Test and tag course in NSW: who can test and how often
Who counts as competent to test and tag in NSW, how often equipment must be tested, what the tag must record, and the unit a test and tag course covers.
Updated 2026-10-16
Who can test and tag
SafeWork NSW requires inspection and testing to be done by a competent person — someone who has the knowledge and skills through training, qualification or experience. Its examples:
- a licensed electrician, or
- a person who has completed a structured training course and been deemed competent in using a pass-fail portable appliance tester and in visual inspection of electrical equipment.
That second path is what a test and tag course is for. The method, tagging and indicative intervals come from AS/NZS 3760.
When testing is required
Plug-in equipment used in a hostile operating environment must be regularly inspected and tested, and must not be used if it hasn’t been. SafeWork NSW describes hostile environments as ones likely to damage equipment or shorten its life — moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust: wet or dusty areas, outdoors, commercial kitchens, manufacturing.
Indicative intervals from SafeWork NSW:
- At least every 12 months in hostile operating environments, as a general rule.
- About every six months in manufacturing and workshop environments and for commercial cleaning equipment.
- About every three months on construction and demolition sites (AS/NZS 3012).
- Hire equipment: at the start of each hire and every three months.
Brand-new equipment out of the box doesn’t need testing before use unless there’s reason to think it’s unsafe. Second-hand equipment should be tested before first use.
What the tag records
The name of the person who tested it, the date, the outcome, and the date the next test is due. The record must be kept until the next test or until the equipment is disposed of.
The unit
UEERL0003 Conduct in-service safety testing of electrical cord connected equipment and cord assemblies (it replaced UEENEEP026A). Check the provider holds it on their scope before you book.
Cost and duration
Courses listed on this site run from four hours to one day. Two listed providers publish a price: $363 and $500.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you have to be an electrician to test and tag in NSW?
- No. Testing must be done by a competent person. SafeWork NSW gives examples: a licensed electrician, or someone who has completed a structured training course and been deemed competent in using a pass-fail portable appliance tester and visually inspecting electrical equipment.
- How often does equipment need testing?
- Plug-in equipment used in a hostile operating environment must be regularly inspected and tested; as a general rule at least every 12 months. SafeWork NSW gives shorter examples: about every six months in workshops and for commercial cleaning equipment, every three months on construction and demolition sites, and hire equipment at the start of each hire and every three months.
- What must the tag say?
- For equipment in a hostile operating environment the record must show who did the test, the date, the outcome and the date the next test is due. The record can be a tag on the equipment.
- Which unit is a test and tag course?
- UEERL0003 Conduct in-service safety testing of electrical cord connected equipment and cord assemblies, which replaced UEENEEP026A.
- How long is a test and tag course?
- Courses listed on this site run from four hours to one day. Two listed providers publish a price: $363 and $500.