Electrical, Plumbing and Gas Licensing

Electrical, plumbing, drainage and gasfitting work is licensed in every Australian state and territory because of the safety risks involved. Unlicensed electrical work is illegal everywhere.

Checked against official sources on 27 September 2026

Certificates of compliance

Licensed electricians, plumbers and gasfitters must usually give you a certificate of compliance for regulated work. Keep these with your home records; insurers and buyers may ask for them.

Air conditioning

Installing split-system air conditioners involves refrigerant handling, which requires a refrigerant handling licence, and the electrical connection must be done by a licensed electrician.

Who licenses electrical, plumbing and gas work

State / territory	Regulator	Official source
New South Wales	Specialist work (electrical, plumbing, draining, gasfitting, air-conditioning and refrigeration) needs a licence at any value. Electricians must lodge certificates of compliance (CCEWs) online.	NSW Government
Victoria	Electricians are licensed by Energy Safe Victoria; plumbers are registered or licensed by the Building and Plumbing Commission.	Energy Safe Victoria
Queensland	Plumbing, drainage and gasfitting need a QBCC licence at any value. Electrical licences are issued by the Electrical Safety Office; gas work licences by RSHQ.	QBCC
Western Australia	Plumbing, electrical and gas licensing is administered by Building and Energy.	Building and Energy
South Australia	Electrical, plumbing and gas contractors and workers are licensed by Consumer and Business Services.	CBS
Tasmania	Electrical, plumbing and gas occupations are licensed by CBOS.	CBOS
Australian Capital Territory	Electricians, plumbers, drainers and gasfitters are licensed as construction occupations by Access Canberra.	Access Canberra
Northern Territory	Electrical licensing is administered through NT WorkSafe. Check plumbing licensing with the NT Government.	NT WorkSafe

Regulators

BCBuilding Commission NSW NSW · Building and trade licensing, compliance and complaints ESVEnergy Safe Victoria VIC · Electrical and gas safety and electrician licensing BPCBuilding and Plumbing Commission VIC · Builder and plumber registration and licensing (replaced the VBA on 1 July 2025)QBCCQueensland Building and Construction Commission QLD · Building licensing, home warranty scheme and pool safety register ESOElectrical Safety Office QLD · Electrical licensing and safety RSHQResources Safety & Health Queensland QLD · Gas work licences B&EBuilding and Energy WA · Builder, painter, plumber, electrical and gas licensing CBSConsumer and Business Services SA · Building work contractor and trade licensing CBOSConsumer, Building and Occupational Services TAS · Building services provider and trade licensing ACAccess Canberra ACT · Construction occupation licensing NTWSNT WorkSafe NT · Work health and safety

Sources

This is a general summary, not legal advice. Laws and thresholds change, so confirm with the regulator before you start work. See our legal disclaimer.