Overseas qualifications

Persons who have electrical qualifications obtained outside Australia and/or New Zealand and who wish to carry out electrical installation work in Victoria may be eligible to apply for a Victorian electrical worker's license.

How do I obtain an Electrical License, when I am from overseas?

In order to apply for an electrical license in Victoria, the first step for you is to be assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), which is issued by the Local (Electrical) Trades Committee. This assessment determines whether you are classified in Australia as an Electrical Mechanic or Electrical Fitter, regardless of the skills and experience you have obtained overseas.

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
Contact Details:

            The Secretary
            Trades Recognition Australia
            Department of Industrial Relations
            8th Floor, Customs House
            414 Latrobe Street
            Melbourne Vic 3000

Postal Address:

            GPO Box 9879
            Melbourne Vic 3001

Telephone: 03 9954 2537

OR Refer to this related website: www.workplace.gov.au

After being assessed by TRA, you are then able to undertake the independent assessments conducted by an approved body on behalf of ESV. This is currently EPIC Industry Training Board (EPIC ITB) and Northern Metro Institute of TAFE (NMIT).

As an Electrical Fitter, you can seek to undertake the Safe Working Practices Assessment with EPIC ITB or NMIT to apply for a Supervised Workers License. Provision of evidence of 12 months experience in electrical installation work, after being issued this license, will allow you apply for an Electrician’s License.

As an Electrical Mechanic, you can seek to undertake the Licensed Electrician’s Assessment with EPIC ITB or NMIT to apply for an Electrician’s License. Alternatively, you can apply to ESV for a Supervised Worker’s License after completing the Safe Working Practices (SWP) Assessment. There is also a preparation course to undertake the Licensed Electricians’ Assessment (LEA) with your local TAFE, which would assist in preparation for these assessments.

What Paperwork do I need?

Completed ESV Application Form
TRA Certificate
Safe Working Practices Assessment Results or
Licensed Electrician’s Assessment Results
Evidence of Overseas Qualifications and experience in the industry, such as references and evidence of apprenticeship and trade qualifications gained overseas.

Fees

The application fee must be paid at the time the application for a license is submitted.

Your responsibilities as a license holder

As a license holder, it is your responsibility to understand the legislation and regulations in place at any time and work in accordance with them:

Part 3 of the Electricity Safety Act 1998
Electricity Safety (Installations) Regulations 1999.
You must ensure your work is under effective supervision of a Licensed Electrician if issued with a Supervised Workers License
The work undertaken is signed off with a Certificate of Electrical Safety by you or your supervisor.

Requirements For a Victorian Electrical License, when you are from Overseas: