Electrical Contractor Licensing by State
License types, exam requirements, continuing education, fees, and reciprocity for electricians and electrical contractors in all 50 states.
50
States Covered
50
Require Exam
43
Offer Reciprocity
50
Unique Requirements
Alabama (AL)
Alabama Board of Electrical ContractorsLicense Types
Exam Required
Yes. Alabama requires examinations for Electrical Contractor and Journeyman Electrician licensure. Testing is administered through Prov for Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors exams. Search results also indicate a separate Business and Law exam may be required for certain contractor/master-level applicants, with an $86 fee paid to Prov.
Continuing Ed
14 hours per annual renewal cycle for active licensees; must include 7 hours of National Electrical Code update and 7 hours of Board-approved continuing education.
Renewal: 1 year (annual)
Fees
Electrical Contractor Exam: $165; Journeyman Exam: $115; Electrical Contractor License: $150; Journeyman License: $35; Electrical Contractor Renewal: $150; Journeyman Renewal: $35; Electrical Contractor Restoration Renewal: $50 per year; Inactive Electrical Contractor: $75; Inactive Journeyman: $15; Replacement Card: $25; Provisional License Renewal: $75.
Reciprocity
Unknown from provided results.
License Types
Exam Required
Yes. Alaska regulates electrical workers through Department of Labor Certificates of Fitness and separately licenses Electrical Administrators through the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. The provided sources indicate examination is part of initial certification/licensure, but specific exam vendor/subject breakdown is not clearly stated in the official search results provided.
Continuing Ed
Not clearly stated in the provided sources for electrical licenses/certificates; code update hours not identified separately.
Renewal: 2 years (Certificates of Fitness per application form). Electrical Administrator renewal cycle not clearly stated in the provided sources.
Fees
Certificates of Fitness application: $50 nonrefundable; certificate/exam-related fee shown on application form as $200 for listed COF categories. Exact Electrical Administrator fees not clearly stated in the provided official sources.
Reciprocity
Not clearly stated in the provided sources.
Arizona (AZ)
Arizona Registrar of ContractorsLicense Types
Exam Required
Arizona Registrar of Contractors requires examinations for contractor licensure. PSI administers Arizona Registrar of Contractors residential and commercial contractor examinations. Applicants generally must pass the applicable trade exam for the electrical classification and may also need a business management exam depending on classification/qualifying party requirements.
Continuing Ed
None specified statewide for Arizona ROC contractor licenses; no continuing education or separate code update hour requirement found in the provided sources.
Renewal: 2 years
Fees
License fees vary by type and class of license; Arizona ROC states fees shown are for a 2-year license. Exact electrical classification fee amounts were not provided in the supplied excerpts.
Reciprocity
None found in the provided sources.
Arkansas (AR)
Arkansas Board of Electrical ExaminersLicense Types
Exam Required
Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners administers examinations for electrician licenses under Ark. Code § 17-28-203 and license requirements under § 17-28-304. Written examination is required for licensure unless qualifying by reciprocity or other statutory exception. Specific testing vendor and subject breakdown were not provided in the search results.
Continuing Ed
8 hours for Journeyman and Master electricians; must include at least 4 hours on code changes. Other license classes not confirmed in the provided results.
Renewal: 1 year
Fees
Fees are established in Ark. Code § 17-28-301 and § 17-28-203, but the specific dollar amounts were not visible in the provided search results.
Reciprocity
Arkansas law provides for reciprocity under Ark. Code § 17-28-306, but specific reciprocal states were not identified in the provided search results.
License Types
Exam Required
Yes. California electrician certifications require an exam administered for the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE/Labor Commissioner); exam scheduling information references CPS HR Consulting for exams taken on or after June 1, 2026. California contractor licensure through CSLB generally requires the trade exam for C-10 Electrical Contractor plus the Law & Business exam unless waived.
Continuing Ed
Electrician certifications: None found in provided sources. C-10 Electrical Contractor: no continuing education requirement found in provided official sources.
Renewal: Electrician certification: 3 years. C-10 Electrical Contractor: 2 years.
Fees
Electrician certification exam: $75 (from provided non-government source). Other application/renewal fees not clearly provided in the search results. Contractor fees not clearly provided in the provided official sources.
Reciprocity
None found in provided sources.
Colorado (CO)
Colorado State Electrical Board, Division of Professions and Occupations, Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)License Types
Exam Required
Licensure by examination is offered for Residential Wireman, Journeyman Electrician, and Master Electrician through the Colorado State Electrical Board / DORA. Provided sources confirm examination is required for initial licensure by examination, but do not specify vendor or subject breakdown. Electrical contractors and apprentices are regulated/registered by the Board; contractor licensure typically requires designation of a qualifying master electrician.
Continuing Ed
24 hours every 3 years for active Master Electricians, Journeyman Electricians, and Residential Wiremen. Code update hours not separately specified in the provided sources. CE not required for the first renewal if the license was issued based on successful completion of a licensing exam.
Renewal: 3 years
Fees
Not specified in the provided sources.
Reciprocity
Endorsement is available. Specific reciprocity states not identified in the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Yes. Connecticut requires every individual applicant to take exam(s). State electrical trade exams are required for initial licensure; contractor applicants generally qualify by holding the corresponding journeyperson license for 2 years or showing equivalent experience/training. Separate exam vendor fees apply at registration.
Continuing Ed
7 hours annually, including 1 hour of code update instruction
Renewal: 1 year
Fees
Application: Contractor $150, Journeyperson $90; Exam: separate vendor fee (amount not stated in sources)
Reciprocity
None. Connecticut does not have reciprocal agreements with any other jurisdiction.
License Types
Exam Required
Written examination required for initial licensure for license types requiring qualification by examination; Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners / Division of Professional Regulation administers licensure requirements. Search results confirm licensure categories but do not specify exam vendor in the provided sources.
Continuing Ed
Master, Master Special, Limited, Limited Special, Journeyperson, and Residential: 10 hours per full licensure period; no separate code-update hour requirement found. Apprentice: None required.
Renewal: 2 years (biennial)
Fees
Fees not clearly stated in the provided search results.
Reciprocity
Delaware offers licensure by reciprocity for applicants already licensed in another jurisdiction, subject to Board approval and substantial equivalency; specific reciprocal states not identified in the provided sources.
Florida (FL)
Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board, Florida Department of Business and Professional RegulationLicense Types
Exam Required
Yes for certified licenses: state certification examination under Florida Statutes Chapter 489 Part II for electrical/alarm/specialty contractor categories. Registered licenses are generally based on holding a local competency license and registering with the state rather than passing the state certification exam.
Continuing Ed
14 hours biennially for certificate or registration renewal, including at least 7 hours on technical subjects, 1 hour on workers’ compensation, 1 hour on workplace safety, 1 hour on business practices, and 1 hour on laws and rules. Additional board-approved classroom instruction on the National Electrical Code adopted for Florida is required when the code is updated; this code-update training is in addition to the 14 hours if required by board rule.
Renewal: 2 years
Fees
Fees vary by license type and are set by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation/Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board; renewal fee required biennially. Exact fee amounts not provided in the supplied search results.
Reciprocity
Florida provides endorsement/recognition pathways in some cases, but specific reciprocity states are not identified in the supplied search results.
License Types
Exam Required
Applicants for statewide Class I or Class II Electrical Contractor licensure must obtain a minimum score of 70 on the appropriate examination. The provided sources do not identify the testing vendor or detailed subject breakdown.
Continuing Ed
None specified in the provided sources
Renewal: 2 years (biennial)
Fees
Application, renewal, late, and reinstatement fees are set by the Board and published separately; specific dollar amounts were not provided in the sources.
Reciprocity
Available. Georgia offers licensure by reciprocity for Electrical Contractor licensure, but the specific reciprocal states were not identified in the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Yes. Hawaii requires application and examination for electrician licensure under Chapter 448E and HAR Chapter 16-80. Exams are administered by the Board of Electricians and Plumbers; specific testing vendor/subject breakdown not stated in the provided sources.
Continuing Ed
Continuing competency required for active licensed electricians except Maintenance Electricians; requirement is on updates to the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). Specific hour amount not stated in the provided sources.
Renewal: 3 years (licensing period shown: July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026)
Fees
Fees referenced in HRS 448E-8 and HAR 16-80-6, but specific fee amounts are not stated in the provided sources.
Reciprocity
Not stated in the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Written exam required for Journeyman and Master licensure; applicants must pass an examination designated by the Idaho Electrical Board. Contractor applicants apply through the Board, and a designee may represent a business entity for examination. Program exams are administered through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses electrical program.
Continuing Ed
None required statewide for license renewal found in provided sources.
Renewal: Annual
Fees
Not clearly stated in the provided search results.
Reciprocity
Master Electrician application includes a reciprocity pathway. Verification from the other state must show licensure by examination and qualifying journeyman experience. Specific reciprocity states not identified in the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Illinois does not have a statewide electrician exam because electrician licensing is handled locally. Written exams are typically required by the municipality for journeyman, master, and/or electrical contractor licenses. Chicago requires a local electrical contractor licensing process through the Department of Buildings.
Continuing Ed
Varies by municipality; no statewide continuing education requirement found. Code update hours also vary locally.
Renewal: Varies by municipality/local jurisdiction
Fees
Statewide fees: None, because Illinois does not issue a statewide electrician license. Local application, exam, and renewal fees vary by city/county; Chicago fees not provided in the supplied results.
Reciprocity
None statewide. Reciprocity, if any, is determined by individual municipalities.
License Types
Exam Required
Indiana does not appear to have a statewide electrician exam/licensing system. Exams are administered by local jurisdictions where required. Example from Vanderburgh County/City of Evansville: candidates register with the local board and schedule with Prov; exam fee listed as $125.
Continuing Ed
Varies by local jurisdiction; no uniform statewide continuing education requirement found. Some local boards may require license education for renewal.
Renewal: Varies by city/county
Fees
Varies by local jurisdiction. Example: Vanderburgh County/City of Evansville local exam: $125.
Reciprocity
Varies by local jurisdiction; no statewide reciprocity system found.
Iowa (IA)
Iowa Electrical Examining BoardLicense Types
Exam Required
State electrical licensure examinations are required for electrician license categories other than registrations/limited categories as applicable. Iowa law and rules reference the Electrical Examining Board licensing program; specific exam vendor/subjects were not shown in the provided search results.
Continuing Ed
18 hours continuing education for Master A/B, Journeyman A/B, Residential Master, and Residential Electrician renewals, including 6 hours of National Electrical Code update. No CE indicated in the provided sources for contractor, apprentice, special electrician, unclassified person, or inactive master.
Renewal: 3 years
Fees
Fees are established by Iowa Code Chapter 103 and Board rules, but specific dollar amounts were not visible in the provided excerpts. Application fee required; renewal fee required; late fee applies after December 31 of renewal year.
Reciprocity
Not identified in the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Kansas does not issue a statewide electrician license. Exams are required where local jurisdictions license electricians. Under K.S.A. 12-1526, any county or city requiring electrician licensure may conduct the examinations designated by K.S.A. 12-1525 for competency. Sedgwick County/Wichita states MABCD does not reciprocate with state testing and only certain listed exams are approved locally.
Continuing Ed
Varies by local jurisdiction; Kansas statute allows any county or city requiring electrician licensure to adopt continuing education requirements. Sedgwick County/Wichita has continuing education for master and journeyman trade certificates, but specific hour requirements were not provided in the search results.
Renewal: Varies by local jurisdiction
Fees
Varies by local jurisdiction; no statewide fee schedule in the provided results.
Reciprocity
No statewide reciprocity. Reciprocity, if any, is handled locally. Sedgwick County/Wichita states MABCD does not reciprocate with state testing, only approved exams.
License Types
Exam Required
Written exam required for initial licensure for at least Electrical Contractor and Master Electrician. Kentucky statutes require Electrical Contractor applicants to achieve a passing score on all portions of the examination required by the department. The DHBC checklist states Master Electrician applicants must pass the Master Electrician exam with PROV or Pearson VUE. Exam provider/details for Electrician were not clearly shown in the provided sources.
Continuing Ed
None found in the provided sources
Renewal: Annual
Fees
Electrical Contractor application fee: up to $200 by statute; examination fee: not to exceed actual cost of examination. Renewal fee required, but specific amount not shown in the provided sources.
Reciprocity
Not found in the provided sources
Louisiana (LA)
Louisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsLicense Types
Exam Required
Yes. Louisiana contractor licensure requires board approval and examination for the classification sought. For electrical work, the relevant trade/classification exam is for the Electrical classification under the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Exact exam vendor/subject breakdown was not provided in the supplied search results.
Continuing Ed
None found in the provided sources for Louisiana contractor electrical licensing.
Renewal: Annual
Fees
Fees referenced by statute/board, but specific dollar amounts were not provided in the supplied search results.
Reciprocity
Not found in the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Yes. Maine requires examination for at least Master and Journeyman licensure. FAQ states the Master Electrician exam is 100 multiple-choice questions and requires a 70% passing score. Applicants must be approved by the Board before scheduling the exam. Source set indicates examination applies to Journeyman as well, but exam vendor/subject breakdown not provided.
Continuing Ed
Not found in provided sources
Renewal: 2 years from date of first licensure (Journeyman shown; renewal cycle for all license types not fully confirmed in provided sources)
Fees
Journeyman license: $150; Senior Journeyman license: $20; SBI report fee: $21. Other application, exam, and renewal fees not found in provided sources.
Reciprocity
Not found in provided sources
Maryland (MD)
Maryland State Board of Electricians, Division of Occupational and Professional LicensingLicense Types
Exam Required
Written examination required for Master Electrician licensure. Maryland OneStop states the Master Electrician license is the statewide license category. Provided sources do not identify PSI/Prometric or exam subjects. Apprentice has no pre-qualifications per application page; exam requirement for Journeyperson not specified in provided sources.
Continuing Ed
None specified in provided sources
Renewal: 2 years
Fees
Original: Master $25.00, Journeyperson $18.50, Apprentice $12.00; Renewal: Master $31.50, Journeyperson $18.50, Apprentice $12.00; Initial uninsured status certificate: $63.00
Reciprocity
Apprentice licenses from local jurisdictions are not reciprocated by the State. Other reciprocity details not specified in provided sources.
Massachusetts (MA)
Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians, Division of Occupational LicensureLicense Types
Exam Required
Yes. Massachusetts requires a written exam for initial licensure. PSI administers the examinations for the Board of State Examiners of Electricians. The PSI candidate bulletin states candidates are eligible for a two-part examination after board approval of application, work experience, and education.
Continuing Ed
21 hours for Master Electrician and Journeyman Electrician every 3 years; 15 hours for Systems Contractor and Systems Technician every 3 years. Code update hours not separately specified in the provided sources.
Renewal: 3 years
Fees
Fees not clearly provided in the supplied search results.
Reciprocity
Not clearly stated in the supplied search results.
Michigan (MI)
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing SectionLicense Types
Exam Required
PSI administers Michigan electrical exams. Exams are required for Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Fire Alarm Specialty Technician, and Sign Specialist. Michigan states exams are no longer required for Electrical Contractor, Fire Alarm Contractor, or Sign Contractor. Exams are based on the 2023 National Electrical Code, 2023 Michigan Electrical Code Rules Part 8, 1972 PA 230, 2016 PA 407, and associated rules.
Continuing Ed
None found in provided sources for electricians; code update hours not specified in provided sources.
Renewal: Annual/renewal required, but exact cycle length not confirmed from provided sources.
Fees
Not clearly provided in the supplied search results.
Reciprocity
Michigan may give credit for out-of-state experience/licensure verification, but specific reciprocity agreements were not identified in the provided sources.
Minnesota (MN)
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Codes and Licensing Division, Licensing and Certification ServicesLicense Types
Exam Required
Written exam required for most statewide individual electrician licenses (master, journeyworker, maintenance, installer, power limited, etc.) under Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry rules/statutes. Exams are state-administered/state-specific based on Minnesota statutes and rules; license categories have different experience prerequisites before examination.
Continuing Ed
Most personal electrical licenses require 16 hours per cycle: 12 hours code + 4 hours non-code. Source specifically shows this for Master Electrician (Class A/B), Journeyworker Electrician (Class A/B), and Maintenance Electrician. Lineman requires 0 hours. Master electrician: no continuing education required for the first year of licensure. Other license types may have separate renewal rules under Minnesota Rules Chapter 3800.
Renewal: 2 years
Fees
Electrical contractor business license application exists, but specific fee amounts were not provided in the supplied search results.
Reciprocity
Minnesota offers electrical license reciprocity, but the specific reciprocal states were not shown in the supplied results.
Mississippi (MS)
Mississippi State Board of ContractorsLicense Types
Exam Required
For statewide contractor licensure, a trade exam is generally required for the Electrical classification through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Source 1 also references a possible exam waiver for qualifying military applicants under the Military Family Freedom Act. No official electrician journeyman/master exam details were provided in the official sources here.
Continuing Ed
None found in provided sources
Renewal: Annual (contractor licenses in Mississippi are typically renewed yearly; exact electrical renewal cycle not stated in provided sources)
Fees
Not clearly stated in provided sources
Reciprocity
Possible exam waiver for qualifying military applicants under the Mississippi Military Family Freedom Act; no general reciprocity details found in provided sources
Missouri (MO)
Missouri Department of Professional Registration, Office of Statewide Electrical ContractorsLicense Types
Exam Required
Missouri requires a state-specific Statewide Electrical Contractor examination for initial licensure.
Continuing Ed
None specified in the provided sources
Renewal: 3 years
Fees
Not clearly stated in the provided sources
Reciprocity
None specified in the provided sources
Montana (MT)
Montana State Electrical BoardLicense Types
Exam Required
Written exam required for Journeyman and Master applicants who do not qualify through substantial equivalency. Source materials state 'If not SE, you must take our exam' and for applicants with no active license, exam is required. Exam appears state-specific through the Montana State Electrical Board; exact vendor and subject breakdown not provided in the excerpts.
Continuing Ed
None found in provided sources
Renewal: Biennial (2 years) for Unlimited Electrical Contractor; other renewal cycle lengths not clearly stated in provided sources
Fees
Journeyman application: $190; Master application: $190; other exam/renewal fees not clearly stated in provided sources
Reciprocity
Montana uses substantial equivalency review for applicants holding an active, unrestricted, good-standing license in at least one state. Specific reciprocal states not identified in the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Nebraska requires an examination for all license types except Apprentice Registration. The licensing applications page states the exam for all license types except apprentice covers applicable statutes, rules, and electrical installation requirements; applications include initial and retake exam options. Specific testing vendor not identified in the provided sources.
Continuing Ed
None found in provided sources.
Renewal: 2 years
Fees
2025-2026 fees (two-year license period, charged per year of the cycle): Electrical Contractor $187.50/year, Class A Master $187.50/year, Class B Electrical Contractor $187.50/year, Class B Master $187.50/year, Journeyman Electrician $37.50/year, Class B Journeyman $37.50/year, Residential Wireman $37.50/year, Fire Alarm Installer $37.50/year, Heating/AC/Refrigeration $37.50/year, Irrigation $37.50/year, Sign Installer $37.50/year, Apprentice Registration $35. Exam fee not found in provided sources.
Reciprocity
Reciprocal licensing is available; the application materials specifically mention licenses by reciprocity. Specific reciprocal states were not identified in the provided sources.
Nevada (NV)
Nevada State Contractors BoardLicense Types
Exam Required
Nevada State Contractors Board requires a general Business and Law (CMS) examination and a trade examination for the specific license classification applied for (such as electrical classifications). Exam eligibility is issued after application filing and experience verification.
Continuing Ed
None required statewide found in the provided sources
Renewal: 2 years
Fees
Application: $300. Other exam and renewal fees not identified in the provided sources.
Reciprocity
Not identified in the provided sources.
New Hampshire (NH)
New Hampshire Electricians' Board, Office of Professional Licensure and CertificationLicense Types
Exam Required
Written board examination required for Journeyman and Master licensure; New Hampshire uses Prov for electrician board examinations. Exams are state-specific board exams administered by Prov.
Continuing Ed
15 hours of code update instruction for Journeyman and Master licensees every code cycle, including at least 1 hour on changes to RSA 319-C, board rules, and installation concerns. No separate general CE requirement beyond the code update was identified in the provided sources.
Renewal: Every code cycle
Fees
Not identified in the provided sources.
Reciprocity
Not identified in the provided sources.
New Jersey (NJ)
New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical ContractorsLicense Types
Exam Required
Yes. New Jersey requires examination for electrical contractor licensure; the Board provides an Application for Examination. Statute indicates applicants must meet qualifications and pass an exam before licensure. Class A Journeyman also has a separate license application; the search results do not provide detailed exam vendor information.
Continuing Ed
Electrical Contractor: 34 hours per 3-year cycle, including 9 hours on the National Electrical Code, 8 hours trade-related subjects, 5 hours business topics, 1 hour laws/rules, and 11 hours other Board-approved coursework. Class A Journeyman Electrician: 15 hours per 3-year cycle on the most recent edition of the National Electrical Code.
Renewal: 3 years (triennial)
Fees
Application fee for all licenses: $100. Initial Electrical Contractor license: $225 if issued in the 1st year of the triennial period, $150 in the 2nd year, $75 in the 3rd year. Triennial Electrical Contractor renewal fee is listed in the fee schedule, but amount was not fully visible in the provided result snippet.
Reciprocity
Not found in the provided search results.
New Mexico (NM)
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division (CID)License Types
Exam Required
New Mexico issues contractor licenses and journeyman certificates through the Construction Industries Division. A certificate of competence for journeymen is issued by examination under state law; contractor application/processing is handled through PSI per CID. Specific exam vendor/subject breakdown was not fully shown in the provided results.
Continuing Ed
16 hours every 3 years for journeyman electrician and journeyman lineman renewals, including 8 hours of code change instruction and 8 hours of other industry-related instruction.
Renewal: 3 years
Fees
Not clearly stated in the provided official search results. Source 1 notes renewals and other licensing paperwork are handled by PSI.
Reciprocity
Unknown from the provided results.
License Types
Exam Required
For New York City Master / Special Electrician original applicants, written and practical exams are required after meeting qualifications. NYC fee chart lists Written Exam: $525 and Practical Exam: $350.
Continuing Ed
None found in provided sources for NYC Master or Special Electrician; 2025 NYC Electrical Code update noted, but no continuing education hour requirement identified.
Renewal: 1 year (New York City electrician license renewal term)
Fees
NYC Electrician license: License $310, Renewal $60, Late renewal $310, Written exam $525, Practical exam $350, Background investigation $500, Renewal processing fee $30, Replacement $50, Reissuance $50.
Reciprocity
None found in provided sources.
North Carolina (NC)
North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical ContractorsLicense Types
Exam Required
State-specific North Carolina electrical contracting examination administered through PSI. Applicants must pass the exam for the selected license classification. Classifications include Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited; special restricted classifications are also addressed by board rules.
Continuing Ed
None specified in provided sources
Renewal: Annual
Fees
New license application shows an applicable license fee by classification; exact amounts not provided in the supplied sources. Exam administered by PSI; exact exam fee not provided in the supplied sources.
Reciprocity
Board rules include a licensing reciprocity section (21 NCAC 18B .0700), but specific reciprocal states/terms were not provided in the supplied sources.
North Dakota (ND)
North Dakota State Electrical BoardLicense Types
Exam Required
State Electrical Board exam required for licensure by exam. Applicants must apply and be approved before scheduling. Exam dates are administered by the North Dakota State Electrical Board; re-exam waiting periods apply based on score.
Continuing Ed
None specified in provided sources
Renewal: Annual
Fees
Application/exam application fee required (amount not provided in sources); separate licensing fee required after passing. Renewal: Master $50, Power Limited $50, Class B $40, Journeyman $25. Reinstatement: equal to annual renewal fee.
Reciprocity
Not specified in provided sources
License Types
Exam Required
PSI licensing examination required for OCILB electrical contractor licensure.
Continuing Ed
None found in provided sources
Renewal: Annual
Fees
Not clearly stated in the provided sources.
Reciprocity
None found in provided sources.
Oklahoma (OK)
Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB)License Types
Exam Required
Yes. Journeyman and Contractor applicants must take an electrical license examination under OAC 158:40-9-2. Exams may include written questions (open book, closed book, and problems) based on installation standards and related topics, plus a practical/shop portion. Contractor applicants must pass both portions of the contractor exam: business/law and trade; contractor practical/shop also includes job estimating and laws/regulations relating to electricians.
Continuing Ed
Apprentice: 3 hours annually before re-registration. Other electrical license CE not specified in the provided sources.
Renewal: Annual
Fees
Exam: actual cost charged by the Construction Industries Board or its designated testing representative; specific exam fee is posted by the testing site and disclosed before scheduling. Other application/renewal fee amounts were not provided in the supplied sources.
Reciprocity
Journeyman reciprocity is available with another state, but specific reciprocal states were not identified in the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Written exam required for most initial electrical license types. Oregon administers state-specific electrical licensing by license classification through the Building Codes Division/Department of Consumer and Business Services. Exams are tied to the scope of the specific license sought.
Continuing Ed
Varies by license type. Oregon requires continuing education for most electrical licenses; exempt license types specifically noted by the state are Limited Building Maintenance Electrician (BME), Limited Elevator Journeyman Electrician (E), Limited Stage Electrician (ST), and Limited Maintenance Manufactured Structures Electrician (LMM). CE categories are separated as Oregon rule and law (ORL), code change (CC), and code related (CR). Exact hours depend on the specific license type.
Renewal: 3 years
Fees
Application and renewal fees are set by ORS 479.840 and vary by license type; exact amounts were not fully provided in the search results. See Oregon fee statute and BCD application materials.
Reciprocity
Not confirmed in the provided results.
Pennsylvania (PA)
No statewide electrical licensing board for individual electricians; licensing is handled by municipalities/local jurisdictions.License Types
Exam Required
No statewide electrician exam because Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide electrician license. Exams/qualification requirements are set locally. Example: Philadelphia Electrical Contractor licensing requires meeting local experience/training requirements and local approval/testing as applicable.
Continuing Ed
No statewide continuing education requirement for electricians. CE requirements vary by municipality; Philadelphia/local jurisdictions may require CE for license maintenance.
Renewal: No statewide renewal cycle; varies by municipality/local jurisdiction.
Fees
No statewide electrician licensing fees. Fees vary by municipality/local jurisdiction.
Reciprocity
No statewide reciprocity for electrician licenses. Any reciprocity or recognition of experience/licensure is handled locally, if available.
License Types
Exam Required
State licensing examinations are administered through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Professional Regulations Unit / Board of Examiners of Electricians. Board rules govern licensing and examinations under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-6. Specific third-party testing vendor and subject breakdown were not identified in the provided sources.
Continuing Ed
None found in provided sources
Renewal: 2 years
Fees
Application processing: $75
Reciprocity
Not found in provided sources
South Carolina (SC)
South Carolina Residential Builders Commission and South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board (under South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation)License Types
Exam Required
Residential Electrician: South Carolina Residential Electrical exam required for licensure by exam. Commercial licensure: the Primary Qualifying Party (PQP) must complete exam requirements for the classification/subclassification before the individual or entity can be licensed. Specific exam vendor/subjects were not provided in the supplied sources.
Continuing Ed
None found in provided sources
Renewal: Not clearly stated in provided sources
Fees
Not provided in the supplied sources
Reciprocity
Not provided in the supplied sources
South Dakota (SD)
South Dakota Electrical Commission, South Dakota Department of Labor and RegulationLicense Types
Exam Required
Written examination required for electrician license classifications and contractor licensing unless applying by reciprocity. South Dakota Electrical Commission uses state application/forms; specific testing vendor not identified in provided sources.
Continuing Ed
16 hours per 2-year cycle, including a minimum of 8 code hours and 8 in-person hours; 16 hours of online-only classes not allowed
Renewal: 2 years (licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years)
Fees
Application/exam/renewal fees not fully legible from provided sources; biennial licensing fees are referenced in statute and application form, but exact amounts were not readable from the search results provided.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity available for some license types; the general electrician application references 'license or reciprocity,' but specific reciprocal states were not identified in the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Yes. State contractor licensing uses PSI examinations. For Electrical Contractor licensure, applicants generally take the trade exam and Business and Law exam. LLE licensure is also exam-based. Electrical work in Tennessee is licensed at both state and local levels depending on project scope and jurisdiction.
Continuing Ed
None required statewide; no separate code update hour requirement found in the provided sources.
Renewal: 2 years
Fees
Not fully confirmed from the provided results. PSI exam fees apply; contractor application and renewal fees are charged by the state board, but exact amounts were not clearly shown in the provided excerpts.
Reciprocity
Not confirmed from the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Texas requires examination for licensure for applicable individual electrician license types after application approval. The Texas Electrician Exam Information page indicates licensing exams are required; the Journeyman Electrician exam changed effective March 11, 2025 to 2 parts: a knowledge portion and a calculations portion. Exams are state-administered/TDLR-listed; specific vendor/subject breakdown was not fully provided in the supplied results.
Continuing Ed
4 hours prior to each renewal for Master Electricians, Journeyman Electricians, Journeyman Lineman, Journeyman Industrial Electrician, Residential Wireman, Maintenance Electricians, Master Sign Electricians, Journeyman Sign Electricians, Apprentice Electricians, and Apprentice Sign Electricians. Contractors and Residential Appliance Installers: None required. Code update hours not separately specified in the provided sources.
Renewal: Annual
Fees
Application and exam fees apply, but specific dollar amounts were not visible in the provided search results.
Reciprocity
Not identified in the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Utah DOPL/State Electrical Licensing Board uses Prov examinations. Source states five electrician license classifications with exams: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, Residential Journeyman, and Residential Master. As of Aug. 1, 2025, exams changed under Rule R156-55b: journeyman and residential classifications use revised/combined exams, and master electricians take a Master Law and Rules exam rather than separate theory and code exams. First-time candidates must submit a Verification of Electrician Experience form to Prov; out-of-state trade school applicants must attach official transcripts.
Continuing Ed
None specified in the provided sources for electrician license renewals; no separate code update hour requirement found in the provided sources.
Renewal: 2 years
Fees
DOPL fee schedule (FY 2025-2026) was provided, but the electrical-specific line items were not visible in the supplied excerpt, so exact electrician application/renewal fees could not be confirmed from the provided sources. Prov exam fees not clearly shown in the provided sources.
Reciprocity
Not confirmed in the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Written examination required for initial licensure. Vermont statutes specifically require an exam for Master and Journeyman licensure; exam registration is sent after board approval of the application. Exams are administered to the satisfaction of the Board.
Continuing Ed
15 hours total every 3 years, including 8 hours of National Electrical Code update instruction and 7 hours of approved trade-related instruction
Renewal: 3 years
Fees
Application/exam fees set by the Board; statute says the examination fee may not exceed the cost of the examination and the initial license fee may not exceed $120. Specific current fee amounts were not fully shown in the provided results.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity available. Vermont's application instructions indicate reciprocal licensure is available and applicants must identify the reciprocal state and provide a certified letter from that state. Specific states were not listed in the provided results.
Virginia (VA)
Virginia Board for Contractors, Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)License Types
Exam Required
Virginia tradesman licenses (including electrician classifications such as Journeyman and Master) require licensure by examination unless qualifying by reciprocity, apprenticeship, or card exchange. Application materials reference a Tradesman Exam & License Application under the Board for Contractors. Specific exam vendor/subjects were not identified in the provided sources.
Continuing Ed
None required for individual electrician licenses; no continuing education hours found in the provided sources. Code update hours not specified.
Renewal: 2 years
Fees
Journeyman/Master tradesman application by examination: $150; apprenticeship program method: $110. Contractor fees not identified in the provided sources.
Reciprocity
Available. The Tradesman Exam & License Application lists reciprocity as a method of licensure, but specific reciprocal states were not identified in the provided sources.
License Types
Exam Required
Washington state exams administered by PSI. Exams are required for certified electrician, master electrician, electrical administrator, and telecommunications administrator credentials. Exam content is based on the NEC plus Washington RCW/WAC and trade-specific knowledge.
Continuing Ed
24 hours for journey level and specialty electrician certificate renewal; must include 8 hours of NEC/code changes and 4 hours of RCW/WAC. Master electrician, master specialty electrician, electrical administrator, and telecommunications administrator renewals require 24 hours if they also hold an active journey level or specialty certificate; otherwise no continuing education is required for those administrator/master credentials alone.
Renewal: 3 years
Fees
Not fully provided in the search results. RCW indicates examination and certificate/renewal fees are set by the department; contractor registration fees also apply for electrical contractors.
Reciprocity
Not specified in the provided search results.
West Virginia (WV)
West Virginia State Fire Marshal, Regulatory and Licensing Division; WV Contractor Licensing Board for contractor licensingLicense Types
Exam Required
West Virginia requires an examination for the level of licensure applied for. The rules specifically reference exams for Master, Journeyman, and Specialty electrician licenses. Source notes a 2026 exam update stating that as of January 1, 2026, WV electrical examinations will be based on the 2023 edition of NFPA 70 (NEC).
Continuing Ed
None found in the provided sources.
Renewal: Not found in the provided sources.
Fees
Exam application fee: $25. Other fee amounts not found in the provided sources.
Reciprocity
Not found in the provided sources.
Wisconsin (WI)
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Division of Professional Credential ProcessingLicense Types
Exam Required
Department-administered examination referenced in Wis. Admin. Code SPS 305.09. Initial licensure for Journeyman and Master Electrician requires examination; specific vendor/subject breakdown not provided in the search results.
Continuing Ed
Continuing education required under Wis. Admin. Code SPS 305.08 for trades credentials; exact hours/code-update breakdown not specified in the provided search results.
Renewal: Not specified in the provided search results.
Fees
Fees are established in Wis. Admin. Code SPS 305.02, but specific dollar amounts were not provided in the search results.
Reciprocity
Not specified in the provided search results.
License Types
Exam Required
Written exam required for Journeyman, Master, Low Voltage Technician, and Limited Technician licensure by examination. Wyoming rules specify experience eligibility (e.g., Journeyman: 8,000 hours over at least 4 years). Contractor licenses require the applicant to be or employ the appropriate licensed electrician/technician of record rather than taking a separate contractor trade exam.
Continuing Ed
16 hours every 3 years, including 8 hours of code update
Renewal: 3 years
Fees
Apprentice new license: $20.00. Effective April 1, 2025, card payments incur a 2.5% processing fee (minimum $1.00). Other application/exam/renewal fees not clearly shown in provided results.
Reciprocity
Reciprocal licenses are authorized by statute. Specific reciprocal states were not identified in the provided results.
Why Electrical Licensing Matters
Every state regulates electrical work differently. Some require statewide licenses for all electricians, while others delegate licensing to cities or counties. Working without the proper license can result in fines, project shutdowns, and liability exposure. For electrical contractors bidding across state lines, understanding each state's requirements is essential for compliance and workforce planning.
Common License Types
Most states offer some combination of these electrical license categories:
- Master Electrician: Highest individual license. Can design, plan, and supervise electrical work. Required to pull permits in many jurisdictions.
- Journeyman Electrician: Can perform electrical work independently under a master's supervision. Typically requires 4 years of apprenticeship + exam.
- Electrical Contractor: Business license to bid on and perform electrical work. Often requires a master electrician on staff.
- Apprentice/Trainee: Entry-level license for workers learning the trade under journeyman or master supervision.
- Residential Electrician: Limited license for residential work only, available in some states.
Reciprocity Between States
Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow licensed electricians from other states to obtain a license without retaking the exam. Reciprocity varies widely — some states offer it broadly, others only with specific neighboring states, and some offer none at all. Even with reciprocity, you typically need to apply, pay fees, and meet the host state's experience requirements.
Continuing Education Requirements
Most states require continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal. CE requirements typically include NEC code update training when a new edition is adopted, plus general electrical safety and industry topics. Hours range from 8 to 48 per cycle depending on the state, with renewal cycles of 1 to 3 years.
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