Electrician  Licensing Requirements

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Alabama Electrical Contractors Board

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician: Must have 8,000 hours (or four years) of work experience as an apprentice installing electrical wiring, equipment for lighting or power, and electrical system control. Alternatively, they can have 6,000 hours of work experience plus two years of approved education at a community college or technical school, or two years in an approved apprenticeship program.

Electrical Contractor: Must have at least 8,000 hours of experience in the design, planning and direction of electrical construction activities, as a journeyman-in-charge or in another supervisory position. However, up to two years of approved educational or apprenticeship experience can be substituted for 2,000 of that work requirement.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Journeyman Power Lineman

• Electrical Administrator

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Apprenticeship License: Required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician: Must complete 8,000 hours of work through a registered apprenticeship program. This must include a minimum of 6,000 hours of commercial or industrial work, while the rest can be any combination of residential experience, work as a power lineman, and classroom study at an institution of higher learning. Someone can qualify to take an exam to become a residential electrician exclusively if they have 4,000 hours of work in that specialty, which can include no more than 500 hours of classroom instruction.

Journeyman Power Lineman: Will need 8,000 hours of work experience as an apprentice lineman. However, candidates can reduce that experience requirement by up to 2,000 hours, by substituting a maximum of 1,000 hours of classroom instruction and 1,000 of working experience as an electrician.

Electrical Administrator: Electrical administrators can take licensing exams in one of six specialties:

• Unlimited Commercial Wiring

• Inside Communications

• Residential Wiring

• Outside Communications

• Controls and Control Wiring

• Unlimited Line Work Outside

Within each specialty, they must have at least four years of work experience as a journeyman electrician or power lineman, and some experience in electrical construction management. They must also have an electrical engineering degree plus actual work experience in the electrical engineering field. As an alternative, they can forego the electrical engineering requirements, if they’ve worked as a certified electrical inspector and as an instructor in the electrical department of an institution of higher learning. They must also have a two-year or four-year degree that somehow relates to their specialty in the electrical industry.

Electrical Contractor: To be become licensed as an independent electrical contractor in Alaska, a candidate must either be licensed as an electrical administrator or hire someone who carries such a designation to assume a supervisory role for the company.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Arizona State Registrar of Contractors

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician: There are no state-level licensing requirements for journeyman electricians. However, some municipalities in Arizona do require journeyman electricians to be licensed, and they have their own specific list of requirements that must be met to achieve journeyman status.

Electrical Contractors: Electrical contractors can apply for licenses in three categories: R-11 (for residential jobs), C-11 (for commercial jobs) and CR-11 (for both residential and commercial). In Arizona, electrical contractors must have worked as journeyman electricians for at least four years to be eligible to take an electrical contractors exam. Before being licensed, electrical contractors must pay a bond to the state, which can range from $2,500 for business expected to earn less than $150,000 in profits annually, to $100,000 for companies with expected revenues of over $10 million annually.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Master Electrician

• Residential Master Electrician

• Journeyman Electrician

• Residential Journeyman Electrician

• Air Conditioning Electrician

• Industrial Maintenance Electrician

• Specialist Sign Electrician

Licenses Issued By: Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician: Must have completed a four-year assignment as an electrical construction apprentice, in a program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Alternatively, they must have eight years or 16,000 hours of other electrical construction experience.

Residential Journeyman Electrician: Must have two years of wiring experience working in one- and two-family homes, plus two years of other training and experience relevant to this specialty.

Master Electrician: Must have a degree in electrical engineering, with two years of construction experience, or six years of experience in the construction industry with residential and commercial work included, plus two years’ experience as a licensed journeyman electrician.

Residential Master Electrician: Must have three years of wiring experience in exclusively residential environments, including one year working as a licensed residential journeyman electrician.

Air Conditioning Electrician: Must have two years’ experience wiring HVACR equipment, and possess an electrician’s license issued by an Arkansas municipality and an HVACR license issued by the state’s heating, air conditioning and refrigeration board.

Industrial Maintenance Electrician: Must have four years of previous working experience under the supervision of an engineer, electrician (master or journeyman) or industrial maintenance electrician in an appropriate environment (i.e., an industrial or manufacturing plant).

Specialist Sign Electrician: Will need at least two years’ experience performing installation, repair and maintenance activities in this specialty, working for an electrical sign company or another electrical licensee.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• General Electrician

• Residential Electrician

• Fire/Life/Safety Technician

• Voice Data Video Technician

• Non-Residential Lighting Technician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Contractors State License Board

Apprenticeship License: Not required, but apprentices must register for a state-approved apprenticeship program

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

General Electrician: Must have 8,000 hours of work experience and complete 720 hours of classroom instruction as an electrical trainee, through a program offered by a state-approved school. Alternatively, candidates can complete a registered apprenticeship as a general electrician, or skip classroom instruction requirements if they’ve accumulated 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience as a working professional.

Residential Electrician: Must have 4,800 hours of work experience in residential environments and complete 480 hours of classroom instruction as an electrical trainee enrolled in a state-approved school. These requirements can be bypassed by those who’ve completed a registered apprenticeship for residential electricians, or who’ve completed at least 4,800 hours of work as a practicing professional.

Fire/Life/Safety Technician: Must have 4,000 hours of experience working with electrical safety systems in offices, hospitals or other similar environments, and complete 480 hours of classroom instruction as an electrical trainee enrolled in a state-approved school. These requirements can be bypassed by those who’ve completed a registered apprenticeship for fire/life/safety technician electricians or who’ve completed at least 4,000 hours of professional work in this specialized area.

Voice Data Video Technician: Must have 4,000 hours of experience working on video systems, access and control systems and communications systems, and complete 480 hours of classroom instruction as an electrical trainee enrolled in a state-approved school. Alternatively, candidates can complete a registered apprenticeship in this specialty or have accumulated 4,000 hours of work experience in this specialty as a practicing electrician.

Non-Residential Lighting Technician: Must have 2,000 hours of experience working with indoor and outdoor lighting systems for businesses, retail establishments and other commercial facilities, and complete 240 hours of classroom instruction under the auspices of an electrical trainee program at a state-approved school. These requirements can be bypassed by those who’ve completed a registered apprenticeship in the non-residential lighting specialty or who’ve completed 2,000 hours of non-residential lighting work in a professional environment.

Electrical Contractor: Must have four years of experience working as an electrician, as a professional in a licensed category or as an apprentice (work experience accumulated during electrical trainee programs will not count). Before a contractor’s license is issued, they must acquire a $15,000 surety bond and prove they’re prepared to offer worker’s compensation insurance that meets California state regulations.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Residential Wireman

• Master Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician: Must complete 8,000 hours of electrical construction work over a period of four years or more, and at least 4,000 of those hours must be in the commercial and/or industrial sectors.

Residential Wireman: Must complete 4,000 hours of residential electrical construction work over a period of two years or more.

Master Electrician: Must meet the same requirements as those who hope to obtain a journeyman’s license, plus accumulate an additional 2,000 hours of work experience planning, laying out and supervising a building-scale electrical installation project.

Electrical Contractor: An electrical contractor must either be a licensed master electrician who handles all the electrical work for their company, or they must hire a master electrician who takes care of those duties. Before a license can be issued, the aspiring contractor must provide proof that they are in compliance with Worker’s Compensation and Unemployment Compensation laws.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Unlimited Journeyperson Electrician

• Limited Journeyperson Electrician

• Unlimited Electrical Contractor

• Limited Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Electrical Board of Occupational Licensing

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Unlimited Journeyperson Electrician: Must complete a four-year registered apprenticeship, plus 576 hours of classroom instruction.

Limited Journeyperson Electrician: Requirements are the same as for the unlimited category, but limited journeypersons are only allowed to work on low-voltage (48 volt/8 ampere) electrical systems,such as alarm or signal systems, audio and sound systems, telephone systems, etc.

Unlimited Electrical Contractor:  Must have at least two years of work experience as a licensed unlimited journeyperson electrician, or at least six years of similar experience in another occupation in the industry.

Limited Electrical Contractor: Must have at least two years of experience as an unlimited or limited journeyperson electrician, and their work as a contractor must be limited to the design, planning and installation of low-voltage systems exclusively.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyperson Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Limited Electrician

• Master Electrician Special

• Limited Electrician Special

• Residential Electrician

Licenses Issued By: Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Electrical Examiners

Apprenticeship License: Required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyperson Electrician: Must have completed 8,000 hours of electrical work under the supervision of licensed master electrician or licensed electrician of any type except residential. Completion of a state-approved apprenticeship program anywhere in the United States will be accepted as an alternative.

Master Electrician: Must have six years of experience working full-time under the supervision of a licensed master electrician, or four years of such experience plus two years of technical school education. Completion of a state-approved apprenticeship program anywhere in the United States is an acceptable alternative.

Limited Electrician: Must have three years of experience working full-time under the supervision of a licensed limited electrician or master electrician of any type. Completion of a state-approved apprenticeship program anywhere in the United States will be accepted as an alternative.

Master Electrician Special: Must have six years of experience working full-time in the particular area of specialty, under the supervision of a licensed master electrician or master electrician special. Completion of a state-approved apprenticeship program anywhere in the United States will be accepted as an alternative.

Limited Electrician Special: Must have three years of experience working full-time in the particular area of specialty, under the supervision of a limited electrician special or master electrician of any type. Completion of a state-approved apprenticeship program anywhere in the United States will be accepted as an alternative.

Residential Electrician: Must have completed 4,000 hours of electrical work in residential environments exclusively, under the supervision of any other type of electrician. Completion of a state-approved apprenticeship program anywhere in the United States will be accepted as an alternative.

Electrical Contractor: Delaware’s Division of Revenue issues licenses to potential electrical contractors, who must have the requisite experience as master electrician.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Master Electrician Limited

Licenses Issued By: District of Columbia Board of Industrial Trades

Apprenticeship License: Required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician: Must complete 8,000 hours as a registered apprentice over a period of at least four years. With a degree in electrical engineering, a candidate can replace the 8,000-hour requirement with two years of experience under the supervision of a licensed master electrician.

Master Electrician: Must meet the same 8,000-hour/four-year requirements as a journeyman electrician, and then have an additional four years of experience working as a licensed journeyman.

Master Electrician Limited: Must meet the same requirements as a journeyman electrician, except the working experience may be concentrated in low-voltage electrical systems, which this type of master electrician will be exclusively licensed to handle.

Electrical Contractor: Must have a master electrician license or plan to hire someone who does to handle all electrical work for the company. The contractor must register the business with the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Certified Electrical Contractor

• Registered Electrical Contractor

• Certified Electrical Specialty Contractor

• Registered Electrical Specialty Contractor

• Certified Electrician

• Registered Electrician

Licenses Issued By: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (for certified electricians and contractors only, registered electricians and contractors must take local competency exams in the community where they will practice)

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Certified Electrical Contractor: An applicant should meet one of these requirements:

• Have three years of management experience as an electrical contractor

• Have four years of service as a foreman, supervisor or electrical contractor

• Have six years of training, technical education or supervisory experience with an electric contracting business

• Have six years of technical training and experience in the Armed Forces

• Have three years of experience working as a professional electrical engineer

Regardless of the qualification used, 40 percent of the applicant’s experience must be in three-phase electrical work.

Registered Electrical Contractor: Registered electrical contractors are only allowed to work in the municipalities or counties where they choose to register and will only be required to take locally administered exams.

Certified Electrical Specialty Contractor: Must meet one of the requirements listed for certified electrical contractor, but their previous experience must be in their area of specialty.

The list of available specialties for certified electrical contractors includes:

• Alarm Systems I Contractor

• Alarm Systems II Contractor

• Limited Energy Specialty Contractor

• Sign Specialty Electrical Contractor

• Utility Line Contractor

• Lighting Maintenance Specialty Electrical Contractor

Registered Electrical Specialty Contractor: Registered electrical specialty contractors are only allowed to work in the municipalities or counties where they choose to register and will only be required to take local administered exams. Local jurisdictions determine the requirements a candidate must meet to sit for their licensing exam, but some years of service in the electrical trades will inevitably be needed to establish eligibility.

The list of available specialties for registered electrical contractors includes:

• Alarm Systems I Contractor

• Alarm Systems II Contractor

• Limited Energy Specialty Contractor

• Sign Specialty Electrical Contractor

• Utility Line Contractor

• Lighting Maintenance Specialty Electrical Contractor

Certified Electrician: Must have completed an electrician training program at a technical school or have served an official apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed electrician. Licensing exams are administered at the state level.

Registered Electrician: Must have completed an electrician training program at a technical school or have served an official apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed electrician. Licensing exams are administered at the local level.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Electrical Contractor Class I

• Electrical Contractor Class II

Licenses Issued By: Georgia Board of Electrical Contractors

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Electrical Contractor Class I: Must have at least four years of practical, on-the-job experience as an electrical apprentice. Educational experience can be substituted for this requirement at a ratio of one-half (i.e., completing a two-year associate degree program would count as one year of experience). Class I contractors perform a full range of installation, maintenance and repair duties for single-phase electrical systems.

Electrical Contractor Class II: Must have at least four years of work experience as an electrical apprentice in an authorized apprenticeship program (and/or equivalent educational experience). The primary providers of electrical apprenticeships in Georgia include:

• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), Atlanta and Georgia Chapters

• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 13

• Technical College System of Georgia (programs offer a mix of classroom work and direct apprenticeship experience)

Class II contractors are licensed to install, maintain and repair electrical systems of any size or characteristics, and consequently at least some of their apprenticeship experience must involve electrical work with systems above the single-phase, 200-ampere level.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journey Worker Electrician

• Journey Worker Industrial Electrician

• Journey Worker Specialty Electrician

• Supervising Electrician

• Supervising Industrial Electrician

• Supervising Specialty Electrician

• Maintenance Electrician

• Electrical Contractor (C-13)

Licenses Issued By: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journey Worker Electrician: Must have five years of experience (covering at least 10,000 hours) in residential and/or commercial wiring work. Candidates must also have completed 240 hours of relevant classwork in an academic program offered by a University of Hawaii Community College.

Journey Worker Industrial Electrician: Must have four years of experience (covering at least 8,000 hours) in industrial electrical work. Candidates must also have completed 200 hours of relevant classwork in an academic program offered by a University of Hawaii Community College.

Journey Worker Specialty Electrician. Must have three years of experience (a minimum of 6,000 hours) in some type of specialized electrical work ( electronic systems, alarm systems, signage, indoor or outdoor lighting, etc.). Candidates must also have completed 120 hours of relevant classwork in an academic program offered by a University of Hawaii Community College.

Supervisory Electrician: Must have four years of experience as a licensed journey worker electrician.

Supervisory Industrial Electrician: Must have three years of experience as a licensed journey worker industrial electrician.

Supervisory Specialty Electrician: Must have two years of experience as a licensed journey worker specialty electrician.

Maintenance Electrician: Must have one year of experience in electrical systems maintenance, and have completed 80 hours of relevant academic study through a University of Hawaii community college. Alternatively, one can hold a two-year academic degree in electrical studies in a program that included at least 1,000 hours of lab work or field study.

Electrical Contractor (C-13): Must have four years of experience as an electrician in a supervisory role, with a licensed contracting entity. Aspiring contractors must be able to furnish a good credit report, provide a current financial statement, gain clearance from the state Department of Taxation, and show proof of insurance for worker’s compensation including liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury. C-13 electrical contractors are restricted to working on systems that transmit, transfer or utilize electrical energy of 600 volts or less from phase to phase.

In addition to the C-13 electrical contractor’s license, other available contractor’s licenses available in specialized areas include:

• Sign Contractor (C-14)

• Electronic Systems Contractor (C-15)

• High Voltage Contractor (C-63)

The requirements to obtain these specialized licensed are identical to the requirements for the C-13.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Limited Electrical Installer

• Electrical Contractor

• Limited Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Idaho Division of Building Safety

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician: Must complete a four-year apprentice program under the supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician. This should cover a minimum of 8,000 hours of working experience plus an additional four years (576 hours) of classroom work in an apprenticeship school

Master Electrician: Must have worked as a licensed journeyman electrician for at least four years. If the license was obtained outside the state of Idaho, the applicant must take and pass the Idaho Journeyman Electrician Licensing Exam first.

Limited Electrical Installer. Must have two years and a minimum of 4,000 hours of experience working under the supervision of a licensed electrician in the appropriate specialty. The list of recognized electrical installation specialties  that require licensing in Idaho includes:

• Elevators

• Signage

• Manufacturing

• Irrigation Sprinkler

• Pump Installation

• HVAC Systems

• Outside Electric Line Work

• Photovoltaic Installation

Electrical Contractor: Must be a licensed master electrician in Idaho or employ at least one individual who holds that title.

Limited Electrical Contractor: Must have been a licensed limited electrical installer for at least two years or employ someone who meets those qualifications. The prospective contractor must practice in the same specialty as the lead limited electrical installer.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Municipal or County Authorities (all licensing is local)

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician: Must have completed four years of work and training as an apprentice, under the supervision and tutelage of a licensed journeyman electrician. Some municipalities will license journeyman electricians in limited categories, where they’re allowed to only work on certain types of electrical systems (low voltage, signage, alarm systems, etc.).

Electrical Contractor: Must carry a journeyman electrician’s license and have worked for at least two years in that position. Contractor applicants will likely have to show proof of liability insurance that covers property damage and bodily injury. Some municipalities may only grant contractor’s licenses to journeyman electricians who were licensed locally.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Residential Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Municipal or County Authorities (all licensing is local)

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician: Must have between four and six years of working experience as an apprentice or entry-level employee, depending on the community. Up to two years of classroom instruction experience, in a community college or technical school training program or as part of an apprenticeship program, can be substituted for field experience in most jurisdictions.

Residential Electrician: Must have between four and six years of experience (depending on the municipality) as an apprentice or the equivalent to obtain a license, which will permit installation, maintenance, and repair work on electrical systems in one- or two-family residential buildings exclusively.

Master Electrician: Must have between four and six years of working experience as a journeyman or residential electrician. The applicant may also have to supply three or four letters of reference from customers they’ve served (not from employers or supervisors). Some communities in Indiana do not recognize the master electrician category.

Electrical Contractor. Must have between four and six years of experience as a journeyman and/or master electrician, managing the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems and equipment in residential, commercial or industrial environments. Alternatively, the applicant must have an employee or employees who meet these standards.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Residential Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Residential Master Electrician

• Special Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

• Residential Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Iowa Department of Public Safety, Fire Marshall Division

Apprenticeship License: Required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician: If employed by a State of Iowa-licensed electrical contractor and qualified to install electric wiring and equipment without direct supervision, the applicant can take an Iowa state licensing exam at any time and earn a Class A license if they pass. Alternatively, they can earn a Class B license without an exam if they have the requisite experience, which is 16,000 hours of work experience performing a journeyman’s duties.

Residential Electrician: Must be employed by a State of Iowa-licensed electrical contractor or residential electrical contractor, and possess the qualifications to perform electrical installation services in residential building with four living units or less.

Master Electrician: A person with the qualifications and knowledge to plan, design, lay out, build, install and supervise the installation of electrical wiring and equipment can take an Iowa state licensing exam at any time and earn a Class A license if they pass. Alternatively, they can earn a Class B license if they have 16,000 hours of experience performing a master electrician’s duties.

Residential Master Electrician: Must possess the qualifications and knowledge to plan, design, lay-out, build, install and supervise the installation of electrical wiring and equipment in a residential building with four living units or fewer.

Special Electrician: Endorsements are available for those who have the qualifications to install special classes of electrical wiring, apparatus and equipment. The available endorsements include:

• Irrigation Systems Wiring. Candidates can gain their endorsement with two years and/or 4,000 hours of working experience in this specialty, or by taking a state-approved exam if their experience is less.

• Connecting and Disconnecting HVACR Equipment. Candidates can gain their endorsement with two years of experience working with heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, or by taking a state-approved exam if their experience is less.

• Sign Installation. No exams or experience is required to gain an endorsement to connect power to signs if voltage is no greater than 220 volts and ampere rating is 20 amps or less.

Electrical Contractor: Must be affiliated with a licensed electrical contracting business and be licensed as a Master Electrician, or employ someone who possesses those credentials.

Residential Electrical Contractor: Must be affiliated with a licensed electrical contracting business and be licensed as a Master Residential Electrician, or employ someone who possesses those credentials.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: County Authorities (all licensing is local)

Apprenticeship License: Not Required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician: Must have between two and four years of experience as an electrical apprentice, depending on the municipality or county. Hours worked during internships included as a part of a technical school or community college educational program may be included in the total.

Master Electrician: Must have between two and four years of experience working as a journeyman electrician, in residential, commercial and industrial environments. Some municipalities may require one year of experience performing duties associated with a Master Electrician’s position.

Electrical Contractor: Must have previous experience as a master electrician or employ someone who has that experience. Prospective contractors must show proof of liability and workers compensation insurance. Contractors can apply for Class A (General), Class C (Residential) or Class D (Maintenance) licenses.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Electrical Division of the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction

Apprenticeship License: Not required.

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Electrician: Must have four years of experience in an apprenticeship program or other working experience, plus 576 hours of relevant classroom training. Alternatively, six years of work experience can eliminate the need for classroom training. This category is the equivalent of a journeyman electrician in most states.

Master Electrician: Must have six years of experience working as an electrician or journeyman electrician under the supervision of a master electrician, plus 576 years of classroom training during the apprenticeship years. Alternatively, eight years of similar working experience can replace the classroom training requirement.

Electrical Contractor: Applicants need to be a master electrician or have one in their employ. They must have liability and workers compensation insurance and take six hours of continuing education annually to stay licensed.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Maintenance Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (for contractors) or Municipal Authorities (for electricians and master electricians)

Apprenticeship License: Not Required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician: Must have between four and six years of working experience as an electrical apprentice or trainee, with each municipality having its own standards.

Maintenance Electrician: Must have between four and six years of working experience as an electrical apprentice or trainee, with each municipality having its own standards. Maintenance electricians will specialize in journeyman level jobs and must be employed by a contractor to preserve their license.

Master Electrician: Must have between four and six years of working experience as a journeyman electrician.

Electrical Contractor: A contractor’s license is required for all work projects that exceed $10,000 in value, and prospective contractors must present a financial affidavit proving their business has a net worth of at least $10,000. They must also be a master electrician or have at least one in their employ.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman-in-Training Electrician

• Helper Electrician

• Apprentice Electrician

• Journeyman Electrician

• Limited Electrician

• Master Electrician

Licenses Issued By: State of Maine Professional and Financial Regulation Office

Apprenticeship License: Required, with two classifications:

• Apprentice Electrician applicants are required to be at least 16 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent and be enrolled in a five-year apprenticeship

• Helper Electrician applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent and be employed as an electrician’s helper.

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman-in-Training Electrician license applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have 2000 hours of experience, be a graduate of a community college or trained by the Department of Corrections and pass the journeyman electrician examination.

Journeyman Electrician license applicant requirements depend on the educational path pursued. The pathways are as follows:

• Training as an apprentice or helper: Applicants must have completed at least 8,000 hours in the field along with 576 hours in a state-approved program or an approved apprenticeship program. A current National Electrical Code (NEC) course of at least 45 hours is also required.

• Graduating from a state-approved high school applied technology training program: Applicants will need to have completed 7,000 hours in the field and participated in at least a 45-hour National Electrical Code (NEC) course.

• Graduating from a Maine Community College electrical program or electrical vocational program: Applicants must complete 4,000 hours of electrical installations along with a 45-hour or longer course in the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Limited Electrician licenses are available in two forms:

• House Wiring: To acquire a limited license for house wiring, you must have completed 225 hours of electrical training including a current National Electrical Code (NEC) course. You will also need at least 4,000 hours of experience, of which at least 2,000 hours are in house wiring.

• Low Energy: To acquire a limited license for low energy, you must have completed 225 hours of electrical training including a current National Electrical Code (NEC) course. In addition, you will need 4,000 hours of experience, at least 2,000 hours of which are in low-energy installations.

Master Electrician license applicants must complete at least 4,000 hours as a journeyman or 12,000 hours of experience in electrical installations. In addition, 576 hours of study are required, along with a  current National Electrical Code (NEC) course.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Master Electrician

• Lesser licenses as determined by local municipalities (possibilities include General Electrician, Limited Electrician or Low-Voltage license)

Licenses Issued By: Maryland State Board of Master Electricians (Master electricians only), County or Municipal Authorities (for lower licenses)

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Master Electrician license applicants must have been employed in the field or engaged in the practice of electrical work under the supervision of a master electrician or similarly qualified government agent for at least seven years. The board may award up to three years of credit for anyone who has completed professional-level formal studies in the field.

Lower Licensing for electricians, such as General Electrician or Limited Licenses, will have varying requirements by county or municipality.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Fire Warning and Security System Technicians

• Fire Warning and Security System Contractors

Licenses Issued By: Board of State Examiners of Electricians Licensing

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician license applicantsmust have completed a high school diploma, plus 600 hours of journeyman curriculum. In addition, they will need to have worked for four years and have 8,000 hours of experience.

Master Electrician applicants will need to have worked as a journeyman in Massachusetts for at least one year. In addition, applicants should have completed a 150-hour master curriculum.

Fire Warning and Security System Technician applicants will need to have a high school diploma, complete a 300-hour systems curriculum and have worked at least two years with 4,000 hours in the field.

Fire Warning and Security System Contractor applicants are required to have worked as a Fire Warning and Security Systems Technician for at least one year and have completed a 75-hour contractor curriculum.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Electrical Journeyman

• Master Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

• Fire Alarm Specialty Technician

• Electrical Fire Alarm Contractor

• Electrical Sign Installer

• Electrical Sign Specialty Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Apprenticeship License: Not required, but apprentices must register within 30 days of employment. The application can be found at the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Electrical Journeyman applicants must be at least 20 years of age and have completed 800 hours of experience related to electrical construction, maintenance, wiring and equipment in at least four years (credit may be awarded for attendance at a recognized training program).

Master Electrician applicants must be at least 22 years of age, held an electrical journeyman license for two years or longer and have at least 12,000 hours of experience related to electrical construction, maintenance, wiring and equipment over a minimum of six years.

Electrical Contractor applicants must either hold a master electrician’s license for at least one year prior or have at least one master electrician in their employ, who resides in the state of Michigan.

Fire Alarm Specialty Technician applicants must be at least 20 years of age and be certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology (NICET) as an associate engineering technician, level II or the equivalent in the field of fire alarm systems technology.

Electrical Fire alarm Contractor applicants must either have held a fire alarm specialty technician license for at least one year or have at least one fire alarm specialty technician in their employ, who resides in the state of Michigan. The fire alarm specialty technician must be in charge of code compliance for all installations, wiring and equipment.

Electrical Sign Installer applicants must be at least 18 years of age, with a minimum of  4,000 hours of experience over a period of not less than two years in the field of sign installation, maintenance, connection and repair. In addition, applicants will need proof of successful completion of an approved training course.

Electrical Sign Specialty Contractor applicants must either have held an electrical sign installer license or have at least one electrical sign installer in their employ, who resides in the state of Michigan. In addition, they will need to provide evidence of public liability insurance.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Class A Journey Worker Electrician

• Class A Master Electrician

• Maintenance Electrician

• Lineman

• Class A Installer

• Class B Installer

• Power Limited Technician

Licenses Issued By: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Class A Journey Worker Electrician applicants must meet the minimum required experience of 48 months, with a minimum of 24 months concentrated on wiring and installing electrical wiring, apparatus and equipment. Up to one year will be credited for the completion of a state-approved, two-year electrical program.

Class A Master Electrician applicants must meet the minimum required experience of 60 months. Required minimums are as follows:

• A two-month concentration in planning for wiring, apparatus and equipment installation

• A two-month concentration in laying out plans for the installation of wiring , apparatus and equipment for heat and power

• A two-month concentration in supervising the installation of wiring, apparatus and equipment

• A 12-month concentration in installing electrical wiring, apparatus and equipment

Maintenance Electrician applicants must meet the minimum required experience of 48 months, with a minimum 24-month concentrated experience in maintaining and repairing electrical wiring, apparatus and equipment. Up to one year will be credited for the completion of a state-approved, two-year electrical program.

Lineman applicants must meet the minimum required experience of 48 months, with a minimum of 24 months concentrated on line work.

Class A Installer applicants must meet the minimum required experience of 12 months.

Class B Installer applicants must meet the minimum required experience of 12 months.

Power Limited Technician applicants must meet the minimum required experience of 36 months, with a minimum of 12 months of experience in wiring for and installing technology or circuit wiring, apparatus and equipment. A maximum of 12 months or 2,000 hours will be credited for the completion of a state-approved, two-year electrical program.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Mississippi State Board of Contractors (for Electrical Contractors only), County or Municipal Authorities (no state license for journeyman or master electricians)

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician licenses are issued locally and requirements will vary by location.

Master Electrician licenses are issued locally and requirements will vary by location.

Electrical Contractor applicants will need to take either the National Associations of State Contractor’s Licensing Agencies‘ (NASCLA) Examination for Commercial General Building or their Electrical Examination, prior to applying for licensing. A tax identification number and proof of experience and insurance will be required to sit for the examination. There is no minimum number of years of experience required, but rather an applicant must list three jobs on which they have worked.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: County or Municipal Authorities (no state licenses available)

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician licenses are issued locally and requirements will vary by location.

Master Electrician licenses are issued locally and requirements will vary by location.

Electrical Contractor licenses are issued locally and requirements will vary by location.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Residential Electrician

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Limited Electrical Contractor

• Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Montana Department of Labor and Industry, State Electrical Board

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Residential Electrician applicants must have completed a residential electrical apprenticeship program and 4,000 hours of practical experience or 20,000 hours in the electrical maintenance field.

Journeyman Electrician applicants must have completed an electrical training program by an approved union or non-union trade association and have 8,000 hours of practical experience or 20,000 hours in the electrical maintenance field.

Master Electrician applicants must have completed their education on one of two paths:

• Graduating from an accredited college or university with an electrical engineer degree and 2,000 hours of practical experience

• Completion of 8,000 hours of journeyman experience in wiring for and installing electrical apparatus for light, heat and power, with no less than 20 percent and no greater than 50 percent of the experience completed residentially

Limited Electrical Contractor applicants must show proof of compliance with Montana’s worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance or proof of an independent contractor exemption, and employ at least one full-time, licensed electrician at a journeyman level or higher who will be responsible for all licensed electrical work.

Unlimited Electrical Contractor applicants must show proof of compliance with Montana’s worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance or proof of an independent contractor exemption, and employ a master electrician who will be responsible for all licensed electrical work.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

• Fire Alarm Installer

• Residential Journeyman Wireman

Licenses Issued By: Nebraska Electrical Division

Apprenticeship License: Apprentice Registration Required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must have at least four years of acceptable experience as a registered apprentice (with the potential of one year of credit awarded for the completion of a two-year, post-high school educational program or electrical experience gained in military service).

Electrical Contractor applicants must have graduated from an accredited, four-year electrical program, with five years of experience in planning, laying out, installing and supervising wiring apparatus and equipment for light, heat or power.

Fire Alarm Installer applicants must have at least two years of acceptable experience planning, laying out and installing fire alarms as a registered apprentice under a licensed fire alarm installer.

Residential Journeyman Wireman applicants must have at least three years of acceptable experience as a registered apprentice (with the potential of one year of credit awarded for the completion of a two-year, post-high school educational program).

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Licensed Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Nevada State Contractor’s Board

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Licensed Contractor applicants must have at least four years of experience (within the 10 years preceding filing) as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee or contractor in the requested classification (electrician) or proof of similar work through a government institution. Training through an accredited training program may be credited with up to three years of experience.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• High/Medium Voltage Electrician

Licenses Issued By: Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Electrician’s Board

Apprenticeship License: Apprentices must register with the state and hold an Apprentice ID Card.

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must have completed a board-recognized program and have at least 8,000 hours of experience as an apprentice.

Master Electrician applicants must have completed a board-recognized program and have at least 8,000 hours of experience as an apprentice, plus 2,000 hours of experience as a journeyman electrician.

High/Medium Voltage Electricians applicants must have completed a board-certified state, national or employer program or have been employed for at least five years as a high/medium voltage electrician, working for a company with a board-approved training program.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must have completed a four-year apprenticeship program accredited by the United States Department of Labor, plus one year of journeyman experience. The term journeyman applies to either a holder of a current license to practice as a journeyman as issued by the board, or any person who has completed 8,000 hours of practical working experience plus 576 hours of related classroom instruction.

Electrical Contractor applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least five years of practical, hands-on experience with tools in the installation, alteration and repair of wiring for heat, light or power in compliance with the National Electrical Code.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Electrical Bureau

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent along with experience in the areas in which licensing is sought as follows below:

• 8,000 hours or four years for licensing in:Residential and commercial electricity
  Electrical distribution systems
  

• 4,000 hours or two years for licensing in:Residential wiring
  Electrical signs and outline lighting
  Cathodic protection and lighting systems
  Sound, intercommunication, electrical alarm systems and systems 50 volts and under
  Telephone communication systems and telephone interconnect systems
  Water well pump installer and residential well pump installer
  

Electrical Contractor applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent along with experience in the license in the areas in which licensing is sought as follows below:

• 8,000 hours or four years for licensing in:General electrical
  Electrical distribution systems
  

• 4,000 hours or two years for licensing in:Residential wiring
  Electrical signs and outline lighting
  Cathodic protection and lighting systems
  Sound, intercommunication, electrical alarm systems and systems 50 volts and under
  Telephone communication systems and telephone interconnect systems
  

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Master Electrician (in NYC)

• Special Electrician (in NYC)

• Licensing categories as determined by local authorities

Licenses Issued By: County Authorities (all licensing is local), NYC residents can seek licensing through the NYC Department of Buildings

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Master Electrician License (in NYC) applicants must be at least 21 years of age, able to read and write in English, have good moral character and have at least 7.5 years (10,500 hours) of experience within the past 10 years in the installation, alteration and repair of wiring and apparatus.

Special Electrician (in NYC) applicants must be at least 21 years of age, able to read and write in English,  have good moral character and have at least 7.5 years (10,500 hours) of experience within the past 10 years in the installation, alteration and repair of wiring and apparatus

Local licensing requirements will vary by jurisdiction.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Limited License

• Intermediate License

• Unlimited License

• Residential Dwelling License

• Fire Alarm/Low Voltage License

• Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning License

• Swimming Pool License

• Groundwater Pump License

• Electric Sign License

• Elevator License

Licenses Issued By: North Carolina Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Limited License applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have at least two years of experience in the field, one of which must be primary experience.

Intermediate License applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have at least four years of experience in the field, 2.5 of which must be primary experience.

Unlimited License applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have at least five years of experience in the field, four of which must be primary experience. In addition the applicant must submit at least two letters of reference from people who have knowledge of their experience.

Residential Dwelling License applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have at least two years of experience in the field, one of which must be primary experience.

Fire Alarm/Low Voltage License applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have at least two years of experience in the field, one of which must be primary experience, with credit given for applicable experience in the low voltage field.

Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning License applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have at least two years of experience in the field, one of which must be primary experience, with credit given for applicable experience in the plumbing, heating and air conditioning  field. In addition, those applying for this license are required to furnish proof of employment with an individual or firm engaged in the plumbing, heating and air conditioning field.

Swimming Pool License applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have at least two years of experience in the field, one of which must be primary experience, with credit given for applicable experience in the swimming pool field. In addition, those applying for this license are required to furnish proof of employment with an individual or firm primarily engaged in a lawful swimming pool business in the state.

Groundwater Pump License applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have at least two years of experience in the field, one of which must be primary experience, with credit given for applicable experience in the water pump business. In addition, those applying for this license are required to furnish proof of employment with an individual or firm engaged in a lawful water pump business in the state.

Electric Sign License applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have at least two years of experience in the field, one of which must be primary experience, with credit given for applicable experience in the electric sign business. In addition, those applying for this license are required to furnish proof of employment with an individual or firm that is primarily engaged in a lawful electric sign business in the state.

Elevator License applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have at least two years of experience in the field, one of which must be primary experience, with credit given for applicable experience in the elevator field. In addition, those applying for this license are required to furnish proof of employment with an individual or firm engaged in the elevator field.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Class B (farmstead or residential) License

• Provisional Military Spouse License

Licenses Issued By: North Dakota State Electrical Board

Apprenticeship License: Apprentices must register with the state within six months of employment.

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must have a minimum of 8,000 hours and at least three years of work experience. Credit may be given to graduates of a two-year, board-approved program.

Master Electrician applicants must have a minimum of 2,000 hours working as a journeyman under the supervision of a contracting master electrician or master of record.

Class B (farmstead or residential) License applicants must have completed a minimum of 3,000 hours in farmstead or residential wiring in residential dwellings, under the supervision of a master or class B electrician. Applicants may qualify for 1,000 hours of credit for the completion of a two-year, board-approved program.

Provisional Military Spouse License applicants must have experience for at least two of the four years preceding their application.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: State of Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (some jurisdictions may require journeyman licenses which are issued by local authorities)

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Electrical Contractor license applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a United States citizen or legal alien, pass a background check, carry at least $500,000 liability insurance and have at least five years of recent experience in the trade, or be a currently registered engineer with at least three years of experience in construction.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Unlimited Journeyman Electrician

• Residential Journeyman Electrician

• Refinery Journeyman Electrician

• Limited Electrical Contractor

• Residential Electrical Contractor

• Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board

Apprenticeship License: Apprentices must register with the state.

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Unlimited Journeyman Electrician applicants must have 8,000 hours of experience as a registered apprentice, 4,000 hours of which must be commercial or industrial work. Up to 2,000 hours of the requirement may be awarded for participation in formal electrical education.

Residential Journeyman Electrician applicants must have 4,000 hours of experience as a registered apprentice. Up to 1,000 hours of the requirement may be awarded for participation in formal electrical education.

Refinery Journeyman Electrician applicants must have a verifiable license in another state that is current and in good standing.

Limited Electrical Contractor applicants must be owner or partner in a contracting business. In addition, applicants must either have a degree in electrical engineering and 8,000 hours of experience in the field, or 16,000 hours of experience in the field.

Residential Electrical Contractor applicants must have 8,000 hours of experience as a registered apprentice. Up to 1,000 hours of the requirement may be awarded for participation in formal electrical education.

Unlimited Electrical Contractor applicants must have 12,000 hours of experience in the field, with proof of 4,000 hours as a licensed unlimited journeyman and 6,000 hours in commercial industrial work. Up to 2,000 hours of the requirement may be awarded for participation in formal electrical education.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• General Supervising Electrician

• General Journeyman Electrician

• Limited Supervising Electrician

• Limited Journeyman Manufacturing Plant Electrician

• Limited Maintenance Electrician

• Limited Residential Electrician

• Limited Energy Technician, Class A

• Limited Energy Technician, Class B

• Limited Renewable Energy Technician

• Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician

• Limited Journeyman Stage Electrician

• Limited Building Maintenance Electrician

• Elevator Limited Journeyman

Licenses Issued By: State of Oregon, Building Codes Division

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

General Supervising Electrician applicants must be a licensed Oregon journeyman electrician with 8,000 hours of journeyman experience or meet the qualifications to be a licensed journeyman and provide verification of 8,000 hours of journeyman experience.

General Journeyman Electrician applicants must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program or verify 576 hours of classroom experience and 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience.

Limited Supervising Electrician applicants must be a licensed Oregon limited journeyman electrician with 8,000 hours of journeyman manufacturing plant experience, or meet the qualifications to be a licensed limited journeyman and provide verification of 8,000 hours of journeyman manufacturing plant experience.

Limited Journeyman Manufacturing Plant Electrician applicants must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, or verify 576 hours of classroom experience and 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience, or provide proof of 16,000 hours of commercial and industrial experience.

Limited Maintenance Electrician applicants must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, or verify 288 hours of classroom experience and 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, or provide proof of 8,000 hours of experience.

Limited Residential Electrician applicants must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, or verify 288 hours of classroom experience and 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, or provide proof of 8,000 hours of experience.

Limited Energy Technician, Class A applicants must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, or verify 432 hours of classroom experience and 6,000 hours of on-the-job experience, or provide proof of 12,000 hours of trade-specific experience including protective signaling.

Limited Energy Technician, Class B applicants must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, or verify 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience with completion of a 32-hour, state-approved program, or provide proof of 8,000 hours experience.

Limited Renewable Energy Technician applicants must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program and be employed by a limited renewable energy contractor or electrical contractor.

Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician applicants must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, or verify the completion of 8,000 hours of on-the-job electrical sign experience, or provide proof of classroom training and 4,000 hours electrical sign experience.

Limited Journeyman Stage Electrician applicants must verify the completion of 150 hours of required classroom training and 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, or 8,000 hours of on-the-job stage experience.

Limited Building Maintenance Electrician applicants must complete a one-year training program, or verify 2,000 hours of on-the-job experience in maintenance, repair and replacement of electrical appliances, light fixtures, light switches, fans, receptacles and fluorescent ballasts.

Elevator Limited Journeyman applicants must submit verification of an appropriate apprenticeship program or provide documentation from the National Elevator Industry Education Program.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Municipal or County Authorities (all licensing is local)

Apprenticeship License: Not required by state authorities but necessary in some local jurisdictions

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician requirements will vary by location.

Master Electricians requirements will vary by location.

Electrical Contractor requirements will vary by location

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Expert Electrician Assistant

• Expert Electrician

Licenses Issued By: Gobierno de Puerto Rico, Departamento de Estado

Apprenticeship License: Applicants must be 16 years of age, have a high school diploma or certification from an approved electrician’s course, a clean penal record and proof of supervision from a licensed electrician.

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Expert Electrician Assistant applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have obtained a high school diploma, have a clean penal record, not owe back child support and have completed 500 hours of study in an approved electrical program.

Expert Electrician applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have obtained a high school diploma, have a clean penal record, not owe back child support and have completed 1,000 hours of study and practice in an approved electrical program or graduated from an accredited engineering program of at least 1,000 hours of study and practice.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician/Electrical Contractor

• Limited Electrician/Manufacturer

• Limited Electrician/Non-Manufacturer

• Journeyman Oil Burner Electrician

• Master Oil Burner Electrician

• Journeyman Alarm Electrician

• Master Alarm Electrician

• Electric Sign Installer

• Electric Sign Contractor

• Corporation

Licenses Issued By: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training

Apprenticeship License: Not required, but the Department of Labor and Training’s Apprenticeship Office must be notified within 45 days of completion.

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must have a certificate of apprenticeship, four years of trade experience and 576 hours of related instruction in a program that is approved by the Department of Labor and Training.

Master Electrician/Electrical Contractor applicants must have a certificate of apprenticeship and six years of trade experience, with at least two years as a Journeyman

Limited Electrician/Manufacturer applicants should contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for detailed information.

Limited Electrician/Non-Manufacturer applicants should contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for detailed information.

Journeyman Oil Burner Electrician applicants should contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for detailed information.

Master Oil Burner Electrician applicants should contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for detailed information.

Journeyman Alarm Electrician applicants should contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for detailed information.

Master Alarm Electrician applicants should contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for detailed information.

Electric Sign Installer applicants should contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for detailed information.

Electric Sign Contractor applicants should contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for detailed information.

Corporation applicants should contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for detailed information.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• General and Mechanical Contractor’s License

Licenses Issued By: South Carolina Labor Licensing Regulation, Contractor’s Licensing Board for contractor’s licensing; local jurisdictions may have specific electrician licensing issued by  municipal or county authorities

Apprenticeship License: Not required by state authorities

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

General and Mechanical Contractor’s License applicants must have completed at least two years of experience within the last five years.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

Licenses Issued By: South Dakota Department of Labor, Electrical Commission

Apprenticeship License: Required by the South Dakota Electrical Commission

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must have completed four years and 8,000 hours as an apprentice.

Master Electrician applicants must have completed two years and 4,000 hours as an journeyman.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Limited License Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Local licensing may also be required

Apprenticeship License: Not required by state authorities

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Limited License Electrician applicants must be qualified to work in the United States, provide a list of experience and certifications, and comply with regulations in the county where work will be performed.

Electrical Contractor applicants must be qualified to work in the United States, provide a list of experience and certifications, and comply with regulations in the county where work will be performed.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Apprentice Electrician

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Maintenance Electrician

• Apprentice Sign Electrician

• Journeyman Sign Electrician

• Master Sign Electrician

• Journeyman Industrial Electrician

• Journeyman Lineman

• Residential Wireman

• Residential Appliance Installer

Licenses Issued By: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Apprenticeship License: Apprentice Electricians and Apprentice Sign Electricians must be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must have completed 8,000 hours of verified on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed master electrician.

Master Electrician applicants must have completed 12,000 hours of verified on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed master electrician and have worked as a licensed journeyman electrician for at least two years.

Maintenance Electrician applicants must have completed 8,000 hours of verified on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed master electrician.

Journeyman Sign Electrician applicants must have completed 8,000 hours of verified on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed master electrician or master sign electrician.

Master Sign Electrician applicants must have completed 12,000 hours of verified on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed master electrician or master sign electrician.

Journeyman Industrial Electrician applicants must have completed 8,000 hours of verified on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed master electrician.

Journeyman Lineman applicants must have completed 7,000 hours of verified on-the-job training in an approved apprenticeship program or have at least 3.5 years of experience as a journeyman lineman for an electric utility, cooperative, contractor or municipality-run utility.

Residential Wireman applicants must have completed 4,000 hours of verified on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed master electrician or residential wireman.

Residential Appliance Installer applicants do not have to meet any experience requirements.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Apprentice Electrician

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Residential Journeyman Electrician

• Residential Master Electrician

Licenses Issued By: State of Utah, Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Apprenticeship License: Apprentices must be licensed with the Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must have at least four years of experience as a licensed apprentice with 576 hours of classroom instruction or eight years of full-time, on-the-job experience.

Master Electrician applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• At least 8,000 hours of experience as a journeyman electrician

• At least 4,000 hours of experience and have graduated from a two-year electrical trade school with an Associate of Applied Science degree

• At least 2,000 hours of experience and a degree in electrical engineering

Residential Journeyman Electrician applicants must have at least two years of experience as a licensed apprentice while enrolled in an approved training program or four years of full-time on-the-job experience.

Residential Master Electrician applicants must have at least 4,000 hours of experience as a licensed residential journeyman electrician.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Electrical Journeyman

• Electrical Master

• Electrical SpecialistAutomatic Gas/Oil Heating
  Outdoor Advertising
  Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
  Appliance and Motor Repairs
  Well Pumps
  Farm Equipment
  Commercial Fire alarms
  Gas Pumps/Bulk Plants
  Electrical Locksmith
  Lightening Rod Installers
  Solar Panel Installers
  

Licenses Issued By: Vermont Department of Public Safety, Electrical Licensing Board

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Electrical Journeyman applicants should contact the Vermont Electrical Licensing Board for detailed information.

Electrical Master applicants should contact the Vermont Electrical Licensing Board for detailed information.

Electrical Specialist applicants should contact the Vermont Electrical Licensing Board for detailed information.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Contractor License

Licenses Issued By: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Licensing

Apprenticeship License: Not required

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Four years of on-the-job experience plus 240 hours of vocational training

• Five years of on-the-job experience plus 160 hours of vocational training

• Six years of on-the-job experience plus 80 hours of vocational training

• Seven years of on-the-job experience plus 40 hours of vocational training

• Associate’s degree or certificate from a training program that is at least two years in length and two years of on-the-job experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in a related engineering program and one year of on-the-job experience

• 10 years of verified on-the-job experience

• A license in a state or municipality located outside of Virginia

Master Electrician applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• One year of experience as a licensed journeyman

• 10 years of verified on-the-job experience

• A license in a state or municipality located outside of Virginia

Contractor License applicants must complete eight hours of pre-license education and verify trade-related experience.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• General Journey-Level Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Specialty ElectricianResidential
  Pump and Irrigation
  Signs
  Limited Energy System
  HVAC/Refrigeration System
  Nonresidential Maintenance
  Domestic Well
  HVAC/Refrigeration-Restricted
  Non-Residential Lighting Maintenance and Lighting Retrofit
  Residential Maintenance
  Restricted Non-Residential Maintenance
  Appliance Repair
  Equipment Repair
  Door Gate and Similar Systems
  

• Master Specialty Electrician

• Electrical Contractor

• Electrical Administrator

• Telecommunications Administrator

• Telecommunications Contractor

Licenses Issued By: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

Apprenticeship License: Apprentices must hold a certification as an electrical trainee. To qualify as a Certified Electrical Trainee you must be at least 16 years of age, enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program and work under the supervision of a journey-level, master or specialty electrician.

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

General Journey-Level Electrician applicants must have worked at least 8,000 hours as a certified electrical trainee, with at least 4,000 hours in commercial and industrial installations, and have 96 hours of classroom instruction.

Master Electrician applicants must have been certified as a journey-level electrician for at least two years.

Specialty Electrician applicants must have at least 48 hours of classroom instruction and have worked at least 4,000 hours or 2,000 hours, depending on the specialty as follows:

• 4,000 hoursResidential
  Pump and Irrigation
  Signs
  Limited Energy System
  HVAC/Refrigeration System
  Nonresidential Maintenance
  

• 2,000 hoursDomestic Well
  HVAC/Refrigeration-Restricted
  Non-Residential Lighting Maintenance and Lighting Retrofit
  Residential Maintenance
  Restricted Non-Residential Maintenance
  Appliance Repair
  Equipment Repair
  Door Gate and Similar Systems
  

Master Specialty Electrician applicants must have been certified as a specialty electrician for at least two years.

Electrical Contractor applicants must have a certified master electrician on staff, a valid Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number, $4,000 in a surety bond assignment or bank account, and a worker’s compensation account.

Electrical Administrator applicants must complete the exam in the specialty of their choice. Categories are the same as for specialty electricians.

Telecommunications Administrator applicants do not have prerequisites to meet.

Telecommunications Contractor applicants must have a valid Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number, a certified telecommunications administrator on staff, a $4,000 electrical/telecommunications bond or savings account, a worker’s compensation account, and liability insurance of at least $170,000.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Specialty ElectricianHVAC
  Electric Sign
  Single Family Dwelling
  Elevator
  Low-Voltage
  

Licenses Issued By: West Virginia Fire Commission, Office of the State Fire Marshall

Apprenticeship License: Apprentices are licensed in West Virginia. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• At least 8,000 hours or four years of hands-on, above-ground wiring experience

• Have completed an approved apprenticeship

• Have completed an approved vocational course of at least 1080 hours in West Virginia

Master Electrician applicants must have at least 10,000 hours or five years of hands-on, above-ground wiring experience in residential, commercial and industrial installations.

Specialty Electrician applicants must have at least 4,000 hours or two years of experience in their chosen specialty. Up to one year of experience may be awarded for completion  of a vocational program.

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Electrical Apprentice

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Electrical Apprentice, Industrial

• Journeyman Electrician, Industrial

• Electrical Apprentice, Residential

• Journeyman Electrician, Residential

• Master Electrician, Residential

• Electrical Contractor

• Registered Electrician

• Registered Master Electrician

Licenses Issued By: State of Wisconsin, Department of Safety and Professional Service

Apprenticeship License: Required in three categories:

• Electrical Apprentice

• Electrical Apprentice, Industrial

• Electrical Apprentice, Residential

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must have completed a state-approved apprenticeship and have at least 48 months and 8,000 hours of experience, or 1,000 hours per year for the last five years. Up to 2,000 hours or two years of experience may be awarded for attendance in a training program.

Master Electrician applicants must have completed one of the following:

• The completion of at least 10,000 hours of hands-on experience over the last 60 months, or 1,000 hours per year for the last seven years, with up to 3,000 hours or three years of experience potentially awarded for attendance in a training program

• The completion of at least 12 months as a licensed journeyman

• A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university

• Held a previous master electrician license in the state

Journeyman Electrician, Industrial applicants must have completed at least 1,000 hours of hands-on experience per year for the last five years or completed a state-approved industrial electrical apprenticeship. Up to 2,000 hours or two years of experience may be awarded for attendance in a training program.

Journeyman Electrician, Residential applicants must have completed at least 1,000 hours of hands-on experience in residential wiring per year for the last three years, or completed a state approved electrical wiring apprenticeship. Up to 2,000 hours or two years of experience may be awarded for attendance in a training program.

Master Electrician, Residential applicants must have completed at least 1,000 hours of hands-on work per year for the last five years, with up to 3,000 hours or three years of experience awarded for attendance in a training program or have previously held a master electrician license in the state.

Electrical Contractor applicants must own a business or be a chief executive officer applying on behalf of a corporation and have worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance.

Registered Electrician applicants must be qualified to work in the United States.

Registered Master Electrician applicants must have at least 15 years of trade experience and be born on or before January 1, 1956 (as of 2020).

Licensed Categories for Electricians

• Electrical Apprentice

• Journeyman Electrician

• Master Electrician

• Limited/Low-Voltage Technician

Licenses Issued By: Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety

Apprenticeship License: Must be applied for within 10 days of starting an apprenticeship

Requirements to Take the Licensing Exam

Journeyman Electrician applicants must have at least four years (8,000 hours) of work experience and 144 hours per year of classroom instruction (576 hours over four years). Up to two years credit may be awarded for participation in an approved training program.

Master Electrician applicants must have at least eight years (16,000 hours) of work experience, with four years (8,000 hours) as a licensed journeyman and 576 hours of electrically related classroom instruction.

Limited/Low-Voltage Technician applicants must have at least two years (4,000 hours) of work experience in the category of the license being applied for. Categories include:

• Low VoltageAll Categories 90 volts and below
  Alarm systems under 90 volts
  Communication systems under 90 volts
  Sound Systems under 90 volts
  Television and Satellite Systems under 90 volts
  Control Systems under 90 volts
  Lawn Sprinkler Systems under 90 volts
  

• Limited TechnicianElevator Systems on the load side of equipment disconnect
  Electric Signs on the load side of equipment disconnect
  Water Well and Irrigation Systems on the load side of equipment disconnect
  Limited maintenance of electrical fixtures
  Limited HVAC electrical work