ELECTRICAL SERVICE TECHNICIAN (EST)

Complete 60 hours of self-study followed by a 5-day in-person theory and practical block course (Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm).

EST Course prerequisites: You must have completed an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (EAS) course and provide evidence of this if you did not complete the course with us. You must be either a New Zealand citizen, a New Zealand resident or hold a current work permit to enrol on an EWRB Registration course with us.

For EWRB registration as an EST: To be eligible for registration (unless exempted by the EWRB), candidates must demonstrate to the EWRB that they have completed practical training/experience as an Electrical Service Technician while holding an Electrical Service Technician Trainee Limited Certificate (TLC). Before 1 September 2026, you need 18 months (3,000 hours) of practical training/experience, which must include at least 6 months (1,000 hours) on multi-phase appliances or fittings. On or after 1 September 2026, you need 2 years (4,000 hours) of practical training/experience, which must include at least 6 months (1,000 hours) on multi-phase appliances or fittings.

To get your practising Electrical Service Technician licence, you'll need to complete this process. You can do the Competence Programme after 18 months of holding a Trainee Limited Certificate.

First, complete the Safety Training for Limited Certificates (TLC) which includes 5 online assessments plus a 1-day block course. Second, take the EST Course with 60 hours pre-study plus a 1-week block course. Third, sit your exam with ASPEQ. Fourth, complete the Competence Programme which includes an EWRB e-learning module plus a 1-day block course. Finally, apply for your registration and practising licence with the EWRB.