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The easiest way to become a registered electrical worker is to apply online

For most classes of registration, there are three pathways to apply:

• Competency (Qualified) based pathway
• Time based pathway
• Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMRA)

If you are an overseas applicant or are a person applying for a licence using overseas experience – go to the overseas information pages

Making an application

The Board needs detailed information about you and your qualifications / experience before considering your registration class application, so don’t feel like you have to complete your application in one sitting. We encourage you to commence your application when you feel you’re nearly ready to be become registered and to continue your application over time. Your information will be saved until you are ready to complete and submit your application.

Getting started on your application will assist you to identify any gaps you need to address in preparation for assessment.

Paper-based applications

If you can't complete an application online, you can make a paper-based application instead.

Prepare supporting documents

Organise and scan the following documents. PDF and JPG formats supported:

• any required certified copies of certificates/qualifications
• certified copy of proof of identity eg. Drivers licence or passport photo page
• employer work experience reference(s)
• completed required safety training (if not recorded on your profile); and
• an ID photo online or attached one to your application.

Alternatively applications and supporting documents can be mailed to:

Electrical Workers Registration Board
PO Box 1473
Wellington 6140
New Zealand

Do not courier applications as this may delay processing.

If you require an invoice, this can be sent once processing of the fees is complete. Please state if one is required and the email address for remitting as invoices are not sent automatically.

What next?

If your application is complete (the form is correctly filled in, all required documents have been submitted and payment is accepted) the assessment process will begin. NZ applications (with references) will take 2 – 3 weeks to complete.

What happens once a decision is made?

Once the evaluators complete their assessment, a recommendation on registration is put forward to the Registrar with an evaluation report.

The Board will then inform you of the outcome of your application. If your application is successful you will be provided with written confirmation and you will be added to the electrical workers register.

Assessment may find that you have not met the requirements for registration, in which case the Licensing Team will inform you by email of the missing requirements. This may be an examination pass, practical assessment completion or further work experience.

How long does it take?

Once we have received your application:

• NZ applicants registration assessment
  • Qualified pathway (National Certificate) > 20 working days.
  • Experience pathway > 20-35 working days.
• Trainee Limited Certificates: > 10 working days.
• Practising Licence (PL):
  • Registered electrical workers applying for a PL manually > 20 working days.
  • Overseas applicants applying for a PL to complete registration > 20-35 working days.
  • Replacement PL card > 10 working days.

When does my card arrive?

You will be advised by email on the completion of any application. If a card is being issued this will take up to 15 working days to arrive depending on your location. However if it has not arrived within 20 working days of your notification of completion then contact us. Ring 0800 66 1000 or email info@ewrb.govt.nz