In NSW, the person who carries out the electrical test submits the Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) as soon as practical, and no later than seven days after the test is completed. Since 1 July 2026 it must go through the BCNSW eCert portal. The seven days run from the test, not from the invoice.[1]
The deadline runs from the test
Building Commission NSW says the tester must submit the CCEW as soon as practical and no later than seven days after the electrical test is completed. The page says days, not business days.
Sources[1]
BCNSW eCert only
From 1 July 2026 every CCEW must be submitted through the BCNSW eCert portal. The PDF form, the Essential Energy portal and hard copy (NECA book) forms are no longer accepted.
Once lodged, copies can go to relevant parties based on what is in the certificate: the electrical distributor where required (for example new installations), the customer where their email is entered, and the electrician's employer or principal contractor where their email is entered. You can also log in later to download a copy to print or share.
Sources[1]
Test-to-lodgement workflow
This workflow is our suggestion. The only legal limit it relies on is the seven days from the test, and day 5 is our own backstop.
| Step | When | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Booking or quote | Before the job | Record the customer's email and any employer or principal contractor email |
| Test completed | Day 0 | Note the test date and the tester's name on the job |
| Lodge | Same day if practical | Submit in BCNSW eCert with the customer email entered |
| Backstop | Day 5 | Reminder if it is still not lodged; the limit is seven days after the test |
| Record | After lodging | Save the lodgement date on the job |
Sources[1]
Lodgement note you can copy
Paste this into the job so the next person can see what was lodged and when.
Job: [address] Tester: [name] Test completed: [DD/MM/YYYY] Latest lodgement date (test date + 7 days): [DD/MM/YYYY] Customer email entered: [yes / no] Employer or principal contractor email entered: [yes / no / not applicable] Lodged in BCNSW eCert on: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Sources[1]
Common questions
- How do I get an electrical certificate?
- The electrician who did the test submits the CCEW through BCNSW eCert. If the customer's email was entered, the system sends them a copy when it is lodged, and the electrician can also download a copy to print or share.[1]
Official sources
Checked 16 October 2026. Rules can change; use these sources to check the requirements for your job.
Related guides
- What electrical certificate must a Queensland electrician provide?
- When does a Victorian electrician need a COES?
- What electrical notices does WA require?
Job workflows for electricians.
Put it to work on the next job
Leadhand keeps the customer's details, job photos and your notes together on the job, so the test date and customer email are easy to find when you lodge in BCNSW eCert.
See Leadhand job records