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EWRB Registration Changes NZ 2024-2026: Full Guide for Electricians (With Step-by-Step Help)
June 2025
Starting from September 2024, the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) is introducing important changes to the way electricians and electrical workers register in New Zealand. These changes will affect both new applicants and some currently registered workers — with additional changes scheduled for 2025 and 2026.
At SparkPro, we’re not the EWRB — but we’re here to help you understand what these changes mean for your situation, so you can stay compliant, fully registered, and confident in your licensing pathway.
So, What’s Changing?
The EWRB is introducing a new Registration Framework following the release of the Electricity (Prescribed Classes of Registration for Electrical Workers) Notice 2023. The changes affect:
Who qualifies for certain classes
How much experience is required
What specific limits of work apply
New endorsed registration classes
Depending on where you are in your licensing journey, you may need to meet new criteria starting as early as September 2024.
Changes Starting 1 September 2024
Associated Tradesperson Class
Licensed Building Practitioners (Carpentry Licence holders) can now apply for this registration class.
Electrical Inspector
Must now have 3 years of practical experience in prescribed electrical work.
Applicants need to have been registered as an Electrician or Electrical Engineer (with Electrician limits) for at least 3 years before applying.
Electrical Engineer
Practical experience increases from 1 year to 2 years (for applications after 1 August 2024).
Trainees who applied before 1 August 2024 still qualify under the old 1-year rule but must complete full registration by 1 September 2026.
Distribution Line Mechanic
The regular and endorsed versions are merging into one class, with combined limits of work.
Changes Starting 1 September 2025
From 2025, certain specialized work will require endorsed registration classes. Electrical workers will not be allowed to perform this work unless they hold the proper endorsement:
Mains parallel generation systems
Medical cardiac protected areas
Hazardous areas
Mining operations
Supervision (for supervising 3 or more people — except for Electrical Inspectors)
Appliance Servicepersons
The Electrical Appliance Serviceperson and its endorsed version will merge.
The merged class will allow disconnecting/reconnecting fixed wired appliances.
Changes Starting 1 September 2026
Electrician
A new pathway will allow Electrical Installers to register as Electricians after 1 year of experience plus exams.
Electrical Installer
Practical experience increases from 2 to 3 years.
New pathway allows Electrical Service Technicians to register as Installers after 1 year of experience.
Electrical Service Technician
Practical experience increases from 18 months to 2 years.
New Endorsed Classes
The following specialized endorsements will become available across different registration classes:
Mains parallel generation systems
Medical cardiac protected areas
Hazardous areas
Mining operations
Supervision (for supervising 3 or more people)
New Endorsed Classes
The following specialized endorsements will become available across different registration classes:
Mains parallel generation systems
Medical cardiac protected areas
Hazardous areas
Mining operations
Supervision (for supervising 3 or more people)
How SparkPro Can Help You Navigate These Changes
The upcoming changes can feel confusing, especially if you're:
Currently in the middle of your training or application
Unsure if your work experience will meet the new requirements
Moving to NZ from overseas and trying to figure out where you fit
Preparing to apply for a new class or endorsement
At SparkPro, we specialize in guiding electricians step-by-step through the licensing and registration process. We can help you:
✅ Understand which registration pathway applies to you
✅ Review your qualifications and work experience
✅ Prepare your application correctly to avoid delays
✅ Assist overseas-trained electricians in matching NZ standards
✅ Get ready for EWRB assessments and exams
Interested in our services? Let’s talk and get your registration journey started today!
From license renewals to New Zealand and overseas registration pathways, we offer tailored support to help you get licensed faster and with confidence