Oregon Electrician License

Step 1: Determine the Type of License You Need

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

General Supervising Electrician (S): This license allows you to design, plan, and layout electrical installations. You can also supervise the installation or alteration of electrical services. To qualify, you must either be currently licensed as an Oregon journeyman electrician and provide verification of an additional 8,000 hours of on-the-job journeyman experience, or meet the qualifications to be licensed as an Oregon journeyman electrician and provide verification of an additional 8,000 hours of on-the-job journeyman experience.
Limited Supervising Electrician (PS): This license allows you to supervise the installation or alteration of limited energy systems, such as fire alarm systems, nurse call systems, and security systems.
General Journeyman Electrician (J): This license allows you to install, alter, or repair electrical conductors, fittings, devices, and fixtures for heating or illumination, or for transmitting or using electricity. To qualify, you must either complete an approved apprenticeship in Oregon, provide official transcripts verifying 576 hours of classroom training and verification of 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience obtained outside of Oregon, or provide verification of 16,000 hours of on-the-job experience obtained outside of Oregon.
Limited Residential Electrician (LR): This license allows you to install, alter, or repair electrical conductors, fittings, devices, and fixtures for heating or illumination, or for transmitting or using electricity in residential dwellings that are not more than three stories high.
Limited Journeyman Manufacturing Plant Electrician (PJ): This license allows you to install, alter, or repair electrical conductors, fittings, devices, and fixtures for heating or illumination, or for transmitting or using electricity in a manufacturing plant.
Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT): This license allows you to install, alter, or repair electrical conductors, fittings, devices, and fixtures for heating or illumination, or for transmitting or using electricity in renewable energy systems, such as solar or wind energy systems.
Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician (SIG): This license allows you to install, alter, or repair electrical conductors, fittings, devices, and fixtures for heating or illumination, or for transmitting or using electricity in electric signs and outline lighting.
Limited Journeyman Stage Electrician (ST): This license allows you to install, alter, or repair electrical conductors, fittings, devices, and fixtures for heating or illumination, or for transmitting or using electricity in stage and theatrical settings.
Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME): This license allows you to install, alter, or repair electrical conductors, fittings, devices, and fixtures for heating or illumination, or for transmitting or using electricity in a specific plant or facility.
Limited Building Maintenance Electrician (BME): This license allows you to perform minor maintenance and repair work on the electrical system of a specific building or facility.
Limited Energy Technician, Class A (LEA): This license allows you to install, alter, or repair electrical conductors, fittings, devices, and fixtures for heating or illumination, or for transmitting or using electricity in limited energy systems, such as fire alarm systems, nurse call systems, and security systems.
Limited Energy Technician, Class B (LEB): This license allows you to install, alter, or repair electrical conductors, fittings, devices, and fixtures for heating or illumination, or for transmitting or using electricity in limited energy systems, such as sound systems, intercom systems, and telephone systems.

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 approved apprenticeship program in Oregon or providing verification of equivalent training and experience from outside of Oregon.

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 Oregon, you must provide verification of this experience. This includes official transcripts verifying classroom training and verification of on-the-job experience. The Oregon Building Codes Division 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 Department of Consumer and Business Services. 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 Building Codes Division.

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, Oregon Revised Statutes, and Oregon Administrative Rules. You must pass the examination to receive your license.

Step 5: Receive Your License

After passing the examination, the Building Codes Division 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 Oregon Building Codes Division website.

Electrician License Reciprocity

License reciprocity allows an individual who is licensed in one state to obtain a license in another state without having to go through the entire licensing process again. This can be a significant time and effort saver for electricians who are looking to expand their services across state lines.

Oregon has a reciprocal agreement with several states for electrician licenses. For General Journeyman Electrician (J), Oregon reciprocates with Arkansas, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. For General Supervising Electrician (S), Oregon reciprocates with Arkansas and Utah. It’s important to note that the division will accept a reciprocal license only from a reciprocating state in which the applicant has tested.

To obtain a reciprocal license, individuals need to complete the Reciprocal License Application. Please note that all application fees are nonrefundable.

License Bond Requirements in Oregon

A license bond is a type of surety bond that is required by the state of Oregon for electricians to legally operate. It serves as a form of financial protection for the state and any consumers who might suffer financial harm due to the actions of the electrician.

The bond amount varies depending on the type of license. For example, a General Supervising Electrician needs a $4,500 bond, while a General Journeyman Electrician requires a $3,000 bond. In Oregon, the bond amount required for a contractor license is $20,000 for a commercial general contractor, $15,000 for a commercial specialty contractor, $20,000 for a residential general contractor, and $15,000 for a residential specialty contractor.

The bond must be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in Oregon. The bond must be in the form of a surety bond, irrevocable letter of credit issued by an insured institution, or cash.

Insurance Needs for Electricians in Oregon

Insurance is a crucial aspect of running an electrician business in Oregon. It provides financial protection against potential risks and liabilities that can arise from the job.

At a minimum, electricians in Oregon should obtain General Liability Insurance. This policy offers protection 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.

In addition to General Liability Insurance, electricians may also consider the following types of insurance:

Commercial Auto Insurance: This covers vehicles used in your business.
Inland Marine Insurance: This covers tools and equipment from loss or theft.
Worker’s Compensation Insurance: This covers your employees from injury or illness caused by their employment.
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.

Remember, the specific insurance needs for your business may vary depending on the nature of your work, the size of your business, and the level of risk you’re willing to assume. It’s always best to consult with an insurance professional to ensure you’re adequately covered.

License Renewal

Electrician licenses in Oregon 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, a General Supervising Electrician must complete 24 hours of continuing education, including 4 hours of Oregon rule and law, during each three-year license period.

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed electrician in Oregon 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 Oregon.