Electrician licensing requirements by state: A comprehensive guide

As an electrician, you’re a skilled tradesman undertaking highly specialized work. With strict licensing requirements in almost all states across the United States, you’ll have spent many years learning your trade.

However, these requirements vary from state to state. It’s vital to understand the electrician licensing requirements specific to the state where you plan to work, whether you are an apprentice, journeyman or master electrician.

With your electrician insurance, this license will be your first step to a successful career. We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide of electrician licensing requirements in each of the 50 states.

(We also have state guides for other trades, including general contractors, handypersons, HVAC technicians, landscapers, roofing, painters and plumbers.)

Our list is in alphabetical order to make it easier to find the state you’re looking for. Some states have individual pages that can give you more details.

Jump ahead:

• States A-E
• States F-J
• States K-O
• States P-T
• States U-Z

Alabama

To work as an electrician in Alabama, you must hold a state license issued by the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board.

Journeyman electrician

You must show proof of 8,000 hours of experience installing electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment, light, heat or power.

You can substitute one year of education in an electrical curriculum or apprenticeship program for 1,000 hours of experience, up to a maximum of 2,000 hours. You must pass an exam.

Electrical contractor

You must have held a supervisory or managerial position in commercial, industrial or residential electrical work. You must have had a minimum of four years or 8,000 hours of experience.

You can substitute one year of electrical curriculum for 1,000 hours of experience, up to a maximum of 2,000 hours. You must pass an exam.

Alaska

Alaska requires journeymen and residential electricians to obtain an electrical work certificate from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. To become an independent electrical contractor that runs their own business, professional licensing is required from the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. Before certification, apprentice registration is required.

Journeyman electrician

You must show at least 8,000 hours of work experience. A minimum of 6,000 of these hours must be commercial or industrial experience. No more than 2,000 hours of residential electrical work will count towards the experience requirement. A maximum of 1,000 hours of related education or power lineman experience can be included as part of the experience.

You must pass an exam. You’ll need to complete 16 hours of continuing education to renew your license.

Residential electrician

You must show proof of 4,000 hours of work experience. Up to 500 hours of related education can substitute for 500 hours of experience. With this license, you will only be able to work as a journeyman on residential sites. The license will allow you to be a trainee on commercial sites. You’ll need to pass an exam.

Journeyman power lineman

You must show at least 8,000 hours of work experience. Up to 1,000 hours of related education or experience can be included as part of the experience. Experience as a maintenance electrician may not be used to meet the work experience requirements. You’ll need to pass an exam.

Residential wireman

Applicants must have 4,000 hours of legally obtained work experience as a residential wireman

and pass an examination. You may substitute up to 500 hours of education for work experience. Work as a maintenance electrician may not be used to meet the work experience requirements.

Electrical administrator

If you want to be an independent electrical contractor and have your own business you must also get licensing from the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.

An electrical administrator must be assigned to a licensed contractor. There are six license categories — unlimited commercial wiring, residential wiring, controls and control wiring, inside communications, outside communications and unlimited line work outside.

You must show proof of work experience, which generally requires between two and four years of experience. You must pass an exam.

Arizona

Electricians must hold a state license to work in Arizona. There are three electrical licensing classifications with the licenses awarded by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

Specialty residential contracting, electrical R-11

This license allows you to install and repair residential electrical systems.

Specialty commercial contracting, electrical C-11

This license allows you to install, alter, and repair wiring using electrical energy of less than 600 volts.

Specialty dual license contracting, electrical CR-11

This license covers both residential and commercial electrical work.

You must show proof of four years of experience and must pass a business exam and a trade exam to be licensed for all electrical classifications. If you perform solar work, you must have a solar warranty.

Arkansas

As an electrician, you must have a state license to work in Arkansas. The license is awarded by the Arkansas Department of Labor. There are many classifications of licenses:

Master electrician

You must have a degree in electrical engineering plus two years of construction-related experience, or six years of experience in the construction industry with two years of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician, or a combination of training and experience that is approved by the board.

Journeyman electrician

You must have completed a four-year apprenticeship program, or have eight years (16,000 hours) of electrical construction experience.

Residential master electrician

You must have three years of experience wiring one and two-family homes with one year of experience as a licensed residential journeyman, or a combination of training and experience.

Residential journeyman electrician

You must have two years of experience wiring one and two-family homes, or a two-year combination of training and education. You must pass an exam for all licenses.

Electrical contractor

Once you have your master electrician license in Arkansas and gained a few years of experience, you can apply to the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board to become a licensed electrical contractor and offer your services independently.

You need to have five years of experience as a master electrician, pass a Business and Law exam and provide references and a financial review. You will also need a surety bond and proof of workers comp insurance if you are an employer.

California

An electrician in California must hold a state license to work on projects worth $500 or more. The C-10 Electrical Contractor license is issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board.

You must have four years of experience at a journeyman level or as a foreman, supervisor or contractor. You’ll need to pass a law and business exam and a trade exam, and you must submit a $25,000 bond. If you have employees, you must have workers’ comp.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in California

Colorado

Electricians must hold a state license to work in Colorado. The license is awarded by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Electrical Board. There are a number of classifications of licenses and you must pass an exam to qualify for each license.

Residential wireman

You must show proof of 4,000 hours of electrical construction wiring residential-only experience for lights, heat and power, within the past two years.

Journeyman electrician

You must show proof of 8,000 hours of experience within the past four years in electrical construction wiring for lights, heat and power, with at least 4,000 hours in the past two years being in commercial and/or industrial work.

Master electrician

You must show that in addition to the journeyman electrician requirements, you have at least 2,000 hours of experience in the past year in planning, layout and supervising.

Alternatively, you can hold an electrical engineering degree from an accredited college or university and show 2,000 hours of practical experience as a registered apprentice. If you hold a community college or trade school degree in electrical construction, you will need 8,000 hours of practical experience.

Electrical contractor

To be an electrical contractor, you must be licensed and registered with the State of Colorado. You need to hold (or employ someone with) a master electrician license and have workers’ comp.

Connecticut

To work as an electrician in Connecticut, you must hold an electrical license awarded by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.

Journeyperson

You must have completed an approved apprenticeship program or show proof of 8,000 hours of experience (4,000 hours for limited licenses) and proof of trade-related education. You’ll need to pass a trade exam.

Contractor

You must show a copy of a journeyperson license and must show proof of two years of experience at a journeyperson level. You’ll need to pass the trade exam and the business and law exam.

Delaware

As an electrician in Delaware, you must hold a state license to work. There are different categories of licenses awarded by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. These include:

Master

You must have one of the following:

• Six years of full-time experience supervised by a licensed master electrician
• 8,000 hours of full-time experience, plus 576 hours of related instruction or training through an apprenticeship program.
• Four years of full-time experience supervised by a licensed master electrician and two years of experience in technical training.

Master special

If you do not qualify for a master electrician license, this license qualifies you to work in the specialty areas of electric signs, elevators, HVAC, primary distribution systems, pools, and refrigeration.

You must show six years of experience in an area of specialty, supervised by a licensed master electrician or licensed master special electrician. You can also substitute this with 8,000 hours of full-time experience plus 576 hours of related instruction.

Limited

You must show three years of experience supervised by a licensed master or limited electrician. You can also have 4,000 hours of experience plus 288 hours of related instruction.

Limited special

If you don’t qualify as a limited electrician, this license qualifies you to work in the areas of HVAC and pools.

You must show three years of experience in an area of specialty, supervised by a licensed master electrician or licensed master electrician special. Or you must have 4,000 hours of experience plus 288 hours of related instruction.

Journeyperson

This license allows you to do electrical work under supervision. You must have completed an approved apprenticeship program or have over 8,000 hours of full-time experience plus 288 hours of related instruction.

Residential

You must have 4,000 hours of experience and pass a residential electrician exam.

For all of these licenses, you must pass an exam and must show proof of business liability insurance in Delaware.

Florida

In Florida, journeymen and master-level electricians are appointed at the local level, so check in the area you’ll be operating in.

To work as a certified electrical contractor in Florida, you must hold a state license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You need four years of experience, pass a licensing exam and have business insurance.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in Florida.

Georgia

To work as an electrician in Georgia, you must hold a state license from the Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors.

To be eligible to take the exam, you’ll need to show proof of four years of experience under a licensed contractor undertaking contracting work. You must pass a trade exam and provide references.

Hawaii

Electricians in Hawaii must hold a state license to work. The license is awarded by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing, Board of Electricians and Plumbers.

There are multiple categories of licenses, each with its own specific requirements. For each license, you must pass a board exam.

Journey worker electrician

You must show proof of five years and more than 10,000 hours of experience in residential or commercial wiring. You must have completed an appropriate program of study with 240 hours of electrical learning.

Supervising electrician

You must show proof of four years of experience as a licensed journey worker electrician.

Journey worker industrial electrician

You must show proof of four years of experience and more than 8,000 hours. You must have completed an appropriate program of study with 200 hours of electrical learning.

Supervising industrial electrician

You must show proof of three years of experience as a licensed journey worker industrial electrician.

Journey worker specialty electrician

You must show proof of three years of experience and more than 6,000 hours. You must have completed an appropriate program of study with 120 hours of electrical learning.

Supervising specialty electrician

You must show proof of two years of experience as a licensed journey worker specialty electrician.

Maintenance electrician

You must show proof of one year of experience and have completed an appropriate program of study with 80 hours of electrical learning. Or, you must have completed two years of related schooling with at least 1,000 hours of hands-on lab work.

Idaho

Electricians must hold a state license to work in Idaho. There are many categories of licenses each with its own electrician licensing requirements. The licenses are awarded by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.

Journeyman electrician

To qualify to write the exam, you must have completed a four-year apprenticeship study program. You must show proof of at least 8,000 hours of supervised experience as an apprentice.

If you do not join an apprenticeship, you must prove 16,000 hours of supervised electrical work.

Master electrician

You must have held an Idaho Electrical Journeyman license for four years. You must pass an exam.

Electrical contractor

You must have (or employ someone with) an active master electrician or a journeyman license. You must pass an exam. You must have liability insurance and Idaho worker’s compensation insurance.

Limited electrical installer

You must show proof of at least 4,000 hours of experience within the scope of the specialty. You must pass an exam.

Limited electrical contractor

You must be or employ a licensed limited electrical contractor in the same specialty category. You must pass an exam.

Illinois

There are no state electrician license requirements in Illinois. All licensing is done at the municipal level so you need to check these before you begin work.

Indiana

Electricians in Indiana do not need to hold a state license. However, there are electrician licensing requirements at the local level so make sure to check these before you begin to work.

Iowa

All electricians must hold a state license to work in Iowa. There are multiple classifications of licenses, each with its own electrician licensing requirements. The Iowa Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshall Division issues the licenses.

Class A Journeyman license

This is the standard license for electricians starting out after 2008. A class A journeyman electrician license requires completing an apprenticeship training program or receiving training as established by the board. They must pass an examination.

Class B Journeyman license

A class B journeyman electrician license can be granted without an examination if the applicant has been employed as a journeyman electrician since January 1, 1998, and for at least 16,000 hours. (This license is primarily for experienced electricians to earn a license under laws adopted in 2008.)

Residential electrician and residential master electrician

You must be licensed as a journeyman, residential or special residential electrician. You must pass an exam.

Master electrician

There are Class A and Class B master electrician licenses, similar to those for journeymen. The Class B master electrician license has the same qualifications as the Class B journeyman electrician license; however, it doesn’t apply to electricians who entered the trade after the Class A license went into effect in 2008.

You must have held a journeyman electrician license for at least one year and pass the master electrician exam.

Electrical contractor or residential electrical contractor

With this license, you may hire electricians and run a business as a local contractor. You must be licensed as a Class A or Class B Master Electrician. You must show proof of liability insurance and be registered as a contractor with the Iowa Division of Labor.

Kansas

Electricians in Kansas do not need a state license to work. However, there are local electrician licensing requirements so make sure to check with your local jurisdiction before you start work.

Kentucky

As an electrician in Kentucky, you’ll need a state license before you can work. The licenses are awarded by the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction. The requirements depend on the license you’re applying for and include:

Electrical contractor

You must hold (or employ someone who holds) a master electrician license. You must pass an exam. You must show proof of business insurance in Kentucky, specifically worker’s compensation insurance and liability insurance.

Master electrician

You must show proof of eight years of work experience, or six years of experience plus 576 hours of classroom training. You must pass an exam.

Electrician

You must show notarized proof of six years of experience, or four years of experience plus 576 hours of classroom training. You must pass an exam.

Louisiana

There are no state licensing requirements for electricians in Louisiana; however, as an electrician, if you perform commercial work that is worth more than $10,000, you must hold a commercial contractor license issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

You’ll need to pass a trade exam as well as a business and law exam and demonstrate that you have a net worth of at least $10,000.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in Louisiana.

Maine

Electricians in Maine must be licensed at the state level by the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation. There are multiple licensing classifications, including:

Apprentice electrician

You must be enrolled in a four to five-year educational and work program under the supervision of a licensed master, journeyman or limited electrician.

Helper electrician

You must have started working or have started an electrical program.

Journeyman electrician

You must complete 8,000 hours of experience as an apprentice electrician and complete 576 hours of classroom hours. You must pass an exam.

Limited electrician

You must have completed an approved electrical study program of at least 576 hours. You must pass an exam.

Master electrician

You must complete an approved course of 576 hours of study. You must have completed at least 4,000 hours as a journeyman electrician or have 12,000 hours of experience in electrical installations. You must pass an exam.

Maryland

Electricians in Maryland must hold a state license to work. The Maryland Board of Master Electricians issues one license category — Master Electrician. To qualify, you must have seven years of experience in providing electrical services under the supervision of a master electrician or similarly qualified government employee.

You can substitute up to three years of approved education for years of experience. You must pass an exam.

Massachusetts

To work as an electrician in Massachusetts, you must hold a license issued by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians. There are specific licensing requirements for journeymen and master electricians, and all applicants must pass a two-part exam.

Journeyman electrician

You must have a high school diploma and 600 hours of journeyman education. You must also have four years of experience with at least 8,000 hours of documented work.

Master electrician

You must have completed a 150-hour master electrician program. You must also have at least one year of work experience as a licensed journeyman.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in Massachusetts.

Michigan

You’ll need to hold a state license to work as an electrician in Michigan. The licensing of electricians is regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Electrician licensing requirements include:

Journeyman electrician

You must be at least 20 years of age. You must have at least 8,000 hours of experience over not less than four years under the supervision of a licensed electrician. You may be able to exchange years of education for experience. You must pass an exam.

Master electrician

You must be at least 22 years of age. You must have at least 12,000 hours of experience over not less than six years, under the supervision of a master electrician. You must pass an exam.

Electrical contractor

You must hold a master electrician license and at least one year of experience as a master electrician. You must pass an exam.

Minnesota

As an electrician, you must hold a state license to work in Minnesota. The license is awarded by the Department of Labor and Industry.

Class A master electrician

You must show proof of 60 months of experience in multiple categories. You must pass an exam.

Class A journeyman electrician

You must show proof of 48 months of experience in multiple categories. You must pass an exam.

Maintenance electrician

You must show proof of 48 months of experience in multiple categories. You must pass an exam.

Mississippi

You must hold a state contractor’s license to work as an electrician in Mississippi if you perform any residential electrical work worth more than $10,000 or commercial work worth more than $50,000.

The license is awarded by the MS State Board of Contractors and you must pass an exam. Electrician and Journeyman electrician licenses are only awarded at the local level.

Missouri

There are no state electrician licensing requirements in Missouri, but many local governments have their own requirements. Make sure to check these before you begin work.

Montana

As an electrician, you must be licensed by the state to work in Montana. The licenses are awarded by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, State Electrical Board.

Residential electrician

You must have completed an approved residential apprenticeship program, or you must have proof of 4,000 hours of practical experience or you must have worked in the electrical maintenance field for at least 20,000 hours. You must pass an exam.

Journeyman electrician

You must have completed an approved apprenticeship program, or you must show proof of at least 8,000 hours of practical experience, or you must have worked in the electrical maintenance field for at least 20,000 hours. You must pass an exam.

Master electrician

You must be an electrical engineer graduate of an accredited college with 2,000 hours of practical experience, or you must show proof of 8,000 hours of experience at a journeyman level, with between 20-50% being residential experience. You must pass an exam.

Electrical contractor (limited and unlimited)

For a limited license, you must be a licensed journeyman or employ a journeyman for all electrical work. You must also show proof of compliance with Montana workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance.

For an unlimited license, you must be a licensed master or employ a master for all electrical work. You must also show proof of compliance with Montana workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance.

Nebraska

Electricians must be licensed by the state to work in Nebraska. Three types of licenses are awarded by the Nebraska Electrical Division.

Apprenticeship electrician

You must be registered with the board.

Journeyman electrician

You must have at least four years of experience. A two-year post-high school electrical course with a degree in electrical technology can substitute for one year of experience. You must pass an exam.

Electrical contractor

You must have graduated from an accredited four-year electrical course and have one year of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician, or you must have at least five years of experience in planning for, laying out, supervising and installing wiring apparatus or equipment for heating, power and electrical light. You must pass an exam.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in Nebraska.

Nevada

Electricians in Nevada must hold a state electrical contracting (C-2 classification) license in order to work in the state. The license is awarded by the Nevada State Contractors Board.

You must show proof of four years of experience in the past 15 years working as a journeyman, or master. You must pass a trade exam as well as a business and law exam. Journeyman electrician licenses are issued at the local level.

New Hampshire

You must be licensed by the state to work as an electrician in New Hampshire. The license is awarded by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Electrician’s Board.

Journeyman electrician

You must have one of the following and pass an exam:

• 8,000 hours of experience and 600 hours of electrical schooling.
• An associate or higher degree from an electrical program.
• Ten years of experience as a journeyman or master electrician in another jurisdiction.

Master electrician

You must have previously passed the journeyman exam and have 2,000 hours of experience as a journeyman. You must pass the master exam.

New Jersey

As an electrician, you must hold a state license to work in New Jersey. The electrical contractor license will be awarded by the Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs, Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.

To qualify for the license you must be at least 21 years old and hold a high school diploma or the equivalent. You must pass an exam.

You must have had at least five years of experience or have one of the following:

• Completed a four-year apprenticeship program
• Qualified as a journeyman electrician and have one year of experience
• Earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and have two years of experience

Electrical journeyman

You must have 8,000 hours of experience and a minimum of 576 house of classroom instruction.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, all electrical work must be performed by someone who has a journeyman license in the specific classification of work that is being done. The licenses are awarded by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.

Journeyman electrical

You must pass an exam. You’ll need four years (8,000 hours) of experience to be eligible for the following licenses:

• EE-98J – Journeyman residential and commercial electrical
• EL-1J – Journeyman electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines

You’ll need two years (4,000 hours) of experience to be eligible for the following licenses:

• ER-1J – Journeyman residential wiring
• ES-1J – Journeyman electrical signs and outline lighting
• ES-2J – Journeyman cathodic protection and lightning protection systems
• ES-3J – Journeyman sound, intercommunication, electrical alarm systems, and systems 50 volts and under
• ES-7J – Journeyman telephone communication systems and telephone interconnect systems

Electrical contractor

You must show proof of financial responsibility and a current New Mexico tax ID number. You must pass a business and law exam and an electrical inspector exam.

New York

Electrical licenses are not awarded at the state level in New York. However, many cities and counties have strict requirements so make sure to check these before you start work.

North Carolina

In North Carolina, electrician licenses are handled at the local level. Each city and county licensing body sets the minimum journeyman license requirements for trainees and apprentices.

Electrical contractor

To work as a contractor, you must be licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. There are ten classifications of electrical contracting licenses and you must apply for the specific license you need. You must pass an exam. There are three contractor license types:

• Limited classification. You must have four years of experience and not work with systems of more than 600 volts.
• Intermediate classification. You must have six years of experience, and not have any voltage limitations.
• Unlimited classification. You must have at least five years of experience, and two statements vouching for your experience.

North Dakota

As an electrician, you must hold a state license to work in North Dakota. The license is awarded by the North Dakota State Electrical Board. You must pass an exam for each license category, as well as satisfy the following electrician licensing requirements:

Journeyman electrician

You must have 8,000 hours of experience obtained in more than three years as a registered apprentice electrician under the supervision of a contracting master. You can substitute up to 2,000 hours of experience for graduating from a 2-year program at an approved electrical school.

Class B electrician

You must have 3,000 hours of experience in farmstead or residential wiring in one- or two-family dwellings under the supervision of a master or Class B electrician. You can substitute up to 1,000 hours of experience for graduating from a two-year program at an approved electrical school.

Master electrician

You must have 2,000 hours of experience working as a licensed journeyman electrician under the supervision of a contracting master electrician.

Ohio

Electricians in Ohio must hold a state license to work as a commercial contractor in the electrical classification. The license is awarded by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.

You must have at least five years of experience as an electrician and three years of business experience in the construction industry. You must pass an exam and show proof of liability insurance. There are no state journeyman electrician licensing requirements.

Oklahoma

You must hold a state license issued by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board in order to work as an electrician in Oklahoma.

Electrical apprentice

You don’t need a license, but you must be registered.

Unlimited electrical journeyman

You must have 8,000 hours of experience as a registered apprentice under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or a licensed contractor. At least 4,000 of those hours must be in commercial or industrial work.

You can substitute 2,000 hours of education for experience. You must pass an exam.

Residential electrical journeyman

You must have 4,000 hours of experience as a registered apprentice under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or a licensed contractor. You can substitute 1,000 hours of education for experience. You must pass an exam.

Limited electrical contractor

You must have a degree in electrical engineering from an accredited college, plus 8,000 hours of electrical experience, or you must have proof of 16,000 hours of experience in electrical work. You must pass an exam.

Unlimited electrical contractor

You must have proof of 12,000 hours of experience in electrical construction work. You must have 4,000 hours of experience as a licensed unlimited journeyman. 6,000 of the hours of experience must be in commercial industrial work while employed by a licensed electrical contractor.

You can substitute 2,000 hours of education for experience. You must pass an exam.

Residential electrical contractor

You must have a total of 8,000 hours of experience, with 4,000 hours as a residential or unlimited journeyman under the supervision of a licensed contractor. You must also have 4,000 hours as a registered apprentice; or 3,000 hours as a registered apprentice and 1,000 hours of education. You must pass an exam.

Oregon

You must have a state license awarded by the Building Codes Division to work as an electrician in Oregon. The requirements for the two main electrician license classifications are as follows:

General journeyman electrician

You must complete an approved apprenticeship program in Oregon or you must have proof of 576 hours of classroom training and 8,000 hours of experience with at least 1,000 hours in each of the categories of residential, commercial, and industrial. You must pass an exam.

General supervising electrician

You must hold an Oregon journeyman electrician license and show proof of 8,000 of experience as a journeyman electrician. Or, you must meet the qualifications to be licensed as a journeyman electrician with 8,000 hours of journeyman experience. You must pass an exam.

You may also choose to pursue a limited electrician license, which restricts your work to the scope of your specialty area. Options for limited licenses in Oregon include:

• Limited supervising electrician
• Limited journeyman manufacturing plant electrician
• Limited maintenance electrician
• Limited residential electrician
• Limited energy technician
• Limited renewable energy technician
• Limited journeyman sign electrician
• Limited journeyman stage electrician
• Limited building maintenance electrician

The requirements for limited electrician licenses in Oregon generally include completion of an apprenticeship program, classroom training and/or on-the-job experience.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in Oregon.

Pennsylvania

Electricians don’t need a state license to work in Pennsylvania. However, there may be local electrician licensing requirements so make sure to check these before you begin work.

Rhode Island

As an electrician, you must hold a state license to work in Rhode Island. The license is awarded by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit.

Electrical journeyperson

You must show proof of four years of experience and 576 hours of approved training. You must pass an exam.

Electrical contractor

You must show proof of six years of experience and must hold a Rhode Island journeyperson license which has been valid for at least two years. You must pass an exam.

South Carolina

To become an electrician in South Carolina, you must acquire certification through the Municipal Association of South Carolina.

Journeyman electrician

You must submit documentation of two full years of experience. Completion of a two-year degree from an accredited school can be counted as one year of experience. You must pass an exam.

The residential journeyman electrician certification has the same requirements but is qualified to perform electrical work on family dwellings only while employed or supervised by a masters-level electrician.

Master electrician

Applicants must be a journeyman and submit documentation of four years of experience. If you can submit documentation for ten years of experience in the trade, the journeyman requirement can be waived.

The residential master electrician certification has the same requirements, but is qualified to perform electrical work on family dwellings only.

Electrical contractor

You must hold a state license to work as an electrical contractor in South Carolina. The licenses are awarded by the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board.

There are two types of permits they can use for contracts: mechanical and residential. If you have a mechanical contracting license, you can work on commercial buildings; a residential contracting license allows you to work on residential properties.

To get a mechanical contracting license, you need two years of relevant experience within the past five years. You also need to submit financial information based on the jobs you will bid on, and pass a technical exam and a business and law exam.

A residential contracting license requires one year of work experience. You will need to pass a technical exam and a business and law exam.

South Dakota

To do any electrical work in South Dakota, you must hold a state license. The license is awarded by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Electrical Commission.

Journeyman electrician

You must have completed four years (8,000 hours) as an apprentice electrician, working under the supervision of an electrical contractor. You must pass an exam.

Electrical contractor

You must complete two years (4,000 hours) as a journeyman electrician, with at least 2,000 of those hours being in commercial work. You must pass an exam.

Tennessee

In Tennessee, electrical licenses are awarded both at the state and local level, depending on the type of license you’re applying for and the value of the projects you’ll be working on.

The state licenses are issued by the TN Department of Commerce and Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors.

Contractor – electrical license (classification CE)

Required for work costing $25,000 or more. You must pass an exam. You must show proof of three years of experience and you must pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam. You must show proof of business insurance in Tennessee.

Limited licensed electrician (LLE)

Required when the total cost of the work is less than $25,000, and there is no local license agency in the municipality where you’re working.

Texas

To work as an electrician in Texas, you must hold a state license issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The three main electrician license classifications offered in this state are:

Apprentice electrician

No experience or exam required.

Journeyman electrician

You must have at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician. You must pass an exam. (You may sit for the exam with 7,000 hours of experience.)

Master electrician

You must have held a journeyman electrician license for at least two years. You must have at least 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician. You must pass an exam.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in Texas.

Utah

Electricians must be licensed to work in Utah. The licenses are awarded by the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Requirements vary depending on the license you’re applying for. You must pass an exam for each license category.

Journeyman electrician

You must have completed a four-year approved apprenticeship program and must have at least 8,000 hours of training. Or, you must have at least 16,000 hours of experience.

Residential journeyman electrician

You must have completed two years of an approved apprenticeship program and have at least 4,000 hours of experience. Or, you must have at least 8,000 hours of training as an apprentice.

Master electrician

You must have 8,000 hours of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician. Or you must have graduated from an accredited electrical trade school with a year-year AAS degree, plus have 4,000 hours of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician. Or you must have an accredited BS or MS degree in electrical engineering, plus have 2,000 hours of licensed experience.

Residential master electrician

You must have at least 4,000 hours of experience as a licensed residential journeyman. Or you must have an accredited BS or MS degree in electrical engineering, plus have 2,000 hours of licensed experience.

Vermont

Electricians must be licensed by the state to work in Vermont. The licenses are awarded by the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety. You must pass an exam for each license category.

Electrical specialist

You must either complete a trade school program and gain 2,000 hours of experience, or show proof of 4,000 hours of experience under a licensed electrician.

Journeyman electrician

To get your journeyman license, you must fulfill one of the following:

• Complete a trade school or military program and gain 8,000 hours of experience under a licensed electrician.
• Have 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom training through a Vermont apprenticeship program.
• Show proof of 12,000 hours of experience.

Master electrician

You must have held a Vermont Electrical Journeyman license for at least two years or you must show proof of 16,000 hours of experience.

Virginia

You must be licensed by the state of Virginia to work as an electrician. You’ll fall into the category of contractor and will be issued a license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. You must pass an exam for all licenses.

Journeyman electrician

To become a licensed journeyman, you will need to complete one of the following:

• Four years of trade experience plus 240 hours of formal training.
• Five years of trade experience plus 160 hours of formal training.
• Six years of trade experience plus 80 hours of formal training.
• Seven or more years of trade experience, plus 40 hours of formal training.

If you didn’t complete an apprenticeship but have an associate’s degree in electrical technology, plus two years of trade experience, you can apply for a journeyman license.

Master electrician

You must show proof of one year of experience as a licensed journeyman. Or, you must have ten years of experience.

Washington

As an electrician, you must hold a state license to work in Washington. The license is awarded by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

General journey-level electrician

You must have 8,000 hours of experience working as an electrical trainee under the supervision of a certified electrician. At least 4,000 of those hours must be completed in commercial or industrial installation.

After June 30, 2023, you must have completed a recognized electrical apprenticeship program. You must have 96 hours of basic classroom instruction. You must pass an exam.

Specialty residential electrician

You must show proof of 4,000 hours working as a residential electrician under the supervision of a certified electrician. You must have 48 hours of basic classroom instruction. You must pass an exam.

Master electrician

You must show proof of four years of experience as a licensed journeyman. You must take an exam.

Electrical contractor

You must be a certified electrical administrator or master electrician. You must have a valid Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number from the Department of Revenue or the Secretary of State’s office. Contractors must have a surety bond and workers’ compensation insurance if they hire employees.

West Virginia

Electricians must be licensed by the state to work in West Virginia. The electrician licensing requirements depend on the specific license you’re applying for. All licenses are issued by the West Virginia Fire Commission. You must pass an exam for all licenses.

Journeyman electrician

You must complete one of the following:

• You must show completion of your approved apprenticeship.
• You must complete an approved 1,080 hour vocational training course.
• You must have 2,000 hours or one year of hands-on experience.

Master electrician

You must have at least 4,000 hours or two years of hands-on experience. Your experience must include residential, commercial, and industrial work. Vocational training will not substitute for experience.

Specialty electrician

You must have at least 2,000 hours or one year of hands-on experience in the specialty area that you’re applying for a license in. One year of experience may be accounted for with an approved educational course.

Wisconsin

To work as an electrician in Wisconsin, you must hold a state license. The licenses are awarded by the Department of Safety and Professional Services. You must pass an exam for all license classifications.

Journeyman electrician

You must complete one of the following:

• Completed an approved apprenticeship program.
• Have at least four years of experience, with 48 months of experience performing electrical wiring installation, repair, and maintenance.
• A two-year degree and three years of experience.

Master electrician

You must complete one of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in electrical engineering.
• Have at least 12 months of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician.
• Have at least 60 months, with at least 10,000 hours. You can substitute experience with full-time education in an electrical-related program with each semester counting as 500 hours of experience, up to a maximum of 3,000 hours and three years of experience.

Residential master electrician

You must have at least 5,000 hours and five years of electrical wiring experience. You can substitute experience with full-time education in an electrical-related program with each semester counting as 500 hours of experience, up to a maximum of 3,000 hours and three years of experience.

Electrical contractor

There are no experience requirements for the contractor license. You must show proof of workers’ comp insurance and unemployment insurance.

Wyoming

Electricians in Wyoming must hold a state license to work. The licenses are awarded by the Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety.

Journeyman electrician

You must have four years (8,000 hours) of work experience and 144 hours per year, or 576 hours over a four-year apprenticeship program, of classroom instruction.

Not more than 75% of the 8,000 hours can be in a single category. Up to 2,000 hours of education (beyond the required 576 hours) in electrical-related courses can substitute for experience.

Master electrician

You must have eight years (16,000 hours) of experience, of which, four years (8,000 hours) must be as a licensed journeyman. You must also have 576 hours of electrical-related classroom education. You must pass an exam.

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This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.