ELECTRICAL SERVICE TECHNICIAN (EST)

This is a five-day theory and practical course (Monday to Friday).

Once you have completed this course, you will need to make a booking to sit your exam with ASPEQ. Please register with them to enrol for the exam. We will confirm with ASPEQ that you have completed the course before you will be allowed to sit the exam. You must attend 80% of the course for us to approve your exam with ASPEQ.

EST Course prerequisites: You must have completed an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (EAS) course and provide evidence of this if you did not complete the course with us. You must be either a New Zealand citizen, a New Zealand resident or hold a current work permit to enrol on an EWRB Registration course with us.

For EWRB registration as an EST: To be eligible for registration (unless exempted by the EWRB), candidates must demonstrate to the EWRB that they have completed practical training/experience as an Electrical Service Technician while holding an Electrical Service Technician Trainee Limited Certificate (TLC). Before 1 September 2026, you need 18 months (3,000 hours) of practical training/experience, which must include at least 6 months (1,000 hours) on multi-phase appliances or fittings. On or after 1 September 2026, you need 2 years (4,000 hours) of practical training/experience, which must include at least 6 months (1,000 hours) on multi-phase appliances or fittings.

To get your practising Electrical Service Technician licence, you'll need to complete this process. You can do the Competence Programme after 18 months of holding a Trainee Limited Certificate.

First, complete the Safety Training for Limited Certificates (TLC) which is a 2-day block course. Second, take the EST Course with 60 hours pre-study plus a 1-week block course. Third, sit your exam with ASPEQ. Fourth, complete the Competence Programme which includes an EWRB e-learning module plus a 1-day block course. Finally, apply for your registration and practising licence with the EWRB.