For every prescribed electrical job, identify and issue the required certificates correctly and on time: a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is required for general- and high-risk work but optional for low-risk work; an Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC) is required across the risk categories, subject to regulation 74A exceptions. Regulation 65 sets the CoC rule; the EWRB paperwork guide explains how the documents fit together.
Start with the work's risk category
A CoC is the electrician's certification that prescribed electrical work was completed, tested and complies with the applicable requirements. Under regulation 65 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, a CoC is required for general- and high-risk prescribed electrical work; for low-risk work, issuing a CoC is optional. The WorkSafe risk-category guidance outlines how the categories differ.
High-risk work also needs an independent inspection and a Record of Inspection (RoI). The EWRB's certification guidance explains that high-risk work is not complete until the CoC and RoI are issued, and that the inspector lodges the RoI on the high-risk database.
Decide which documents apply
The CoC and ESC do different jobs. The CoC records compliance of the prescribed work; the ESC records that the installation or part is electrically safe after the work and connection. The EWRB lists an ESC for low-, general- and high-risk work; regulation 74A sets the circumstances and exceptions (EWRB paperwork guide; regulation 74A). The person who completes the work issues the ESC when satisfied the installation is safe. For general-risk work, the CoC comes before connection; the ESC follows connection.
Check who can certify and inspect
Only a person authorised to certify the prescribed electrical work may issue its CoC. The authorisation may arise from the person's practising licence or, where applicable, an employer-licence system of operation (regulation 68). A business administrator or software platform cannot certify work on an electrician's behalf.
High-risk work must be inspected by an authorised, independent electrical inspector. The inspector records the inspection in the RoI and submits the high-risk work details as required; the EWRB guide describes the sequence. The person responsible for the final connection must issue the ESC for that connection (regulation 74A).
Give copies and keep records
Give the certification documents to the person or company that contracted or authorised the work. If that party is unavailable, provide them to the installation's owner or occupier (regulations 74E and 74G).
The ESC must be issued as soon as possible after connection and no later than 20 working days after connection (regulation 74C). The responsible person must keep a copy of each CoC and related RoI for at least 7 years (regulation 74E). Required records must be produced within 10 working days when requested by an authorised person (regulation 74E; EWRB record-keeping guidance). Keep readable copies linked to the job, along with supporting test results and inspection records.
Common CoC and ESC mistakes
- Using the wrong risk category. Record the category that matches the actual work instead of ticking every box. The EWRB checklist explains the categories and required documents.
- Leaving out work details. Describe the work you were responsible for, its dates, and anyone supervised; include relevant test results and supporting documents (EWRB guidance).
- Treating a CoC as an ESC. A CoC does not replace the ESC when one is required. Complete the correct documents in sequence (regulations 65 and 74A–74C).
- Signing outside your authority or before checks are complete. Only certify work you are authorised to certify and can stand behind (regulations 66–69).
- Relying on a blank box as a record. If you rely on manufacturer instructions or a supplier declaration, attach or link the relevant document as the EWRB advises.
Capture the paperwork on site
The EWRB provides CoC and ESC forms that can be completed and saved on a computer or tablet, and accepts certification documents in paper or digital formats (certification forms; paperwork guidance). Before leaving a job, record the work and tests, check the risk category, identify any required inspection, and make sure the authorised person completes the right certificate. Send a copy to the right recipient and save a readable copy with the job file.
A job-management app may help keep job notes and supporting records together, but check that any form you use captures the information required by the regulations. The app does not replace an authorised person's certification or inspection. For a neutral overview, see our AroFlo partner page.