A trainee may assist a Supervisor in doing any prescribed electrical work that is relevant to the particular class of registration being sought. That entitlement is provided the trainee holds a current Limited Certificate and is supervised by the nominated "supervisor of electrical work" whose Practicing Licence allows that person to do the work.

A supervisor of electrical work is a registered person (Electrical Inspector, Electrical Engineer, Electrician, Electrical Installer, Electrical Service Technician Electrical Appliance Serviceperson, Line Mechanic or Cable Jointer) with a minimum of 3 years post registration experience.

Definitions-

A "trainee" is entitled to undertake prescribed electrical work. A person who does not hold a Limited Certificate, even though he or she may be an apprentice, is not permitted to undertake or assist to undertake prescribed electrical work.

Note - An exception to this is a Provisional Licence holder (see later).

OBTAINING A Limited Certificate/card.

Such cards are mandatory under the Electricity Amendment Act 2006, from 1 April 2010. You must be a Board approved trainee for your experience to be acknowledged towards registration.

The card is issued with the obligation to complete the directed coursework and examinations during the currency thereof (see above table). The applicant will be advised of the required coursework and examination aspects at the time of issue.

The requirements for obtaining a card are:

• The trainee's employer must support their application by completing the relevant section of the application form;
• The applicant's safety tuition in CPR, Basic First Aid, Safe Working Practices and Testing to ensure safety must be valid. i.e carried out not more than 24 months prior to application for the card, or in the case of Line Mechanics and Cable Jointers the required 7 and 14 months.

ALTERNATIVELY - if you are an ETITO trainee, ETITO will collect the required information and apply on your behalf to the Board.

The types of work an Electrical Appliance Service Person is permitted to carry out are:

• the maintenance of appliances that have an electrical rating of not more than 250 volts and are supplied by plug and flexible cord; and
• the testing of work described in paragraph (a) above; and
• the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above.

Time-based pathway

• passed the Electrical Appliance Serviceperson written theoretical examination; and
• passed the Electrical Appliance Serviceperson practical examination or practical assessments; and
• completed eighteen months practical training/experience in the work of an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson which is satisfactory to the Board.

Note - experience must be obtained under a Limited Certificate.

OR Competency-based pathway

a Certificate of Attainment or a National Certificate electrical appliance servicing both of which are as issued by an appropriate industry training organisation on behalf of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Such a certificate can only be obtained upon the completion of a competency based apprenticeship contract, in New Zealand, through an appropriate industry training organisation and completion of the appropriate Unit Standards and the issue of one of the above Certificates.

Note - Experience must be obtained under a Limited Certificate

Registration will be available upon receipt of-

EITHER -

• A work-history statement from the employer(s), providing precise details of the applicants electrical work experience and the duration of that experience (see Note 5 below);
• confirmation of the completion of the relevant coursework, examination and practical assessment;
• confirmation of the completion of current Board approved safety training coursework (usually included in the above); and
• A completed application form with registration fee, plus a practising licence fee.

OR

• a copy of the relevant National Certificate electrical appliance servicing which is issued by ETITO on behalf of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
• A completed application form with registration fee, plus a practising licence fee.

The types of work an Electrical Appliance Service Person (Endorsed to disconnect and connect) is permitted to carry out are:

• the maintenance of appliances that have an electrical rating of not more than 250 volts which are supplied by plug and flexible cord; and
• the disconnection and connection of the appliances described in paragraph (a) above from a power supply where a plug or appliance coupler is not fitted but the flexible cord is connected to a permanent connection unit; and
• the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above; and
• the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above; and
• the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above.

Time-based pathway:

• passed the Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to disconnect and connect) written theoretical examination; and
• completed the Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to disconnect and connect) practical assessments or passed the practical examination; and
• completed 18 months practical training/experience in the work of an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to disconnect and connect) which is satisfactory to the Board.

Note - experience must be obtained under a Limited Certificate.

OR Competency-based pathway

a Certificate of Attainment or a National Certificate electrical appliance servicing both of which are as issued by an appropriate industry training organisation on behalf of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Such a certificate can only be obtained upon the completion of a competency based apprenticeship contract, in New Zealand, through an appropriate industry training organisation and completion of the appropriate Unit Standards and the issue of one of the above Certificates.

Registration will be available upon receipt of-

EITHER -

• A work-history statement from the employer(s), providing precise details of the applicants electrical work experience and the duration of that experience (see Note 5 below);
• confirmation of the completion of the relevant coursework, examination and practical assessment;
• confirmation of the completion of current Board approved safety training (usually included in the above); and
• A completed application form with registration fee, plus a practising licence fee.

OR

• a copy of the relevant National Certificate electrical appliance servicing which is issued by ETITO on behalf of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
• A completed application form with registration fee, plus a practising licence fee.

The types of work an Electrical Service Technician is permitted to carry out are:

• the maintenance of fittings that are connected to conductors used in works or electrical installations; and
• the maintenance of appliances; and
• the disconnection and connection of fittings and appliances from and to a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet; for the purpose of the maintenance of those fittings; and
• the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (c) above; and
• the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (c) above; and
• the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (e) above.

Time-based pathway:

• passed the Electrical Service Technician written theoretical examination; and
• passed the Electrical Service Technician practical examination or practical assessments; and
• completed eighteen months practical training/experience in the work of an Electrical Service Technician which is satisfactory to the Board. The eighteen months practical training/experience must include at least six months training/experience on multi phase appliances or fittings;

Note - experience must be obtained under a Limited Certificate.

OR Competency-based pathway

completed an Electrical Service Technician competency based training programme and obtained the relevant approved National Certificate

Such a certificate can only be obtained upon the completion of a competency based apprenticeship contract, in New Zealand, through an appropriate industry training organisation and completion of the appropriate Unit Standards and the issue of one of the above Certificates.

EITHER -

• A work-history statement from the employer(s), providing precise details of the applicants electrical work experience and the duration of that experience (see Note 5 below);
• confirmation of the completion of the relevant coursework, examination and practical assessment;
• confirmation of the completion of current Board approved safety training (usually included in the above); and
• A completed application form with registration fee, plus a practising licence fee.

OR

• a copy of the relevant National Certificate electrical appliance servicing which is issued by ETITO on behalf of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
• A completed application form with registration fee, plus a practising licence fee.

The types of work an Electrical Installer is permitted to carry out are:

• the installation or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations which are directly related to one or more of the following;
  • security systems; or
  • fire alarm systems; or
  • railway systems; or
  • lift/escalator systems; or
  • heating/ventilating/air conditioning systems; or
  • renewable energy systems of electrical supply which do not exceed 10kVA capacity and are intended for connection to a standard low voltage installation (not including any works, installation, appliance or fitting that may be connected to those systems of supply).
• the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations which are directly connected to one or more of the systems described in paragraph (a)(i) to (v) above; and
• the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet which are directly connected to the systems described in paragraph (a)(i) to (v) above; and
• the maintenance of appliances which are directly connected to the systems described in paragraph (a)(i) to (v) above; and
• the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
• the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
• the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (f) above.

Time-based pathway:

• passed the Electrical Installer Theory written examination; and
• passed the Electricians Regulations written examination; and
• completed the Electricians practical three stage assessment or passed the practical examination (if available); and
• completed approved safety training within the prescribed time frame; and
• completed an Electrical Installer competency based training programme or completed two years practical training/experience in the work of an Electrical Installer which is satisfactory to the Board.

The Board is required to view signed written, letterhead original references from an employer(s) detailing the actual electrical work the employee has undertaken in their employment in work for which registration as an Electrical Installer is required-over a two year (4000 hour) period. Details that must be included are;

• Included in that 2 years (4000 hours) there must be details of electrical wiring installation work within buildings that the employee has completed and the amount thereof
• Included in that 2 years (4000 hours) there must also be details of Connection of electrical fittings that the employee has undertaken relative to that wiring installation work.
• The reference must also provide Comprehensive Detail that the employee has two years (4000 hours) work experience as an Electrical Installer, including detail as to what electrical work the employee has undertaken during that 2 years.
• When Work experience has been obtained in New Zealand that experience confirmation is also required to include the signature, name and registration number of the licensed supervisor.

Note - experience obtained after 1 April 2010 must have been obtained under Limited Certification.

OR Competency-based pathway

Obtain the relevant approved National Certificate.

EITHER -

Supply a work-history statement from the employer(s), providing precise details of the applicants electrical work experience and the duration of that experience (see left column)

A completed registration/practising licence application form; and

details as to who and when provided the safe-working practices, testing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid coursework was completed within the previous 24 months; and

A registration fee, plus a practising licence fee.

OR

Complete the unit standards for a recognized National Certificate in Electrical Engineering -and be awarded the appropriate certificate issued by Electro Technical Industrial Training Organisation on behalf of New Zealand Qualifications Authority; and

Complete current approved coursework in safe working practices, testing, basic first aid and CPR

Applying for Registration send:

• A copy of your relevant approved National Certificate; and
• A completed registration/practising licence application form; and
• details as to who and when provided the safe-working practices, testing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid coursework was completed within the previous 24 months; and
• A registration fee, plus a practising licence fee.

Note:

1. See Safety Training course provider list detailed under Safety Training on Board's web site.
2. Applications, with the required information, must be mailed to:
   The Registrar
   Electrical Workers Registration Board
   P O Box 10156
   Wellington 6143
   Emailed or faxed applications or documents are not accepted.
   

The types of work an Electrical Engineer is permitted to carry out are:

• the installation or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
• the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
• the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet; and
• the maintenance of appliances; and
• the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
• the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
• the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (f) above.

Criteria for entitlement-
Option 1

• immediately prior to the promulgation of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 was a Qualified Engineer under the Electricity Act 1992; and
• completed approved safety training within the prescribed time frame;

or Option 2

• holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) qualification; and
• passed the Electrician regulatory written examination; and
• completed the Electricians practical three stage assessment or passed the practical examination (if available); and
• completed approved safety training within the prescribed time frame;M

or Option 3

• holds a National Diploma in Engineering (Electro technology) (Level 6), or New Zealand Certificate in Engineering (Electrical); and
• passed the Electrician regulatory written examination; and
• passed the Electrician practical examination (if available) or three stage assessments; and
• completed approved safety training within the prescribed time frame; and
• completed three years practical experience which is satisfactory to the Board.

The Board is required to view signed written, letterhead original references from an employer(s) detailing the actual electrical work the employee has undertaken in their employment in work for which registration as an Electrical Engineer is required-over a 3 year (6000 hour) period. Details that must be included are;

• there must be details of a minimum of 1500 hours of electrical wiring installation work within buildings
• Included in that 3 years (6000 hours) there must also be details of Connection of electrical fittings that the employee has undertaken relative to that wiring installation work.
• The reference must also provide Comprehensive Detail that the employee has three years (6000 hours) work experience as an Electrical Engineer undertaking the prescribed electrical work an Electrical Engineer is entitled to undertake.
• When Work experience has been obtained in New Zealand that experience confirmation is also required to include the signature, name and registration number of the licensed supervisor.

(Curriculum vitae's, job descriptions, work sheets, time sheets, emails, or employment offers are not acceptable as an alternative to employer references.)

Note - Experience obtained after 1 April 2010 must have been obtained under Limited Certification.

• the installation or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
• the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
• the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet; and
• the maintenance of appliances; and
• the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
• the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
• the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (f) above.

• passed the Electrician theoretical written examination; and
• passed the Electricians regulations written examination; and
• completed the Electricians practical three stage assessment or passed the practical examination (if available); and
• completed approved safety training within the prescribed time frame; and
• completed four years practical training/ experience in the work of an Electrician which is satisfactory to the Board.

• Included in that 4 years (8000 hours) there must be details of a minimum of 2000 hours of electrical wiring installation work within buildings
• Included in that 4 years (8000 hours) there must also be details of Connection of electrical fittings that the employee has undertaken relative to that wiring installation work.
• The reference must also provide Comprehensive Detail of the four years (8000 hours) work experience as an electrician, including detail as to what electrical work was undertaken by the nominated employee during that 4 years.
• When Work experience has been obtained in New Zealand that experience confirmation is also required to include the signature, name and registration number of the licensed supervisor.

(curriculum vitae's, job descriptions, work sheets, time sheets, emails, or employment offers are not acceptable as an alternative to employer references.)

Note - experience obtained after 1 April 2010 must have been obtained under Limited Certification.

OR Competency-based pathway

Complete an Electrician competency based training programme and obtain the relevant approved National Certificate

Non-National Certificate holder applicants please send:

• A completed registration/practising licence application form; and
• Details of work experience to satisfy the experience requirements outlined above, confirmed in writing by the relevant supervisor/s); and
• Complete the application including details of the safe-working practices, testing, first aid and cpr coursework; and
• A registration and a practising licence fee.

OR -

• A completed registration/practising licence application form; and
• A copy of your National Certificate; and
• Complete the application including details of the safe-working practices, testing, first aid and cpr coursework; and
• Forward the registration and a practising licence application fee.

The types of work an Electrical Inspector is permitted to carry out are:

• the installation or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
• the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or
installations; and
• the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler
inserted into an appliance inlet; and
• the maintenance of appliances; and
• the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
• the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
• the inspection of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
• the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (g) above

Criteria for entitlement -

Option 1

• passed the Electrical Inspector written examination; and
• passed the Electrical Inspector practical examination or assessment; and
• completed approved safety training within the prescribed time frame; and
• been registered as an Electrician for not less than three years and completed three years practical experience which is satisfactory to the Board;

Option 2

• had the status of Qualified Engineer under the Electricity Act 1992 for not less than three years and completed three years practical experience which is satisfactory to the Board; and
• completed approved safety training within the prescribed time frame.

Option 3

• been registered as an Electrical Engineer for not less than three years and completed three years practical experience which is satisfactory to the Board; and
• completed approved safety training within the prescribed time frame.

Please send:

A completed application form;
The Registration/practising licence fee; and The original of the Electrician/Electrical Engineer registration certificate and current practising licence Documentation confirming registration entitlement as follows;

Form of evidence:
All applicants must provide the Board with evidence of practical "hands on" training and/or experience. The evidence must be provided in the form of:

1. an employer work reference(s); or
2. reference(s) from other persons who are registered by the Board and who have an in depth knowledge of the training and/or experience obtained by the applicant; or
3. reference(s) from other persons (ie Accountants or Solicitors) who have business knowledge of the training and/or experience obtained by the applicant through companies that no longer exist or past employers who are either deceased or unable to provide references.

In circumstances where an applicant demonstrates that the applicant is unable to provide any of the above listed references the Board will accept a correctly constituted Statutory Declaration.

Evidence to include:
Any applicant for registration as an electrical inspector must provide evidence that they have completed not less than three years training and/or experience carrying out the following prescribed electrical work;

1. the installation or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
2. the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
3. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet; and
4. the maintenance of appliances; and
5. the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
6. the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
7. the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (f) above.

The applicant must have obtained the abovementioned training and/or experience subsequent to registration as an electrician or electrical engineer by the Board, or by holding the status of Qualified Engineer under the Electricity Act 1992.

The types of work a Line Mechanic is permitted to carry out are:

• the installation or maintenance of conductors used as electric lines in works; and
• the installation or maintenance of conductors used as electric lines in installations; and
• the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to the work described in paragraph (a) above; and
• the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to the work described in paragraph (b) above; and
• the connection or disconnection of work described in paragraphs (a) and (c) above to or from a power supply; and
• the connection or disconnection of work described in paragraphs (b) and (d) above to or from a power supply; and
• the maintenance of appliances where the appliance is supplied with electricity directly from an electric line; and
• the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (g) above; and
• the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (g) above; and
• the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (i) above.

• passed the Line Mechanic written examination; and
• passed the Line Mechanic practical examination or assessment; and
• completed two years training/experience in the work of a Line Mechanic which is satisfactory to the Board.

Note - experience obtained after 1 April 2010 must have been obtained under Limited Certification.

OR Competency-based pathway

EITHER -

Confirmation of a minimum of 24 months of appropriate work as a Line Mechanic; which if obtained within NZ is obtained under the supervision of a suitably licensed person, while the trainee holds a current Limited Certificate.

Tuition and Examinations

1. Completion of a line mechanic theory/regulations course conducted by an approved training provider (in NZ) and a pass in the associated exam; and
2. Completion and a pass in a line mechanic practical examination or practical assessment conducted by an approved Trainer; and
3. Completion of current courses in safe working practices, testing, basic first aid and CPR

Also send in completed registration application form and registration fee.

Persons with qualifications from New South Wales, Queensland or Victoria see note 4 and schedule 6 of the Electricity Regulations 1997. (also see below)

OR -

• A completed registration application form; and
• A copy of your National Certificate; and
• Complete the application including details of the safe-working practices, testing, first aid and cpr coursework; and
• Forward the registration application fee.

The types of work a Cable Jointer is permitted to carry out are:

• the installation or maintenance of conductors of low or high voltage polymeric and paper insulated cables including oil and gas filled cables and oil and gas pressured cables that necessitate the specialist jointing and terminating of such cables; and
• the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to the work described in paragraph (a) above; and
• the connection of low voltage conductors described in paragraph (a) above or low voltage fittings described in paragraph (b) above to a power supply; and
• the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (c) above; and
• the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (c) above that is carried out in any installation; and
• the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (e) above.

• passed the Cable Jointer written examination; and
• passed the Cable Jointer practical examination or practical assessment; and
• completed two years training/ experience in the work of a Cable Jointer which is satisfactory to the Board.

Note-Experience obtained after 1 April 2010 must have been obtained under Limited Certification.

Approved National Certificate holders produce the relevant National Certificate as confirmation that the relevant coursework, examinations and experience have been completed. In addition, relevant safety training must also have been completed within the directed time frame.

EITHER -

Non National Certificate applicants

• Completed application including details of the safe-working practices, testing, first aid and cpr coursework; and
• the registration application fee plus a practising licence application fee
• A reference giving details of work experience to satisfy the requirements mentioned above which provides very precise details as to the actual electrical work undertaken and the time-span over which this experience was obtained, confirmed in writing by the relevant employer/licensed supervisor), also quoting the Limited Certificate detail; and
• Results sheets for the relevant tuition/practical assessment and examinations.

OR -

National Certificate applicants

• A completed application form; and
• A copy of your National Certificate; and
• Complete the application including details of the safe-working practices, testing, first aid and cpr coursework; and
• Forward the registration application fee plus a practising licence application fee

Associated Tradesperson (Plumber)

• the maintenance and replacement of fittings that have an electrical rating of not more than 250 volts and 16 amperes which are one of the following:
• storage water heater elements;
• storage water heater thermostats.
• the disconnection and connection of fittings from or to a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet; where those fittings have an electrical rating of not more than 250 volts and 16 amperes and are one of the following:
  • waste disposal units;
  • electronic water control units;
  • water pressure devices;
  • storage water heaters.
• the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above; and
• the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above; and
• the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above.

Associated Tradesperson (Gasfitter)

• the maintenance and replacement of fittings that have an electrical rating of not more than 250 volts and 16 amperes which form part of gas fired equipment; and
• the disconnection and connection of fittings from or to a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet; where those fittings have an electrical rating of not more than 250 volts and 16 amperes and form part of gas fired equipment; and
• the testing of work described in paragraphs (f) and (g) above; and
• the certification of work described in paragraphs (f) and (g) above; and
• the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (f) to (i) above.

Associated Tradesperson (Plumber/Gasfitter)

• All of the work described in paragraphs (a) to (j) above.

• Obtained registration from the Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board as a plumber or a gasfitter or a plumber/gasfitter; and
• passed the Associated Tradesperson written theoretical examination; and
• passed the Associated Tradesperson practical examination or assessment.

Under the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 registration is required for a person to carry out prescribed electrical work in their own right.

The classes of trade that can obtain these certificates are registered plumbers, Registered Gas Fitters and Registered Plumbers/Gas Fitters.

Tuition and Examinations

• Complete a course of tuition approved by the Board which includes a practical assessment; and
• Pass the relevant examination; and
• Complete and pass, within the required time frame, safety tuition in safe working practises, testing, basic first aid and CPR, (In many cases this may form part of the course mentioned above).

• A completed Registration/Practicing Licence application form; and
• The Gas and/or Plumbers registration number held and date of current licence; and
• A Registration application fee of $103.00 plus The practising licence fee is on a "pro rata" basis for persons first applying for registration (see fee schedule on the application form). Make cheques payable to "Electrical Workers Registration Board".

Notes -

1. A practising license is required where prescribed electrical work is to be undertaken for which payment or reward is provided to you or to any other person.
2. Send applications to the Electrical Workers Registration Board, PO Box 10156, Wellington. Emailed or faxed documents or applications are not accepted. Please allow a minimum of 6 weeks for processing applications.
3. For a list of recognised safe-working practices aspects training providers refer to the Boards website at www.ewrb.govt.nz

NZECP46 requires that persons desiring to work on live high voltage Lines must be a person approved By the Secretary, or approved by such other person authorised by the Secretary to grant approvals under this regulation.

SUBSEQUENT to the applicant having held registration as a Line Mechanic, Electrician, or Inspector, for a MINIMUM of 2 years; and achieved a minimum of 4 years experience in electric line work:

Live Line Approvals are managed between the employer and the employee and the Training Provider Institute.

Approvals are issued in conjunction with the details specified in NZECP46. This code of practice can be viewed on www.ess.govt.nz web site or purchased from Bennett's Bookshops.