What is a Restricted Electrical Worker’s Licence?
What is a Restricted Electrical Worker’s Licence (REL)?
A Restricted Electrical Worker’s Licence (REL)—also known as a ‘D’ licence in Victoria—entitles non-electrician trade professionals to perform low-voltage electrical disconnect and reconnect work on equipment connected to fixed electrical installations.
- When do you need an REL? You need an REL if fixed equipment directly connected to mains power requires isolation and disconnection to be repaired, maintained, or replaced on site. Upon completing the work, you are required to issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES).
- When is an REL not required? If equipment is easily transportable and connects via a plug to a socket, it is considered plug-in equipment and does not require an REL.
Demystifying the Restricted Electrical Licence (REL) in Victoria: Class 2 vs. Class 1 Explained
If you are a plumber, refrigeration mechanic, fitter, or service technician in Victoria, you have likely encountered the need to disconnect and reconnect electrical equipment as part of your day-to-day work. Figuring out which training course you need can be confusing when confronted with national unit codes like UEESS00133, UEECD0007, UEERL0004, and UEERL0005.
To make things straightforward, we refer to our training pathways by the licence titles used by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV): REL Class 2 and REL Class 1. Here is a comprehensive guide to what these licences mean, how they differ, and how you can obtain yours.
Class 2 vs. Class 1: Which Licence Do You Need?
Determining whether you require a Class 2 or Class 1 licence depends on your specific work functions.
REL Class 2 (Course Code: UEESS00133 Skill Set / UEECD0007 & UEERL0004)
- Scope: Covers “like-for-like” disconnection and reconnection of equipment relevant to your primary trade or work function for repair, replacement, or maintenance.
- Who it’s for: Tradespeople who need to swap out or maintain components (such as motors, water heaters, or air conditioning units) without troubleshooting electrical faults.
REL Class 1 (Course Code: UEERL0005)
- Scope: Includes all functions of a Class 2 licence (disconnect/reconnect like for like equipment), with the addition of fault finding- i.e. poking around inside of equipment with voltage and current testers to identify a fault WHILE there is voltage present.
- Who it’s for: Technicians whose work duties specifically require them to take measurements and see equipment operating under live voltage conditions to diagnose the fault. In other words, if you need to see contactors pull in, relays change state, and solenoids operate to diagnose the problem, you’ll need a Class 1 Licence.
- Prerequisite: To be awarded a Class 1 REL, you must already hold or meet all requirements for a Class 2 licence, and complete UEERL0005 in addition to either UEERL0004 or UEESS00133.
What You CAN and CANNOT Do with an REL Class 2
It is critical to understand the boundaries of a Restricted Electrical Licence:
- What you CAN do: Perform like-for-like replacement, repair, and maintenance on fixed-wired electrical equipment associated with your primary trade.
- What you CANNOT do: Install new circuits, install new power points or wiring, alter switchboards, run supply wiring, or perform general electrical contracting.
- General Rule: All new fixed electrical wiring and installation work must be carried out by a licensed electrician.
Steps to Obtain Your Restricted Electrical Licence in Victoria
Energy Safe Victoria sets several clear requirements to obtain an REL:
- Create an ESVConnect Profile & Confirm Eligibility: Create a user profile in ESVConnect to complete the eligibility checker and gain approval prior to enrolling with us. ESV’s guidance is here. Our PDF walkthrough is here.
- Verify Prerequisites: You must hold a recognized primary trade qualification or demonstrate suitable industrial experience, and complete a pre-enrolment Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) assessment. (Note: If you do not hold a Cert III or higher qualification and are relying on in-house training, contact ESV directly at licensing@energysafe.vic.gov.au or 1800 815 721 to verify acceptability).
- Complete RTO Training: Successfully complete your unit(s) of competency with us.
- Pass the Independent Assessment: Successfully pass an independent practical assessment conducted by an ESV-approved assessment centre.
- Demonstrate Need: Provide an employer support letter (or a self-written letter if self-employed) detailing your primary trade, the tasks requiring the licence, the equipment involved, and the operating voltage. ESV’s template is here
- Apply for your Licence: Login to the ESVConnect account you created in Step 1, fill out the Licence Application Questionnaire you started in Step 1, but this time you can tick Yes for “Have you completed UEERL0004/0005”. Upload all your supporting documentation, pay the Licence application fee, and you’re done!
How Our REL Class 2 Course is Structured
Our REL Class 2 course combines flexible online study with hands-on workshop practice:
- Online Theory (~24 Hours): Self-paced reading and quizzes on the Energy Space platform covering units UEECD0007 and UEERL0004.
- Practical Videos (~2 Hours): Video instruction covering practical requirements on our platform.
- Theory Assessment Session: Held online on Monday.
- Practical Workshop Sessions: Conducted in person on Tuesday and Wednesday at our workshop. Reattempts can be done on Thursdays or other days by arrangement if needed.
- Statement of Attainment: Successful completion of all criteria for UEECD0007 and UEERL0004 yields a Statement of Attainment, enabling you to book your official ESV REL Class 2 Licence Assessment.
- Inclusions & Policies: Your course fee includes two additional assessment re-attempts and 4 hours of additional pre-ESV assessment coaching time. (Additional fees apply for excessive re-attempts or gaps exceeding 6 months from completion).
Required Equipment for Workshop Training & Assessments
When attending training and assessments, you must bring your own protective gear and test equipment:
- Gloves: Insulated inner gloves with flame-resistant outer protectors.
- Insulation Tester: An analogue True Moving Coil Insulation Resistance and Continuity (IRC) Tester.
- Popular Equipment & Purchases: Popular brands include Kyoritsu, EFO, and Hioki 3-range analogue insulation testers. We also offer glove sets ($130 GST incl.) and IRC testers ($495 GST incl.) directly for purchase.
How Our REL Class 1 Course is Structured
Our REL Class 1 course combines flexible online study with hands-on workshop practice:
- Online Theory (~15 Hours): Self-paced reading and quizzes on the Energy Space platform covering units UEERL0005.
- Practical Videos (~2 Hours): Video instruction covering practical requirements on our platform.
- Theory Assessment Session: Can be held online by arrangement.
- Practical Workshop Session: Conducted in person at our workshop.
- Statement of Attainment: Successful completion of all criteria for UEERL0005 yields a Statement of Attainment, enabling you to book your official ESV REL Class 1 Licence Assessment.
- Inclusions & Policies: Your course fee includes two additional assessment re-attempts and additional pre-ESV assessment coaching time. (Additional fees apply for excessive re-attempts or gaps exceeding 6 months from completion).
What about other States and Territories?
Other States and Territories have different requirements. It’s best to visit the websites of the regulators there to find out more:
What about Mutual Recognition between Australian States and Territories?
ESV has a pretty comprehensive rundown on Automatic Mutual Recognition here.
Ready to Get Started?
Navigating electrical licensing in Victoria doesn’t have to be confusing. Start by creating your profile on ESVConnect to verify your eligibility and then enrol in our upcoming REL course sessions!