LEW Course — A Practical Guide for Anyone Planning to Become a Licensed Electrical Worker in Singapore

Over the years, many young technicians, supervisors, and even experienced engineers have asked me one repeated question:

“How do I start the LEW Course, and what should I know before taking the LEW exam?”

As a practicing licensed electrical worker and director of RES Engineering Services, I’ve mentored dozens of professionals preparing for their LEW path. The LEW Course is not just another certification. It is a responsibility, a career accelerator, and in many ways, a stepping stone toward becoming someone capable of safeguarding electrical installations across Singapore.

In this blog, I want to break down the LEW Course in a practical, easy-to-understand manner—sharing insights from both my personal journey and the real challenges many applicants face.

What Exactly Is the LEW Course?

The LEW Course is a structured training program designed to prepare candidates for the Energy Market Authority’s Licensed Electrical Worker examination. In Singapore, only a qualified LEW is authorized to:

• Approve electrical installation designs

• Conduct testing and inspections

• Submit installations for SP and EMA approval

• Supervise electrical work

• Ensure compliance with the Electrical Safety Code

The course typically covers areas such as electrical theory, local regulations, safety practices, switching procedures, and hands-on testing.

While many think the LEW Course is purely technical, it actually teaches something deeper—professional accountability. When you become an LEW, the responsibility for safety rests on your shoulders, and the course prepares you for that.

Who Should Take the LEW Course?

People usually enroll in the LEW Course for three main reasons:

1. Career Progression

Technicians looking to upgrade themselves often start with the LEW Course to open doors to supervisory roles, higher salary brackets, or independent practice.

2. Compliance Requirements

Many companies now need an in-house LEW to handle shutdowns, testing, and licensing. Employers often encourage staff to undergo the course for long-term operational benefits.

3. Professional Credibility

An LEW licence commands respect. Clients, contractors, and even regulatory bodies trust licensed professionals to deliver accurate, safe, and compliant work.

What You Will Learn in an LEW Course

Over the years, I’ve observed that the best LEW course programs blend theory, real site experience, case studies, and regulatory knowledge. Key areas typically include:

• Singapore Electrical Code of Practice

• EMA and SP PowerGrid requirements

• Protection system fundamentals

• Electrical fault analysis

• Switching operations and safety

• Earthing and lightning protection

• High-voltage and low-voltage testing

• Compliance documentation and reporting

• Licensing procedures for EIL & SIL

This balance ensures that learners don’t just pass exams—they actually understand how to supervise installations responsibly.

Common Challenges Students Face

Based on my experience guiding junior engineers and technicians, the three biggest challenges in the LEW Course are:

1. Understanding Regulations

Many candidates focus too much on formulas and ignore regulatory frameworks. The exam heavily tests your understanding of EMA rules.

2. Lack of Real-World Exposure

Some learners struggle because they have never attended shutdowns, inspections, or fault investigations. Seeing things in the field helps immensely.

3. Exam Pressure

The LEW exam is known for being strict. It’s not difficult because of the content—it’s difficult because the margin for error is small. After all, real-life mistakes in electrical systems can be serious.

My Advice for Anyone Planning to Take the LEW Course

After training and supervising many aspiring LEWs, here are the tips I always give:

 Spend time on-site.

Watching real shutdown servicing, testing, and switching is one of the best forms of learning.

 Study the Code of Practice, not just textbooks.

EMA assesses whether you can comply—not memorize.

 Learn documentation early.

Single-line diagrams, test reports, permit systems, and EICs form a big part of actual LEW work.

 Ask questions during the course.

Most trainers are experienced LEWs. Tap into their knowledge.

 Focus on safety principles.

Understanding safety logic helps you answer exam questions with clarity.

How RES Engineering Services Can Help Aspiring LEWs

I always tell younger workers that the LEW Course is just the beginning. Real learning happens in the field. At RES Engineering Services, I actively mentor junior technicians by:

• Letting them observe testing and commissioning

• Explaining protection settings and switchgear operations

• Guiding them through EMA submissions

• Showing real case studies of electrical faults

• Preparing them for LEW interview questions

My goal is simple:

To help the next generation of LEWs gain the confidence and clarity needed to practice safely and professionally.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning to take the LEW Course, you are stepping into a meaningful profession that directly protects people, property, and electrical infrastructure. With proper preparation, hands-on exposure, and guidance, becoming a licensed electrical worker is an achievable—and highly rewarding—career milestone.

If you need advice, mentorship, or on-site exposure to strengthen your learning before or after the course, I’m always happy to help.