In Victoria, a Registered Electrical Contractor or licensed electrical worker completes a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) for electrical installation work and gives the customer a copy. For prescribed work an independent Licensed Electrical Inspector must inspect first, and the customer copy is due within 4 days of completing the certificate once the inspection is complete. For non-prescribed work, provide the copy within 30 days of completing the work.[1]
Prescribed or non-prescribed
Energy Safe Victoria splits COES into two types. The type decides whether an inspection is needed and which customer copy timing applies.
| Item | Prescribed | Non-prescribed |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Consumer mains cables, main switchboard, meter box and main earthing; motor generators; solar and battery systems (not a complete list) | Lights, power points, air conditioning, hot water service and similar (not a complete list) |
| Inspection | Independent Licensed Electrical Inspector, organised by you | Not required |
| Power on | Not to be turned on or left on until inspected | Energised once the work is complete |
| Customer copy | Within 4 days of completing the certificate, once inspection is complete | Within 30 days of completing the work |
Inspection and payment
The electrician completes the work and test before certification. Inspectors are not Energy Safe employees and Energy Safe does not schedule inspections, so booking one is your job. Energy Safe expects inspection within 8 business days of completing the work, and tells customers to contact you if it has not happened.
A Registered Electrical Contractor or licensed electrical worker cannot refuse to issue a COES for any reason, including payment issues or contract disputes. Keep payment chasing and certificates separate.
Sources[1]
COES tracking checklist you can copy
This is our suggested tracker, not an Energy Safe form. Energy Safe says the Act only requires a copy to be kept for three years, so keep yours at least that long.
Job: [address] Work completed and tested: [DD/MM/YYYY] Prescribed work? [yes / no] If prescribed: [ ] Inspection booked with independent inspector: [DD/MM/YYYY] [ ] Inspection completed: [DD/MM/YYYY] (aim for within 8 business days of completing the work) [ ] Power left off until inspected All jobs: [ ] COES completed: [DD/MM/YYYY] [ ] Customer copy due: prescribed = completion of certificate + 4 days; non-prescribed = work completion + 30 days [ ] Customer copy sent: [DD/MM/YYYY] [ ] Copy kept until: [DD/MM/YYYY] (at least 3 years)
Common questions
- How do I get an electrical certificate?
- In Victoria the electrician or Registered Electrical Contractor must give the customer a copy of the COES. If a customer cannot get one, Energy Safe Victoria runs a COES search at no fee, using its search application form and proof of the person's link to the property.[1]
- How much does a certificate of electrical safety cost?
- The certificate purchase amount is set by legislation. Any additional handling charge to the customer is a contractual matter, so explain the charge before the job and check the current fee. Confirm the GST treatment of your own charges with your tax adviser.[1]
Official sources
Checked 16 October 2026. Rules can change; use these sources to check the requirements for your job.
Related guides
- When does a NSW electrician submit a CCEW?
- What electrical certificate must a Queensland electrician provide?
- Free Australian tax invoice template with ABN
Job workflows for electricians.
Put it to work on the next job
Leadhand can turn a finished job into a GST invoice and keep photos and notes on the same job, so the certificate paperwork and the invoice both trace back to one record.
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