Becoming registered for overseas-trained applicants
All electrical workers must hold a Practising Licence to carry out prescribed electrical work.
If you are an overseas-trained applicant, you must hold a Limited Certificate before you can apply for a Practising Licence.
If you completed your training overseas, to obtain your New Zealand Practising Licence you must first apply for registration in the appropriate class of registration (for example, cable jointer, electrician, transmission line mechanic).
Your application will be assessed to determine if it meets the requirements for registration, and you will receive an outcome letter from the licensing team.
Details of the supporting information you will need can be found on the relevant registration class pages.
Apply for registration
Apply for registration in the EW Portal:
- Log in to your EW Portal.
- Select "Apply for a practitioner class (Registration)”.
- Select “No” under “Practising Licence Required”.
- Select “Overseas applicant” under “Reason Practising Licence Not Required”.
- Confirm if you are a New Zealand tax resident.
- Click “Start Application”.
Details of the supporting information you will need can be found on the relevant registration class pages.
Registration overseas-trained pathway
If your application shows that you have completed the required work experience covering the limits of works for your registration class, you will receive an assessment letter and be invited to apply for a Limited Certificate.
A Limited Certificate application will be set up in your EW Portal for you to complete and submit.
Once you have your Limited Certificate, you will need to work under supervision in New Zealand. The number of hours and type of work you will need to complete will be detailed in your assessment letter.
Your assessment letter will also give details of any short courses, examinations, and practical assessments you need to complete.
Application cost
The registration application fee is $350 (including GST).
You can pay for your application by credit card or debit card.
Application processing timeframes
Once we have received your application, your application should be processed within 12 weeks.
Information on certified documents
Accessing your digital licence
Once your application has been completed, you will be advised by email.
Your new digital licence will be available to download from the EW Portal.