# What is a certificate of compliance for electrical work? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) 4. What is a certificate of compliance for electrical work? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [What is a certificate of compliance for electrical work?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/electrical-certificate-of-compliance-queensland/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) A licensed electrician gives you a certificate after electrical work in Queensland; keep it, because you may need it later. By Aaron Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. What is a certificate of compliance? 2. Are there different types? 3. Why should I keep it? 4. Who is responsible for issuing it? 5. What if I did not get a certificate? 6. Do certificates matter for rentals and sales? 7. What to do after any electrical job 8. Frequently asked questions A certificate of compliance is the paperwork a licensed electrician gives you after electrical work to show it was tested and meets the rules. In Queensland, licensed contractors provide a certificate to the customer after work. Keep it, because buyers, insurers and rental processes may ask for it later. ## What is a certificate of compliance? It is a written record from the licensed electrician that the work was done and checked. It is evidence that the job was done by a licensed person and tested before it was left in use. Queensland’s electrical safety laws describe the certificates licensed contractors must give. WorkSafe Queensland has a page on issuing certificates of compliance that explains the current requirements. - [WorkSafe Queensland, issuing certificates of compliance](https://worksafe.qld.gov.au/laws-and-compliance/electrical-safety-laws/issuing-certificates-of-compliance) ## Are there different types? Yes. Based on what we could confirm, there are two broad kinds: one for testing and safety of electrical equipment, and one for testing and compliance of installation work. Which one applies depends on the job. A licensed electrician will know and will issue the right one. Form names and numbers change over time, so rely on the electrician and the WorkSafe page rather than on a number you read elsewhere. ## Why should I keep it? The certificate is useful long after the job is done. - **Selling.** A buyer or their adviser may ask for records of electrical work. - **Insurance.** If you need to make a claim, evidence of licensed work can help. - **Renting.** Landlords and property managers may need records for the property file. - **Future work.** A new electrician can see what was done and when. ## Who is responsible for issuing it? The licensed contractor who did the work is responsible for providing the certificate. That is one more reason to use a licensed electrician: the paperwork is part of the job, not an optional extra. If you are unsure which certificate applies, ask the electrician to explain it in plain terms before they start. If something does not seem right If there is smoke, a burning smell, sparks or anyone has had a shock, leave the building and call 000. Do not touch the equipment, and keep children and pets away. If work was done recently and a fitting now feels hot or makes noise, stay away from it and contact the electrician who did it or another licensed electrician. ## What if I did not get a certificate? Do not assume it is lost. Contact the electrician or business and ask for it, quoting the date and address of the job. Many electricians keep records and can send a copy. If you cannot get one, or you are not sure the work was done by a licensed person, ask a licensed electrician to look at the work. For questions about your rights, the Electrical Safety Office Queensland is the regulator and can advise. ## Do certificates matter for rentals and sales? They often do. A property manager may ask for evidence that electrical work at a rental was done by a licensed person, and a buyer’s adviser may ask for records of work done to a home. Having certificates ready makes those conversations simpler and helps show the work was tested and done properly. If an older home has undocumented electrical changes, a licensed electrician can inspect what is there and advise on next steps. Do not try to alter or correct existing work yourself. ## What to do after any electrical job 1. Ask for the certificate — Ask the electrician which certificate applies to your job and when you will receive it. 2. Check the details — Look at the address, date and the electrician’s name and licence number. If any detail is wrong, ask for a corrected copy. 3. Store it safely — Keep a digital copy and a paper copy with your home records, alongside your invoice. 4. Pass it on — When you sell or hand over a property, include the certificates with the other documents. ## Frequently asked questions - Licensed contractors give customers a certificate after work, but the type depends on the job. Ask your electrician which applies. - Keep it for as long as you own the property, since buyers or insurers may ask for it. A digital copy is a good backup. - Yes. Contact the business with the date and address of the job and ask for a copy. - No. An invoice is a payment record. The certificate is a separate record that the work was tested and meets the rules. - Contact the Electrical Safety Office Queensland. It is the regulator and can explain what a licensed contractor must provide. [Learn about Electrical](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [ElectricalCan I do my own electrical work in Queensland?No: in Queensland electrical work must generally be done by a licensed electrician, with only narrow exceptions for minor tasks.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/diy-electrical-work-legal-queensland/) - [ElectricalHow do I check my electrician is licensed in Queensland?Ask for the electrician's licence number and look it up on the Electrical Safety Office Queensland's online licence search before work starts.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/check-electrician-licence-queensland/) - [Costs and financeDoes unlicensed electrical work void your home insurance?It can affect a claim, but policies differ, so check your own policy wording and keep paperwork showing a licensed electrician did the work.](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/diy-electrical-work-insurance/) - [ElectricalDo I need a switchboard upgrade?Old fuses, frequent tripping, burn marks, no safety switches or new solar, EV or air conditioning loads are reasons to ask about an upgrade.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/do-i-need-a-switchboard-upgrade/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. What is a certificate of compliance? 2. Are there different types? 3. Why should I keep it? 4. Who is responsible for issuing it? 5. What if I did not get a certificate? 6. Do certificates matter for rentals and sales? 7. What to do after any electrical job 8. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/electrical/electrical-certificate-of-compliance-queensland/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).