Electrical compliance on site isn’t optional — it’s an obligation.
One of the simplest ways to deal with it is through test and tag training.
Test and tag refers to the process of inspecting and electrically testing portable appliances to make sure they’re safe to use.
It’s a core part of any workplace’s electrical safety compliance, especially in high-risk environments like construction sites.
SEE MORE: Tradie Tough Tests
And importantly, it’s one of the few compliance tasks that doesn’t require a licensed electrician — just a trained, competent person under the AS/NZS 3760 standard.
In just one day, a worker can become qualified to test and tag electrical equipment — helping their team stay compliant, avoid costly downtime, and most importantly, protect lives.
Industry under pressure
The value of Test & Tag Training becomes even clearer when viewed against the current industry backdrop.
Australia is in the middle of one of the worst labour shortages in decades, particularly across construction and the trades. Master Builders has warned of a 130,000-worker shortfall*.
Arcadis reports 41,000 workers are needed* in Brisbane alone, and the AFR recently stated that 18,500 extra building workers* are required just to meet national housing targets.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has echoed the same concerns.
While Queensland is the hardest hit, the skills gap is also being felt across states like NSW and WA.
Governments are trying to fill this gap quickly, fast-tracking apprenticeships and training programs.
But this rapid influx of new and often inexperienced workers brings its own set of risks — especially around site compliance and safety protocols.
Compliance is key
Testing and tagging is often one of the first safety steps to fall off the radar on busy or under-resourced sites.
Site managers and supervisors are already juggling labour shortages and aggressive project deadlines.
Add new workers unfamiliar with test & tag obligations into the mix, and the risk of expired tags and untested gear increases sharply.
Missed test tags might not seem like a big deal — until someone is injured, or the site is shut down during a safety audit.
Test & Tag Training: A simple solution
Here’s the good news: test and tag is one of the easiest compliance responsibilities to take care of in-house.
Any business can train one or more team members to become a ‘competent person’ under the standard — and start testing and tagging without any electrical experience.
By training someone internally to handle this task, businesses can:
- Ensure compliance without needing an electrician
- Save money and reduce reliance on external contractors
- Minimise downtime and avoid disruptions
- Boost overall site safety and confidence
Industry leader
As Australia’s largest provider of nationally recognised test and tag courses, Test & Tag Training helped thousands of tradies, contractors, and site managers bring this essential task in-house.
- Courses are available nationwide — face-to-face in every state or online
- You can become qualified in just one day
- 2,500+ 5-star reviews and counting — the highest-rated test & tag training five years running
- Lifetime technical support — always have access to expert help
- Onsite training available — we tailor courses to your business or industry
A practical step forward
In a climate where the pressure is high and experienced labour is hard to find, smart businesses are taking control of what they can.
Test & Tag Training is a low-cost, high-impact way to strengthen safety and compliance — without slowing down projects or overburdening your team.
Equip your tradies with the skills to protect your site, your reputation, and your workers.