Embarking on a career as a licensed electrician in Nebraska is a rewarding choice that offers a blend of hands-on work and problem-solving. However, it’s a profession that requires proper training, experience, and licensing to ensure the safety and quality of electrical work. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the steps involved in becoming a licensed electrician in Nebraska, focusing on the specific requirements for electricians and electrical contractors in the state.

Establishing Eligibility

Apprentice Electrician

The journey to becoming a licensed electrician in Nebraska begins with registering as an apprentice. An apprentice electrician is a beginner or trainee who works under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician. This stage provides the opportunity to learn the trade while performing electrical work.

To work as an apprentice electrician in Nebraska, you must register with the Nebraska State Electrical Board and pay a registration fee. The registration fee is $20 in an even-numbered year and $40 in an odd-numbered year. This fee covers the administrative costs of maintaining your registration.

As an apprentice, you can only perform electrical wiring under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician. This supervision ensures that all work is performed safely and correctly, and it provides a valuable learning experience. There is no exam to obtain your Apprentice Card, just the registration.

Apprenticeship is a critical stage in your journey to becoming a licensed electrician. It provides the hands-on experience necessary to understand the practical aspects of the job that aren’t covered in textbooks. Apply here.

Journeyman Electrician

After completing your apprenticeship, the next step is to become a journeyman electrician. A journeyman electrician is a skilled worker who can work independently without supervision.

To apply for a journeyman electrician license in Nebraska, you must have at least four years of verifiable experience in the electrical trade. This experience can be obtained through your apprenticeship. One year of work experience credit will be given for completion of a two-year post-high school electrical course with an Associates’ degree in electrical technology. This credit recognizes the value of formal education in preparing you for the job.

The application fee for a journeyman electrician license is $60, and the license fee is $25 in an even-numbered year and $50 in an odd-numbered year. These fees cover the costs of processing your application and maintaining your license. Apply here.

Electrical Contractor

An electrical contractor is a business person or firm that performs specialized construction work related to the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. To apply for an electrical contractor license in Nebraska, you must meet one of two sets of criteria.

First, you could be a graduate of a four-year electrical course in an accredited college or university and have at least one year of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician. This path recognizes the value of a comprehensive education in electrical systems.

Alternatively, you could have at least five years of experience in planning for, laying out, supervising, and installing wiring apparatus, or equipment for electrical light, heat, and power. This path recognizes the value of extensive hands-on experience in the field.

The application fee for an electrical contractor license is $125, and the license fee is $125 in an even-numbered year and $250 in an odd-numbered year. These fees cover the costs of processing your application and maintaining your license. Apply here.

Electrician Exams

Before you can receive your license, you must pass an exam. The Examination for all license types except Apprentice Registration will cover, but is not limited to, the following: National Electrical Code – 2017, Basic Electricity – Theory, Nebraska State Electrical Act, Blueprint Reading, Emergency Circuits – Including Fire Alarm Circuits.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a set of standards for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States. It’s a critical part of any electrician’s knowledge base. Basic Electricity – Theory covers the fundamental principles of electricity, including how it’s generated, how it’s measured, and how it’s used in various types of equipment.

The Nebraska State Electrical Act is a piece of legislation that governs the practice of electrical work in the state. It sets out the rules for licensing, the standards for electrical work, and the penalties for violations.

Blueprint Reading is a critical skill for electricians, as it allows them to understand the plans for the electrical systems in a building. Emergency Circuits – Including Fire Alarm Circuits covers the specific requirements for circuits that are used in emergency situations, including fire alarms.

Thorough knowledge of the National Electrical Code is the greatest asset for passing the examination! More info here.

Applying for Electrician License

After passing the exam, you can apply for your electrician license. All applicants for electrical apprenticeship and license will need to complete the United States Citizenship Attestation form and submit it with their applications. This form is a declaration of your citizenship status, and it’s required by law for all applicants.

Exam applicants must complete this form to prevent any delay in issuing licenses after passing the examination. This requirement ensures that all licensed electricians in Nebraska are legally eligible to work in the United States. Apply here.

License Renewal

Maintaining your electrician license requires regular renewal. All electrical licenses and apprentice registrations issued by the State Electrical Board expire on December 31 of even-numbered years. This expiration date ensures that all licenses are up-to-date and that all licensed electricians are aware of the latest standards and regulations.

In order to renew any license, the holder must provide a certificate for proof of attendance of at least 12-hours of continuing education approved by the State Electrical Board, with at least six of those hours on the National Electrical Code. These hours are not required to renew an apprentice registration.

Continuing education is a critical part of maintaining your license. It ensures that you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, including new technologies, techniques, and regulations. Renew here.

Reciprocity with Other States

If you’re a licensed electrician in another state, you may be able to obtain a license in Nebraska without going through the entire licensing process. This is known as reciprocity.

Nebraska has a reciprocal licensing agreement for the Journeyman License with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. This means that if you’re a licensed journeyman electrician in any of these states, you can apply for a license in Nebraska without taking the Nebraska exam.

The Nebraska State Electrical Board also has a reciprocal licensing agreement for the Electrical Contractor license with Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Texas. This means that if you’re a licensed electrical contractor in any of these states, you can apply for a license in Nebraska without taking the Nebraska exam.

However, there are some restrictions and requirements for reciprocity. For example, you must have received a 75% or greater on the State exam for the license you wish to reciprocate. Nebraska licensed candidates must have been registered for 4 years and worked 8000 hours in Nebraska. You must have held the license you wish to reciprocate in good standing for a period of not less than 1 year. More info here.

License Bond Requirements and Insurance Needs

Specific insurance and bond requirements and amounts are not explicitly stated on the provided websites. However, it’s important to note that electricians and electrical contractors are typically required to carry liability insurance to cover any damages or injuries that may occur on the job. This insurance protects you and your customers in case of accidents or mistakes.

As for bonding, a surety bond is often required to ensure that the electrician will perform their work to code and within the regulations of the state. This bond provides a financial guarantee that you will fulfill your obligations under the terms of your license.

In Nebraska, electricians are required to post a contractor’s license bond before they can be licensed to work. This bond is a type of surety bond that provides a financial guarantee that the electrician will comply with all state regulations and codes in their work.

The bond amount varies depending on the type of license. For instance, a Class A contractor, who can work on projects of unlimited value, must post a bond of $50,000. On the other hand, a Class B contractor, who can work on projects valued at $50,000 or less, must post a bond of $10,000.

The purpose of the bond is to protect consumers from potential financial loss caused by poor workmanship, failure to complete a job, or non-compliance with state regulations. If a consumer files a valid claim against the bond, the surety company will pay out up to the full amount of the bond. The electrician is then responsible for repaying the surety company. This bond requirement ensures that electricians are held accountable for their work and that consumers are protected from substandard work.

Insurance Needs for Electricians in Nebraska

Insurance is a crucial aspect of running an electrical contracting business in Nebraska. At a minimum, electricians should have General Liability Insurance. This policy offers protection from any covered claim for injuries or damages to third-party persons or property as a result of your work. It also includes legal fees to defend your business from any covered claim.

In most states, General Liability Insurance for Electricians is not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended. In addition to General Liability Insurance, electricians may also need other types of insurance, such as:

  • Commercial Auto Insurance: This type of insurance covers vehicles used in your business. If you or an employee is involved in an accident while driving a company vehicle, this insurance can cover the costs of property damage, medical expenses, and legal fees.
  • Inland Marine Insurance: This covers tools and equipment from loss or theft. If your tools or equipment are stolen or damaged, this insurance can cover the cost of replacing them.
  • Worker’s Compensation Insurance: This insurance covers your employees from injury or illness caused by their employment. If an employee is injured on the job, this insurance can cover their medical expenses and lost wages.
  • Surety Bonds: These may be required for licenses, permits, or contractor registrations. Surety bonds provide a financial guarantee that you will fulfill your obligations under the terms of your license.
  • Umbrella Insurance Coverage: This type of insurance covers you for catastrophic losses that exceed the underlying policy limits. If a claim exceeds the limits of your other insurance policies, umbrella insurance can cover the excess amount.

Remember, the exact insurance needs will vary depending on the specifics of your business, so it’s always a good idea to consult with an insurance professional to ensure you have the right coverage. They can help you assess your risks and choose the policies that best fit your business needs.

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed electrician in Nebraska is a process that requires time, effort, and dedication. From registering as an apprentice to passing the necessary exams and applying for a license, each step is designed to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform electrical work safely and effectively.

Remember to stay updated on the requirements for license renewal and continuing education to maintain your license. And if you’re moving to Nebraska from another state, be sure to check out the reciprocity agreements to make your transition easier.

For any further queries, contact the Nebraska State Electrical Board. They’re your best resource for up-to-date information on licensing requirements, exams, and continuing education.