1. Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for an electrician license in Kansas, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements vary slightly depending on the specific city or county, but generally, you must:
- Have a minimum of 2-4 years of practical experience in the electrical trade. This experience must be documented and verified. For instance, in Sedgwick County and Salina, a minimum of 2 years of practical experience is required for Journeyman Electricians and 4 years for Master Electricians.
- Pass a competency examination with a minimum score of 75%. Accepted exams include those from the International Code Council (ICC), Prometric, and Block & Associates. In Johnson County, for example, you must provide proof of a minimum score of 75% on the Prometric or ICC exam.
- Provide proof of general liability insurance with minimum policy limits ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000 per occurrence, depending on the specific city or county. In Johnson County and Salina, for example, you must provide proof of a commercial general liability insurance policy with minimum limits of $500,000 for each occurrence and $500,000 general aggregate.
2. Application Process
Once you’ve met the eligibility requirements, you can apply for an electrician license. The application process typically involves:
- Completing an application form, which can usually be found on the city or county’s official website. In Leavenworth, for example, you can email your license applications to licensing@firstcity.org.
- Submitting proof of your practical experience and competency examination results.
- Submitting proof of your general liability insurance.
- Paying an application fee, which varies depending on the specific city or county.
Renewing an Electrician License in Kansas
In Kansas, electrician licenses must be renewed annually or biennially, depending on the specific city or county. The renewal process typically involves:
- Completing a renewal application form.
- Submitting proof of continuing education. Most cities and counties require 12 hours of approved continuing education biennially.
- Paying a renewal fee.
In Seward County, for example, licenses may be renewed for the following calendar year beginning December 1. Standard renewals are accepted through January 31. Licenses renewed between February 1 and March 31 will be assessed a late renewal fee. After March 31, a new application and application fee are required.
Specific Cities, Towns, and Counties in Kansas
Here are some specific details for a few cities, towns, and counties in Kansas:
- Johnson County: Requires a Class DE Electrical Contractor License. The applicant must provide proof of a minimum score of 75% on the Prometric or ICC exam. The applicant must also provide proof of a commercial general liability insurance policy with minimum limits of $500,000 for each occurrence and $500,000 general aggregate.
- Kansas City: Requires a minimum of 4 years of practical experience for Master Electricians. The applicant must first be a Journeyman Electrician for 2 of the 4 years.
- Sedgwick County: Requires a minimum of 2 years of practical experience for Journeyman Electricians and 4 years of practical experience for Master Electricians. The county also requires building permits for each project. Before building permits are issued, plans must be provided to the Planning and Zoning office for review.
- Salina: Requires a minimum of 2 years of practical experience for Journeyman Electricians and 4 years of practical experience for Master Electricians. The applicant must also provide proof of a commercial general liability insurance policy with minimum limits of $500,000 for each occurrence and $500,000 general aggregate.
- Wyandotte County: Requires a minimum of 2 years of practical experience for Journeyman Electricians and 4 years of practical experience for Master Electricians. The county also requires building permits for each project. Before building permits are issued, plans must be provided to the Planning and Zoning office for review.
- Lawrence: Requires a minimum of 2 years of practical experience for Journeyman Electricians and 4 years of practical experience for Master Electricians. The city also requires building permits for each project. Before building permits are issued, plans must be provided to the Planning and Zoning office for review.
- Manhattan: Requires a minimum of 2 years of practical experience for Journeyman Electricians and 4 years of practical experience for Master Electricians. The city also requires building permits for each project. Before building permits are issued, plans must be provided to the Planning and Zoning office for review.
- Great Bend: Requires a minimum of 2 years of practical experience for Journeyman Electricians and 4 years of practical experience for Master Electricians. The city also requires building permits for each project. Before building permits are issued, plans must be provided to the Planning and Zoning office for review.
- Miami County: Requires a minimum of 2 years of practical experience for Journeyman Electricians and 4 years of practical experience for Master Electricians. The county also requires building permits for each project. Before building permits are issued, plans must be provided to the Planning and Zoning office for review.
- Belaire: Requires a minimum of 2 years of practical experience for Journeyman Electricians and 4 years of practical experience for Master Electricians. The city also requires building permits for each project. Before building permits are issued, plans must be provided to the Planning and Zoning office for review.
- Seward County: Requires a minimum of 2 years of practical experience for Journeyman Electricians and 4 years of practical experience for Master Electricians. The county also requires building permits for each project. Before building permits are issued, plans must be provided to the Planning and Zoning office for review.
- Leavenworth: Requires a minimum of 2 years of practical experience for Journeyman Electricians and 4 years of practical experience for Master Electricians. The city also requires building permits for each project. Before building permits are issued, plans must be provided to the Planning and Zoning office for review.
Electrician License Reciprocity
License reciprocity is a system where states recognize a license acquired in another state, without requiring the contractor to go through all of the steps to get a new license. This system is beneficial for contractors who want to expand their business across state lines. However, it’s important to note that not all states offer license reciprocity.
Unfortunately, Kansas is one of the states that does not offer reciprocity to contractors licensed in other states. This means that if you are an electrician licensed in another state and you wish to work in Kansas, you will need to go through the full licensing process in Kansas, regardless of your existing license.
This process involves meeting the necessary experience requirements, passing the relevant examinations, and paying the appropriate fees. While this may seem like a daunting process, it is a necessary step to ensure that all electricians working in Kansas meet the state’s standards for safety and quality of work.
License Bond Requirements in Kansas
In Kansas, electricians are required to post a license bond as part of the licensing process. A license bond is a type of surety bond that protects the public by ensuring that the electrician will adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. If the electrician fails to do so, a claim can be made against the bond to compensate for any damages.
The amount of the bond required varies depending on the type of electrician license. For example, a Master Electrician or Class B Master Electrician is required to post a bond of $10,000. An Electrical Contractor, on the other hand, is required to post a bond of $25,000.
It’s important to note that the bond amount is not the same as the cost of the bond. The cost of the bond, or bond premium, is typically a small percentage of the bond amount and is determined by the surety company based on factors such as the electrician’s credit score and financial stability.
Insurance Needs for Electricians in Kansas
In addition to license bonds, electricians in Kansas also need to have appropriate insurance coverage. This includes General Liability Insurance, which protects your business from any covered claim for any injuries or damages to third-party persons or property as a result of your work. This also includes legal fees to defend your business from any covered claim.
The policy limits of $1,000,000 single claim $2,000,000 aggregate will be sufficient in most cases. However, there may be specific contractual terms that require you to have greater limits.
It’s also important to note that General Liability Insurance does not cover your employees. For coverage of employees, you need to purchase Worker’s Compensation insurance. This type of insurance covers your employees from injury or illness caused by their employment.
In addition to these, electricians may also need other types of insurance such as:
- Commercial Auto Insurance: Commercial Auto Insurance is a policy that covers vehicles used for business purposes. This type of insurance provides coverage for any physical damage or liability coverage if an accident were to occur. It can cover a variety of situations, including collision damage, damage from natural disasters, and any injuries or property damage that occur during an accident. If your electrical business owns, leases, or uses vehicles for business purposes, it’s important to have Commercial Auto Insurance to protect your business from the high costs associated with vehicle accidents.
- Inland Marine Insurance: Inland Marine Insurance is a type of insurance that covers tools, equipment, and other types of property that are likely to be moved or transported. This can include equipment being transported to and from worksites, tools and equipment stored in your vehicle or at a job site, and even materials in transit to a job site. For electricians, this can be particularly important as they often use expensive tools and equipment in their work that can be damaged or stolen. Inland Marine Insurance ensures that you’re covered for any losses related to these valuable business assets.
- Umbrella Insurance: Umbrella Insurance is a type of liability insurance that provides coverage beyond the limits of your basic liability policies, such as your General Liability or Commercial Auto policies. If a claim is made against your business that exceeds the limits of your basic liability policy, your Umbrella Insurance can cover the excess amount up to the limit of the umbrella policy. This type of insurance is particularly useful for businesses that face high levels of risk or have high-value assets that could be targeted in a lawsuit. It provides an extra layer of protection for your business against large liability claims that could otherwise have a significant financial impact.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed electrician in Kansas involves meeting specific eligibility requirements, passing a competency examination, and obtaining the necessary insurance coverage. Once licensed, electricians must stay up-to-date with continuing education requirements and renew their licenses regularly. While the process can be complex, it ensures that electricians in Kansas are qualified and capable of providing safe and reliable electrical services.
Please note that this guide is intended to be a general overview and may not include all of the specific details or requirements for each city, town, or county in Kansas. Always check with your local government or licensing authority to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.