Victoria has one of the most structured and rigorous licensing systems for electricians in Australia. If you’re a UK-qualified electrician looking to live and work in Melbourne or regional Victoria, you’ll need to follow the specific process regulated by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) and the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
This guide walks you through each step to get licensed in Victoria — from your Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) through to your full Electrician’s Licence (A-Class) — with every detail tailored to electricians trained in the UK.
Not without licensing. All electrical work in Victoria must be done by a licensed electrician under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 (VIC).
UK electricians cannot legally carry out any electrical installations or maintenance until they have a provisional licence and are working under supervision.
The OTSR evaluates your UK qualifications (e.g. 2330, 2365, 2391, 18th Edition) and work experience against the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) — the national Australian standard.
Once you have your OTSR, you must apply to Energy Safe Victoria for a Supervised Worker’s Licence.
Key facts:
🔗 Apply at Energy Safe Victoria
You’ll need to enrol in Contextual Gap Training, which covers:
Training is completed alongside your supervised work placement and can take between 6 and 7 months.
In Victoria, you must pass the Licensed Electrician’s Assessment (LEA) — a three-part exam that includes:
You’ll sit these exams through a recognised LEA provider, such as a TAFE. Passing all three is mandatory for your full A-Class licence.
Once you pass the LEA and complete your Certificate III, apply to Energy Safe Victoria for your A-Class Licence.
You’ll need to submit:
An A-Class Licence allows you to work unsupervised as a fully qualified electrician in Victoria.
Victoria has a booming electrical sector, with demand across:
A-Class electricians in Victoria typically earn between $95,000 and $170,000+ depending on experience and role.
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
| OTSR Assessment | 6–8 weeks |
| Provisional Licence | 2–4 weeks |
| Gap Training & Work | 6 months |
| Capstone Assessment | Upon training completion |
| Full Licence Approval | 2–4 weeks |
Total Timeline from starting in the UK until completion on the ground in Australia: 9-11 months
We help UK electricians get licensed, trained, and employed in Victoria. Whether you’re starting with your OTSR or already in Australia on a visa, our team can:
Get started with a free eligibility check — and we’ll take it from there.