State Electrical Regulations

Guide to State Electrical Codes, Enforcement, and Licensing

Introduction

This publication summarizes the major provisions of electrical code, enforcement, and contractor/electrician licensing requirements for each state in the U.S. It is based upon information supplied by NECA Chapters. For more current or detailed information about electrical requirements in a particular state, contact the agency listed under Contact.

Listing: States are listed alphabetically.

Codes and Enforcement

This publication covers state safety requirements for electrical construction. Most states adopt by reference the National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA standard 70), sometimes with local changes. Some also adopt by reference the National Electrical Safety Code (ANSI/IEEE standard C2). Many states with statewide electrical codes allow local jurisdictions to adopt more stringent requirements. Some states have no electrical codes or enforcement authority, leaving these matters entirely to local jurisdictions.

Contractor/Electrician Licensing

States with statewide licensing requirements generally have an electrical or licensing Board with the power to give examinations and issue licenses, and to suspend and revoke licenses for cause. Some states have no statewide licensing requirements, leaving this matter entirely to local jurisdictions. Some states have reciprocity arrangements for contractor/electrician licensing with others that have the same or similar requirements. These are generally neighboring states.

Exceptions: Some states exempt certain types of work or classes of installations from electrical code, inspection, and/or licensing requirements. Typical exemptions are listed below; they are referenced by code letter in the individual state listings:

  1. Electric utility installations and wiring, up to and including meters on customer premises.
  2. Communications systems including radio, cable television, telecommunications, and similar systems.
  3. Industrial installations.
  4. Installations of a specialized nature such as mines, refineries, gas and oil fields, and transportation systems.
  5. Automotive wiring.
  6. Temporary wiring on construction or similar projects.
  7. Installations on government property.
  8. Farm or agricultural installations.
  9. Electrical appliances.
  10. One- and two-family dwellings.
  11. Work performed by homeowners on their own property, not intended for sale.

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USA Map West Virginia Ohio Michigan Virginia Indiana Alaska Calfornia Arizona Nevada Washington Oregon Idaho Montana New Mexico Oklahoma Utah Wyoming Hawaii Kentucky North Carolina South Carolina Colorado Texas Tennessee Illinois Wisconsin Georgia Maryland Delaware District of Columbia Florida Alabama Arkasas Missouri Iowa Minnesota New Jersey Pennsylvania New York Connecticuit Rhode Island Massachusetts Vermont New Hampshire Maine Mississippi Louisiana Nebraska South Dakota North Dakota Kansas

Alabama

Code

The codes and standards currently adopted and enforced by the Alabama Building Commission (for Electricians) as state building codes are:

  • 2008 National Electrical Code
  • 2006 International Building Code
  • 2006 International Fire Code
Enforcement

The codes and standards are enforced by the State of Alabama Building Commission.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

Persons applying for statewide Electrical Contractor examination must demonstrate a minimum of four (4) years experience that show that you have designed, planned, laid-out and directly supervised electrical construction activities and the installing of electrical components. The work supervised must be commercial or industrial. The license is unlimited in voltage and bid requirements. Applicants may substitute one (1) year education in electrical curriculum for one-half (½) year electrical experience for a maximum of two (2) years credit of the four (4) years experience requirement. The applicant must submit a copy of the diploma or certificate.

Journeyman Electrician

Persons applying for statewide journeyman examination must demonstrate a minimum of four (4) years experience that show the necessary qualifications, training and technical knowledge to install electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment, light, heat or power. Applicant must demonstrate his or her ability to do the work according to plans and specifications furnished to him or her and in accordance with standard rules and regulations governing such work. A substantial part of the work performed must have been commercial or industrial. Applicants may substitute one (1) year of education in an electrical curriculum for one-half (½) year electrical experience for a maximum of one (1) year credit of the four (4) years experience required.

FeesElectrical ContractorJourneyman Electrician
License$200.00$35.00
Examination$165.00$115.00
Annual Renewal$200.00$35.00*

*Payable after notification of passing the examination.

Reciprocity

Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia

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Alaska

Code

Installations must conform to the current editions of National Electrical Code and National Electrical Safety Code, with amendments approved by the American National Standards Association (ANSI).

Enforcement

Installations in any place of employment or public structure are subject to inspection by the Department of Labor, which may also authorize public or private utility inspectors to act as state electrical inspectors.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

Contractors must be registered with the Department of Community & Economic Development and must also be, or have in their employ, a person currently licensed as an electrical administrator.

Electrician

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development issues license upon passage of an examination for journeyman electrician, journeyman power lineman, residential electrician, maintenance electrician, and apprentice/learner. Require 8000 hours of experience in the trade.

FeesElectrical ContractorJourneyman Electrician
Electrical Administrator Application$50.00N/A
ApplicationN/A$50.00
Exam$125.00N/A
License$350.00$200.00
Biennial Renewal$350.00$200.00
Reciprocity

Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming

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Arizona

Code

No statewide code. Most municipalities and Coconimo, Maricopa, and Pima counties adopt the National Electrical Code. Residential, commercial, and industrial work must be performed in accordance with the FHA Minimum Property Standards and Manual of Acceptable Practices.

Enforcement

Codes are enforced by the by the municipality or county and enforcement of the contractors is by the State Registrar of Contractors.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

Licenses may be issued to firms or individuals. Applicants must have had four (4) years trade experience within the last ten (10) years, not have had a license refused or revoked within one (1) year prior to the application, and must pass a written examination. Contractors are required to furnish a bond; residential contractors must either participate in a Consumer Recovery Fund or furnish an additional surety bond or cash deposit.

Journeyman

Licensed at local levels.

FeesElectrical ContractorJourneyman
New Residential Contractor License$770.00*N/A
Renewal$540.00/2yrN/A
New Commercial Contractor License$645.00*N/A
Renewal of Commercial License$490.00/2yrN/A
Dual (Commercial and Residential) License$1265.00*N/A
Renewal of Dual License$1030.00/2yrN/A

*plus bond

Reciprocity

California, Nevada, and Utah

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors may waive trade examination requirements for contractors who want to be licensed in both states. No state licensing of journeymen and master electricians. Electricians are licensed by municipalities or counties. Under the agreement, Arizona can accept the licensing qualifications of these states. Applicants will be required to pass the Arizona Business Management examination and complete all other requirements for licensing in Arizona.

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Arkansas

The State of Arkansas requires special licensing for security alarm system installation/monitoring.

Code

Installations must conform to the 2008 National Electrical Code.

Enforcement

The State Board of Electrical Examiners is responsible for enforcement of any violations reported to them. Municipalities may use local inspectors in their areas.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

Electrical contractors who perform on contracts of $20,000 or more must be licensed by the State Licensing Board of Contractors. Applicants must have five (5) years experience, list the equipment they own, provide an audited financial statement, hold a Master Electrician’s license, provide business references, and must pass the Arkansas Business and Law Exam.

Electrician

State electrical licenses are mandatory, and are recognized in all municipalities. Master and journeyman electricians must pass a written examination to be licensed by the State Board of Electrical Examiners. Apprentices are also required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship & Training, and the Arkansas Department of Labor. Beginning in 2008 eight (8) hours of continuing education will be required each year.

The Board is also authorized to issue license to those applicants holding equivalent licenses in other states and upon payment of the required fees and submission of proof of license in that state, provided an agreement has been reached with that state, to recognize the electrical licenses held by Arkansas residents.

FeesLicenseExaminationRenewal
Electrical Contractor$100.00N/A$50.00
Mater Electrician$50.00$56.00/$86.00*$50.00
Residential Master Electrician$25.00$56.00/$86.00*$25.00
Journeyman25.00$25.00**$25.00
Residential Journeyman Electrician$25.00$56.00/$86.00*$25.00
Industrial Maintenance Electrician$25.00$25.00**$25.00
Air Conditioning Electrician$25.00$56.00/$86.00*$25.00

*Fees for examination $56 paper/pencil format; $86 computer format

**Industrial Maintenance tests are given at the Arkansas Department of Labor $25 fee.

Apprentice

Annual registration fee $10. Temporary license fees are the same as the permanent licenses listed above.

Reciprocity

Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana.

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California

Code

Effective January 1, 2008, all jurisdictions in the State of California, are required to adopt and enforce the following new codes:

  • 2007 California Building Code
    (Incorporates by adoption and reprints the 2006 International Building Code with California amendments. Published by the International Code Council, ICC) 2007 California Electrical Code (Incorporates by adoption and reprints the 2005 National Electrical Code with California amendments. Published by the National Fire Protection Agency, NFPA)
  • 2007 California Fire Code
    (Incorporates by adoption and reprints the 2006 International Fire Code with California amendments. Published by ICC)

Installations in hotels, motels, apartment houses, and dwellings (including factory-built housing) must conform to regulations of the California Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of Housing and Building Standards (DHBS). DHBS enforces the most recent edition of the National Electrical Code.

Counties and cities may adopt equal or more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

All electrical installations in places of employment under jurisdiction of the Department of Industrial Relations are subject to inspection by DIS. In practice, enforcement of building regulations is done primarily by local inspectors, with DIS providing all statewide safety inspection and consultation on safety matters in places of employment.

Licensing

Contractors, electricians and journeymen must be licensed by the Electrical Contractors’ State Licensing Board.

Electrical Contractor

Licenses may be issued to either firms or individuals, firms must designate an owner, partner, officer or responsible managing employee who has the required qualifications to take the written examination. Applicants must present evidence of technical knowledge, experience, integrity, and financial responsibility, and pass a written examination.

Exemption – Firms constructing or improving their own structures not intended for sale are exempt from licensing requirements. However, sale of a structure within one (1) year after construction or improvement is considered “presumptive evidence” of construction or improvement for purpose of sale.

Electricians

Certification is now required of all electricians (except electrical contractors working under their license (C-10) effective January 2005. Electricians must successfully complete an apprenticeship program approved by the California Apprenticeship Council, the BAT or a state Apprenticeship Council authorized by the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship Training. Certification required every three (3) years.

General Electrician

8000 hours of work for an electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining electrical systems covered by the National Electrical Code.

Residential Electrician

4800 hours of work for an electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining electrical systems covered by the National Electrical Code.

Voice Data Video Technician

4000 hours of work for an electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining any system that falls within the scope of the National Electrical Code, Articles 725, (non-composite cables only), 800 (non-hybrid cables only) 810 and 820.

Fire/Life Technician

4000 hours of work for an electrical contractor involving the installation, construction or maintenance of systems as covered in Article 760 of the National Electrical Code.

Nonresidential Lighting Technician

2000 hours (4 years journeyman experience) of work installing, repairing and maintaining nonresidential lighting while employed by a contractor engaged in the business of nonresidential lighting maintenance and retrofit installations.

FeesElectrical ContractorsElectricians
License$400.00N/A
Application$50.00, additional Classifications$75.00
License Renewal$225.00/yr$100.00/ 2yr
ExaminationN/A$100.00
Reciprocity

Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

Contact
  • Division of Apprentice Standards
  • Department of Industrial Relations
  • 2424 Arden Way, Suite 160
  • Sacramento, CA 95825
  • (916) 263-2877
  • (916) 263-0981 fax
  • E-mail

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Colorado

Code

Installation must conform to the 2007 National Electrical Code, effective August 1st, 2008, or other standards which may be adopted by the Colorado State Electrical Board. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

State electrical inspectors must be master or journeyman electricians employed or appointed by the director of the Division of Registration. The Division director is also authorized to appoint or employ inspectors for one-, two-three- or four-family dwellings. These inspectors must have passed the written residential wireman’s examination, been certified as residential electrical inspector by a national certification authority approved by the Board, and have furnished satisfactory evidence of at least two (2) years practical experience in the inspection of residential dwellings.

Licensing

All contractors and electricians must be registered or licensed by the State Electrical Board. There is no local licensing. Local governments are permitted to require registration of electrical contractors performing services within their jurisdiction; fees cannot be charged for such registration.

Successful completion of an open book examination (based upon the current edition of the National Electrical Code) is required as a prerequisite for license or registration renewal. The types of license and/or registration issued and the qualifications for each type are:

Electrical Contractor

Licenses may be issued either to firms or individuals. Any firm owned wholly or in part by a licensed master electrician, and any individual who is a licensed master electrician may obtain an electrical contractor’s registration. Any other firm or individual desiring to be registered as an electrical contractor must employ a licensed master electrician in a supervisory capacity must pay the first time application fee and subsequent biennial renewal fee. The applicant must furnish evidence of compliance with the applicable workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation laws of the State. Out-of-State corporations must furnish a Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office.

Master Electrician

An applicant must furnish written evidence that he or she is a graduate electrical engineer and has one (1) year of practical electrical experience in the construction industry; or is a graduate of an electrical trade school or community college with at least four (4) years of practical experience in electrical work or has had at least one (1) year of practical experience in planning, laying out, supervision, and installing wiring, apparatus, or equipment for electrical light, heat, and power beyond the practical experience requirements for the journeyman’s license. Each applicant must pass a written examination.

Journeyman Electrician

Applicant must have at least four (4) years apprenticeship in the electrical trade or four (4) years practical experience in wiring for, installing, and repairing electrical apparatus and equipment for light, heat, and power, at least two (2) years of this experience shall be in commercial or industrial work.

Residential Wireman

Applicant for a residential wireman’s license must have at least two (2) years of training that is acceptable to the Board or two (2) years of practical experience in wiring one-, two-, three- and four-family dwellings.

Apprentice

Apprentices must work under the supervision of a licensed electrician generally defined as one (1) licensed individual to three (3) apprentices at a jobsite. Apprentices must be registered with the Board, and must re-register each time they change employers.

Fees Application Registration Exam License Renewal
Electrical Contractors $150.00 N/A $115.00 $120.00/2yr
Master Electrician N/A N/A $72.00 $48.00/2yr
Journeyman Electrician $50.00 N/A $72.00 $28.00/2yr
Residential Wireman $50.00 N/A $72.00 $28.00/2yr
Apprentice N/A $10.00 N/A N/A
Reciprocity

Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

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Connecticut

Code

Installations must conform to regulations of the Consumer Protection Department and Electrical Board of Occupational Licensing. The regulations are the same as or similar to the 2005 National Electrical Code.

Enforcement

Electrical installations are subject to inspection by the Department of Consumer Protection.

Licensing

Electrical contractors and journeyman electricians must be licensed by the Electrical Board of Occupational Licensing. All electrical work must be performed by licensed electricians or registered apprentices, under a permit obtainable with an electrical contractor license (E2). There are no exceptions. It is the responsibility of the electrical contractor to validate the license number of every employee.

Applicants for both contractor and journeyman licenses must be at least 20 years of age, have an eighth grade education or its equivalent, be of good moral character, and possess “the requisite skill” to perform electrical work.

Electrical Contractor

Two (2) years experience as a Connecticut licensed journeyman.

Journeyman Electrician

Four (4) years on the job training plus 576 hours of schooling in related instruction

Fees Electrical Contractor Journeyman Electrician
Application $75.00 $45.00
Examination $130.00 $50.00
License Renewal $75.00/yr $60.00/yr
Reciprocity

None

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Delaware

Code

Installations must conform to the 2005 National Electrical Code.

Enforcement

All inspections are performed by private inspection agencies approved by the state.

Licensing

All contractors and electricians must be licensed by the state Board. Local jurisdictions may require additional licensing. Types of state licenses and qualifications for each are:

Master Electrician General

Applicants must present evidence of six (6) years practical experience, or four (4) years of schooling and two (2) years of practical experience, and must pass a written examination.

Master Electrician Limited

Applicants must present evidence of three (3) years practical experience, or two (2) years of schooling and one (1) year of practical experience, and must pass a written examination.

Limited Electrician

Limited to air conditioning, oil burners, signs, elevator and overhead and underground primary distribution systems, etc.

Limited Special Electrician

Residential wiring up to and including four-family dwellings.

Fees Application* Examination License Renewal
Master Electrician $124.00 $60.00 **/yr
Master Special Electrician $124.00 $60.00 **/yr
Limited Special Electrician $124.00 $60.00 **/yr
Limited Electrician $67.00 $60.00 **/yr

*Rate is prorated from when you postmark or hand in form

** You are notified of how much the license renewal is when you receive the form to renew.

Reciprocity

Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, and Wyoming.

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Florida

Code

Installations must conform to the latest edition of the National Electrical Code.

Enforcement

Enforcement agencies include local inspection and building departments, the State Fire Marshall, and the State Hotel and Restaurant Commission. The State Board of Electrical Examiners has enforcement powers where local jurisdictions do not exist.

Licensing

All electrical contractors must be registered with the state unless they are certified. Registration permits the contractor to engage in contracting only in a particular area or municipality.

Electrical Contractor Registration – Applicants for registration shall file evidence of current occupational license or successful compliance with local examination and licensing requirements (if any) in the area for which registration is desired. No state level examination is required for registration. Licenses may be issued by registration or certification:

Registration

The applicant has taken and passed a local competency examination and can practice only within that locale.

Certification

The applicant has taken and passed the State Licensing examination and can practice throughout the State of Florida.

Electrical Contractor Certification

Contractors may obtain an optional state license from the State Electrical Licensing Board. Requirements include qualification of financial responsibility, acceptable credit, business reputation, proven education, substantiated experience, insurance coverage, and passing an examination. This optional state license entitles the holder to engage in electrical contracting in any municipality within the state without further examination. Municipalities may require the holder of a state license to purchase a local occupational license if the contractor maintains an office within that locality.

Continuing Education Requirements

Fourteen hours of Board approved continuing education is required each biennial prior to the renewal period for both certified and registered contractors. At least seven hours of which are on technical subjects; one hour on workers’ compensation; one hour on workplace safety; and one hour on business practices, and one hour of an advanced course. Multiple license holders are required to complete the continuing education requirements only once each biennium. Contractors, who are engaged in alarm system contracting, must take a two-hour false alarm prevention course, as a part of their continuing education.

Journeyman Electrician

There is no statewide journeyman license. Journeyman is licensed at local municipalities.

FeesRegistrationCertificationCertified Renewal*Registered Renewal*
Specialty Electrical ContractorsN/AN/A$255.00/2yr$105.00/2yr
Electrical Contractors$105.00$225.00$225.00/2yr$105.00/2yr
Alarm Contractor I and II$105.00$255.00$255.00/2yr$105.00/2yr
Lighting Maintenance Specialty$105.00$255.00$255.00/2yr$105.00/2yr
Sign Specialty$105.00$255.00$255.00/2yr$105.00/2yr
Residential$105.00$255.00$255.00/2yr$105.00/2yr
Limited Energy 105.00$255.00$255.00/2yr$105.00/2yr
Utility Line$105.00$255.00$255.00/2yr$105.00/2yr

*Due by 8/31 of even-numbered years.

Application fees: $327.50 per form (there packages on the website)

Examinations: $67.50

Reciprocity

Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina

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Georgia

Code

The Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code consists of the 2005 National Electrical Code in conjunction with the 2005 Georgia Amendment. Some counties have adopted amendments to this code. Electrical installations are also subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the State Fire Marshal and the Insurance Commissioner.

Enforcement

There is no statewide electrical inspection. However, the Board is currently engaged in a program to encourage county and municipal authorities to require inspection of electrical work, where it is not currently inspected. The State Fire Marshall has broad powers to inspect buildings, though not specifically to perform electrical inspections. The Construction Industry Licensing Board, Electrical Division, has power to license or revoke, and to suspend or restore electrical contractor licenses.

Licensing
Contractor

Electrical contractors must be licensed by the Construction Industry Licensing Board, Electrical Division. An examination is required and licenses are issued to a person, not a firm. Renewal requires the contractor holding the license to complete four (4) hours of continuing education courses per year.

Journeyman Electrician

Journeymen employed by a licensed electrical contractor do not need a separate license. Low-Voltage Systems – Although a restricted low-voltage license is required for electrical contractors when doing such work exclusively from regular electrical wiring, low-voltage work may be done with an unrestricted, normal license when the low-voltage portion of the contract is incidental to the main electrical contract.

FeesLicenseExaminationRenewal
Contractor$30.00$128.00$75.00/2yr
Journeyman
Reciprocity

Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina

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Hawaii

Code

As of this update there is no statewide electrical code. The Hawaii Building Codes Commission is in agreement of passing the 2008 National Electrical Code as published.

Enforcement

Counties review plans and specifications, issue permits, conduct inspections, and enforce the electrical codes.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

The Contractors Licensing Board conducts examinations and issues licenses for C-13 Electrical Contractor; C-15 Electronic Systems Contractor, C-15a Fire and Burglar Alarm Contractor, C-15b Telecommunications Contractor, C-60 Solar Power Systems Contractor, C-62 Pole and Line Contractor, and C-63 High Voltage Electrical Contractor.

Journey Worker Electrician

Five (5) years but no less than 10,000 hours of all aspect of electrical wiring work, primarily involved in residential and commercial wiring

Supervising Electrician

Four (4) years experience as a licensed journey worker electrician or equivalent

Journey Worker Industrial Electrician

Five (5) years but no less than 10,000 hours of industrial wiring work

Supervising Industrial Electrician

Four (4) years experience as a licensed journey worker industrial electrician or equivalent

Maintenance Electrician

One (1) year electrical maintenance wiring work or two years electrical trade schooling

FeesApplicationExaminationLicense*Renewal
Electrical Contractor$30.00$133.00N/A$75.00/3yr
Journey Worker Electrician$40.00$133.00$225.00$225.00/3yr
Supervising Electrician$40.00$85.00$225.00$225.00/3yr
Journey Worker Industrial Electrician$40.00$85.00$225.00$225.00/3yr
Supervising Industrial Electrician$40.00$85.00$225.00$225.00/3yr
Maintenance Electrician$40.00$85.00$225.00$225.00/3yr

*This is amount is prorated. If you are licensed in the years 2008, 2011, or 2014 you pay the full amount. If you are licensed in the years 2009, 2012, or 2015 you pay $150.00. If you are licensed in the years 2010 or 2013 you pay $75.00.

For supervising or master categories, equivalent experience in the trade means having been licensed as a journey worker or supervising level electrician for at least four years or a journey worker or master level in another county, state, or country where requirements for licensure are equivalent to those in force in this State.

Contact
  • Hawaii Contractors License Board
  • PO Box 3469
  • Honolulu, HI 96801
  • (808) 586-2700
  • (808) 586-2689 fax

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Idaho

Code

Installations must conform to the current National Electrical Code. Municipalities may establish local electrical codes that are no less stringent than the state requirements.

Enforcement

All electrical installations are subject to inspection by the Idaho State Electrical Bureau, a department within the Division of Building Safety, or by city electrical departments where the state does not perform inspection services.

Licensing

All contractors and electricians must be licensed by the Division of Building Safety. Continuing education is required for renewal of journeyman electrician and master journeyman electrician licenses. All licenses may be suspended or revoked by the Idaho State Electrical Board, which also has the authority to issue civil fines for violations of Idaho Title 54, Chapter 10 (electrical contracting/licensing provisions). Types of licenses and qualifications for each are:

Electrical Contractor

Licenses may be issued to firms or individuals. Applicants must pass an examination and be (or employ) a journeyman electrician who has held a state issued journeyman or master license for a minimum of two (2) years, and holds a current Idaho license. Individuals holding electrical contractor licenses may not perform actual electrical work unless they are also licensed as a journeyman electrician or have a licensed, qualified journeyman electrician as electrical supervisor. Electrical contractors must show proof of required insurance.

Specialty Electrical Contractor

Licenses may be issued to firms or individuals. Applicants must pass an examination and be (or employ) a journeyman electrician who has held a state issued journeyman or master license for a minimum of two (2) years, and holds a current Idaho license. Individuals holding electrical contractor licenses may not perform actual electrical work unless they are also licensed as a journeyman electrician or have a licensed, qualified journeyman electrician as an electrical supervisor. Electrical contractors must show proof of required insurance.

Master Journeyman Electrician

Licenses may be issued to anyone who has been a licensed journeyman electrician in the State of Idaho for at least four (4) years and received a passing grade on the master journeyman test. Twenty-four hours of continuing education every three (3) years is required.

Journeyman Electrician

In order to be approved for the Idaho State Journeyman Electrician examination notarized documentation of four (4) years (a minimum of 8,000 hours) of work experience as an apprentice electrician making electrical installation under the constant supervision of a qualified journeyman and four (4) years (a minimum of 576 hours) of approved electrical apprenticeship class room instruction must be submitted.

Specialty Electrician

In order to be approved for the Idaho State Specialty Electrician (elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, moving walk, sign, manufacturing or assembling equipment, and limited energy) examination notarized documentation of two (2) years (a minimum of 4,000 hours) of work experience within the scope of the specialty, and that experience must be in compliance with the rules of that state in which the experience was obtained.

Apprentice

qualifying documents for hours of work experience and schooling completed must be submitted prior to each July 1 for an annual re-registration process with the Electrical Bureau. After these requirements of 4 years (or a minimum of 8,000 on-the-job hours) and 576 total hours of classroom training, the apprentice is ready to make application for the journeyman test and upon passing, will be issued an Idaho journeyman electrical license.

FeesLicenseLicense RenewalRevival FeeRegistration
Electrical Contractor$125.00$100.00/yrN/AN/A
Specialty Electrical Contractor$125.00$100.00/yrN/AN/A
Master Journeyman Electrician$65.00$45.00/3yr$55.00N/A
Journeyman Electrician$55.00$45.00/3yrN/AN/A
Specialty Electrician$55.00$45.00/3yrN/AN/A
ApprenticeN/AN/AN/A$10.00*

*Annual Re-registration until the conditions for journeyman testing is met.

An applicant with out-of-state experience, who has not completed the education, may alternatively submit twice the amount of experience (eight years defined as 16,000 hours). The work experience shall include three (3) categories: residential, commercial, and industrial. Experience shall not exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of the work time in any one category. If the applicant does not meet the 16,000 hour requirement, he or she may register as an apprentice electrician, and may be approved for placement testing for the required class room instruction based on their out-of-state work experience. Twenty-four hours of continuing education is required every three (3) years.

Reciprocity

Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming

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Illinois

Code

There is no statewide code. Local municipalities may adopt editions of the current National Electrical Code.

Enforcement

The State Fire Marshal and local fire chiefs have general authority to inspect for fire hazards; but there is no state requirement for inspection of electrical installations. Many municipalities are authorized to license electrical contractors. Separate licensing is required for any firm which installs or maintains fire and burglar alarm systems.

Licensing

No statewide licensing of electrical contractors or journeyman is required. Municipalities are authorized to license electrical contractors. Separate licensing is required for any firm which installs or maintains fire and burglar alarm systems.

Reciprocity

None

Contact

Indiana

Code

Installations must conform to the 2008 edition of the National Electrical Code, with minor amendments.

Local jurisdictions shall not adopt and enforce their own electrical code unless it has been approved by the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission/Code Services.

Enforcement

Responsibility for inspection of all construction lies with the local government officials where there is a state approved building department. In areas without an approved local building department, the office of the State Building Commissioner inspects all buildings and structures except those intended for agricultural purposes and one- and two-family dwellings. All plan review is performed centrally, and state field inspectors assist local building officials in code and administrative matters.

Licensing

No state licensing of contractors or journeyman electricians. Most municipalities have contractor licensing requirements.

Reciprocity

None

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Iowa

Code

Iowa adopted the 2003 edition of the International Building Code and the 2005 edition of the National Electrical Code by reference.

Enforcement

There are no state requirements for inspection of electrical installations; but the State Fire Marshal has general authority to inspect for fire hazards. The Iowa Bureau of Labor enforces NEC Chapter 5 for installations in hazardous locations.

Licensing

The Department of Public Safety is now licensing all electricians and electrical contractors.
*No statewide licensing of journeymen.*

The Electrical Examining Board has created the following four endorsements for the Special Electrician License:

  • Wiring Irrigation Systems
  • Disconnecting and Reconnecting Existing Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems
  • Sign Installer
  • Residential Electrician

The Electrical Examining Board tentatively approves a schedule of fees for licenses to be issued by the Board. These fees will be adopted as part of the administrative rules on which the Board is currently working:

Electrical Contractor3 years$375.00
Master Electrician - Class A3 years$375.00
Master Electrician - Class B3 years$375.00
Journeyman Electrician - Class A3 years$75.00
Journeyman Electrician - Class B3 years$75.00
Special Electrician3 years$75.00
Apprentice Electrician1 years$20.00
Reciprocity

None

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Kansas

Code

The 2003 National Electrical Code only pertains to state-owned buildings. Only the Kansas Fire Prevention Code is mandatory statewide.

Enforcement

No statewide electrical inspection. Major local jurisdictions require inspections.

Licensing

No state licensing of contractors or electricians. Many local jurisdictions require licensing of contractors and one or a portion of electricians working on a job site. If Block & Associates examination is passed, all licensing jurisdictions must honor a passing score as qualification for a license. The Block & Associates Master Electrician examination qualifies one for a contractor’s license, and the Journeyman Electrician examination qualifies one for an electrician’s license.

Reciprocity

None

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Kentucky

Code

Installations must conform to the 2008 National Electrical Code. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

The Department of Public Safety and local fire departments have general authority to inspect for fire hazards and violations of public safety regulations; but there is no statewide inspection requirement for electrical installations. Interiors of occupied private dwellings may be inspected only when a specific hazard or violation is suspected. Cities and counties may inspect all new, altered, or repaired electrical installations. Permits are required before installations begin.

Licensing

Licenses are required for electricians, master electricians, and electrical contractors.

Electrical Contractor

Achieve passing score in the electrical trade; complete a department-approved training course or two (2) additional years of experience; achieve a passing score on a board-approved examination.

Master Electrician

Verifiable six (6) years experience in the electrical trade; completes a department-approved training course or two (2) additional years of experience; achieve a passing score on a board-approved examination.

Electrician

Verifiable four (4) years experience in the electrical trade; completes a department-approved training course or two (2) additional years of experience; and achieves a passing score on a board-approved examination.

FeesApplicationLicense Renewal
Electrical Contractor$200.00*$200.00/yr
Master Electrician$100.00*$100.00/yr
Electrician 50.00*$50.00/yr

*Not to exceed.

Requires an electrical contractor who is not a licensed electrician to employ at least one (1) master electrician at all times; and Allows 30 days for an electrical contractor to replace a master electrician who leaves his or her employ before business must be shut down. Requires six (6) hours of Continuing Education for each category. Master Electrician and Electrician Continuing Education based on code. Electrical Contractor Continuing Education based on business/law related courses.

Reciprocity

Ohio

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Louisiana

Code

Installations on state-owned buildings and hospitals must conform to the 2005 National Electrical Code. Local jurisdictions can adopt and enforce different codes.

Enforcement

There is no state requirement for inspection of electrical installations; but the State Fire Marshall has general authority to inspect for fire hazards. Many municipalities have local inspection departments.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

Contractors performing $50,000 or more work on any single job must be licensed by the State Licensing Board for Contractors. License must be renewed annually. Applicants are evaluated with respect to experience, financial responsibility, technical qualification through a written examination administered or approved by the State Licensing Board for Contractors, and any other pertinent facts bearing upon applicant’s responsibility as a contractor.

Burglar Alarm

State contractor license required. Also required is a Type “A” license issued by the State Fire Marshal’s office. Each firm must employ at least one Class “B” technician who successfully completed the Level II Advanced Alarm Technician Training Course through NBFAA. All employees must have an individual license Type “B”, “C”, “D”, or “E” issued by the State Fire Marshal. Firms must have $5000, 000 liability insurance.

Fire Alarm

State contractors’ license required. State licensed electrical contractors can install and repair fire alarm systems. Certifying and planning of systems must be performed by firms certified by the State Fire Marshal. Firms must have a least one (1) employee who Is NICET Level II certified in fire protection or a professional engineer licensed in Louisiana. All employees must have an individual license identified by class issued by the State Fire Marshal. Firms must have $500,000 liability insurance. Licenses must be renewed annually.

Journeyman Electrician

There is no state licensing of journeyman electricians.

FeesLicenseAdditional ClassificationIndividual LicenseAdditional Classes
Electrical Contractor$100.00$95.00*N/AN/A
Burglar Alarm$250.00N/A$50.00**N/A
Fire Alarm$350.00N/A$50.00$100.00

* A maximum of $400, renewed annually

**this is required

Reciprocity

Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah

Contact
  • Licensing: Electrical Inspectors/Services
  • State of Louisiana
  • Office of State Fire Marshal
  • 5150 Florida Boulevard
  • Baton Rouge, LA 70806
  • 225-925-4911
  • 225-925-3813 fax
  • www.dps.state.la.us

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Maine

Code

New installations are required to conform to the National Electrical Code, applicable statutes of the State, and all applicable ordinances, orders, rules and regulations of any city or town or the Electrician’s Examining Board. Existing electrical installations are required to meet the standards in effect at the time of installation.

Enforcement

The Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Office of Licensing & Registration employs electrical inspection to enforce the electrical installation standards and licensing of companies and individuals to make electrical installations.

Licensing

Companies and electricians are required to be licensed by the Electrician’s Examining Board. Types of licenses and qualifications for each are:

Master Electrician

an individual engaging in, or about to engage in the business of installing electrical wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures and other electrical equipment.

Limited Electrician

a person doing work to install and service the electrical work related to a specific type of electrically operated equipment or to specific electrical installations only authorized by this license.

Journeyman Electrician

a person making electrical installations in the employment of a master electrician, limited electrician, or electrical company.

Journeyman-in-Training Electrician

a person making electrical installations in the employment of a master electrician, limited electrician, or electrical company.

Apprentice

a person who is engaged in a written agreement to work and learn in the trade of an electrician under the direct supervision of a master, journeyman or limited electrician.

Helper

same as an apprentice except there is no written agreement.

Electrical Company

a person, firm, corporation or partnership employing licensees engaged in the business of doing electrical installations.

FeesApplication FeeCriminal Background CheckLicense Renewal
Master Electrician$25.00$15.00$150.00/2yr*
Limited Electrician$25.00$15.00$100.00/2yr**
Journeyman Electrician$25.00$15.00$80.00/2yr***
Journeyman-in Training Electrician$25.00$15.00$80.00/2yr
Apprentice****$25.00$15.00$20.00/2yr
Electrical Company$25.00$15.00N/A

*$25.00/2yr for Senior Master Electricians (over the age of 70)

**$20.00/2yr for Senior Limited Electricians (over the age of 70)

***20.00/2yr for Senior Journeyman Electrician

**** Same as Helper

Reciprocity

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Vermont

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Maryland

Code

The State has two (2) separate codes for buildings. The Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS) are used for new buildings, while buildings that are one year and older are governed by the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code (MBRC) or "Smart Codes.” Both of these codes are in line the 2005 National Electrical Code.

Enforcement

There is no statewide electrical inspection. The cities of Annapolis, Baltimore, Frederick, and Rockville, and the counties of Anne Arundel, Calvert, Hartford, Howard and Montgomery perform their own electrical inspections. Other counties require inspection by the Middle Department Inspection Agency (MDIA) or other private inspection agencies.

Licensing

A statewide master electrician may be obtained by examination only. Municipalities are also authorized to license electrical contractors and electricians. Licenses are reciprocal between in-state municipalities. Fees vary based on municipalities and type of license.

Master Electrician

The Master Electrician license is needed for persons who provide electrical service or engage with a business to provide electrical services. The only person in a business that needs to be licensed for electrical work is the master electrician. Other people may perform electrical work without individual State licenses as long as at least one (1) person is a licensed Master Electrician. Electrical companies are not licensed, but they are required to employ a licensed Master Electrician who is insured to contract.

FeesMaster Electrician
Application$20.00
Examination$40.00
License Renewal$25.00/2yr

Each Maryland County issues its own electrical license to operate in that particular county. An electrician must hold a license for each county where the electrician performs electrical services. The State’s Master Electrician license is a non-performing license; it may only be used by the person to obtain the necessary local electrician licenses. A licensed Maser Electrician may only assign the license to one (1) company. A Master Electrician may not operate as an individual and then also assign the license to a company. If a Master Electrician assigns the license to a company, the Master Electrician is responsible for obtaining the permits for that company and is totally responsible for the electrical work the company performs.

Requirements
Pre-Approved

To obtain a Master Electrician License, a person must have been employed regularly in providing electrical services for at least seven (7) years, while under the supervision of a Master Electrician or a similarly qualified person of a government unit. The work must be documented in writing and the applicant must pass a comprehensive written examination.

Post-Approval

A licensee must provide evidence of insurance coverage for liability and property damage prior to being licensed as a Master Electrician insured to contract.

Local Approval

to perform electrical work in most local jurisdictions throughout the State, the electrician must also obtain a local license and meet specific local requirements. Contact the county government for more information. A person providing electrical services must obtain a local permit to perform each specific job. The work performed is then inspected by a local electrical inspector to determine if the work was completed correctly according to applicable electrical codes.

Application Process
  1. the applicant obtains a qualification information handbook and application package through the privatized testing service, PSI Examination Services, at (800) 733-9267.
  2. The applicant completes the application and returns it to PSI Examination Services with the application fee and supporting documents.
  3. Upon review and approval of the application, the applicant is notified that he or she may schedule an examination which is given at least twice weekly at four (4) different locations throughout Maryland.
Reciprocity

Delaware and Virginia

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Massachusetts

Code

Installations must conform to the 2008 Massachusetts Electrical Code, which is the 2008 National Electrical Code with some modifications.

Enforcement

State electrical inspection is required on state transportation projects. Local jurisdictions are required to appoint electrical inspectors, who inspect any electrical installation performed “for hire.” All appeals are to be made to the State Board.

Licensing

All electricians must be licensed by State Examiners of Electricians. Types of license and qualifications for each are:

Master Electrician

Certificate “A” licenses may be issued either to firms or individuals, and are similar to what are termed contractor licenses in a number of other states. Certificate “A” holders may do both electrical and systems contracting (Certificate “C”). Applicants must furnish evidence of having had at least one (1) year of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician and must pass a written examination; firms must designate an owner, partner, or officer to take the examination. Master electricians may operate electrical contracting businesses but may not engage in actual electrical work unless they also possess a journeyman electrician license.

Exemptions – A, B, E

Journeyman Electrician

Certificate “B” license holders may do both electrical and systems work. Applicants must furnish evidence of having been employed for the preceding four (4) years or have 8,000 hours as a learner or apprentice under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician and must pass a written examination. Journeyman electricians may work as employees of licensed master electricians or for themselves but may not employ journeyman electricians.

Exemptions - A, B, E

System Contractor

Certificate “C” licenses may be issued to either firms or individuals. A system contractor is qualified to install, repair, and maintain fire warning, security or other inherently power-limited systems. Applicants must furnish evidence of having had at least one (1) year of experience as a licensed systems technician and must pass a written examination; firms must designate an owner, partner, or officer to take the examination. Systems contractors may operate system contracting businesses but may not engage in actual work of making system installations unless they also possess a systems technician license.

Systems Technician

Certification “D” applicants must furnish evidence of being qualified to do the work of installing, repairing or maintaining fire warning, security or other inherently power limited systems and pass a written examination. Systems technicians may work as employees of licensed systems contractors or for themselves but may not employ other systems technicians.

Apprentice or Helper

Any person may work as an apprentice or helper under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician or systems technician, who may supervise only one (1) apprentice or helper.

FeesApplicationExaminationRenewal
Master Electrician$135.00$402.00$102.00/3yr
Journeyman Electrician$90.00$312.00$68.00/3yr
System Contractor$135.00$412.00$102.00/3yr
Systems Technician$90.00$312.00$68.00/3yr
Reciprocity

Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

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Michigan

Code

Installations must conform to the 2005 Michigan Electrical Code with possible amendments. The MEC is a combination of the 2005 National Electrical Code, the Michigan Residential Code, and the Electrical Code Rule part 8.

Enforcement

All inspections are performed by State Licensed Electrical Inspectors. Some local communities have responsibility for inspection services.

Licensing

Anyone performing electrician work in the State of Michigan must be a resident of the State of Michigan and licensed unless exempted.

Electrical Contractor

Licenses may be issued to either Master Electricians or to companies having a Master Electrician in their full time employ. Contractors must pass an examination. The Mater Electrician must be a resident of the State of Michigan. Electrical Contractors are allowed to perform all types of electrical work required.

Exemptions – A, B, E, I, K.

Fire Alarm Contractor

Licenses are issued to either a Fire Alarm Specialty Technician or a company that employs a full time Fire Alarm Specialty Technician or Master Electrician residing in the State of Michigan. Fire Alarm Specialty Technicians are not allowed to do any electrical work other than the installation or testing of a Fire Alarm System.

Sign Specialty Contractor

must be a Sign Specialist or a company with a Sign Specialist that is a resident of the State of Michigan in their full time employ. Sign Specialty Contractors must pass an examination. Sign Specialty Contractors are allowed to install and repair signs in the State of Michigan; they are not allowed to do electrical work other than install or repair electric signs.

Electricians must obtain a license either from the State of Michigan or their local community (whichever has licensing jurisdiction) or be registered as an apprentice with the State of Michigan or their local community. Inspectors can enforce certain ratios of apprentices to licensed employees on a job-site. All local community licenses and State of Michigan licenses are reciprocal within the State.

Master Electrician

Must be a resident of the State of Michigan and pass a written examination. Journeymen are allowed to install all types of electrical wiring, equipment, appliances, etc.

Journeyman Electrician

must be a resident of the State of Michigan and pass a written examination. Journeymen are allowed to install all types of electrical wiring, equipment, appliances, etc.

Apprentice Electrician

Must be registered with either the State of Michigan or with their local community (depending on licensing jurisdiction) and carry an apprentice card with them on the job. Apprentice Electricians are allowed on all types of electrical work.

Fire Alarm Specialty Apprentice Technician

must be a resident of the State of Michigan. Apprentice Technicians must be registered with either the State of Michigan or their local community (depending on licensing jurisdiction). Apprentice Technicians may only be used on Fire Alarm work.

Sign Specialist

must be a resident of the State of Michigan and pass an examination. Sign Specialists are not allowed to do any electrical work other than the installation or repair of electrical signs.

FeesApplicationExaminationLicense Renewal
Electrical Contractor$75.00$25.00***/3yr
Fire Alarm Contractor$75.00$25.00***/3yr
Sign Specialty Contractor$75.00$25.00***/3yr
Master Electrician$25.00$25.00$25.00/yr
Journeyman Electrician$25.00$25.00$25.00/yr
Apprentice Electrician$25.00$25.00$25.00/yr
Fire Alarm Specialty Apprentice Technician$5.00$25.00$10.00/yr
Sign Specialist$5.00$25.00$10.00/yr

***3-$200.00, 2-$134.00, 1-$67.00

Reciprocity

None

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Minnesota

Code

Installations must conform to the 2008 National Electrical Code, as of September 15th, 2008, the National Electrical Safety Code, and any electrical requirements of the current edition of the Minnesota State Building Code.

Enforcement

All electrical installations must be inspected by the State Board of Electricity or municipalities. Inspectors must be licensed master or journeyman electricians.

Licensing

All electrical contractors and electricians performing work within the state must be licensed by the State Board of Electricity. There is no city or county licensing. Applicant must pass a written or oral examination; an oral examination shall be administered only to an applicant who furnishes a statement that he or she has a reading disability which would prevent satisfactorily performance on a written test. Types of licenses and qualifications for each are:

Electrical Contractor

must be a licensed master electrician or employ a licensed class “A” or “B” master electrician. Biennial fee $200; $5000 performance bond; liability insurance with limits of at least $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate limit for bodily injury and property damage of $300,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate limits are required.

Technology System Contractor

Either the contractor or an employee of the contractor must pass an alarm and communication contractor examination. The term “alarm and communication system” means class 2 or class 3 signaling circuits, power limited fire protective signaling circuits, class 2 or class 3 alarm systems, or communication circuits or systems, as covered by Article 725, 760, 770, 800, and 820 of the National Electrical Code. Biennial fee $200; $5,000 performance bond and liability insurance required.

“A” Master Electrician

An applicant for a Class “A” Master electrician’s license shall be (a) a graduate of a four-year electrical course in an accredited college or university; or (b) shall have had at least one year of experience as a licensed journeyman; or (c) shall have had at least five years experience in planning for, laying out, supervising, and installing wiring, apparatus, or equipment for electrical light, heat, and power. Applicants must pass an examination.

“A” Journeyman Electrician

An applicant for a Class “A” Journeyman electrician’s license shall have had at least four years of experience in installing and repairing electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment. The Board may by rule or regulation provide for the allowance of one year of experience credit for successful completion of an approved two-year post-high school course. Applicants must pass an examination.

“A” Installer

an applicant must complete an approved post high school course in electricity or have one year of experience, post a $2000 bond, and pass an examination. “A” Installers may lay out and install electrical wiring and equipment for major home appliances in farm homes or villages under 1500 inhabitants not contiguous to any city of the first class and no established business therein of a Class “A” master electrician.

“B” Installer

An applicant must have completed an approved post-high school course in electricity or have one year of experience acceptable to the Board, post a $2000 bond, and pass an examination. “B” Installers may layout and install electrical wiring and equipment on center pivot irrigation booms on farmsteads.

Maintenance Electrician

An applicant must have at least four years experience in maintaining and repairing electrical wiring and equipment, and pass an examination. A maximum one-year experience credit is allowed for the successful completion of an approved two-year post-high school technical course.

FeesApplicationExaminationRenewal
“A” Master Electrician$80.00$35.00$80.00/2yr
“A” Journeyman Electrician$30.00$35.00$30.00/2yr
“A” Installer$30.00$35.00$30.00/2yr
“B” Installer$30.00$35.00$30.00/2yr

Maintenance Electrician $30.00 $35.00 $30.00/2yr

Apprentice

An apprentice must work under the personal supervision of a licensed electrician.

Power Limited Technician

Except as otherwise provide by law, no person shall, alter, repair, plan, lay out, or supervise the installing, altering, repairing of electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment for technology circuits or systems unless:

The person is licensed by the Board as a power limited technician; and the electrical work is for a licensed contractor and the person is an employee, partner, or officer of, or is the licensed contractor; or performed under the supervision of a master electrician or power limited technician also employed by the person’s employer on technology circuits, systems, apparatus, equipment, or facilities owned or leased by the employer that are located within the limits of property owned or leased, and maintained by the employer. An applicant for a power limited technician’s license shall be a graduate of a four-year electrical course in an accredited college or university; or have had at least 36 months’ experience, acceptable to the Board, in planning for, laying out, supervising, and installing wiring, apparatus, or equipment for power limited systems, provided however, that the Board may by rule provide for the allowance of up to 12 months (2000 hours) of experience credit for successful completion of a two-year post-high school electrical course or other technical training approved by the Board.

Reciprocity

Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

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Mississippi

Code

No statewide electrical code.

Enforcement

No statewide electrical inspection.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

A contractor having a state business license, and who is licensed by any municipality or county having an examining board which gives written examinations, may obtain a license in any other municipality or county provided he or she has actively engaged in business as an electrical contractor for two years or more. A Certificate of Responsibility is required on all private work projects of $100,000 or more, and on projects of $40,000 or more, financed totally or in part with public money. Certificates are issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, based upon a satisfactory financial statement and passing a written examination.

Journeyman Electricians

Licensed at local levels. Master license fee $200; examination fee $50; annual license renewal fee $200.

FeesMaster LicenseExaminationRenewal
Electrical Contractor$100.00$75.00---
Journeyman Electricians$200.00$50.00$200.00/yr
Reciprocity

Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee

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Missouri

Code

No statewide electrical code. Local jurisdictions adopt various editions of the National Electrical Code.

Enforcement

No statewide electrical inspection.

Licensing

No statewide licensing of contractors or journeyman electricians.

Reciprocity

None

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Montana

Code

Installations must conform to the National Electrical Code.

Enforcement

All electrical installations are required to be inspected except maintenance of electrical wiring, circuits, etc., by any business as part of its plant operation.

Licensing

All electrical contractors and electricians must be licensed by the State Electrical Board. Types of licenses issued and qualifications for each are:

Electrical Contractor (Unlimited and Limited)

An applicant must provide proof of compliance with workers compensation and unemployment laws, and must identify a full-time Montana licensed journeyman or master electrician for all work done in Montana.

Master Electrician

Applicant must present evidence of five years experience in planning, laying out, and supervising of electrical construction beyond journeyman status, and must pass a written examination. The practical experience requirement for an electrical engineer graduate of an accredited college or university is one year. For a graduate of an approved two-year curriculum electrical trade school, the practical experience requirement is four years.

Journeyman Electrician

Applicant must present evidence of completion of a four-year apprenticeship in electrical construction work or four years of practical experience in electrical construction work which may consist of no more than two years in residential electrical construction, and must pass a written examination.

Residential Electrician

Applicant must furnish evidence of two years (4000 hours) apprenticeship in the electrical trade or two years practical experience in electrical construction work, and must pass a written examination.

Apprentice

a person registered with the Montana Department of Labor may work as an apprentice under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master electrician. Exemptions – A, B (cities and public utilities), C, I, J.

FeesApplication*TempEndorsement**Initial LicenseRenewal
Electrical Contractor (Unlimited)N/AN/AN/A$250.00***$250.00/2yr***
Electrical Contractor (Limited)N/AN/AN/A$100.00***$100.00/2yr***
Journeyman Electrician$120.00$20.00$145.00N/A$70.00
Master Electrician$120.00$20.00N/AN/A$70.00
Residential Electrician$120.00$20.00$145.00N/A$70.00

*Includes initial License fee.

**Includes Application fee and Temp fee.

***License expires July 15th of even years.

Reciprocity

Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming

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Nebraska

Code

Installations must conform to the National Electrical Code. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

All electrical installations require inspection except those in single-family dwellings. Municipalities and other political subdivision have the option of instituting local inspection programs. All other state areas and municipalities, as well as state-owned buildings and public educational facilities, fall under the jurisdiction of the State Electrical Board for the purpose of electrical inspection.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

is licensed to bid, plan, layout, install, and supervise the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment anywhere in the state of Nebraska. The contractor must be a graduate of a four-year electrical engineering course in an accredited college or university and have at least one year experience, acceptable to the board, as a journeyman electrician, or have at least one year experience, acceptable to the board, as a licensed journeyman electrician, or have at least five years experience, acceptable to the board, in planning for, laying out, supervising, and installing wiring, apparatus, or equipment for electrical light, heat, and power.

Journeyman Electrician

is licensed to install electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment, and to supervise apprentice electricians, anywhere in the state of Nebraska. The journeyman electrician must have at least four years verifiable experience acceptable to the board, or three years verifiable experience to the board, and successfully completion of a post high school course in electrical wiring with a degree in Electrical Technology received. See State Electrical Act, Board Rule 8 for details.

Residential Journeyman Electrician, Type RW

is licensed to wire for or install electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment for residential installations and to supervise apprentice electricians anywhere in the state of Nebraska. Residential installations are defined as installations intended for a single-family or two-family residential dwelling, or a multi-family residential dwelling not larger than three stories in height. Residential journeyman electrician, type RW must have at least three years verifiable experience acceptable to the board, or two years verifiable experience acceptable to the board, and successful completion of a post high school course in electrical wiring with a degree in Electrical Technology received. See State Electrical Act, Board Rule 8 for details.

Fire Alarm Installer

is licensed to plan, layout, and install electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment for only those components of fire alarm systems that operate at fifty volts or less, anywhere in the state of Nebraska. Fire alarm installers must have at least two years experience, acceptable to the board, in planning, laying out, and installing fire alarm systems.

Apprentice Electrician

shall not do electrical wiring except under the direct personal on-the-job supervision and control and in the immediate presence of a licensee under the State Electrical Act. The licensee may employ or supervise apprentice electricians at a ratio not to exceed three apprentice electricians to one licensee.

FeesExaminationLicense (even years)License (odd years)Renewal *
Electrical Contractor$125.00$125.00$250.00$250.00/2yr
Journeyman Electrician$60.00$25.00$50.00$50.00/2yr
Residential Journeyman$60.00$25.00$50.00$50.00/2yr
Fire Alarm Installer$60.00$25.00$50.00$50.00/2yr
ApprenticeApplication even years: $20.00Application odd years: $40.00

*Renewals need to be placed by Oct 1st of odd years.

Reciprocity

Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Arkansas, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.

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Nevada

Code

Installations must conform to the newest National Electrical Code. Municipalities may adopt more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

No statewide electrical inspection. Some local jurisdictions conduct electrical inspections.

Licensing

The Board will grant to qualified applicants a license in the specialty of electrical contracting. The Board designates such a license as “classification C-2.” A person with a license-designated classification C-2 may perform any work authorized for the sub-classifications of a license designated classification C-2. The sub-classifications of a license designated classification C-2 and the work authorized for persons licensed in the respective sub-classifications are:

Electrical Contractor

Contractors must be licensed by the State Contractors Board, upon passing an examination.

ELECTRICAL WIRING

(sub-classification C-2a)

The installation, alteration and repair of electrical wires, fixtures, appliances and apparatuses, and the performance of any related wiring on existing structures.

INTEGRATED CEILINGS

(sub-classification C-2b)

The installation, alteration and repair of wiring, fixtures, suspension systems, ducts and other related apparatuses of integrated ceilings which:

  1. Are primarily used for interior electrical illumination
  2. Are usually composed of modular units, each unit containing an electrical lighting fixture; and
  3. Usually contain incidental acoustical tile or a similar material.
FIRE DETECTION

(sub-classification C-2c)

the installation, alteration and repair of electrical sensors and alarms used to detect heat and smoke, including all appurtenances and related wiring.

LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEMS

(sub-classification C-2d)

The installation, alteration and repair of systems that use fiber optics or do not exceed 91 volts, including telephone systems, sound systems, cable television systems, closed circuit video systems, satellite dish antennas, instrumentation and temperature controls, computer networking systems and landscape lighting.

LINES TO TRANSMIT ELECTRICITY

(sub-classification C-2e)

The installation, alteration and repair of overhead or underground secondary lines which transmit electricity, including the installation of poles, towers, anchors, guys, transformers, substations, circuit breakers and any other related hardware, equipment or systems.

RESIDENTIAL WIRING

(sub-classification C-2f)

The installation, alteration and repair of electrical wires, fixtures, appliances and apparatuses whose electrical current does not exceed 600 volts on new or existing structures which do not exceed more than three stories above the ground.

PHOTOVOLTAICS

(sub-classification C-2g)

The installation, alteration and repair of photovoltaic cells, batteries and invertors used in the conversion of solar energy into electricity, but not the installation, alteration or repair of electrical wires beyond the service panel.

Journeyman Electrician

There is no state licensing of journeymen. Some local jurisdictions require journeyman licensing

FeesApplicationLicenseRenewal*
Electrical Contractor$300.00$300.00$300.00/yr

*Due on the Anniversary Month of your License.

Reciprocity

None

Contact
  • 2310 Corporate Circle, Suite 200
  • Henderson, NV 89074
  • (702) 486-1100
  • (702) 486-1190 fax
  • www.nscb.state.nv.us

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New Hampshire

Code

Installations must conform to the National Electrical Code and the National Electrical Safety Code.

Enforcement

Local jurisdictions are required to appoint electrical inspectors. Municipalities and the State may hire their own certified inspectors.

Licensing

All electrical installations made for compensation must be performed by persons licensed by the Electrician’s Examining Board, except persons under the jurisdiction of the State Public Utilities Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, or the Interstate Commerce Commission, and electrical work on the property of industrial and manufacturing plants which is done under the supervision of an electrical engineer in the employ of such plants. The State Fire Marshal enforces licensing requirements under the direction of the Board, which may revoke or suspend a license for gross negligence or incompetence. Non-conformance with the National Electrical Code or the National Electrical Safety Code shall be prima facie evidence of gross negligence and incompetence. Types of licenses and qualifications for each are:

Master Electrician

Master Electricians may perform electrical installations and employ journeyman electricians. Licenses may be issued to corporations or partnerships provided an officer or partner directly in charge of business affairs has qualified as a licensed master electrician. Applicants must have at least two years service as an apprentice electrician or satisfactory completion of a course in a school approved by the Board, and pass an examination which may be written or oral.

Journeyman Electrician

A journeyman electrician is defined as a person installing electrical equipment in the employ of a master electrician. Requirements are the same as master electrician. Electrical installations performed by a journeyman electrician shall be periodically inspected by the master electrician from whom he receives direction and supervision. The master electrician shall perform a final inspection of the journeyman's completed installation.

Apprentice

Electrical installations performed by an apprentice electrician shall be directly supervised by a master or journeyman electrician at all times.

FeesApplicationExaminationIdentification CardRenewal
Master Electrician$75.00$50.00N/A$75.00/yr
Journeyman Electrician$30.00$50.00N/A$30.00/yr
ApprenticeN/AN/A$15.00$15.00/yr
Reciprocity

Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont

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New Jersey

Code

Installations must conform to the latest edition of the National Electrical Code.

Enforcement

Electrical installations are inspected for conformance by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Any municipality or group of municipalities may appoint their own DCA-certified inspector, or may engage a private inspection agency approved by DCA.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

Contractor licenses are issued to firms or individuals by the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Applicants must present evidence of five years practical experience in electrical construction and installation, or other equivalent qualifications, and must pass a written examination. Each firm or person engaging in business as an electrical contractor must also obtain a business permit from the Board.

Journeyman Electrician

No state licensing of journeymen.

FeesApplicationExaminationLicense RenewalBusiness Permit
Electrical Contractor$100.00$135.00$150.00/3yr$75.00
Reciprocity

Delaware

Contact

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New Mexico

Code

Installations must conform to the latest edition of the 2008 National Electrical Code and the 2008 New Mexico Electrical Code. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

All new, altered, or extensively repaired electrical installations are subject to inspection by state or municipal inspectors.

Licensing

All electrical contractors and journeyman electricians must be licensed by the Construction Industries Division (CID). Types of licenses and qualifications for each are:

Electrical Contractor

Applicants must demonstrate proof of financial responsibility; not have engaged in illegal contracting activity in New Mexico within one year prior to making application; demonstrate familiarity with rules, regulations, and codes; submit proof of registration with the taxation and revenue department; and demonstrate four years practical trade experience specifically related to the type of construction for which application is being made. Electrical contractors are issued a certificate of qualification after passing an examination by the Construction Industries Division.

Types of certificates:

  • ER-1 Residential – 2 years
  • EE-98 Electrical (includes ER-1, ES Classifications) – 4 years
  • EL-1 Electrical Distribution Systems including Transmission Lines – 4 years
  • ES-1 Electrical Signs/Outline Lighting – 2 years
  • ES-2 Cathodic Protection and Lightning Protection – 2 years
  • ES-3 Sound and Intercommunication and Electrical Alarm Systems – 2 years
  • ES-7 Telephone Communications Systems – 2 years
Journeyman Electrician

Applicant must demonstrate required number of years experience as an apprentice electrician and pass the examination. Journeyman electricians are issued a certificate of competence by the Construction Industries Division.

Type of certificates:

  • EE-98J Electrical (includes all ESJ Specialties) – 4 years
  • EL-1J Electrical Distribution Systems, including Transmission Lines – 2 years
  • ES-1J Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting – 2 years
  • ES-2J Cathodic Protection and Lightning Protection – 2 years
  • ES-3J Sound and Intercommunication and Electrical Alarm Systems – 2 years
  • ER-1 Residential – 2 years
  • ES-7J Telephone Communications Systems – 2 years

*The fee for a certificate of competence is $25 per year for each classification held.*

FeesApplicationExaminationRenewal
Electrical Contractor$100.00$200.00$100.00/yr
Journeyman Electrician$100.00$200.00$100.00/yr
Reciprocity

None

Contact
Division Offices
  • 2550 Cerrillos Road
  • Santa Fe, NM 87505
  • (505) 476-4700
  • (505) 476-4685 fax
  • 5200 Oakland NE
  • Albuquerque, NM 87113
  • (505) 222-9800
  • (505) 765-5670 fax
  • 505 S. Main Street, Suite 150
  • Loretto Town Center
  • Las Cruces, NM 88004
  • (505) 524-6320
  • (505) 524-6319 fax

For the latest information regarding examination fees

Contact
  • Thomson Prometric
  • 1221 St. Francis Drive, Suite B
  • Santa Fe, NM 87505
  • (505) 982-8197
  • (505) 986-1299 fax

or

  • 3311 Candelaria N.E. Suite C
  • Albuquerque, NM 87107
  • (505) 884-5850
  • (505) 883-7696

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New York

Codes

No statewide electrical code.

Enforcement

Inspections for work performed must be made by an approved electrical inspection agency. The New York Board of Fire Underwriters, Bureau of Electricity provides electrical safety inspections throughout New York State.

Licensing

No state licensing of contractors or journeymen. Local government entities license electrical contractors. Separate or additional permits may be required to perform the electrical work.

Reciprocity

None

Contact

New York City

New York City license holders can work in all five (5) boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

Licensing
Master Electrician

Needs a Bachelor of Arts in engineering, plus 3.5 years under a licensed electrician, or vocational school plus 5.5 years under a licensed electrician, or 7.5 years under a licensed electrician.

FeesApplicationSealRenewal
Master Electrician$310.00$50.00$90.00/yr*

*($60.00/ plus $30.00 seal fee)

Contact
  • Department of Buildings
  • Electrical Licensing Division
  • 280 Broadway, 7th Floor
  • New York, NY 10007
  • (212) 566-5000
Exam

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North Carolina

Code

Installations must conform to regulations of the North Carolina Building Code Council, which has adopted the 2008 National Electrical Code. Municipalities have the option of adopting five supplemental rules.

Enforcement

Electrical installations are inspected by municipal and county electrical inspection departments; all municipal and county electrical inspectors must be certified by the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board. Electrical installations in state-owned buildings are inspected by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, Engineering and Building Codes Division.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

all contractors must be licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Each license must have regularly on active duty in each place of business at least one person who has passed an examination prescribed by the Board, and who has the duty and authority to supervise and direct all work conducted by each respective place of business.

License ClassificationsFees
Limited (electrical projects up to $10,000)$60
Intermediate (electrical projects up to $50,000)$100
Unlimited (not project limits)$150
Single Family Dwelling (restricted)$30
Special Restricted$60
ExaminationsFees
All Classifications$75
Specially-arranged$200
Exam Review$25

Ten (10) hours of continuing education are required in the twelve months preceding annual license renewal.

Journeyman Electrician

There is no state requirements for licensing journeymen. Municipalities and counties may establish qualifying requirements for journeyman electricians in their respective jurisdictions.

Reciprocity

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia

Contact

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North Dakota

Codes

Installations must conform to the latest edition of the National Electrical Code. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

Electrical installations must be inspected by a inspector certified or employed by the State Electrical Board or appointed by a municipality. Inspectors must be licensed as a master or journeyman electrician, and are appointed by the State Electrical Board.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

This class is equivalent to a master electrician. Applicants must have two years of experience as a journeyman electrician or four years of experience as a Class “B” electrician. An undertaking deposit pledge in the amount of $10,000 shall be required plus a $50 yearly undertaking fee. Biennial license fee $100. Public liability insurance policy not less than $100,000 per occurrence and not less than $300,000 aggregate limit for bodily injury and property damage insurance with limits of not less than $25,000 per occurrence or a combined single limit of $300,000, or security approved by the commission in a sum equal to that amount.

Master Electrician

Applicants must have five years experience, one year of which must be as a journeyman electrician, and must pass a written examination. A bond of $3000 to the state is required; in addition a $25 deposit must be made to the Board in lieu of a surety bond.

Journeyman Electrician

Applicants must have at least four years experience and pass a written examination. Up to one year of experience may be obtained in a recognized and approved trade school.

Class “B” Electrician

Applicants must have at least three years experience and pass a written examination. Class “B” is limited to farmstead and residential wiring. A bond of $2,000 to the state is required; in addition a $15 fee deposit must be made to the Board in lieu of a surety bond.

Apprentice Electrician

An apprentice electrician shall register with the State Electrical Board after six months of employment, and must work under the personal supervision of a licensed electrician. Employees of electric and communications utilities need not be licensed to work on property owned or operated by such utilities.

FeesApplicationExamRenewal/Registration
Journeyman Electrician$50.00$50.00$50.00/yr
Class “B” Electrician$25.00$25.00$25.00/yr
ApprenticeN/AN/A$10.00/yr
Reciprocity

Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming

Contact

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Ohio

Code

Installations in buildings other than one-, two- or three-family dwellings must conform to the 2005 edition of the National Electrical Code. The Commercial/Industrial installations must conform to the 2007 edition of the NEC. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

All buildings to which the state building code applies are subject to inspection by state inspectors employed by the Department of Commerce, or by local inspectors. The Board of Building Standards is responsible for the certification of local inspection departments.

Licensing

Ohio requires a mandatory state electrical license for contractors (companies) in commercial work. The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) administers a test for electrical contractors, and no localities may subsequently require any restriction other than registration from practicing electrical contracting in that locality.

Contractor

In order to obtain approval from the Board to site for the exam, a contractor must meeting the following requirements:

  1. Five years (immediately prior to the date of application) experience in the trade, or be an engineer, or have three years of business experience in the construction industry, or other experience acceptable to the Board.
  2. Be at least 18 years of age;
  3. be a US citizen or legal resident alien; and
  4. Never been convicted of a felony.

Continuing education and proof of $500,000 liability insurance is a requirement for license renewal.

No statewide licensing of journeyman electricians.

FeesApplicationRenewal
Contractor$60.00$60.00/yr
Reciprocity

West Virginia and Kentucky.

Contact

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Oklahoma

Code

Installations must conform to the 2005 National Electrical Code, as a minimum standard.

Enforcement

Statewide electrical inspection upon request

Licensing

All electrical contractors, journeyman electricians, and apprentices must be licensed by the Department of Health. Examinations are conducted by the State Board of Examiners.

Electrical Contractor:

any person skilled in the planning, superintending and practical installation of electrical facilities who is familiar with the laws, rules and regulations governing such work. Electrical contractors also means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or business performing skills of an electrical contractor or an electrician or the business of contracting, or furnishing labor or labor and materials for the installation, repair, maintenance or renovation of electrical facilities or electrical construction work according to the provisions of the Electrical License Act.

Journeyman Electricians:

any person other than an electrical contractor who engages in the actual installation, alteration, repair or renovation of electrical facilities or electrical construction work unless specifically exempted by the provisions of the Electrical License Act.

Apprentice:

any person sixteen (16) years of age or older whose principal occupation is the learning of and assisting in the installation of electrical work under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician or electrical contractor.

FeesApplicationLicense/RegistrationRenewal
Electrical Contractor$25.00$200.00$150.00/yr
Journeyman Electrician$25.00$50.00$50.00
Apprentice$10.00$20.00
Reciprocity

Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming

Contact

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Oregon

Code

Based on the 2005National Electric Code, the State of Oregon has the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code, implemented on April 1, 2008. The Oregon Electrical Specialty Code has includes state amendments to the 2007 NEC. Some of the amendments are:

  1. Section 210.12 has been modified to require arc fault protection, combination type, only for bedroom circuits in dwellings. This is consistent with the requirements in the 2005 Ed. of the NEC that took effect on Jan. 1st, 2008
  2. Section 406.11 requiring tamper resistant receptacles was adopted as written, but with a delayed implementation date of October 2008.
  3. The requirements for selective coordination of over-current protection in several articles were modified to clarify that it will only be required for new installations and the new or modified portions of existing installations. There was also wording that severely restricts the local jurisdictions from effectively enforcing the requirement. Compliance is left to the engineer or supervising electrician designing the installation.
Enforcement

All new or modified electrical installations are subject to inspections employed by the Building Codes Agency or municipalities. In order to receive an inspection, it is advisable that a fax or follow-up letter be sent to the inspection authority which the permit was obtained. Final inspection is required by the permit-issuing authority – state, county, city, or contract inspector. Industrial plants may obtain an industrial electrical inspection permit under which annual or semi-annual inspections are made in lieu of inspection of each individual installation.

Licensing

All electrical contractors and electricians must be licensed and bonded by the Building Codes Agency and the Construction Contractors Board. For contractors working in the State of Oregon, one minor label permit will cover limited work. Types of licenses issued and qualifications are each are:

Electrical Contractor

State of Oregon business licenses may be issued to firms or individuals. All electrical work must be under actual supervision of a licensed supervising electrician.

General Journeyman Electrician

Applicants must present evidence of at least four years apprenticeship as a general electrician, or equivalent experience, and must pass a written examination. Continuing education of 24 hours each three years is required for journeyman electricians, and it must include a code update class of eight hours.

Limited Journeyman Electrician

Applicants must present evidence of at least four years apprenticeship “in a recognized branch of the electrical trade,” or equivalent experience, and must pass a written examination.

General Supervising Electrician

Applicants must present evidence of at least four years experience as a journeyman general electrician, and must pass a written examination.

Limited Supervising Electrician

Applicants must present evidence of at least four years experience as a journeyman “in a recognized branch of the electrical trade,” and must pass a written examination.

Limited Maintenance Electrician

Applicants must present evidence of experience in repair and maintenance of electrical wiring and equipment of the type used in industrial plants, an must pass a written examination on repair and maintenance of electrical motors, control system and switches, and lighting systems, and the use of electrical testing systems. Limited maintenance electricians may work only on industrial premises and no plant may employ more than one maintenance electrician per shift.

Limited Residential Electrician

Applicants must present evidence of at least two years of apprenticeship or its equivalent, and must pass a written examination.

Limited Journeyman Stage Electrician

Applicants must present evidence of four years experience in stage lighting, and must pass a written examination.

Limited Journeyman Elevator Electrician

Applicants must present evidence of four years experience installing elevators, and must pass a written examination.

Limited Journeyman Energy Electrician

Applicant must present evidence of four years experience in installing communications systems and burglar and fire systems of 100 amps or less, and must pass a written examination.

Electrical Apprentice

Applicants must present evidence of compliance with Oregon’s apprenticeship law. Apprentices seeking a limited journeyman’s license must be employed by a licensed electrician who conducts an approved training program “in recognized branch of the electrical trade.” No license fee is required.

FeesApplicationLicenseExaminationLicense Renewal
Electrical ContractorN/AN/AN/A$260.00/2yr or$520.00/4yr
General Journeyman Electrician*$50.00$50.00$10.00$100.00/3yr
Limited Journeyman Electrician*$50.00$50.00$10.00$100.00/3yr
General Supervising Electrician*$50.00$50.00$10.00$100.00/3yr
Limited Supervising Electrician*$50.00$50.00$10.00$100.00/3yr
Limited Maintenance Electrician*$50.00$50.00$10.00$100.00/3yr
Limited Residential Electrician*$50.00$50.00$10.00$100.00/3yr
Limited Journeyman Stage Electrician*$50.00$50.00$10.00$100.00/3yr
Limited Journeyman Elevator Electrician*$50.00$50.00$10.00$100.00/3yr
Limited Journeyman Energy Electrician*$50.00$50.00$10.00$100/3yr

*Application fee and License fee appears as one fee on Application form ($100.00)

Reciprocity

Arkansas, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming

Contact

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Pennsylvania

Codes

The Department of Labor and Industry, as of January 1st, 2007, has implemented the 2005 NEC.

Enforcement

As of July 9, 2004, all code officials issuing permits and plan reviews must be licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Regulation is left to local jurisdictions.

Licensing

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has no requirements related to the registration, certification or licensure of contractors (or their employees) that are engaged in the construction industry.

Some of Pennsylvania’s 2,565 municipalities have established local licensure or certification requirements for contractors or construction trades people.

Typically, these requirements pertain to home improvement contractors, electrical contractors (or electricians), and plumbing contractors (or plumbers). Since the Commonwealth has no jurisdiction in this matter, the Department maintains no records concerning municipalities that have established licensure or certification requirements. This information can only be obtained by contacting the municipality where construction work will occur.

Contact
  • Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety
  • Department of Labor and Industry
  • 1600 Labor and Industry Building
  • Harrisburg, PA 17120

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Rhode Island

Code

Electrical and telecommunication installations must conform to regulations of the State Board of Examiners of Electricians and Telecommunications Board, based on the latest edition of the National Electrical Code and State Building Code that has been adopted by the State Building Code Standards Committee.

Enforcement

Each municipality is responsible for its own electrical and telecommunication inspections. Local decisions can be appealed to the State Board.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

a corporation, firm or person, who, by the employment of journeypersons, performs the work of installing wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures, and other appliances for carrying or using electricity for light, heat or power purposes exclusive of low voltage wiring for heating or refrigeration equipment for service, maintenance, and installation.

Electrical Sign Contractor

a corporation, firm, or person who, by the employment of electrical sign installers, performs the work of installing, altering, and servicing electrical signs.

Electrical Sign Installer

a person engaged in installing, altering, and servicing electrical signs.

Fire Alarm Contractor

a corporation, firm, or person who, by the employment of fire alarm installers, performs the work of installing, altering and servicing and testing of fire alarm systems in accordance with the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code, chapters 28.1 – 28.39 of title 23.

Fire Alarm Installer

a person engaged in installing, altering, or servicing and testing of a fire alarm system used for the purpose of causing an alarm to be sounded in case of fire.

Journeyperson Electrician

a person doing any work of installing wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures, and other appliances.

Oil Burner Contractor

a corporation, firm, or person, who by the employment of Oil Burnerpersons performs the work of installing and servicing oil and domestic automatic coal burning heating equipment, including central heating plants, and domestic type range burners, and including all accessory equipment and control systems, excluding thermostatic, mechanical, and low voltage wiring on heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment.

Oil Burnerperson

a person doing any work or installing or servicing oil burners and other equipment installed and serviced by an oil burner contractor.

Lightning Protection Contractor

a corporation, firm or person, who by employment of lightning protection installers, performs the work of installing, altering, maintaining, lightning protection systems. The "systems" are defined and should be installed in accordance with NFPA 780 current edition, and all referenced NFPA documents.

Lightning Protection Installer

a person engaged in the installation, service or maintenance of a lightning protection system according to NFPA 780 current edition.

Electrical contractor licenses:
Electrical Contractor (Certificate A)$120
Oil Burner Contractor (Certificate E)$120
Limited Premises (Certificate C)$120
Limited Maintenance (Certificate D)$120
Fire Alarm Contractor (Certificate AF)$120
Electrical Sign Contractor (Certificate SCF)$120
Journeyman Electrician licenses:
Journeyperson Electrician (Certificate B)$36
Oil Burnerperson (Certificate F)$36
Fire Alarm Installer (Certificate BF)$36
Electrical Sign Installer (Certificate CF)$36
Reciprocity

None

Contact

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South Carolina

Codes

As of July 1st, 2007 the 2005 NEC is implemented for all jurisdictions. Local jurisdictions may have implemented Annex G of the 2005 NEC.

Enforcement

The Building Codes Council was originally created to oversee adoption of building codes by cities and counties in South Carolina and to assist in their use and interpretation when requested. The Council was charged with the responsibility to authorize amendments to building codes proposed by cities and counties throughout the state, before they could be adopted or enforced.

In July of 2003, Act 83, which constituted a complete rewrite of the Building Codes Council's Practice Act, was signed into law by Governor Sanford. The new statutory language shifted the responsibility of adoption and implementation of the mandatory building codes, from the local jurisdictions, to the Council. In addition, a mandatory, structured building code adoption and modification procedure was established.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

Contractors performing on contracts of $17,500 or more must be licensed by the State Licensing Board for Contractors. Applicants must pass a written examination. License fee $350; examination fee $75; biennial renewal license fee $350. A special license is required for contractors exclusively installing fire alarms.

FeesLicenseExaminationRenewal
Electrical Contractor$350.00$75.00$350.00/2yr
Journeyman Electrician

No state licensing of journeymen. Licensed at local level.

Reciprocity

Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.

Contact

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South Dakota

Codes

Installations must conform to approved methods such as the National Electrical Code and the National Electrical Safety Code. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

Electrical installations must be inspected by an inspector certified or employed by the State Electrical Commission, or appointed by a municipality. Inspectors must be licensed as a master or journeyman electrician.

Licensing

All electrical contractors and electricians must be licensed by the State Electrical Commission. Types of licenses and qualifications for each are:

Electrical Contractor

This is the equivalent of a master electrician. Applicants must have six years experience, two of them as a journeyman electrician. An understanding deposit pledge in the amount of $10,000 shall be required plus a $50 yearly undertaking fee. Biennial license fee $100.

Journeyman Electrician

Applicants must have at least four years experience. Up to 1-½ years experience may be obtained in a recognized trade school. Application fee $40; examination fee $40; biennial license renewal fee $40.

Class “B” Electrician

Applicants must have at least eighteen months experience. Class “B” is limited to farmstead and residential wiring. An undertaking deposit pledge in the amount of $10,000 shall be required plus a $50 yearly undertaking fee. Application fee $40; examination fee $40; biennial license renewal fee $40.

Apprentice Electrician

An apprentice shall register with the State Electrical Commission. Registration fee $20; biennial registration fee $20. Apprentices must work under the personal supervision of a registered electrician.

FeesApplication/LicenseExaminationRenewal
Electrical Contractor$0.00$40.00$100.00/2yr
Journeyman Electrician$40.00$40.00$40.00/2yr
Class “B” Electrician$40.00$40.00$40.00/2yr
Apprentice Electrician$20.00$0.00$20.00/2yr
Exemptions

Employees of electric and communication utilities need not be licensed to work on property owned or operated by such utilities.

Reciprocity
Electrical Contractor

Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming

Journeyman

Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Contact

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Tennessee

Code

Installations must conform to State Fire Marshall Regulation No.15, which incorporates the latest edition of the National Electrical Code. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

State Fire Marshal is empowered to require inspection of any electrical installation. Metropolitan areas have code departments for licensing, permitting, and inspection. Rural areas use the State Department of Insurance for permitting, and state inspectors for inspection.

Licensing

The Board for Licensing Contractors requires an electrical contractor’s license for any project exceeding $25,000 which must be obtained prior to offering to engage, bid or contract. A Limited Licensed Electrician’s License (LLE) is required for electrical projects less than $25,000, except where counties have their own licensing and inspections.

Contractors

Applicants are required to pass the business law and electrical contractor (CE) exam with a minimum score of 70%. In addition, submit their completed application listing their equipment, experience and reference, with a financial statement prepared by CPA/LPA with a reviewed or audited opinion. Subsidiaries must submit their parent company financial with a Guaranty Agreement. License limits are based 10% lesser of the applications working capital and net worth.

Electricians

Applicants are required to submit their application and pass the LLE examination. Contractors holding a Tennessee electrical contractor’s license are exempt from the LLE license.

FeesApplicationExaminationRenewal
Contractors$150.00$45.00$200.00/2yr
Electricians$50.00$45.00$50.00/2yr
Reciprocity

Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Michigan.

Contact
  • Department of Commerce & Insurance
  • State Fire Marshal
  • 500 James Robertson Parkway
  • Nashville, TN 37243-1150
  • (615) 741-2981
  • (615) 741-1583 fax
  • www.state.tn.ys/commerce/fpdiv

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Texas

Code

The 2008 NEC (implemented September 1st, 2008) will be the effective "minimum standard" for all electrical installations in Texas that is covered by the Act. In addition, all examinations for state electrical licenses offered on or after that date will be based on the 2008 NEC.

Enforcement

Contractors must have a Texas State Electrical License to perform electrical installations.

Licensing

Statewide licensing regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.

Electrical Contractor

be a licensed master electrician or employ one.

Master Electrician

12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician. Held a journeyman electrician license for at least two years. Passed the master electrician examination within the last two years.

Master Sign Electrician

be a licensed master electrician or employ one.

Journeyman Electrician

8000 hours of on the job training under the direct supervision of a master electrician and pass examination.

Journeyman Sign Electrician

8000 hours of on the job training under the direct supervision of a master electrician and pass examination.

Residential Wireman

12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician. Held a journeyman electrician license for at least two years. Passed the master electrician examination within the last two years.

Maintenance Electrician

8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master or maintenance electrician. Passed the maintenance electrician examination within the last two years.

Electrical Sign Contractor

Maintain the minimum general liability insurance coverage. The insurance must: Be at least $300,000 per occurrence (combined for property damage and bodily injury); be at least $600,000 aggregate (total amount the policy will pay for the property damage and bodily injury coverage); be at least $300,000 aggregate for products and complete operations.

Apprentice

be at least 16 years old. Assist in installation of electrical work under the supervision of a master electrician.

Electric Sign Apprentice

be at least 16 years old. Assist in installation of electrical work under the supervision of a master Electric Sign Electrician.

FeesLicenseRenewal
Electrical Contractor$115.00$115.00/yr
Master Electrician$50.00$50.00/yr
Master Sign Electrician$50.00$50.00/yr
Journeyman Electrician$35.00$35.00/yr
Journeyman Sign Electrician$35.00$35.00/yr
Residential Wireman$25.00$25.00/yr
Maintenance Electrician$25.00$25.00/yr
Electrical Sign Contractor$115.00$115.00/yr
Electrical Apprentice$20.00$20.00/yr
Electrical Sign Apprentice$20.00$20.00/yr
Reciprocity

Louisiana (master electricians only).

Contact

TDLR Regional Offices:

  • Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations - Fort Worth
  • 1501 Circle Drive, Suite 215
  • Ft. Worth, TX 76119
  • (817) 321-8350
  • (817) 321-8365 fax

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Utah

Code

Installations must conform to the latest edition of the National Electrical Code.

Enforcement

No statewide electrical inspection. Some local jurisdictions conduct electrical inspections.

Licensing

All contractors and electricians must be licensed by the Department of Commerce. Types of licenses and qualifications for each are:

Electrical Contractor

Electrical contractors are required to employ a master electrician, must pass a written examination to demonstrate management ability and knowledge of business law, and must product a financial statement. Amount of bidding may be restricted by assets and financial responsibility.

Master Electrician

Applicants must have eight years experience which may include four years of recognized apprenticeship, or a degree in electrical engineering and one year practical experience, and pass a written and practical examination.

Journeyman Electrician

Applicant must have four years experience as a registered apprentice or six years of practical experience, and must pass a written and practical examination.

Apprentice Electrician

Applicant electricians must register with the Department of Commerce. No examination required. Registration with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training is optional.

FeesApplicationExaminationRenewal*
Electrical Contractor$200.00$100.00$100.00/2yr
Master Electrician$100.00$105.00$50.00/2yr
Journeyman Electrician$50.00$105.00$50.00/2yr
Apprentice$100.00N/A$50.00/2yr

*Renewal takes place in even-numbered years.

Reciprocity

Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.

For Master Electrician: Idaho, Oregon, or Wyoming

For Journeyman Electrician: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, or Wyoming

Continuing Education

An Electrician Licensee is obligated to complete sixteen hours of continuing education each licensing period. Twelve hours must be "core" education and the remaining four can be "core" or "professional" related. See Rule R156-55b-304 for details.

Beginning December 01, 2010, all courses must be approved by DOPL to be acceptable.

Electricians may view a list of courses that have been approved by DOPL at http://www.utah.gov/ce-public

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Vermont

Code

Installations must conform to the latest edition of the National Electrical Code.

Enforcement

Industrial, commercial, institutional establishments and residential occupancies of four or more living units are inspected by the State Electrician’s Licensing Board.

Licensing

Contractors and electricians must be licensed by the State Electrician’s Licensing Board. A “grandfather clause” and reciprocity are included. Types of licenses and qualifications for each are:

Master Electrician

Applicants must have held a journeyman electrician’s license for at least two years and pass a written and oral examination. Master electrician (electrical contractors) may employ others to perform work under their direction.

Journeyman Electrician

Applicants must have completed apprenticeship or equivalent training, and pass a written and oral examination. Journeymen must work under the direction of a master electrician and may supervise apprentices and helpers employed by the master.

Type "S" Journeyman

A person who is entitled to design, install, repair, maintain and replace electrical installations as an employee or an independent contractor only in connection with the specialty field designated on the person’s license, and may only install branch circuits from the existing electrical service.

Types of fields: (A1) Automatic gas or oil heating; (B2) Outdoor advertising; (C3) Refrigeration or air conditioning; (D4) Appliance and motor repairs; (E5) Well pumps; (F6) Farm Equipment; (G7) Any miscellaneous specified area of specialized competence.

The G7 class includes: (G7)c Commercial fire alarm systems (G7)g Gas pump installation and bulk plant work (G7)h 1 & 2 family dwellings household fire detection and alarm systems (electrical) (G7)k Electrical lock installation including delayed egress and access control (G7)l Lightning rod installation

FeesApplicationExaminationRenewal
Master Electrician$115.00$45.00$115.00/3yr
Journeyman Electrician$115.00$45.00$115.00/3yr
Type “S” Journeyman $115.00$45.00$115.00/3yr
Reciprocity

Maine and New Hampshire.

Continuing Education

Master Electricians and Journeymen need 15 hours of Code updates for license renewal.

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Virginia

Code

VUSWBC became effective May 1, 2008, and is based on the 2006 ICC family of codes. All residential construction and all non-residential construction will use the 2005 NEC.

Enforcement

Each political subdivision is required by law to enforce the USBC.

Licensing

There are statewide examinations for master and journeyman electricians; however, local political subdivisions may elect not to test journeymen or masters.

Electrical Contractor

A corporation or individual that engages in electrical work consisting of, but not limited to: planning and layout of details for installation or modification of electrical apparatus and controls including preparation of sketches showing location of wiring and equipment; measuring, cutting, bending, threading, assembling and installing electrical conduits; performing maintenance on electrical systems and apparatus; observation of installed systems or apparatus to detect hazards and need for adjustments, relocation or replacement; and repairing faulty systems or apparatus. Electrical contractor(s) must have either a Class “A” or Class “B” license or a Class “C” certificate, according to project amount.

Project amount requirements are: Class “A” license - $45,000 and over; Class “B” license – over $15,000 and less than $70,000; Class “C” certificate – over $1,000 but less than $7,500.

Electrical contractors must be registered with the State Registration Board for Contractors. License fee for Class “A” license $160; Class “B” license $140; Class “C” certificate $95.

Master Electrician

A person who possesses the necessary ability, proficiency and qualifications to plan and layout the details for installation and supervise the work of installing, repairing and maintaining specific types of materials and equipment utilizing a working knowledge sufficient to comply with the pertinent provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

Journeyman Electrician

A person who possesses the necessary ability, proficiency and qualifications to install, repair and maintain specific types of materials and equipment, utilizing a working knowledge sufficient to comply with the pertinent provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and according to plans and specifications.

Apprentice

A person who assists a master or journeyman electrician while gaining knowledge of the trade through on-the-job training and related instruction in accordance with the Virginia Voluntary Apprenticeship Act.

FeesLicenseExaminationRenewal
Master Electrician$130.00$125.00*$90.00/2yr
Journeyman Electrician$130.00$100.00*$90.00/2yr

*Not to exceed

Reciprocity

Maryland and North Carolina.

Continuing Education

Effective with all licenses issued or renewed after December 31, 2007, as a condition of renewal or reinstatement, and pursuant to § 54.1-1133 of the Code of Virginia, all individuals holding an electrical license shall be required to satisfactorily complete three hours of continuing education.

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Washington

Code

Installations must conform to the National Electrical Code, and other standards approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), as modified or supplemented by rules and regulations issued by the Department of Labor and Industries (DLI). Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

Installations are subject to inspection by the DLI, except in jurisdictions that adopt equal or better standards, and whose electrical inspectors meet the same qualifications as state electrical inspectors. Electrical inspectors must have at least four years experience as electricians, or four years experience as municipal inspectors, or two years training in a recognized college of electrical engineering, and two years practical experience as an electrician, or a degree in electrical engineering.

Licensing

Contractors and electricians must be licensed by the Department of Labor and Industries. State law prohibits city or county electrical licensing or certification.

Electrical Contractor

A person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity that offers to undertake, undertakes, submits a bid for, or does the work of installing or maintaining wires or equipment that convey electrical current. Applicants must possess, or employ a person possessing an Administrators Certificate. Application fee $232.90; biennial license renewal fee $239.90 (plus a $4,000 bond).

Master Electrician

either a master journeyman electrician or master specialty electrician.

Master journeyman electrician means a person who has been issued a master journeyman electrician certificate of competency by the department and who may be designated by an electrical contractor to supervise electrical work and electricians in accordance with rules adopted under this chapter. Applicants must graduate from an indentured apprentice program or work under a journeyman electrician for four years, or work under a journeyman electrician for two years and attend a vocational-technical school for two years, or have received military training in electrical contraction.

Master specialty electrician means a person who has been issued a specialty electrician certificate of competency by the department and who may be designated by an electrical contractor to supervise electrical work and electricians in accordance with rules adopted under this chapter.

Journeyman Electrician

means a person who has been issued a journeyman electrician certificate of competency by the department.

Specialty Electrician

means a person who has been issued a specialty electrician certificate of competency by the department.

Apprentice/Trainee

Applicants must register with the state and annually report the hours worked and employers worked for. Apprentice/trainee must work under the supervision of a journeyman electrician at the following ratios: one trainee per journeyman on commercial jobs; two apprentices per journeyman on residential jobs.

FeesApplicationRenewal
Electrical Contractor$232.90$232.90/yr
Master Electrician$134.70$133.20/yr
Journeyman Electrician$75.60$70.20/yr
Specialty Electrician$75.60$70.20/yr
Apprentice/Trainee$37.10$44.90/yr
LaserGrade exam fees

LaserGrade charges per hour for most exams. Exams that are based on a series of separate sections, however, such as the Master Electrician exam, will be billed at a flat rate. This is regardless of how many sections you take, complete, or how long you spend on the exam. But if you retest on this exam within a year, you will be billed per hour on the retest sections. Contact LaserGrade to get the non-hourly exam rates.

Reciprocity

Alaska, Arkansas, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.

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District of Columbia

Code

Installations must conform to the 2005 edition of the National Electrical Code, supplemented by additional requirements which constitute the DC Construction Codes.

Enforcement

Qualified companies and individuals in the District of Columbia may provide inspection services to builders, developers, and others who require inspection services under the District’s Third Party Inspection Program. The program is overseen by the Building and Land Regulation Administration (BLRA). BLRA regulates all building and land use within the District of Columbia to ensure safety and conformity to local and federal laws and regulations. It also manages permit processing, building inspection, and zoning programs covering new construction, alterations, repairs and use. BLRA certifies third party inspectors and allows them to conduct the following types of inspections: Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Construction, Fire Protection, and Elevator. Builders, developers, and others must file a request with BLRA to use third party inspection services.

Licensing

Licenses are required for the categories of apprentice, specialty, journeyman, and master electrician. An electrical contractor must either be a master electrician or employ a master electrician.

Upon submission of the required documents, the DC Board of Industrial Trades – Electrical will review the application. Upon final approval of the application, either a license to practice in the District of Columbia (for temporary, apprentice or contractors only) or be authorized to site for the District of Columbia Electrician examination (journeyman and master applications only) will be issued.

Electrician licenses expire on November 30 of odd numbered years.

FeesApplicationLicenseExaminationPost a Bond
Electrical Contractor$65.00$120.00N/A$4000.00
Electrical Contractor Specialist$65.00$120.00N/A$2000.00
Electrical Contractor Specialist Fixture*$65.00$120.00N/A$1000.00
Master Electrician$65.00$120.00$85.00N/A
Designated Master Electrician$65.00$85.00N/A$2000.00
Master Electrician Specialist$65.00$120.00$85.00$1000.00
Designated Master Electrician Specialist$65.00$120.00$85.00N/A
Temporary Electrician$65.00$110.00N/AN/A
Apprentice Electrician$65.00$110.00N/AN/A
Journeyman Electrician$65.00$110.00$85.00N/A
Journeyman Electrician Specialist$65.00$110.00$85.00N/A

* Specialty license are for elevator, low-voltage, escalator, maintenance and repair, sign, and fixtures (contractors only).

Reciprocity

None

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West Virginia

Code

Installations must conform to the 2008 National Electrical Code. State law requires all communities to adopt the State minimum. West Virginia adopts the International Residential Code without the electrical section deferring to the NEC.

Enforcement

No statewide electrical inspection.

Licensing

Contractors and electricians must be licensed by the state. The State Fire Marshal offers several classifications of license with examinations tailored to each. Qualified persons may be able to qualify for a temporary “one time” license.

Electrical Contractor

The Division of Labor offers several classifications of licenses with examinations tailored to each. Compliance with the following agencies is also required prior to receiving a license: Division of Tax and Revenue, Bureau of Employment Services, and Workers’ Compensation.

Master Electrician

A person with at least five (5) years of electrical work experience, including experience in all phases of electrical wiring and installation, who is competent to instruct and supervise the electrical work of Journeyman and Apprentice Electricians. A Master Electrician must have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC), and the ability to read electrical plans, drawings, and designs to calculate demand loads in compliance with the NEC.

Journeyman Electrician

A person qualified by at least four (4) years of electrical work experience to do any work installing wires, conduits, apparatus, equipment, fixtures, and other appliances subject to supervision by a master electrician. A journeyman electrician shall have a knowledge and understanding of the National Electric Code as it pertains to the installation of wires, conduits, apparatus, equipments, fixtures and other appliances. A journeyman electrician cannot design electrical systems.

HVAC Electrician

A person able to install, maintain, or repair only wiring that is directly related to plumbing, heating, and air conditioning equipment not to exceed 600 volts.

Electric Sign Electrician

A person able to install, maintain, or repair only wiring that is directly related to electric signs and is electrically isolated from the building wiring system. Two years (4000 hours) hands-on work experience in electric sign wiring. One year may be obtained through an educational program.

Single Family Dwelling Electrician

A person able to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring or devices in or on a single family residential dwelling. Two years (4000 hours) hands-on work experience in residential wiring. One year may be obtained through an educational program.

Low Voltage – Fire & Burglar Alarm System Electrician

A person able to install, maintain or repair only low voltage wiring (80 volts or less). Two years (4000 hours) hands-on work experience in low voltage wiring. One year may be obtained through an educational program.

Elevator Electrician

A person able to install, maintain or repair electric wiring that is directly related to elevators and is electrically isolated from the building wiring system.

Apprentice

A helper or person who cannot perform electrical workout supervision by a journeyman or master. Must be 18 years of age.

FeesApplicationExaminationLicenseRenewal
Electrical ContractorN/A$42.50*, $42.40**$90.00$90.00
Master Electrician$50.00$25.00$50.00***$50.00/yr*****
Journeyman Electrician$50.00$25.00$50.00***$50.00/yr*****
HVAC Electrician$50.00$25.00$50.00***$50.00/yr*****
Electric Sign Electrician$50.00$25.00$50.00***$50.00/yr*****
Single Family Dwelling Electrician$50.00$25.00$50.00***$50.00/yr*****
Low Voltage Electrician$50.00$25.00$50.00***$50.00/yr*****
Elevator Electrician$50.00$25.00$50.00***$50.00/yr*****
Apprentice$50.00$10.0$50.00****$50.00/yr*****

* For electrician

** for business law

*** one time 90-day temporary license

**** one time 180-day temporary license

*****Expires 30th of June every year.

Reciprocity

North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia

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Wisconsin

Code

Installations must conform to Wisconsin Administrative Rules, Chapter Comm 16 Electrical, which incorporates the National Electrical Code with specified changes. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

All electrical work must be inspected by state certified inspectors. Municipalities may hire their own certified inspectors or employ a private inspection agency. Areas without permit or inspection requirements are inspected by the Department of Commerce, Division of Safety and Buildings.

Licensing
Electrical Contractor

Allows local municipalities to accept electrical permit applications from owner of the contracting business, a partner in the contracting business applying on behalf of the partnership, or the chairman of the board or chief executive officer applying on behalf of the contracting business.

Restricted Electrical Contractor

Allows local municipalities to accept electrical permit applications from a person to perform electrical construction work in one or more municipalities where the person held municipal electrical licenses or certifications as of the date the municipalities required state certification.

Master Electrician

Allows an electrician to obtain a license at any municipality without local examination. Local municipalities decide whether certification is required.

Journeyman Electrician

an electrician with 5 years (1000 hours) who will be working under a master electrician to obtain a license at any municipality without local examination. Local municipalities decide whether certification is required.

Beginning Electrician

certification granted to an electrician with some experience installing and repairing electrical wiring to work under direct supervision of a master or journeyman electrician. Local municipalities decide whether certification is required.

FeesApplicationExaminationRenewal
Electrical Contractor$35.00N/A$200.00/4yr*
Restricted Electrical Contractor$35.00N/A$200/4yr*
Master Electrician$35.00$30.00$200/4yr*
Journeyman Electrician$35.00$30.00$100.00/4yr*
Beginning Electrician$35.00N/A$80.00/4yr*

*Renewal Fee is prorated for partial cycle

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Wyoming

Code

Installations must conform to the 2008 National Electrical Code. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent requirements.

Enforcement

The State Electrical Inspector enforces electrical rules and regulations. Permits are required.

Licensing

All contractors and electricians must be licensed by the State Electrical Board. Types of licenses and qualifications for each are:

Electrical Contractor

Licenses may be issued either to firms or individuals. Firms licensed as electrical contractors must employ a master electrician, and individuals licensed as electrical contractors must have a Wyoming master license.

Master Electrician

Applicants must present evidence of at least eight years (16,000 hours) experience in residential, commercial and industrial electrical work and must pass an examination.

Journeyman Electrician

Applicants must present evidence of at least four years experience and 8000 hours of residential, commercial and industrial electrical work, and must pass an examination.

Temporary Work Permit

Applicants for a journeyman electrician’s license may apply for a temporary work permit. A master candidate may apply for a journeyman work permit. If applicant holds a journeyman license from a state recognized by the Electrical Board, they may request a work permit when applying for the next scheduled test. If applicant does not hold a journeyman license in another state, a competency test must be taken. The work permit expires three week after the examination is given. Applicant is allowed two work permits for a total of 150 days. Permit fee $50.

Apprentice Electrician

Apprentices must be employed by an electrical contractor and work under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master. They must be enrolled in an approved apprentice program. To advance to the next year, they must show proof of 144 hours of schooling and 2000 hours of on-the-job-training. Apprentices must be registered with the Electrical Board.

Low-Voltage/Limited Contractor License

(Electrical work under 90 volt) – Licenses may be issued either to firms or individuals. Firms licensed as low-voltage/limited contractors must employ a technician with a Wyoming Technician License, and individuals must have a technician license.

Limited Technician License

Applicant must have at least two years (4,000 hours) work experience in one of trade (elevator, light fixtures, electrical signs, heating, ventilating, air conditioning systems, well water and irrigation) and pass an examination.

Low Voltage License

Applicant must have two years (4000 hours) apprenticeship or work experience in one of the trades (general, sound, alarms, television, communications, or control) and pass an examination.

FeesApplicationExaminationRenewal
Electrical Contractor$400.00$400.00/yr
Master Electrician$200.00$85.00$100.00/3yr*
Journeyman Electrician$100.00$85.00$50.00/3yr
Apprentice Electrician$20.00N/A$20.00/yr
Low-Voltage/Limited Contractor License**$200.00N/A$100.00/yr
Limited Technician License$100.00$85.00$50.00/3yr
Low Voltage License$100.00$85.00$50.00/3yr

*in addition to 16 hours of continuing education

** If the low-voltage/limited contractor is an individual and has no employees, a fee is not charged.

Reciprocity

Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Arkansas (journeyman electrician only).

To receive a Wyoming reciprocal journeyman license, the original license must have been obtained by examination and held for one year. A signed and notarized application form, along with a letter of verification of license from the state in which the license is held, a copy of the license, and a check made out to the State of Wyoming for $100 is required to process the application.

If you have had a Master license from South Dakota for at least a year and pass an examination with a score of 75% or better, Wyoming may recognize your license.

To receive a Wyoming reciprocal master license, the original license must have been obtained by examination and held for one year. A signed and notarized application form, along with a letter of verification of license from the state in which the license is held, a copy of the license, and a check made out to the State of Wyoming for $200 is required to process the application.

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