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If you've recently arrived in New Zealand with overseas experience working in an electrical trade, you need to get registered here to work. The Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) is the only organisation that can decide what you're required to do to become registered in New Zealand. They register and issue you with a practising licence to work. Contact the EWRB at 0800 661 000 or visit their website.
You'll need to submit evidence of your qualifications completed, evidence of courses completed, and evidence of work experience including details of work done and hours served. The EWRB will then send you a letter advising you on what you're required to do. We offer a wide range of courses that can assist you in achieving New Zealand registration. Look through our courses and enrol directly via this website, or contact us on 0508 754 557 if you need any advice.
Book your course online or contact us on 0508 754 557. Attend and complete the course. Following successful completion of your required courses, we'll submit all relevant documentation to the EWRB to be processed.
Once the EWRB has processed and accepted your course completion, you'll be able to apply for your practising licence. You can go to the EWRB website to download a form and get started.
What do I need to submit to the EWRB?
You'll need to submit evidence of your qualifications completed, evidence of courses completed, and evidence of work experience including details of work done and hours served.
The EWRB will then send you a letter advising you on what you're required to do to become registered in New Zealand.
What happens after I complete my courses?
Following successful completion of your required courses, we'll submit all relevant documentation to the EWRB to be processed.
Once the EWRB has processed and accepted your course completion, you'll be able to apply for your practising licence. You can go to the EWRB website to download a form and get started.
Service roles provide an entry point into electrical work in New Zealand. Both pathways require Safety Training for Limited Certificates (TLC), which must be completed within 3 months of EWRB acceptance. You must first apply to and be accepted by the EWRB before enrolling in Safety Training. For Electrical Appliance Serviceperson, you'll also need the EAS Course. For Electrical Service Technician, you'll need the EST Course.
Both roles require 18 months of prescribed electrical work, with Electrical Service Technician requiring 6 months on 3-phase 400-volt work. Your employer will need to provide a letter confirming your work experience. Complete the Competence Programme and apply to the EWRB to confirm your registration.
Installation and full electrician roles require more extensive training and work experience. Both pathways start with Safety Training for Limited Certificates (TLC), which you must complete within 3 months of EWRB acceptance. You must first apply to and be accepted by the EWRB before enrolling in Safety Training.
From there, you'll need Regulations, theory courses specific to your pathway, and Practical Stage 1, 2, and 3 assessments. Electrical Installer requires Installer Theory and 2 years of prescribed electrical work including 1 year of installation of fixed wiring. Electrician requires Electrician Theory (with stages split over 3 years) and 8000 hours of prescribed electrical work including 2000 hours of installation of fixed wiring. Your employer must provide a letter confirming your prescribed electrical work. Complete the Competence Programme and apply to the EWRB to confirm your registration. Electricians must complete the Competence Programme every 2 years.
We’re New Zealand's leading trades training provider for electrical, plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and roofing. Our industry experts prepare the next generation of tradies with skills that work where it matters – on the job site.
From power grids to water mains, our graduates maintain the essential infrastructure that keeps New Zealand running every day.
