The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has confirmed updates to Western Australia’s electrical licensing framework, effective from 1 April 2026. The changes consolidate licence categories, introduce a renewable energy systems endorsement, and update practical assessments. For McKercher Corporation electricians working across PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse projects, both new applicants and existing holders are affected.
What is changing
The current Electrical Worker’s Licence and Electrical Installer’s Licence will merge into a single Electrical Tradesperson Licence, removing fragmentation that has made WA’s structure harder to navigate than most states.
Restricted Electrical Licences are being reorganised into clearer subcategories aligned with specific work types. The most significant addition for the solar industry is a dedicated renewable energy systems subcategory covering solar, battery, and EV charger work.
The Electrical Contractor’s Licence remains unchanged in structure, though updated insurance documentation will be required at renewal.
New assessment for new applicants
From 1 April 2026, first-time applicants must pass an updated practical assessment with three new components:
- AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) compliance testing referencing the 2025 edition, which introduced changes relevant to renewable energy system wiring.
- Basic solar PV and battery storage safety. Not an endorsement-level assessment, but a baseline competency check every new electrician must pass.
- Enhanced RCD testing and verification, reflecting current best practice across residential and commercial installations.
Existing licence holders are not required to sit the new assessment. Their obligation sits with continuing professional development.
CPD requirements for existing holders
Current licence holders must complete CPD activities covering the updated AS/NZS 3000 standards and RCD testing requirements before their next renewal.
DMIRS has not mandated a specific CPD hour count for this transition. The expectation at renewal is clear: licence holders should demonstrate familiarity with the 2025 Wiring Rules and updated RCD protocols.
For McKercher Corporation staff, this aligns with existing internal training. ISO 45001 certification already requires documented evidence of ongoing technical competence. Staff should confirm CPD records are current and flag gaps to HSEQ before their next renewal window.
The renewable energy endorsement
The new endorsement is positioned as a valuable credential for electricians working in solar, battery, and EV charger work. While not mandatory for all renewable energy installations, DMIRS has signalled the endorsement will carry growing weight over time.
For PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse electricians, it formalises competencies McKercher Corporation already requires of its teams. Staff holding current NETCC accreditation and manufacturer-specific training (Sigenergy, Tesla, Fronius) are well positioned to obtain the endorsement when the application pathway opens.
As regulatory scrutiny of solar and battery installations intensifies through tighter STC compliance checks, photographic evidence requirements, and CER enforcement activity, electricians holding a recognised renewable energy credential will carry a measurable advantage.
What McKercher Corporation is doing
Three actions are underway:
- CPD planning: Internal training schedules are being updated so all licensed electricians complete AS/NZS 3000:2025 and RCD testing CPD ahead of their renewal dates.
- Endorsement pathway: The company is tracking the DMIRS application process and will support eligible staff through it once open.
- Documentation alignment: ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 training records are being cross-referenced with the new DMIRS requirements to confirm no gaps.
For customers
For residential and commercial customers, the changes provide an additional layer of assurance. A mandatory solar and battery safety assessment for new electricians raises the minimum competency bar across the WA industry.
McKercher Corporation’s installation teams already operate above this new minimum. NETCC accreditation, ISO certification, Tesla Premium Certified Installer status for five consecutive years, and Sigenergy Gold Installer standing reflect a standard that the updated DMIRS framework is designed to encourage more broadly.
Customers can verify any electrician’s licence status through the DMIRS online licence checker.
Key dates
Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
Updated licensing framework commences | 1 April 2026 |
New practical assessment applies to | New applicants from 1 April 2026 |
CPD obligation for existing holders | Before next individual renewal date |
Renewable energy endorsement | Application pathway to be confirmed by DMIRS |
Source: Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS), Western Australia.
