Step 1: Determine the Type of License You Need

The first step to becoming a licensed electrician in Oklahoma is to determine the type of license you need. Oklahoma offers a variety of electrician licenses, each with its own set of requirements and scopes of work. Here are the different types of licenses:

  • Unlimited Electrical Contractor: This license allows you to perform all types of electrical work in Oklahoma. To qualify, you must have 12,000 verifiable hours of on-the-job experience in electrical construction work while employed by a licensed electrical contractor. Additionally, you must have proof of 4,000 hours and 2 years of experience as a licensed unlimited electrical journeyman employed by a licensed electrical contractor. Of the 12,000 hours, 6,000 hours must be in commercial industrial work obtained while employed by a licensed electrical contractor. A maximum of 2,000 hours may be satisfied by formal electrical education.
  • Unlimited Electrical Journeyman: This license allows you to perform electrical work under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor. To qualify, you must have 8,000 verifiable hours of on-the-job experience in electrical construction work while employed by an electrical contractor and registered as an apprentice under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or licensed contractor. Of the 8,000 hours, 4,000 hours must be in commercial/industrial work. A maximum of 2,000 hours may be satisfied by formal electrical education.
  • Residential Electrical Contractor: This license allows you to perform electrical work on residential properties. To qualify, you must have 8,000 verifiable hours of total experience in electrical construction work while employed by an electrical contractor. This includes 4,000 hours as a residential or unlimited journeyman electrician under the employment and supervision of an electrical contractor, and 4,000 hours as a registered apprentice under the employment and supervision of an electrical contractor OR 3,000 hours as a registered apprentice and 1,000 hours may be satisfied by formal electrical education.
  • Residential Electrical Journeyman: This license allows you to perform electrical work on residential properties under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor. To qualify, you must have 4,000 verifiable hours of on-the-job experience in electrical construction work while employed by an electrical contractor and registered as an apprentice under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or licensed contractor. A maximum of 1,000 hours may be satisfied by formal electrical education.
  • Refinery Electrical Journeyman: This license allows you to perform electrical work in refineries. To qualify, you must have a verifiable license in the unlimited electrical classification issued by a jurisdiction outside of the State of Oklahoma that is current and in good standing.

Each license type has different requirements for training and work experience. Therefore, it’s crucial to determine the type of license you need before you start your training.

Step 2: Complete the Required Training and Work Experience

Once you’ve determined the type of license you need, the next step is to complete the required training and work experience. This typically involves completing an apprenticeship program in Oklahoma or providing verification of equivalent training and experience from outside of Oklahoma.

An apprenticeship program combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. These programs are typically sponsored by joint employer and labor groups, individual employers, or employer associations. The length of an apprenticeship program can vary, but most last four to five years.

If you’ve completed training and work experience outside of Oklahoma, you must provide verification of this experience. This includes official transcripts verifying classroom training and verification of on-the-job experience. The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board will consider no more than 2,000 hours of experience per year.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

After completing the required training and work experience, you can submit your application to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. Your application must include the following:

  • Completed Electrical License Application Form: This form asks for information about your personal details, the type of license you’re applying for, and your training and work experience.
  • Verification of Work Experience: You must submit a separate experience verification form for each place of employment. If you’re submitting more than one form, do not overlap dates of employment.
  • Additional Required Documents: Depending on the type of license you’re applying for, you may need to provide additional documents, such as proof of completion of an apprenticeship program or official transcripts of classroom training.
  • Proof of High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent: You must provide proof of a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Passport-Style Photo: You must provide a passport-style photo.
  • Application Fee: You must pay the application fee. The fee varies depending on the type of license you’re applying for.

Once you’ve gathered all the required documents and completed the application form, you can mail your application to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.

Step 4: Take the Examination

Once your application is approved, you will receive a letter of authorization to take an examination. The letter will explain the examination procedures and provide the address and telephone number of the test site. You are responsible for scheduling the examination with the test site office.

The examination will test your knowledge of the National Electrical Code, Oklahoma Statutes, and Oklahoma Administrative Rules. You must pass the examination to receive your license.

Step 5: Receive Your License

After passing the examination, the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board will issue your license and mail a photo identification card to you. During each three-year license period, all licensees are required to complete continuing education. You can see the continuing education requirements for each license type on the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board website.

Reciprocity with Other States

Oklahoma has reciprocal licensing agreements with several other states. This means that if you possess an active unlimited electrical journeyman license in a state that has a reciprocal licensing agreement with Oklahoma, you may be eligible for a Reciprocal Unlimited Electrical Journeyman license. The states with which Oklahoma has reciprocal licensing agreements include:

  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Idaho
  • Iowa
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Wyoming

To apply for a reciprocal license, you must submit a completed Reciprocal License Application form, a verification of license from the state where you’re currently licensed, and the application fee.

License Bond Requirements

In Oklahoma, electricians are required to post a surety bond to legally operate. The bond amount varies depending on the type of license. For example, an Unlimited Electrical Contractor is required to post a $5,000 bond, while a Residential Electrical Contractor is required to post a $2,000 bond. The bond ensures that you will comply with the Oklahoma Statutes and Oklahoma Administrative Rules. If you fail to comply, a claim can be filed against your bond.

Insurance Requirements

As an electrician, you’re exposed to a variety of risks on a daily basis. From potential accidents that could result in injury to damage to a client’s property, these risks can lead to significant financial losses if you’re not adequately insured. In Oklahoma, electricians are required to carry liability insurance. The minimum insurance requirements are $50,000 for each incident and $100,000 for all incidents in one policy period. However, these are just the minimum requirements, and depending on the nature and scale of your work, you might need additional coverage.

  • General Liability Insurance: At the core of an electrician’s insurance needs is 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. This includes legal fees to defend your business from any covered claim. Imagine having to pay these costs out of pocket. It’s not hard to imagine these costs could put you out of business.
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Another crucial insurance coverage for electricians is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. This insurance covers your employees from injury or illness caused by their employment. The cost of Workers’ Compensation for electricians is generally around $2.65 per hundred dollars of payroll. The premium is determined based on factors such as class code, payroll size, and experience modification.
  • Additional Insurance Coverage: Depending on the nature and scale of your work, you might need additional insurance coverage. Here are some types of insurance that electricians might consider:
  • Commercial Auto Insurance: This covers vehicles used in your business.
  • Inland Marine Insurance: This covers tools and equipment from loss or theft.
  • Surety Bonds: These may be required for licenses, permits, or contractor registrations.
  • Umbrella Insurance Coverage: This covers you for catastrophic losses that exceed the underlying policy limits.

In conclusion, while the state of Oklahoma has minimum insurance requirements for electricians, it’s crucial to consider the nature and scale of your work when deciding on the amount and type of insurance coverage you need. By having adequate insurance coverage, you can protect your business, your employees, and your clients from potential financial losses.

License Renewal

Electrician licenses in Oklahoma must be renewed every three years. To renew your license, you must complete the required continuing education, submit a renewal application, and pay the renewal fee. The continuing education requirements vary depending on the type of license. For example, an Unlimited Electrical Contractor must complete 6 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of National Electrical Code, during each three-year license period.

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed electrician in Oklahoma involves several steps, including determining the type of license you need, completing the required training and work experience, submitting an application, passing an examination, and meeting the bond and insurance requirements. Once you’ve obtained your license, you must complete continuing education and renew your license every three years. By following these steps, you can establish eligibility, apply for, and renew your electrician license in Oklahoma.