(Information may change—always verify with your state licensing board before applying.)

Electrical work is regulated chiefly at the state level in the United States. Legislatures and licensing boards set their own scopes of practice, minimum experience hours, examination content, and renewal rules to address each state’s construction code, labor market and safety priorities. Consequently, an electrician moving from Texas to Florida—or even from unlicensed rural New York counties to New York City—will find substantially different pathways to legal practice.

Proper licensure is more than a bureaucratic hurdle. It:

  • Protects public safety. Permits and inspections ensure work meets the latest National Electrical Code (NEC).
  • Limits legal liability. Unlicensed electrical work can void insurance, trigger fines, and expose contractors to criminal penalties.
  • Builds professional credibility. Most commercial clients, general contractors and union locals require proof of current licensure before awarding work.

Beyond licensing, electricians must also secure proper insurance coverage to protect their business and comply with state requirements. Learn more about electrician insurance options and electrician insurance costs to ensure you’re fully prepared to operate legally and safely.

States generally recognize three benchmark credentials:

  • Journeyman (or Residential Wireman) – eligible to work unsupervised.
  • Master Electrician – may design, pull permits, and supervise others.
  • Electrical Contractor – business entity license that allows bidding and contracting.

Some states also register Apprentices, Linemen, Sign Electricians, or Industrial Electricians.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to present accurate, up-to-date requirements. Laws, fees and contact details change frequently; candidates must confirm all information with the appropriate state or municipal board before submitting an application.

National Overview

Common License Types

LicenseTypical ScopeExample Titles
Apprentice / TraineeSupervised learning; no independent workRegistered Apprentice, Electrical Helper
JourneymanInstall, maintain, & repair wiring unsupervisedJourneyman Electrician, Residential Wireman
MasterDesign systems, pull permits, superviseMaster Electrician, Unlimited Electrician
Electrical ContractorBusiness entity authorized to bid & sign contractsClass C Electrical Contractor, Unlimited Contractor

Typical Core Requirements

RequirementCommon Range
Work Experience4,000 – 8,000 hours (Journeyman); 8,000 – 12,000 hours (Master)
EducationHigh school diploma or GED; many states credit up to 2,000 hrs for approved tech school coursework
Exam(s)NEC code, calculations, state statutes, business/law for contractors
Age18 years+ (occasionally 21 for Master)
Background CheckState and/or FBI fingerprint check in approximately 40 jurisdictions

Reciprocity

  • Roughly one-third of states honor reciprocity or endorsement for journeyman and master licenses, usually limited to neighboring states with comparable testing standards.
  • Popular reciprocity compacts include the Southeast Agreement (AL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN), the Mid-Atlantic pact (MD, VA, WV) and bilateral deals such as UT–CO.
  • Business-level contractor reciprocity is rarer and often still requires a qualified individual to hold a local master card.

State-by-State Requirements

Jump to State

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

How to read each entry

Alabama

  • Licensing Authority: Alabama Electrical Contractors Board
  • Website: https://aecb.alabama.gov
  • License Types: Apprentice (registration only), Journeyman, Master, Electrical Contractor
  • Key Requirements:
    • Journeyman: 8,000 hrs OJT + 576 classroom hrs; pass NEC exam ≥70%
    • Master: Journeyman 2 yrs + 2,000 hrs; pass Master exam ≥75%
  • Fees: App $115, Exam $125, Renewal $50/2yrs
  • Reciprocity: GA, MS, NC, TN (journeyman & master)
  • Special Notes: Some municipalities (e.g., Birmingham) maintain additional permits.

Complete State Directory

A – D

Alabama

  • Licensing Authority: Alabama Electrical Contractors Board
  • Website: https://aecb.alabama.gov
  • License Types: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs (Journeyman)
  • Exam: PSI NEC
  • Reciprocity: GA, MS, NC, TN

Alaska

  • Licensing Authority: Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection
  • Website: https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/mihome.htm
  • License Types: Journeyman, Residential, Electrical Admin (Contractor)
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs (Journeyman)
  • Exam: Pearson VUE NEC/AK Law
  • Reciprocity: OR, MT

Arizona

  • Licensing Authority: Registrar of Contractors
  • Website: https://roc.az.gov
  • License Types: R-11 & C-11 Electrical, Specialty
  • Base Experience: 4 yrs proven experience
  • Exam: NASCLA Business & Trade
  • Reciprocity: NV, UT for C-11

Arkansas

California

  • Licensing Authority: Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
  • Website: https://www.cslb.ca.gov
  • License Types: C-10 Electrical Contractor (qualified individual must document 8,000 hrs)
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs in 4 yrs
  • Exam: CSLB Law & Trade exams
  • Reciprocity: Limited (AZ, NV if bonded)

Colorado

  • Licensing Authority: State Electrical Board
  • Website: https://dpo.colorado.gov/ElectricalBoard
  • License Types: Residential Wireman, Journeyman, Master, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 4,000 – 8,000 hrs
  • Exam: PSI
  • Reciprocity: WY, UT (Journeyman)

Connecticut

Delaware

  • Licensing Authority: Board of Electrical Examiners
  • Website: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/electricians
  • License Types: Journeyman, Master, Limited, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs
  • Exam: Prometric
  • Reciprocity: NC reciprocal journeyman

F – M

Florida

  • Licensing Authority: Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board, DBPR
  • Website: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/electrical-contractors
  • License Types: Certified/Registered Electrical, Alarm, Specialty
  • Base Experience: 4 yrs field + 1 yr mgmt
  • Exam: Pearson VUE 2-part
  • Reciprocity: GA, NC, SC, TN (contractor)

Georgia

  • Licensing Authority: Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors
  • Website: https://sos.ga.gov/plb/electrical-contractors
  • License Types: Class I (Restricted) & Class II (Unlimited) Contractor
  • Base Experience: 4 yrs
  • Exam: PSI
  • Reciprocity: AL, MS, NC, SC, TN

Hawaii

  • Licensing Authority: DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing
  • Website: https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/electrician
  • License Types: Journey Worker, Maintenance Electrician, Supervising (Master)
  • Base Experience: 5 yrs (Journeyman)
  • Exam: Prometric
  • Reciprocity: None

Idaho

  • Licensing Authority: Division of Building Safety
  • Website: https://dbs.idaho.gov/programs/electrical
  • License Types: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs (Journeyman)
  • Exam: DBS exam
  • Reciprocity: MT, OR (J/M)

Illinois ▲

Indiana ▲

Iowa

  • Licensing Authority: Electrical Examining Board
  • Website: https://iowaelectrical.gov
  • License Types: Residential, Journeyman, Master, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 6,000–8,000 hrs
  • Exam: PSI
  • Reciprocity: NE, MN

Kansas ▲

Kentucky

  • Licensing Authority: Dept. of Housing, Buildings & Construction
  • Website: https://dhbc.ky.gov/licensing/electrical
  • License Types: Journeyman, Master, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 6,000 hrs (Journeyman)
  • Exam: Prov
  • Reciprocity: OH, WV journeyman

Louisiana

  • Licensing Authority: State Licensing Board for Contractors
  • Website: https://lslbc.louisiana.gov
  • License Types: Electrical Work (Contractor)
  • Base Experience: 5 yrs
  • Exam: State business & trade
  • Reciprocity: MS

Maine

Maryland

  • Licensing Authority: Board of Electricians
  • Website: https://labor.maryland.gov/license/el
  • License Types: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs (Journeyman)
  • Exam: PSI
  • Reciprocity: VA, WV

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

  • Licensing Authority: MS State Board of Contractors
  • Website: https://msboc.us
  • License Types: Residential/Commercial Contractor
  • Base Experience: 5 yrs
  • Exam: PSI
  • Reciprocity: AL, AR, LA, TN

Missouri ▲

  • Licensing Authority: Division of Professional Registration
  • Website: https://pr.mo.gov/electricalcontractors.asp
  • Note: No statewide license. St Louis, Kansas City, Springfield require local journeyman/master cards.

Montana

N – S

Nebraska

  • Licensing Authority: State Electrical Division
  • Website: https://electrical.nebraska.gov
  • License Types: Journeyman, Residential, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 4,000–8,000 hrs
  • Exam: PSI

Nevada

  • Licensing Authority: Nevada State Contractors Board
  • Website: https://www.nvcontractorsboard.com
  • License Types: C-2 Electrical Contractor
  • Base Experience: 4 yrs
  • Exam: PSI trade + CMS

New Hampshire

New Jersey

  • Licensing Authority: Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
  • Website: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/electric
  • License Types: Journeyman, Electrical Contractor
  • Base Experience: 8,000 + trade school
  • Exam: PSI

New Mexico

New York ▲

North Carolina

  • Licensing Authority: Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
  • Website: https://www.ncbeec.org
  • License Types: Limited, Intermediate, Unlimited
  • Base Experience: 4,000–8,000 hrs
  • Exam: PSI

North Dakota

  • Licensing Authority: State Electrical Board
  • Website: https://www.ndseb.com
  • License Types: RW, Journeyman, Master, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs
  • Exam: State exam

Ohio ▲

Oklahoma

  • Licensing Authority: Construction Industries Board
  • Website: https://cib.ok.gov
  • License Types: Apprentice, Residential, Unlimited Journeyman, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs (Journeyman)
  • Exam: PSI

Oregon

Pennsylvania ▲

Rhode Island

South Carolina

  • Licensing Authority: Contractor’s Licensing Board
  • Website: https://www.llr.sc.gov/clb
  • License Types: Residential and Mechanical Contractor (EL)
  • Base Experience: 4 yrs
  • Exam: PSI

South Dakota

  • Licensing Authority: Electrical Commission
  • Website: https://dlr.sd.gov/electrical
  • License Types: Apprentice, Journeyman, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs (Journeyman)
  • Exam: Prov

T – W & DC

Tennessee

Texas

  • Licensing Authority: Texas Dept. of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR)
  • Website: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians
  • License Types: Apprentice, Residential Wireman, Journeyman, Master, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs (J), 12,000 hrs (M); Master must hold J-card 2 yrs
  • Exam: PSI

Utah

  • Licensing Authority: Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing
  • Website: https://dopl.utah.gov/electrical
  • License Types: Journeyman, Master, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs
  • Exam: Prov

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

  • Licensing Authority: Dept. of Fire Prevention & Electrical Safety
  • Website: https://wsfm.wyo.gov/electrical-safety
  • License Types: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, Contractor
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs
  • Exam: State exam

District of Columbia

  • Licensing Authority: Board of Industrial Trades
  • Website: https://dcra.dc.gov/industrial-trades
  • License Types: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, Specialty
  • Base Experience: 8,000 hrs
  • Exam: PSI

Comparison Snapshots

Experience Hours (Journeyman) – Top & Bottom Five

Highest Hours Required:

  • New York City: 10,500 hrs
  • North Carolina (Unlimited): 9,000 hrs
  • Nevada: 8,720 hrs
  • Texas: 8,000 hrs
  • Most other states: 8,000 hrs

Lowest Hours Required:

  • Residential wireman tracks (e.g., TX, CO): 4,000 hrs
  • Arizona Specialty (R-11): 4,000 hrs
  • Some local Illinois cards: 4,000 hrs
  • Utah Residential: 4,000 hrs
  • Florida Alarm I/II: 3,000 hrs

States WITHOUT Mandatory Statewide Electrician License

  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Missouri
  • New York*
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania

*(NYC & some counties license locally)

Reciprocity Density (number of inbound agreements)

TierStates
6–10 partnersAL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN
3–5 partnersCO, TX, UT, VA, MD
0–2 partnersCA, FL, NJ, HI, CT, NY

Typical Application Fees (Journeyman)

Fee RangeStates
$25 – $75ME, VT, SD, ND
$80 – $150TX ($40-J), NC ($100), GA ($120)
$150 – $250CA ($200), NY-NYC ($225), NV ($240)
$250+FL Certified Contractor initial ($355)

(Data compiled from current 2025 fee schedules; always confirm.)

Tips for a Successful Licensing Journey

  • Document hours meticulously. Keep notarized employer affidavits, W-2s and apprenticeship logs—many boards reject estimates.
  • Schedule exams early. PSI/Prometric windows fill fast; some rural sites open only quarterly.
  • Budget for retakes. National pass rates hover around 55% on first attempt; retake fees average $85–$125.
  • Master the 2023 NEC. Most 2025 exams now reference the 2023 code cycle. Highlight Article 210 (branch circuits) and Chapter 9 tables—highest question density.
  • Practice calculations. Voltage drop, conduit fill and box sizing math regularly trip candidates.
  • Review state law. Contractor applicants often fail the business & law component—study lien rights, workers’ comp, and allowable advertising terms.
  • Check reciprocity before you move. Obtaining a license by endorsement is simplest within 1 year of your last renewal.
  • Mind renewal CEs. Typical requirement: 8 – 16 hrs every 1–3 yrs; at least half must be code-update courses.

Avoid common mistakes:

  • Submitting outdated forms
  • Missing notarizations/fingerprints
  • Under-calculating experience when time served was part-time

Timeline Planning

  • Apprenticeship: 4 yrs (8,000 hrs)
  • Exam prep & application review: 2–3 months
  • Board approval to testing window: 30–45 days
  • License issue: 1–2 weeks post-exam

Recommended study aids: Mike Holt NEC prep, NASCLA Contractor’s Guide, state-specific PSI candidate bulletins.

FAQ

Q1. Can I work as an electrician without a license? Only as a registered apprentice/trainee under direct supervision (or in a handful of unlicensed counties). Anything else risks fines and criminal charges.

Q2. How long does licensing take? From apprenticeship start to journeyman card: 4–5 years on average; master/contractor adds 2–4 years.

Q3. What if I move? Check reciprocity/endorsement rules. You may need proof of exam scores and continuous practice. In non-reciprocal states, prepare to sit for the local exam.

Q4. Typical costs? Application $40–$355; exam $75–$170; tools/books $300+, plus CE every renewal cycle.

Q5. State vs. local license? Some states defer entirely (IL, KS) or partially (NY) to local jurisdictions. You may need both a state contractor license and a city journeyman card to pull permits.

Conclusion & Further Resources

Electrical licensure protects lives, equipment, and your professional reputation. While core elements—experience, NEC mastery, and examinations—are common nationwide, each jurisdiction layers its own statutes, fees and reciprocity nuances. Plan early, log every hour, and stay current on code updates to ensure a smooth path to becoming (or remaining) a licensed electrician wherever you work.

Resource Directory

  • National Electrical Code (NEC) 2023 – NFPA.org
  • PSI & Prometric Candidate Bulletins – exam content outlines
  • Mike Holt Enterprises – exam prep textbooks & online academies
  • IECRM, IEC & IBEW/NECA JATCs – apprenticeship information
  • State Board Directory – full hyperlinks above under each state heading