Testing and tagging is the process of checking the safety of portable electrical appliances, which includes the visual inspection of an appliance for any damage, followed by testing it with a Portable Appliance Tester according to Work Health and Safety (WHS) or Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations and codes of practices in the workplace.
Students undertaking this course will gain the knowledge and skills to apply safe working practices and follow workplace procedures for hazard identification and risk control as part of work functions when preparing to enter a work area.
Students will learn how to conduct standard in-service safety inspection with the necessary knowledge and skills to test portable electrical equipment, including appliances, cords, plugs and sockets, in accordance with Australian Standard AS3760.
The Test and Tag Training Certificate is issued by our Training Partner, Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO #90909
Individuals undertaking this course will be expected to complete both written and practical assessment tasks.
No previous electrical knowledge or experience is required. The student will be required to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry:
Course Delivery Mode:
Course Duration:
Students unable to meet the above requirements on the day will have to reschedule in-person training.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may require in-person course bookings to be rescheduled. To reschedule an in-person course, please email us at admin@etatraining.com.au
If we receive your reschedule request 2 or more business days prior to a course, no fees will apply.
If you withdraw less than 2 days prior to your course, or fail to turn up on the day of your training, no refunds can be given.
All requested changes to a booking must be made in writing. In the event of a cancellation request by a customer, a voucher will be issued to the value of the amount paid. This voucher can be used to book any future courses with us.
It is mandatory for businesses in the construction, demolition and mining industries to test and tag. For all other workplaces it is not a requirement to test and tag but all electrical equipment must be regularly checked and inspected to reduce the risk of injury or harm to employees.
It depends on what industry you are involved in and the operating conditions that the equipment is subjected to, such as vibration, heat, chemicals, dust. Mining, construction and demolition sites test cord connected equipment every 3 months. It is recommended that factories, workshops and manufacturing areas test and tag every 6 months. For further information AS/NZS 3760 2022 and AS/NZS 3012 provide recommended testing intervals.
RCDs provide personal protection and save lives which is why there are strict guidelines in place for testing intervals. According to AS/NZS 3012 which relates to construction and demolition sites, portable RCDs require a push-button test every day. An operating trip time is also required every 3 months.AS/NZS 3760 recommends that portable RCDs located in factories, maintenance workshop or similar are subjected to a daily push-button test or before each time they are used.
The nationally recognised Statement of Attainment that you receive when you successfully complete your test and tag course does not have an expiry date. This means once you are deemed competent you are not required to renew your qualification.
However according to AS/NZS3760 all inspection and testing of equipment must be carried out by a Competent Person. Keeping up to date with workplace regulations, relevant standards such as AS/NZS 3760, Codes of Practices and Guidelines will ensure you have the skills and knowledge to competently test and tag.
It is not a legal requirement to test and tag office equipment but the WHS regulations in WA require a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) ensure that all electrical equipment is regularly checked to reduce risk or harm to people in the workplace.
You don’t need to test new equipment but a visual inspection must be carried out to check for any obvious damage. You are given this option for new equipment because the supplier is the one deemed responsible for making sure the electrical equipment is safe to use.
A “New to Service” tag can be used for equipment that is new and entering service for the first time. The tag shall contain the following information:
It is recommended that any cord connected equipment (toasters, drills, computers, power tools) and cord assemblies (extension leads, power boards, EPODs, computer leads, phone/battery chargers) in the workplace are tested and tagged. If the equipment can be plugged into a low voltage supply (240V) then it’s always recommended the appropriate test and inspections are performed to ensure the equipment is safe to use.
AS/NZS 3760 is the main standard for testing and tagging electrical equipment and appliances. AS/NZS 3012 also has information on testing and tagging and is directly related to the construction and demolition sites. Worksafe WA have also published a free Guide to testing and tagging portable electrical equipment and residual current devices at workplaces.
According to AS/NZS3012 hire equipment needs to be inspected prior to hire and once on site it should be tested once a month. If portable hire equipment remains on site longer than 1 month it should be tested and tagged every 3 months. If you are using hire equipment and it is due to be tested and tagged then it becomes your responsibility to have it tested.
WA regulations requires that anyone who does not have an electrical qualification should be competent when using a Portable ApplianceTester (PAT) when testing and tagging electrical equipment. To be deemed competent you need to have successfully completed a nationally recognised training course and received a Statement of Attainment.
Your licence number is located on your Statement of Attainment certificate. Use the last seven digits of the certificate number as the licence number.
If you are working in the construction, demolition or mining industry you would refer to AS/NZ 3012 for test and tag colours:
Red: December, January, February
Green: March, April, May
Blue: June, July, August
Yellow: September, October, November
Check your local state/territory legislation and regulations as they may require tags to be a certain colour.
In most cases, your certificate will be issued electronically the same day you complete your training, otherwise your certificate will be issued the following business day and sent via email. If you need it urgently, please let the trainer know and they will prioritise processing your paperwork.
Click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ button on this page or click here to visit our booking calendar, and choose a date and location. Alternatively you can call our office on 1300 858 095 to book over the phone.
The course is focused on the practical component where you will use the Portable Appliance Testers (PAT) to test a variety of appliances and equipment to ensure you are ready to test and tag straight away.
We deliver our Test and Tag Training course on Monday in Treeby, Wednesday in Wangara and Friday in Welshpool.
The ETA Training main training facility is located at Unit 5/10 O’Connor Way, Wangara. Test and Tag Training is delivered here on Wednesdays each week.
We also have dedicated training venues for Test and Tag Training located in Treeby and Welshpool. Please see our website for address details.
Having delivered over 650 nationally recognised training courses, our highly experienced trainers will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to get certified. Our hands-on approach ensures you get certification and can start operating safely and correctly.
Yes, online payment is the easiest and quickest way to pay. Full payment is required before you commence the course to confirm your booking.
