WorkSafe Queensland’s Electrical contractor licences guidance, updated 5 October 2021, says an electrical contractor licence is issued for one year and its holder must maintain the eligibility requirements throughout that term. Under that guidance, the policy must have a limit of indemnity of at least $5,000,000 and consumer protection insurance of at least $50,000; figures checked 1 October 2026. An applicant must nominate at least one qualified technical person (QTP) and at least one qualified business person (QBP), then provide the insurance details and declare that the insurer has confirmed the mandatory requirements are met.
What does the one-year licence term require?
The licence requirement applies when performing electrical work for others as a sole trader, partnership or company. The one-year term is not the end of the eligibility obligation: the licence holder remains responsible for maintaining the eligibility requirements throughout that time.
Section 173 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026 details the eligibility requirements for an electrical contractor licence. The status of a licence number can also be checked through the Electrical licence holder search on WorkSafe Queensland’s contractor licence page.
Who must be nominated for the licence?
At least one person must be nominated in each of these roles:
| Role | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Qualified Technical Person (QTP) | At least one QTP must be nominated to perform or supervise the electrical work. |
| Qualified Business Person (QBP) | At least one QBP must be nominated. |
The QTP and QBP can be the same person. Both roles are endorsed on the electrical contractor licence, and the application must explain how the nominated people meet the eligibility requirements.
At least one QTP or QBP must also have the required connection to the business applying for the licence:
| Licence holder | Required connection |
|---|---|
| Individual or sole trader | The applicant or an employee of the applicant |
| Partnership | A partner or an employee of the partnership |
| Company | A director, executive officer, member or employee |
What must the insurance policy include?
The policy must meet Section 165 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026. WorkSafe Queensland’s guidance sets out the following mandatory details:
| Requirement | Insurance detail |
|---|---|
| Policyholder | Issued in the legal name of the business applying for the licence |
| Core liability cover | Public and products liability |
| Limit of indemnity | At least $5,000,000 |
| Consumer protection insurance | At least $50,000 |
| Testing and certification | Liability arising from testing and certifying work in accordance with the ES Regulation |
| Faulty design work | Injury or damage arising from faulty design work performed by the licence holder, including work for which no specific fee was charged |
| Incorrect 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 |
The $50,000 consumer protection insurance sits alongside the minimum $5,000,000 limit of indemnity. Meeting those amounts alone does not remove the need to check the other policy requirements.
What does the insurance declaration involve?
When applying or renewing, the applicant must provide the policy details and declare that they have confirmed with the insurer that the policy complies with Section 165 of the ES Regulation. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make that confirmation.
If the policy wording is unclear, WorkSafe Queensland directs applicants to consult their insurer or broker. This is particularly important where the work includes design, advice, testing, certification or goods under the licence holder’s care, custody or control.
A copy of the policy does not have to be provided with the application. However, the Electrical Safety Office conducts periodic audits, and an audited contractor must provide either a copy of the insurance policy or written confirmation from the insurer.
How is the licence application submitted?
Applications are submitted through the ESO Electrical Licensing Portal. The application process includes:
- Providing details of the nominated QTP and QBP and explaining how they meet the eligibility requirements.
- Nominating an Authorised Person who will submit the application and make the declaration.
- Providing the insurance-policy details and the required insurance declaration.
- Paying the applicable fee by debit or credit card through BPoint.
For an individual application, the Authorised Person is the applicant. For a partnership, the Authorised Person is a partner; for a corporation, the Authorised Person is a director or executive officer. One person may hold more than one role, including QTP, QBP and Authorised Person.
Access to the ESO Electrical Licensing Portal requires identity verification using a Digital ID. WorkSafe Queensland describes Digital ID use as voluntary and says applicants who need an alternative arrangement can contact 1300 632 993.
After submission, all nominated people receive an email asking them to validate their identity and accept their nomination. They may also be asked for evidence of eligibility. The application will not proceed until at least one nominated QTP and at least one nominated QBP have confirmed their details and acceptance.
Before applying or renewing, check WorkSafe Queensland’s current contractor licence page and the policy’s PDS. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Sources
FAQ
How long is a Queensland electrical contractor licence issued for?
It is issued for one year. The licence holder must maintain the eligibility requirements throughout that term.
Can the same person be both the QTP and QBP?
Yes. One person may hold both roles, but both nominations are endorsed on the licence.
What are the two key insurance amounts?
The policy must have a limit of indemnity of at least $5,000,000 and consumer protection insurance of at least $50,000.
Do I need to provide a copy of the insurance policy with the application?
No. You must provide the policy details and make the required declaration, but a copy is not required with the application. If audited, you must provide a copy or written confirmation from the insurer.
Who should I contact if I am unsure the policy complies?
Confirm the requirements with your insurer. WorkSafe Queensland also directs applicants to consult an insurer or broker if they are unsure.
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