In the state of North Dakota, the practice of electrical work is regulated to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. As such, electricians are required to obtain a license from the North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB) to legally perform electrical work. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the steps and requirements for obtaining and renewing an electrician license in North Dakota. We will also delve into the specifics of reciprocity agreements with other states, and the license bond and insurance requirements for electricians in North Dakota.

Establishing Eligibility

Education and Experience

The first step towards obtaining an electrician license in North Dakota is to establish your eligibility. This involves meeting certain educational and work experience requirements. The specifics of these requirements vary depending on the type of license you’re applying for:

  • Master Electrician: To qualify for a Master Electrician license, you need a minimum of 10,000 hours of work experience. However, if you’re already a North Dakota Journeyman, the requirement is reduced to one year and 2,000 hours of additional experience. This experience should be in the electrical trade and must be verifiable.
  • Journeyman Electrician: For a Journeyman Electrician license, you need a minimum of 8,000 hours of work experience. This experience should be in the electrical trade and must be verifiable.
  • Class B Electrician: To qualify for a Class B Electrician license, you need a minimum of 3,000 hours of work experience. This license is specifically for those who work on farmstead or residential wiring only.
  • Provisional Military Spouse: If you’re the spouse of a military member and have work experience for at least two of the four years preceding the date of application, you can apply for a Provisional Military Spouse license.

The work experience must be verified by your employer(s) using the Employment Verification form (SFN 11845). If you’re self-employed, you need to provide evidence of your prior work experience.

Other Requirements

In addition to the education and work experience requirements, there are other prerequisites you must meet:

  • Education: You must be a graduate of high school or have a GED. This ensures that you have the basic educational foundation necessary to understand and apply the principles of electrical work.
  • Apprenticeship Training or Trade School: If you’re applying for a Journeyman license, you should have successfully completed apprenticeship training approved by NDSEB or graduated from an electrical trade school. This ensures that you have the practical skills and knowledge necessary to perform electrical work safely and effectively.
  • Licensure in Other States: If you’re registered or licensed in a state other than North Dakota, you need to provide details of the same. This is particularly important for those applying under the reciprocity agreement.

Applying for the License

Once you’ve established your eligibility, the next step is to apply for the electrician license. This involves completing the Application for Electrician’s License by Exam (SFN 11858).

The application form requires you to provide personal information, such as your name, social security number, date of birth, and contact details. You will also need to provide details about your education, work experience, and any licensure in other states.

The application fee varies depending on the type of license:

  • Master Electrician: $50.00
  • Journeyman Electrician: $25.00
  • Class B Electrician: $40.00
  • Provisional Military Spouse: $0.00

The completed application, along with the application fee and any required supporting documents, should be submitted to the North Dakota State Electrical Board. The contact details are as follows:

License Renewal

Electrician licenses in North Dakota must be renewed periodically. The renewal process involves completing the renewal application form and paying the renewal fee. The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license:

  • Master Electrician: $150.00
  • Journeyman Electrician: $25.00
  • Class B Electrician: $60.00
  • Residential Wiring Certificate: $25.00

The renewal application form and fee should be submitted to the North Dakota State Electrical Board. The contact details are the same as mentioned above.

Electrician License Reciprocity

In North Dakota, the state offers reciprocity for electrician licenses with several other states. This means that if you hold a license in one of these states, you may be able to apply for a license in North Dakota without having to go through the entire licensing process again. The states with which North Dakota has reciprocity agreements include Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. However, it’s important to note that reciprocity isn’t automatic. You’ll need to apply for it, and you’ll need to meet North Dakota’s licensing requirements.

License Bond Requirements in North Dakota

In North Dakota, electricians are required to post a contractor license bond before they can get their license. This bond protects the public by ensuring that the electrician will comply with all applicable laws and regulations. The amount of the bond varies depending on the type of license. For a Class B electrician, the bond amount is $5,000. For a Class A electrician, the bond amount is $25,000. The bond must be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in North Dakota.

Insurance Needs for Electricians in North Dakota

Electricians in North Dakota need to have adequate insurance coverage to protect their business and their customers. 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 is strongly recommended. Some states do require a license, and one of the requirements is to have General Liability Insurance. The minimum coverage recommended is $1 Million. The cost of having this coverage is relatively low, often less than $50 dollars a year more than lower limit policies.

Other types of insurance that electricians might need include Commercial Auto Insurance, Inland Marine Insurance (which covers tools and equipment), Worker’s Compensation Insurance, Surety Bonds, and Umbrella Insurance Coverage. The specific insurance needs will depend on the specifics of your business, including the number of employees, the type of work you do, and the level of risk involved.

Remember, having the right insurance coverage is not just about meeting legal requirements. It’s about protecting your business, your employees, and your customers.

Conclusion

Obtaining and renewing an electrician license in North Dakota involves meeting certain eligibility requirements, completing the application process, and adhering to license bond and insurance requirements. It’s important to carefully review all requirements and procedures to ensure a smooth and successful licensing process. For more information, visit the North Dakota State Electrical

References

  • North Dakota State Electrical Board: www.ndseb.com
  • Electrical Contractor Guidelines & Requirements: Link
  • Application for Electrical Contracting: Link
  • Electrician’s License Renewal: Link
  • Applying for an Electrical License: Link
  • North Dakota Century Code: Link
  • Application for Electrician’s License by Exam: Link