1What is it?
A Wireman's Licence registers you as a Registered Person under the Electrical Installation Regulations. Only a Registered Person may inspect, test and issue an electrical Certificate of Compliance for an installation.
2Who needs it?
- Electricians who issue electrical Certificates of Compliance
- Anyone signing off installations for property transfer, insurance or municipal connection
- Electrical contractors employing electricians who need a Registered Person on staff
3Who doesn't need it?
- Qualified electricians working under a Registered Person who do not sign CoCs
- Handymen replacing a light fitting or plug top on an existing compliant circuit
4Registration categories
Single Phase Tester
Single-phase installations up to the prescribed limits.
Installation Electrician
Single and three-phase installations, the most common category.
Master Installation Electrician
Specialised installations including hazardous locations and higher complexity work.
5Why is it important?
Issuing an electrical CoC without being a Registered Person is an offence under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Insurers routinely repudiate fire claims where the CoC was invalid.
6Benefits
- Authority to issue electrical Certificates of Compliance
- Access to property-transfer, insurance and municipal connection work
- Higher rates and stronger commercial credibility
- A Trade Verified badge on your FIX IT profile
7Step-by-step guide
- 1Complete a recognised electrical trade qualification and trade test.
- 2Accumulate the required practical experience for your target category.
- 3Register for and pass the Wireman's Licence examination through an accredited body.
- 4Submit the registration application to the Department of Employment and Labour with your results.
- 5Provide certified copies of your qualification, ID and experience records.
- 6Receive your Registered Person registration and wallet card.
- 7Upload your licence to the FIX IT Business Centre with the registration number.
8Supporting documents
- Electrical trade test certificate or recognised qualification
- Proof of practical experience (logbooks or employer letters)
- Wireman's examination results
- Certified copy of ID
- Passport photograph
9Costs
Government fees
Registration and card fees are modest, generally under R1 000.
Training costs
Preparation courses typically R6 000 – R20 000; examination fees typically R2 000 – R5 000 per attempt.
Other costs
Calibrated test equipment (loop, insulation and earth testers) from R8 000 upward, plus annual calibration.
10Expected turnaround time
Exam booking and results: 4 – 12 weeks. Departmental registration: a further 4 – 8 weeks after submission.
11Renewal requirements
Registration does not lapse annually, but you must remain competent and use calibrated instruments. Employer registration with the Department must be kept current.
12Official website
13Official contact details
- Department of Employment and Labour: 012 309 4000
- ECA(SA): 011 392 0000
- Website: www.labour.gov.za
14Frequently asked questions
Is a trade test the same as a Wireman's Licence?
No. The trade test makes you a qualified electrician; the Wireman's Licence makes you a Registered Person able to issue CoCs.
Which category do I need for a house?
Most domestic work needs at least an Installation Electrician. A Single Phase Tester is limited to single-phase installations.
Do my test instruments need calibration?
Yes. A CoC issued using uncalibrated instruments can be challenged and may invalidate an insurance claim.
15How FIX IT verifies this
- You upload your Registered Person registration document or wallet card and enter the registration number and category.
- Our reviewer checks name, registration number and category against the document.
- The name must match your verified FIX IT identity.
- Approval sets Trade Verified with electrical recorded in your verified trade categories, and the category is shown on your public profile.
- Any change or lapse is captured in your append-only provider change log.
16Download centre
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Industry associations such as IOPSA, ECA(SA), SAIA and MIWA — credibility, training and dispute support.