State-by-State Electrician License and Certification Requirements at a Glance

As skilled tradesmen that perform highly specialized and potentially dangerous work, electricians are subject to strict licensing requirements that must be met to legally practice their craft. However, the conditions that must be met to advance through the three standard licensing phases are anything but uniform from one jurisdiction to the next.

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Even though exam requirements and specific training and classroom hour requirements differ from one jurisdiction to the next, the general licensing process for electricians almost always follows these three steps:

  1. Apprenticeship: An electrical apprenticeship involves supervised on-the-job experience that lasts about four years (about 8,000 hours) in addition to several hundred classroom hours spent learning electrical science and theory.
  2. Journeyman License: A journeyman license in achieved after successfully completing the required apprenticeship program and passing the Electrical Journeyman exam.
  3. Master Electrician License: A master electrician license is achieved after working for two years (about 4,000 hours) as a journeyman electrician and passing the Master Electrician Exam.

Electrical Contractor License: The electrical contractor license is an optional business license reserved for master electricians that operate an electrical contracting business, or companies that employ at least one master electrician.

Though this is representative of the process in most jurisdictions, there are a number of exceptions to these rules:

  • In most states, electricians are licensed by a state licensing body. In other states, electricians are licensed at the local (city, county) level.
  • The term certification is used in place of licensing in some states.
  • Some states license apprentices, while others don’t issue an official license until the journeyman level is reached.
  • Some states do not have a license classification for journeyman or master electricians.
  • Some states have multiple specialty journeyman, master electrician, and/or electrical contractor licenses, each with a unique set of requirements.
  • Some states have reciprocal electrician licenses, which facilitate working across state lines.

Because of the inconsistencies and variations surrounding electrician licensing in the U.S., it is important to always check with your local licensing authority.

To provide you with a quick overview of the licensing requirements in your area, the staff here at ElectricianSchoolEDU.org has assembled the key points for each state.

For full details on the licensing requirements in your jurisdiction, check the individual state licensing guides found on our homepage.

Alabama

  • Licenses Issued Through: Alabama Electrical Contractors Board
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 4 years of experience in electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment, light, heat, or power. Applicants may substitute education in electrical curriculum for up to 1 year of the required 4 years of experience.
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must have at least 4 years of experience in designing, planning, laying out, and directly supervising electrical construction activities and the installation of electrical components. Applicants may substitute education in electrical curriculum for up to 2 years of the required 4 years of experience.

 

Alaska

  • Licenses Issued Through: Alaska Department of Labor and Workplace Development
  • Apprentice License: Yes
  • Journeyman License/Master Electrician License: Requires 8,000 hours of experience in the trade. The DOL licenses journeyman electricians, journeyman power lineman, residential electricians, and maintenance electricians.
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must register with the Department of Community and Economic Development; must employ an electrical administrator

 

Arizona

  • Licenses Issued Through: No statewide code; most municipalities and Coconino, Maricopa, and Pima counties issue licenses
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Licensed at local level; no state licensing
  • Electrical Contractor License: Licenses are issued to firms or individuals by the State Registrar of Contractors; must have 4 years of trade experience within the last 10 years and must pass a written exam to qualify

 

Arkansas

  • Licenses Issued Through: Arkansas State Board of Electrical Examiners
  • Apprentice License: Must be registered with the DOL, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training and the Arkansas DOL
  • Journeyman License: Journeyman and residential journeyman electrician licenses issued at the state level
  • Master Electrician License: Residential master electrician, industrial maintenance electrician and air conditioning electrician licenses issued at the state level
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must have at least 5 years of experience, hold a master electrician’s license, and pass the Arkansas Business and Law Exam

 

California

  • Licenses Issued Through: Electrical Contractors’ State Licensing Board
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Residential electrician (requires 4,800 hours of work), voice data video technician (requires 4,000 hours of work), fire/life technician (requires 4,000 hours of work experience), and nonresidential lighting technician (requires 2,000 hours of work experience)
  • Master (General) Electrician License: General electrician license requires 8,000 hours of experience working for an electrical contractor installing, constructing, or maintaining electrical systems
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must pass a written examination and provide evidence of technical knowledge, experience, integrity, and financial responsibility

 

Colorado

  • Licenses Issued Through: Colorado State Electrical Board
  • Apprentice License: Must be registered with the Board
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 4 years of practical experience wiring, installing and repairing electrical apparatus and equipment
  • Master Electrician License: Must be a graduate electrical engineer and have at least 1 year of practical electrical experience in the construction industry or must be a graduate of an electrical trade school with at least 4 years of experience in electrical work; must pass a written exam
  • Electrical Contractor License: Open book examination on the National Electric Code required. To qualify: individual contractors must be licensed as master electricians; firms must employ at least one master electrician in a supervisory capacity

 

Connecticut

  • Licenses Issued Through: Electrical Board of Occupational Licensing
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 4 years of on-the-job training and 576 hours of schooling in related instruction
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must have at least 2 years of experience as a licensed journeyman

 

Delaware

  • Licenses Issued Through: Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Electrical Examiners
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman (Master Electrician Limited) License: Must have at least 3 years of practical experience, or two years of schooling and one year of practical experience; must pass a written examination; additional licenses include:
    • Limited electricians, who are limited to air conditioning, oil burners, signs, elevators, and overhead and underground primary distribution systems, etc.
    • Limited special electricians, who are limited to residential wiring
  • Master Electrician (General) License: Must have at least 6 years of practical experience or 4 years of schooling and 2 years of practical experience; (limited) must have at least 3 years of practical experience or two years of schooling and one year of practical experience; both must pass a written examination
  • Contractor License: Issued to qualifying master electricians and firms through the Delaware Division of Revenue

 

District of Columbia

  • Licenses Issued Through: DC Board of Industrial Trades
  • Apprentice License: Yes
  • Journeyman License: Yes; also licenses journeyman electrician specialists; requires 8,000 hour apprenticeship
  • Master Electrician License: Also licenses designated master electricians and master electrician specialists; requires passing an exam but no additional experience required beyond the journeyman level
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must be either a master electrician or employ a master electrician; the Board also licenses electrical contractor specialists and electrical contractor specialist fixtures

 

Florida

  • Licenses Issued Through: State Board of Electrical Examiners and/or local jurisdictions
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: No statewide license; licensed through local municipalities
  • Electrical Contractor License: No state-level exam is required for registration; must be registered with the state unless certified; registration permits contractors to engage in contracting only in particular area or municipality; contractors may also obtain an optional state license through the State Electrical Licensing Board; specialty electrical contractor licenses include:
    • Alarm contractor I and II
    • Lighting maintenance specialty
    • Sign specialty
    • Residential
    • Limited energy
    • Utility line

 

Georgia

 

Hawaii

  • Licenses Issued Through: Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman (worker) License: At least 5 years (10,000 hours) experience in all aspects of electrical wiring work; (journey worker industrial electrician) at least 5 years (10,000 hours) experience in industrial wiring work
  • Master Electrician (Supervising Electrician) License: Supervising residential (general) electricians require at least 4 years of experience as a licensed journeyman. Supervising industrial electricians require at least 4 years of experience as a licensed journey worker industrial electrician
  • Electrical Contractor License: Contractors Licensing Board conducts examinations and issues licenses

 

Idaho

  • Licenses Issued Through: Division of Building Safety (DBS)
  • Apprentice License: Must be registered with the DBS-Electrical Bureau
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 4 years (8,000 hours) of work experience as an apprentice electrician and at least 576 hours of classroom instruction; specialty electrician licenses granted to electricians who can show proof of at least 2 years of work experience within their specialty
  • Master (Journeyman) Electrician License: Must have a journeyman electrician license for at least 4 years and pass the master journeyman exam
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must pass an exam, be employed as a journeyman electrician, and have held a journeyman or master license for at least 2 years

 

Illinois

  • Licenses Issued Through: No state licensing; some municipalities (e.g., City of Chicago’s Department of Buildings, City of Aurora) license journeymen and electrical contractors; separate licensing is required for firms that install or maintain fire and burglar alarm systems.
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Some municipalities license journeymen
  • Electrical Contractor License: Municipalities license electrical contractors

 

Indiana

  • Licenses Issued Through: No state licensing; some municipalities license journeymen while most (e.g. Indianapolis, Allen County) have contractor licensing requirements
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Some municipalities license journeymen; no state license
  • Electrical Contractor License: Some municipalities license electrical contractors; no state license

 

Iowa

  • Licenses Issued Through: Department of Public Safety, Electrical Licensing and Inspection
  • Apprentice License: Yes; also licensed unclassified persons, those who want to assist licensed electricians but do not want to participate in an apprenticeship program
  • Journeyman License: must complete an approved apprenticeship program
  • Special Electrician License: Board has created special endorsements that authorize a limited class of work; these include:
    • Wiring irrigation systems
    • Disconnecting and reconnecting existing air conditioning and refrigeration systems
    • Sign installer
  • Master Electrician License: Must be a licensed journeyman for at least one year; also issues residential master electrician licenses, which requires being licensed as a special residential electrician, residential electrician, or journeyman electrician
  • Electrical Contractor License: May be issued to a person who is licensed as a Class A or Class B master electrician; Department also issues residential contractor licenses

 

Kansas

  • Licenses Issued Through: No state licensing of contractors or electricians; many local jurisdictions require licensing of contractors and one or more electricians working on a job site. If a Prometric (formerly Block & Associates) examination is passed (a requirement for licensing in all local jurisdictions), all licensing jurisdictions will honor the passing score when considering an applicant for licensure.
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Passing the Prometric Journeyman Electrician exam qualifies applicants for an electrician’s license.
  • Master Electrician License: Passing the Prometric Master Electrician exam qualifies an electrician for a contractor’s license.
  • Electrical Contractor License: Passing the Prometric Master Electrician exam qualifies an electrician for a contractor’s license.

 

Kentucky

  • Licenses Issued Through: Kentucky Electrical Licensing
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman (electrician) License: Must have at least 4 years of experience in the electrical trade, complete a department-approved training course or two years of experience, and pass a board-approved examination
  • Master Electrician License: Must have at least 6 years of experience in the electrical trade, complete a department-approved training course or two years of experience, and pass a board-approved examination
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must complete a department-approved training course or two years of experience, and pass a board-approved examination

 

Louisiana

  • Licenses Issued Through: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman: Licensed at the state level; requires 8,000 of on-the-job experience and 1,000 classroom hours
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must be licensed by the State Licensing Board for Contractors if performing $50,000 or more worth of work. Applicants are evaluated based on experience, financial responsibility, technical qualification, and the results of a written exam. Separate burglar alarm and fire alarm contractor licenses required for those installing these systems

 

Maine

  • Licenses Issued Through: Maine Electrician’s Examining Board
  • Apprentice License: Yes; also licenses helper electricians
  • Beginning Electrician: Must have some experience installing and repairing electrical wiring; must work under direct supervision of a master or journeyman electrician; local municipalities decide whether certification is required
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 5 years (1,000 hours) working under a master electrician; journeyman-in-training license must be under the employment of a master electrician, limited electrician, or electrical company
  • Master Electrician License: The Board allows an electrician to obtain a license in any municipality without local examination; local municipalities decide whether certification is required
  • Electrical Contractor License: The Board allows 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 CEO applying on behalf of the contracting business

 

Maryland

  • Licenses Issued Through: Licenses are issued at the county level (e.g., Frederick County, Kent County, Montgomery County)
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Licensed at the county level, requirements vary
  • Master Electrician License: Statewide master electrician license can be obtained by examination only through the State Board of Master Electricians and is a non-performing license (can only be used to obtain the necessary local electrician license); municipalities are also authorized to license electrical contractors and electricians; must have at least 7 years of experience working under the supervision of a master electrician
  • Electrical Contractor License: Local municipalities are authorized to license electrical contractors

 

Massachusetts

  • Licenses Issued Through: State Examiners of Electricians
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman (Certificate B) License: Must have at least four years (8,000 hours) of experience as a learner or apprentice under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician and must pass an examination
  • Master Electrician (Certificate A) License: Issued to firms or individuals and are similar to contractor licenses in other states; must have at least 1 year of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician and pass a written examination
  • Electrical Contractor License: Certificate C licenses are issued to systems contractors who have at least one year of experience as a licensed systems technician and pass a written examination; Certificate D licenses are issued to systems technicians who install, repair, or maintain fire warning, security, or other power limited systems and pass an examination

 

Michigan

  • Licenses Issued Through: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
  • Apprentice License: Must be registered through the State of Michigan or local jurisdiction
  • Journeyman License: Must pass a written examination
  • Master Electrician License: Must pass a written examination
  • Electrical Contractor License: Issued to master electricians and companies that have a master electrician as a full-time employee; must pass an examination; specialty contractor licenses include:
    • Fire alarm contractor
    • Sign specialty contractor

 

Minnesota

  • Licenses Issued Through: Minnesota Board of Electricity
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 4 years of experience installing and repairing electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment and pass an examination. The Board also licenses installers, which requires a post-high school course in electricity, one year of experience, and passing an exam. Maintenance electricians require four years of experience in maintaining and repairing electrical wiring and equipment and passing scores on an exam.
  • Master Electrician License: Must be a graduate of a four-year electrical program or have 1 year of experience as a licensed journeyman, or at least 5 years of experience in planning, laying out, supervision and installing wiring, apparatus, and equipment
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must be a licensed master electrician or must employ a licensed class A or B master electrician. Technology system contractors must pass an alarm and communication contractor examination.

 

Mississippi

  • Licenses Issued Through: No state licensing; licensed at the local level (e.g., Jackson)
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Licensed at local level; requirements vary
  • Master Electrician License: Licensed at local level; requirements vary
  • Electrical Contractor License: Contractors with a state business license may obtain a license in any other municipality or county, provided they have engaged in business as an electrical contractor for two years or more. Certificates of Responsibility, issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, are required on all private jobs of $100,000 or more and on all projects of $40,000 or more.

 

Missouri

  • Licenses Issued Through: No state licensing; licensed at the local level (e.g., Kansas City, Louis County)
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: License required in many municipalities; requirements vary
  • Master Electrician License: License required in many municipalities; requirements vary
  • Electrical Contractor License: License required in many municipalities; requirements vary

 

Montana

  • Licenses Issued Through: Montana State Electrical Board
  • Apprentice License: Must be registered with the Montana Department of Labor and work under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master electrician
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 4 years of experience in an apprenticeship in electrical construction work and pass a written examination. The Board also licenses residential electricians, who must have at least 4 years of experience in an apprenticeship in the electrical trade or two years of practical experience in electrical construction work.
  • Master Electrician License: Must have at least 5 years of experience in planning, laying out, and supervision of electrical construction (or 4 years for graduates of an electrical trade school) and pass a written examination
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must identify a full-time Montana licensed journeyman or master electrician and provide proof with workers’ compensation and unemployment laws

 

Nebraska

  • Licenses Issued Through: State of Nebraska, State Electrical Division
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 4 years of experience, or 3 years and complete a post-high school course in electrical wiring. The Division also licenses residential journeyman electricians, who must have at least 3 years of experience or 2 years of experience and the completion of a post-high school course in electrical wiring
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must be a graduate of a four-year electrical engineering course and have at least 1 year of experience as a journeyman electrician or have at least 5 years of experience in planning, laying out, supervision or installing wiring, apparatus, and equipment

 

Nevada

  • Licenses Issued Through: Nevada State Contractors Board
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: No state license; some local jurisdictions require licensing, requirements vary
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must be licensed with the State Contractors Board upon passing an examination. Sub-classifications of contractors include: electrical wiring, fire detection, integrated ceilings, low-voltage systems, lines to transmit electricity, residential wiring, and photovoltaics

 

New Hampshire

  • Licenses Issued Through: New Hampshire Electrician’s Examining Board
  • Apprentice License: Must be registered with the Board
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least two years of experience as an apprentice electrician or must complete a course approved by the Board; must also pass a written or oral examination
  • Master Electrician License: Must have at least two years of experience as an apprentice electrician or must complete a course approved by the Board; must also pass a written or oral examination

 

New Jersey

  • Licenses Issued Through: New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Registration required to practice as a qualified journeyman; requires 8000 hours of practical experience and 576 hours of classroom instruction
  • Electrical Contractor License: Issued to firms or individuals; must have at least five years of practical experience in electrical construction and installation and must pass a written examination; must also obtain a business permit from the Board if acting as an electrical contractor

 

New Mexico

  • Licenses Issued Through: New Mexico Electrical Bureau
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Must pass an examination and have the following number of years of experience in the areas for which the application is being made:
    • Electrical – 4 years
    • Electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines – 2 years
    • Electrical signs and outline lighting – 2 years
    • Cathodic protection and lightning protection – 2 years
    • Sound and intercommunication and electrical alarm systems – 2 years
    • Residential – 2 years
    • Telephone communications systems – 2 years
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must have at least four years of practical trade experience related to the type of construction for which the application is being made; types of certificates and required experience include:
    • Residential – 2 years
    • Electrical – 4 years
    • Electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines – 4 years
    • Electrical signs/outline lighting – 2 years
    • Cathodic protection and lightning protection – 2 years
    • Sound and intercommunication and electrical alarm systems – 2 years
    • Telephone communications systems – 2 years

 

New York

  • Licenses Issued Through: No state licensing of contractors or journeyman; New York City requires licensing through the Department of Buildings; NYC license holders can work in all 5 boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Master Electrician License (NYC): Requires BA in engineering, plus at least 3.5 years of experience under a licensed electrician. Alternatively, requires completing vocational school and 5.5 years of experience under a licensed electrician. Alternatively, requires 7.5 years under a licensed electrician with no schooling required.

 

North Carolina

  • Licenses Issued Through: State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: No state licensing requirements; some municipalities have requirements; requirements vary
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must have at least one licensed electrical contractor in each place of business; requires passing an examination; license classifications include:
      • Limited (electrical projects up to $10,000)
      • Intermediate (electrical projects up to $50,000)
      • Unlimited (no project limits)
      • Single-family dwelling (restricted)
      • Special restricted

 

North Dakota

  • Licenses Issued Through: North Dakota State Electrical Board
  • Apprentice License: Must register with the State Electrical Board after six months of employment
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 4 years of experience and pass a written exam; up to one year of experience may be obtained through an approved trade school
  • Master Electrician License: Must have at least 5 years of experience, one of which must be as a journeyman electrician, and must pass a written exam
  • Electrical Contractor License: Class is equivalent to a master electrician; must have at least 2 years of experience as a journeyman electrician or 4 years of experience as a class B electrician (must have at least 3 years of experience and pass a written exam; limited to farmstead and residential wiring)

 

Ohio

  • Licenses Issued Through: State of Ohio Department of Commerce
  • Apprentice: Not Licensed
  • Journeyman License: Only Required in the jurisdictions of Middletown and Hamilton; requirements vary
  • Electrical Contractor License: Mandatory license for contractors in commercial work; must take a written exam and have at least 5 years of experience in the trade; may also be an engineer or have at least 3 years of business experience in the construction industry

 

Oklahoma

  • Licenses Issued Through: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board
  • Apprentice License: Must be registered with the Board
  • Journeyman License: State licensed; must pass an exam through the State Board of Examiners after completing 8,000 hour apprenticeship with 900 classroom hours
  • Electrical Contractor License: State licensed; must pass an exam through the State Board of Examiners after working at least 4,000 hours as a journeyman

 

Oregon

  • Licenses Issued Through: Building Codes Agency
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 4 years of experience as a general electrician and pass a written exam; limited journeyman license requires at least 4 years of experience in a recognized branch of the electrical trade and pass a written exam; specialty limited journeyman license include:
    • Limited maintenance electrician
    • Limited residential electrician
    • Limited journeyman stage electrician
    • Limited journeyman elevator electrician
    • Limited journeyman energy electrician
  • Master Electrician (Limited Supervising) License: Must have at least 4 years of experience as a journeyman in an electrical trade
  • Electrical Contractor License: Issued through the Construction Contractors Board to firms or individuals; all work must be under the supervision of a licensed supervising electrician

 

Pennsylvania

  • Licenses Issued Through: No statewide licensing; some of PA’s 2,565 municipalities (e.g., Pittsburgh, Harrisburg) have established local licensure or certification requirements for electricians.
  • Journeyman License: Many municipalities license journeymen; requirements vary
  • Master Electrician License: Many municipalities license master electricians; requirements vary
  • Electrical Contractor License: Many municipalities license electrical contractors; requirements vary

 

Rhode Island

  • Licenses Issued Through: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Types of licenses include:
    • Journeyperson electrician
    • Electrical sign installer
    • Fire alarm installer
    • Oil burnerperson
    • Lightning protection installer
  • Electrical Contractor License: Types of license include:
    • Electrical contractor
    • Electrical sign contractor
    • Fire alarm contractor
    • Oil burner contractor
    • Lightning protection contractor

 

South Carolina

  • Licenses Issued Through: South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Licensed at the local level; requirements vary
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must be licensed if working on jobs of $17,500 or more; must pass a written examination

 

South Dakota

  • Licenses Issued Through: South Dakota State Electrical Commission
  • Apprentice License: Must register with the State Electrical Commission
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 4 years of experience; up to 18 months of experience may be from a recognized trade school; Class B electrician licenses, limited to farmstead and residential wiring: must have 18 months of experience
  • Electrical Contractor License: Equivalent to a master electrician; must have at least 6 years of experience, two of which must be as a journeyman electrician

 

Tennessee

  • Licenses Issued Through: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Electrician License: Must pass a business law and electrical exam; applicants holding a contractor’s license are exempt from the exam; requirements vary but generally requires 8,000 hour apprenticeship plus 500 classroom hours
  • Electrical Contractor License: Licensed through Department of Commerce and Insurance; necessary for any project exceeding $25,000; must pass a business law and electrical contractor exam; limited licensed electrician license is required for projects less than $25,000, except where counties have their own licensing and inspections

 

Texas

  • Licenses Issued Through: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations
  • Apprentice License: Must be licensed through the DOL; also licenses electrical sign apprentices separately
  • Journeyman License: Must have 8,000 hours of one-the-job experience and pass an examination; also licenses journeyman sign electricians
  • Master Electrician License: Must have 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician and held a journeyman license for at least 2 years; also licenses residential wiremen
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must be a licensed master electrician or employ one; also license electrical sign contractors

 

Utah

  • Licenses Issued Through: Utah Department of Commerce
  • Apprentice License: Must register with the Department of Commerce
  • Journeyman License: Must have 4 years of experience as a registered apprentice or 6 years of practical experience; must pass a written and practical exam
  • Master Electrician License: Must have at least 8 years of experience, which may include up to 4 years as an apprentice; may also have a degree in electrical engineering and one year of practical experience; must pass an exam
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must pass a written examination and employ a master electrician

 

Vermont

  • Licenses Issued Through: Vermont State Electrical Licensing Board
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Must complete an apprenticeship or equivalent training and pass a written and oral exam; the Board also licenses Type S journeyman electricians for the following specialty fields:
    • Automatic gas or oil heating
    • Outdoor advertising
    • Refrigeration or air conditioning
    • Appliance and motor repairs
    • Well pumps
    • Farm equipment
    • Other miscellaneous areas of specialized competence
  • Master Electrician License: Must hold a journeyman electrician’s license for at least 2 years and pass a written and oral exam

 

Virginia

  • Licenses Issued Through: Virginia Board for Contractors
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman (Tradesman) License: Must have at least 4 years of practical experience and 240 hours of formal vocational training or similar training/education; there is a statewide examination, although local political subdivisions may elect not to test journeymen
  • Master Electrician License: Must have at least one year of experience as a journeyman; there is a statewide examination, although local political subdivisions may elect not to test master electricians
  • Electrical Contractor License: Must hold either a Class A or Class B license or Class C certificate, according to project amount

 

Washington

  • Licenses Issued Through: Washington Department of Labor and Industries
  • Apprentice License: Must register with the state and annually report the hours worked
  • Journeyman License: Must graduate from an apprentice program or work under a journeyman electrician for 4 years, or work under a journeyman electrician for two years and attend a vocational-technical school for 2 years, or received military training in electrical contracting
  • Master Electrician License: Must be licensed as either a master journeyman electrician or master specialty electrician

 

West Virginia

  • Licenses Issued Through: West Virginia State Fire Marshal
  • Apprentice: Not licensed
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 4 years of electrical work experience
  • Master Electrician License: Must have at least 5 years of experience; other electrician specialties include:
    • HVAC electrician
    • Electric sign electrician
    • Single-family dwelling electrician
    • Low-voltage – fire and burglar alarm system electrician
    • Elevator electrician
  • Electrical Contractor License: Offers several classifications of licenses with examinations tailored to each; compliance with the following agencies is required: Division of Tax and Revenue, Bureau of Employment Services, and Workers’ Compensation

 

Wisconsin

  • Licenses Issued Through: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
  • Apprentice (Beginning Electrician) License: Granted to electricians with some experience installing and repairing wiring work; must work under the direct supervision of a master or journeyman electrician
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 5 years of experience; must work under a master electrician to obtain a license in any municipality
  • Master Electrician License: Master license allows electrician to obtain a license in any municipality without local examination
  • Electrical Contractor License: Allows local municipalities to accept electric permit applications from an owner of contracting business, a partner in the contracting business applying on behalf of the partnership, or the chairman of the board of CEO applying on behalf of the contracting business

 

Wyoming

  • Licenses Issued Through: Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety
  • Apprentice License: Must be registered with the Electrical Board and enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program
  • Journeyman License: Must have at least 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience and pass an examination; specialty licenses include limited technician and low-voltage licenses, both of which require at least two years (4,000 hours) of experience
  • Master Electrician License: Must have at least 8 years (16,000 hours) of experience and pass an examination
  • Electrical Contractor License: May be issued to firms or individuals that have a master electrician license or have at least one master electrician; the Department also issues low-voltage/limited contractor licenses

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