Electrical Worker's Licence (EWL) / Electrical Tradesperson Licence — Western Australia
The mandatory licence required to perform electrical installation work in Western Australia, issued by the Electrical Licensing Board under the Electricity Act 1945 and Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 — from 1 April 2026 the Electrical Worker's Licence and Electrical Installer's Licence are merged into the Electrical Tradesperson Licence.
Issuing authority
Building and Energy WA — Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS/DEMIRS), Electrical Licensing Board
Official source
wa.gov.auCost
Approximately $209 for a 1-year licence (AUD, excl. GST); 5-year licence fees higher — refer to the current Building and Energy fee schedule at wa.gov.au/government/multi-step-guides/lgirs-licensing-and-registration-fees-and-charges/building-and-energy-fees.
Deadline
Licence must be held before performing any electrical installation work. Renew before expiry (renewal window opens 90 days before expiry). From 1 April 2026 new applications are for the Electrical Tradesperson Licence (merger of EWL and Electrical Installer's Licence).
How to apply
- Complete an approved electrical apprenticeship (typically 4 years) through a registered training organisation, or gain equivalent qualifications via a VET course, overseas training recognition, or gap training program.
- Pass all required trade examinations and the updated practical safety assessment — from 1 April 2026 the assessment includes AS/NZS 3000:2025 (Wiring Rules) compliance testing and RCD testing procedures.
- Obtain a police clearance certificate (less than 3 months old) from an approved provider, as a fit and proper person assessment is mandatory.
- Download and complete the applicable application form from the Building and Energy electrical licensing forms page at service-now.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy/electrical-licensing-forms (forms are available as PDF for completion of apprenticeship, gap training, interstate/international recognition, and licence upgrade pathways).
- Submit the completed application with supporting documents (qualifications, police clearance, proof of identity) to Building and Energy WA — by mail, in person at Mason Bird Building, Level 1, 303 Sevenoaks Street, Cannington WA 6107, or via online portal.
- Pay the licence application fee — 1-year licence: approximately $209 ($119 registration + $90 application fee, excl. GST); 5-year licence fees are higher and are listed on the Building and Energy Fees page at wa.gov.au.
- Allow 6–8 weeks for processing; the Electrical Licensing Board will assess your application and issue the licence if all requirements are met.
- Note: the EWL/ETL does not authorise you to operate as an electrical contractor — a separate Electrical Contractor's Licence is required if you are self-employed.
Related topics
Related forms
- Notice of Work — Plumbing and Drainage (NSW) / Notifiable Work Form 4 (QLD)NSW: Combined Notice of Work & Certificate of Compliance (no single number); QLD: Form 4 / Form 4a
- Certificate of Compliance — Plumbing and Drainage (Multi-state: VIC / NSW / QLD)VIC: no fixed form number — purchased and lodged via VBA360 portal; NSW: Combined Notice of Work & Certificate of Compliance; QLD: Form 4 / Form 4a
- Gas Installation Compliance Certificate — Multi-state (VIC / NSW / QLD)VIC: BPC Compliance Certificate (VBA360); ESV: Statement of Compliance (Schedule 11) for complex gas / NSW: Certificate of Compliance (networked) or Certificate of Inspection (non-networked) via BCNSW eCert / QLD: Gas System Compliance Certificate via RSHQ Portal
- TAS Electrical Practitioner Licence
- Electrical Contractor Licence / Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) Registration — Multi-State
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