To apply for an electrical contractor licence in Queensland, you need a policy issued in the legal name of the business applying for the licence, with public and products liability and a limit of indemnity of at least $5,000,000, plus consumer protection insurance of at least $50,000. The policy must also cover liability arising from testing and certification under the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026 (ES Regulation), faulty design work and incorrect advice even where no specific fee was charged, and goods in the licence holder’s care, custody or control. These requirements are stated in WorkSafe Queensland’s Electrical contractor licences guidance; figures checked 1 October 2026.
Do I need a licence as well as insurance?
Yes. WorkSafe Queensland says an electrical contractor licence must be held to perform electrical work for others as a sole trader, partnership or company. Section 173 of the ES Regulation details the eligibility requirements for the licence.
The insurance policy must meet Section 165 of the ES Regulation. Electrical contractor licences are issued for one year, and it is the licence holder’s responsibility to maintain the eligibility requirements throughout that time.
What exactly must the policy include?
Check the policy against the following stated requirements:
| Policy element | What the policy must include |
|---|---|
| Public and products liability | A limit of indemnity of at least $5,000,000. |
| Consumer protection | Consumer protection insurance of at least $50,000. |
| Business name | The policy must be issued in the legal name of the business applying for the licence. |
| Testing and certification | Liability arising from testing and certification of work in accordance with the ES Regulation. |
| Design work | Injury or damage arising from faulty design work, including work for which no specific fee was charged. |
| Advice | Injury or damage arising from incorrect advice, including advice for which no specific fee was charged. |
| Goods | Goods in the licence holder’s care, custody or control. |
These are the minimum licensing requirements stated in the guidance. This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the WorkSafe Queensland regulator page and your policy’s PDS before applying or renewing.
How do I confirm the policy meets the mandatory requirements?
The applicant is responsible for confirming with the insurer that the policy meets the mandatory requirements and complies with Section 165 of the ES Regulation. When applying or renewing, you must declare that you have confirmed this with the insurer.
You do not need to provide a copy of the insurance policy with the application. However, the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) conducts periodic audits. If an audit occurs, you must provide a copy of the policy or written confirmation from the insurer.
Consult your insurer or broker if you are unsure whether the policy meets the requirements.
Which people must be nominated?
Applicants must nominate at least one qualified technical person (QTP) to perform or supervise electrical work and at least one qualified business person (QBP). The QTP and QBP can be the same person, and both are endorsed on the electrical contractor licence.
The relevant relationship depends on the type of licence:
| Licence held by | QTP or QBP must be |
|---|---|
| An individual or sole trader | The applicant or an employee of the applicant |
| A partnership | A partner or an employee of the partnership |
| A company | A director, executive officer, member or employee of the company |
The application must provide details of the nominated QTP and QBP and explain how they meet the eligibility requirements. Nominated qualified persons may also be required to provide evidence of their eligibility.
Who is the Authorised Person?
The person submitting the application and making the declaration must be nominated as an Authorised Person. The role is assigned as follows:
| Application type | Authorised Person |
|---|---|
| Individual | The applicant |
| Partnership | A partner of the partnership |
| Corporation | A director or executive officer of the corporation |
Authorised Persons have authority to make changes to the licence. One person may be nominated for more than one role, including QTP, QBP and Authorised Person.
How do I apply or renew?
Applicants can apply for an electrical contractor licence using the Electrical Licensing Portal. Access to the ESO Electrical Licensing Portal requires identity verification using a Digital ID. The ESO describes Digital ID use as voluntary and says to contact 1300 632 993 to make an alternative arrangement.
After submission, all nominated persons—including the QTP, QBP and Authorised Persons—are sent an email to validate their identity and accept their nomination. The application will not proceed until at least one nominated QTP and QBP has confirmed their details and acceptance.
The application also requires insurance-policy details and a declaration confirming that you have checked the policy’s compliance with Section 165 with the insurer. The applicable fee must be paid, and payment can be made by debit or credit card via BPoint.
How can I check a licence number?
You can check the status of an electrical contractor licence number through the online Electrical licence holder search.
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FAQ
Is $5,000,000 the only insurance amount?
No. The policy must also include consumer protection insurance of at least $50,000, along with the required public and products liability and the other listed cover.
Does the policy still cover design work or advice if no specific fee was charged?
Yes. The required cover includes injury or damage arising from faulty design work and incorrect advice, including where no specific fee was charged for the design work or advice.
Does the policy have to be in the applying business’s legal name?
Yes. It must be issued in the legal name of the business applying for the electrical contractor licence.
Do I need to send a copy of the policy with my application?
No. A copy is not required with the application, but an ESO audit requires a copy of the policy or written confirmation from the insurer.
How long is the electrical contractor licence?
An electrical contractor licence is issued for one year. The licence holder is responsible for maintaining the eligibility requirements throughout that time.
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