Yes. WorkSafe Queensland’s electrical contractor licence guidance says an electrical contractor licence is issued for one year and the holder must maintain the eligibility requirements throughout that year. The same regulator requires an indemnity limit of at least $5,000,000 and consumer protection insurance of at least $50,000; figures checked 1 October 2026.
What does the one-year term mean for eligibility?
The one-year term is not merely the period following approval. WorkSafe Queensland places responsibility on the licence holder to maintain the eligibility requirements throughout it.
An electrical contractor licence must be held to perform electrical work for others as a sole trader, partnership or company. Section 173 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026 sets out the eligibility requirements.
Applicants must nominate:
- At least one qualified technical person (QTP) to perform or supervise the electrical work.
- At least one qualified business person (QBP).
- The QTP and QBP may be the same person. Both roles are endorsed on the licence.
The relevant connection to the licence holder also depends on the business structure:
| Licence holder | Relevant connection for a nominated QTP or QBP |
|---|---|
| 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 of the company |
These requirements explain part of the eligibility that the holder must maintain. The cited regulator material does not provide a separate annual eligibility-checking procedure.
How do I check the licence status?
Use the regulator’s online process:
- Open the WorkSafe Queensland electrical contractor licences page.
- Find the online Electrical licence holder search.
- Use that search to check the status of the electrical contractor licence number.
- Check the insurance separately against the requirements below.
The regulator describes the online search as a licence-number status check. It separately requires the policyholder to confirm with the insurer that the insurance policy meets the mandatory requirements.
The cited material states that licences are issued for one year, but it does not set out a renewal due-date calculation or a complete renewal procedure. Check the current regulator page rather than assuming that the licence will roll over or that a particular renewal step applies.
How do I confirm the insurance complies?
The policy must meet Section 165 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026. Check both the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the insurer’s confirmation.
| Check | Mandatory requirement |
|---|---|
| Policy | Hold a policy meeting Section 165 |
| Policyholder name | Issued in the applying business’s legal name |
| Core cover | Public and products liability |
| Indemnity limit | At least $5,000,000 |
| Consumer protection | Consumer protection insurance of at least $50,000 |
| Testing work | Liability arising from testing and certification under 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 |
WorkSafe Queensland says it is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm with the insurer that the policy meets these mandatory requirements. When applying or renewing, the applicant must declare that this confirmation has been obtained.
A copy of the insurance policy does not have to be provided with the application. However, if the Electrical Safety Office conducts an audit, the contractor must provide a copy of the policy or written confirmation from the insurer.
What should I do if the policy wording is unclear?
Do not rely on a cover description alone. Compare the current PDS with the mandatory requirements above, then ask the insurer to confirm whether the policy complies. If the answer is unclear, consult an insurer or broker before relying on the cover.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the current WorkSafe Queensland regulator page and your policy PDS, and confirm any uncertain point directly with the insurer or broker.
Sources
FAQ
Is a Queensland electrical contractor licence valid for one year?
WorkSafe Queensland says an electrical contractor licence is issued for one year. The holder must maintain the eligibility requirements throughout that period.
Does the online licence search confirm that my insurance is compliant?
The regulator describes the Electrical licence holder search as a way to check licence-number status. Insurance compliance is a separate check: compare the policy with Section 165 and confirm with the insurer that it meets the mandatory requirements.
What insurance amounts are required?
The policy must have an indemnity limit of at least $5,000,000 and consumer protection insurance of at least $50,000.
Must the QTP and QBP be different people?
No. The same person may be nominated as both QTP and QBP, and both roles are endorsed on the licence.
What should I do if I am unsure whether my policy complies?
Check the PDS, ask the insurer to confirm compliance and consult an insurer or broker if the wording remains unclear.
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