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Quick answer: In NSW for July 2026 to June 2027, an individual pays $142, $190 or $329 for a tradesperson certificate lasting 1, 3 or 5 years. A trade qualified supervisor certificate costs $172, $291 or $501. A trade contractor licence costs $403, $803 or $1,235. The processing part of each fee is not refunded if the application is refused or withdrawn.
NSW fees for individuals, July 2026 to June 2027
| Licence or certificate | 1 year | 3 years | 5 years | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesperson certificate | $142 | $190 | $329 | NSW Government fees |
| Trade or specialist work qualified supervisor certificate | $172 | $291 | $501 | NSW Government fees |
| Trade or specialist contractor licence | $403 | $803 | $1,235 | NSW Government fees |
| Fine for unlicensed electrical work | $22,000 for an individual | $110,000 for a company | NSW Government | |
| For comparison: Victoria A Grade application, non-refundable administration part | $70 | Energy Safe Victoria |
How to apply in NSW
- Pick the licence type: a certificate to work, a qualified supervisor certificate to supervise, or a contractor licence to contract and advertise.
- Gather your Certificate III, VTRP certificate and referee statements for 12 months of wiring work.
- Get a national police check no older than 4 months.
- Apply through Service NSW and choose 1, 3 or 5 years.
- Budget for the fee in the table; it may rise with CPI at the start of each financial year.
- Be ready for a possible assessment on the wiring rules AS/NZS 3000:2018.
Practice for the electrician licence exam
This page covers the route into the trade. Licensing is run by each state, so for the exam itself our main page is the Australia electrician exam guide: the assessment format, the licensing authority, the wiring rules and the official links in one place.
Try the free Australia electrician practice test in your browser. The questions are original and follow Energy Safe Victoria’s Licensed Electrician’s Assessment and AS/NZS 3000; other states assess differently, so check your state regulator as well. The one-time Australia exam pack unlocks every Australia question and a printable PDF version, with no subscription.
FAQ
Is the 5-year licence better value?
Per year it costs less: the tradesperson certificate is $329 for 5 years against $142 for 1 year.
Do I get my money back if I am refused?
The processing component is not refundable if the application is refused or withdrawn.
Can I do small electrical jobs in NSW without a licence?
No. NSW says you need a licence or certificate for any electrical wiring work regardless of cost or type of building.
Sources
- NSW Government: Fees for licences and certificates, July 2026 to June 2027
- NSW Government: Electrical work licences
- Energy Safe Victoria: Electrician’s licence (A Grade)
Page updated: 2026-09-30. Figures were read from the linked official pages on 2026-09-30. Rules differ by state, so check your own state regulator before you enrol or apply.
About the author: Tsai, creator of Tsai Electro, moved from an office job into electrical and MEP field work in Taiwan and holds Taiwanese indoor wiring and water piping technician certificates. Tsai has not held an Australian electrical licence, so every Australian rule on this page links to the state regulator or agency that publishes it.
