How to become an Installation Electrician in South Africa


An installation electrician is one of the types of legal persons (electricians) that you can register with the Department of Labour.

Please take note that when registering with the department of labour, you have options 1,2 and 3 for an Installation Electrician. Please select only one of the options below.

Option 1

1. Minimum Integrated Practical and Theoretical Qualification

  • Achieved a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering: NQF level 4 issued by the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA).
  • Submit documentary proof of successful completed unit standards on inspection, testing and certification of three phase industrial/commercial installations as prescribed by the EWSETA.
  • Submit documentary proof of successful completed unit standards on inspection, testing and certification of single phase domestic installations as prescribed by the EWSETA.

2. Knowledge of Statutory Requirements

  • Submit proof of knowledge on the legislation and relevant health and safety standards applicable to electrical installations by having passed the subject Installation Rules as administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Option 2

1. Practical Qualification

Submit proof of having passed the prescribed trade test (TODO - link to page here) in terms of the Manpower Training Act of 1981 or Skills Development Act of 1998 in one of the following trade disciplines:

  • Electrician
  • Electrician (Engineering)
  • Electrician (Construction)
  • Millwright (Electro-mechanical)
  • Lift Mechanic

OR, Submit proof of having passed:

  • Chemical Electrical NQF level 4 qualification issued by the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA).

2. Minimum Theoretical Qualification

Achieved a National N3 Certificate with the following compulsory subjects:

  • Mathematics
  • Engineering Science or Industrial Electronics
  • Electrical Trade Theory or Electro-technology

OR, Achieved a Grade 12 (Standard 10) Certificate:

  • Mathematics. Minimum pass of 40%
  • Science. Minimum pass of 40%
  • Technica - electrical or an equivalent subject that may include N3 subjects. Minimum pass of 40%
  • The above subjects may be a combination of Grade 12 school subjects and N3 electrical engineering subjects.

3. Knowledge of Statutory Requirements

  • Submit proof of knowledge on the legislation and relevant health and safety standards applicable to electrical installations by having passed the subject Installation Rules as administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Option 3

1. Theoretical Qualification

Submit a Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering:

  • T3 Diploma (Heavy Current)
  • S4 Diploma (Power Engineering)
  • B-Tech Degree
  • BSc or B Degree
  • Government Certificate of Competency (Factories or Mines)

and:

  • Submit documentary proof of successful completed unit standards on inspection, testing and certification of three phase industrial/commercial installations as prescribed by the EWSETA.

2. Knowledge of Statutory Requirements

  • Submit proof of knowledge on the legislation and relevant health and safety standards applicable to electrical installations by having passed the subject Installation Rules as administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

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