Are you considering a career in telecommunications cabling in Australia?

To work legally and safely on connecting cabling to the telecommunications network, you need to apply for relevant cabling registration.

This blog will cover Open Cabler Registration, commonly called an Open Cablers Licence, in detail. This licence is vital for anyone installing, maintaining, or modifying copper, optical fibre, or coaxial cabling.

Before learning about Open Registration Cabling, let us first get an overview of the cabling registration types in Australia.

Types of Cabling Registrations

The initial step to becoming a licenced cabler in Australia is choosing the appropriate registration type for the work you intend to perform. There are three primary types of registrations: Open, Restricted, and Lift.

The Cabling Registration types are as follows:

• Lift Registration Cabling
• Open Registration Cabling
• Restricted Registration Cabling

Open Registration Cabling

The Open Cabler Registration is the most comprehensive type of cabling licence. This registration allows you to work on various cabling tasks in residential, commercial, and large-scale industrial environments. It covers cabling terminating at a network boundary, distributor, or network termination device.

If you possess the necessary competencies, this registration allows you to install, maintain, and repair:

• Coaxial cabling
• Optical-fibre cabling
• Aerial and underground cabling
• Structured cabling (e.g., Category 5/6 data cables)
• Broadband systems (such as data or coaxial cables in elevators, homes, or small offices)

A licenced cabler can perform these tasks on both private and public properties. For detailed information, refer to the Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014.

We will get into details of the Open Registration Cabling Licence in a bit.

Restricted Registration Cabling

The Restricted Registration is intended for cabling work within homes, small businesses, and multi-storey buildings where cabling is located behind a device like an alarm panel or modem. This registration type also applies in commercial settings, provided the work falls under the ‘restricted work’ category defined by the Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014.

With Restricted Registration, you must avoid tasks that involve:

• Cabling that connects via a jumperable distributor, frame, or patch panel
• Cabling between devices and patch panel or a distributor
• Working with buildings where the electrical power exceeds 230V for single-phase or 415V for three-phase systems
• Cabling that shares sheaths with other services

However, if you have the required specialised competencies, you can carry out the following:

• Installing additional phone points in commercial or multi-storey buildings
• Installing or extending data and voice cabling in domestic premises
• Cabling works directly behind an alarm panel or modem
• Installing CCTV systems using data or coaxial cables
• Home automation system installations
• Aerial, underground, or broadband cabling on private property (excluding the use of electricity distribution poles)

To completely understand what is covered, consult the Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014.

Lift Registration Cabling

Lift Registration is required to install and maintain communications cabling in lift shafts, elevators, or lift wells. This registration covers cabling work that connects to the following:

• A cross-connection point near the lift motor room
• The lift control cubicle within the motor room
• The lift cars

For further information, refer to the Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014.

You must complete the relevant training once you determine the appropriate registration type. Each registration type has distinct training requirements.

Why do you need an Open Cabler’s Licence?

Having an Open Cabler’s Licence ensures that you are recognised as a qualified and competent professional in the telecommunications industry. It also provides legal protection, as working without a proper licence can result in fines or legal action. Moreover, the licence demonstrates your commitment to maintaining high safety and quality standards in your work.

How to get an Open Registration Cabling Licence.

Step 1. Training for Open Registration Cabling Licence

You must complete a recognised training course to qualify as a telecommunication cabler.

Training pathways vary depending on:

• The type of cabling registration you are pursuing (Open, Restricted, or Lift)
• Prior cabling experience, relevant industry experience, Australian trade qualifications, or overseas qualifications

These pathways enable training organisations, registrars, or accredited assessors to tailor the training to your needs.

Finding a Training Provider for the Open Registration Cabler Course

AUSINET is one of the OPEN CABLERS LICENCE COURSE PROVIDERS

Details of the Open Cablers Licence course are as follows:

• Course Duration: 5 days self-paced Online/Blended
• Total Fees: $800

Eligibility: Certificate II in Electrotechnology or Certificate III in Electrotechnology or Certificate III in Electrical Fitting or Telecommunication Work Experience

The  Open Cablers Licence course with all endorsements includes the following units. The units in blue are optional endorsements. They require additional training and attract additional fees. These units can be chosen based on the work your employer expects you to perform. Most students complete all the modules, which saves them coming back.

Code	Unit of Competency / Unit Name
ICTWHS204	Follow work health and safety and environmental policy and procedures
ICTTEN208	Use electrical skills when working with telecommunications networks
ICTTEN202	Use hand and power tools
ICTCBL247	Install, maintain and modify customer premises communications cabling: ACMA Open Rule
ICTCBL301	Install, terminate and certify structured cabling installation (Additional Cost - $200)
ICTCBL303	Install and terminate coaxial cabling installation (Additional Cost - $200)
ICTCBL323	Perform cable & system test on customer premises (Additional Cost - $200)

Reference books required: AS/CA S009:2020 Installation requirements for customer cabling (Wiring Rules)

Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate, which you can use to apply for cabling registration with an accredited registrar.

Check if Your Overseas Cabling Qualifications Are Recognised

If you hold a cabling qualification from outside Australia, you may only need to complete part of the course to obtain an Open Cablers Licence. You can seek recognition for your previous learning (RPL) and experience if you have a relevant technical, vocational, or trade qualification.

Get Your Overseas Qualification Assessed

To determine if your overseas qualifications are recognised in Australia, you need to have them assessed by a relevant agency.

Some agencies that can evaluate international qualifications include:

• Trades Recognition Australia
• Department of Education and Training
• Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services

This service may incur a cost. Additionally, if you’ve lost your original certificate, you must request a replacement from the institution where you completed your training.

Apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Once your qualifications have been assessed, the next step is to contact a training provider to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This process will evaluate your skills and knowledge against Australian standards, potentially reducing the training you need to obtain your Open Cablers Licence.

Recognition of Prior Experience or Training

If you have relevant prior experience or training, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL minimises the amount of coursework you need to complete.

When enrolling in a cabling course, your training provider will assess your experience to determine which course modules you may be exempt from.

Relevant experience includes:

• Electrical cabling
• Data cables
• Security or fire alarms
• Lift cables
• Installing telecommunications cables

It is important to note that designing or supervising cabling work is not considered relevant experience for RPL. Additionally, if your previous cabling registration has expired, you may need further training before re-registering.

Step 2. Gain Practical Experience

Hands-on experience under a licensed cabler’s supervision is essential to enhance your skills and ensure compliance with industry standards. This experience is crucial for understanding real-world challenges and applying your training effectively.

Open Cabling Registration requires at least 360 hours of hands-on industrial cabling experience. This can be earned either under the direct supervision of a Registered Cabler or by experience in other related cabling tasks such as telecommunications, electrical, data, security, or fire alarm cabling.

Step 3. Complete the Application Process

After successfully completing the required training, you can apply for your Open Cablers License through an ACMA-accredited registrar. Before issuing the license, registrars ensure applicants have met all the necessary training and practical experience requirements.

The application process typically involves submitting proof of your training, practical experience, and a fee. You may also need to demonstrate your understanding of the cabling provider rules and industry standards.

Applicants must provide sufficient evidence of actual cabling experience making use of one or more of the following methods. 

A signed statement from a Registered Cabler who has directly supervised you, outlining your 360 hours of experience for Open Registration. 

or

A detailed log book of cabling experience that showcases all dates and types of work that has been provided; 

or

Evidence of a suitable recognised industry trade qualification involving cabling practices (e.g. qualified electrician, Foxtel installer, audio/visual installer);

or

A statutory declaration signed by you in front of an authorised witness outlining the details of your experience – including details such as make, models, persons, and locations.

So, a typical application for registration at a registrar would involve the following:

• Providing your contact details.
• Specifying your registration type.
• Providing proof of cabling experience.  
• Fee payment details (usually around $100 for three years).
• A signed and dated declaration

Check out the list of ACMA-accredited cabling registrars once your training is complete.

Renew Your License Regularly

Once you have your Open Cablers License, keeping it current is essential. You must renew the license every three years and may need to undertake additional training or provide evidence of ongoing work to maintain it.

Keeping up with industry developments and technological advancements will help you remain compliant and competitive.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Open Cablers Licence in Australia is a crucial step for anyone pursuing a career in telecommunications cabling. Following the outlined steps, including completing the Open Cablers Licence Course, understanding ACMA requirements, and gaining practical experience, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and legally compliant career in this growing field.

Last updated: 11/07/2025