This national certificate is awarded to people who have demonstrated competence in the knowledge and skills required for employment in the electricity supply industry as an Electricity Supply Electrician, Electrical Fitter, or Electrical Technician. The qualification has been designed to prepare trainees for a productive role in the electricity supply industry, as well as covering the requirements for registration as an electrician under the Electricity Act 1992. This qualification incorporates nineteen compulsory standards out of a total of fifty nine standards that meet the core competencies required by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) for electrical registration under the Electricity Act 1992.

Holders of this qualification will have accomplished a range of knowledge and skills, assessed both off-the-job (during training courses) and on-the-job (in the workplace). These include:
. knowledge of electrical theory, concepts, and trade practice, usually assessed during off-job training courses;
. knowledge and application of relevant legislation, codes of practice, and standards;
. competence in the practical skills of an electrician, usually assessed in the workplace - this includes installation of cables, equipment, and fittings in various environments, maintenance and repair of electrical equipment, and testing of installations;
. knowledge of the theory required for the registration of electricians.

The strands recognise a selection of Electricity Supply Electrician competencies at Level 4 and above, Electrical Fitter competencies, or Electrical Technician competencies required by employers in the electricity supply industry. Electricity Supply Electricians install and maintain electrical services associated with distribution networks, power stations, and substations. Electrical Fitters install and maintain electrical services associated with distribution networks and power stations, which require additional skills in mechanical construction and maintenance. Electrical Technicians install, maintain, test and commission electrical services associated with distribution networks, power stations, and substations.

When a person has completed the National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Electrical) (Level 4) with strands in Electricity Supply Electrician, Electrical Fitter, and Electrical Technician [Ref: 1295] in any one of the three strands, the holder of the certificate may apply to the EWRB for electrical registration and a practising license under the provisions of the Electricity Act 1992. They must do so if they wish to do prescribed electrical work as an electrician without the supervision of a Supervisor of Electrical Work.

This qualification can lead to the National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Power Technician) (Level 5) [Ref: 1260], National Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Advanced Trade) (Level 5) with strands in Electrotechnology Specialisation, Electrical Installation, and Industrial Electrical Engineering ) [Ref: 0951] or the National Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) with strands in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Industrial Measurement and Control, and Telecommunications [Ref: 0846].