirements – People licensing.

Fees

Please refer to the Licensing fees and charges webpage.

Granting or renewing a licence

For a new licence the Electrical Safety Regulator needs to be satisfied that the applicant has the training and experience required for the type of licence they are applying for. The Electrical Safety Regulator will not renew a licence unless they are satisfied that the applicant remains competent in electrical work.

Replacement Licence

If an NT electrical contractor licence is lost, defaced or destroyed, the licence holder may apply for a replacement licence. Applications must be made by completing the application to replace an electrical licence form, paying the prescribed fee and attaching a statutory declaration setting out the details of the loss, defacing or destruction.

Replacement licences are issued with the same terms and conditions as the original licence.

Cancellation or suspension of licence

The Electrical Safety Regulator and Discipline Committee of the Electrical Safety Board may, by instrument served on a licence holder cancel or suspend (for a period specified in the instrument) a licence if:

• The licence holder has been found guilty of an offence against the Electrical Safety Act or Regulations, or
• The licence holder has contravened or failed to comply with a condition of the licence, or
• The licence holder has contravened or failed to comply with the written directions of a WorkSafe Inspector, or
• The licence holder has been subject to disciplinary action through the Discipline Committee, or
• The Electrical Safety Regulator is of the opinion that, in the interest of any person, the licence should be cancelled or suspended.

Appeals

A person, who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Electrical Safety Regulator or Discipline Committee, may apply to the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) for a review of the decision of a licence application or the cancellation or suspension of a licence.

Information about how to apply for a review of a decision is available on NTCAT’s website.