Electrician License and Certification by State

Electricians are skilled professionals that should perform some very specialized and dangerous work.

As a result, they should be able to meet a whole bunch of requirements and obtain a license if they want to practice their craft legally.

There are three main licensing phases for electricians and requirements for each stage vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another.

Despite some differences and specifications in each state, the whole process itself follows three main steps:

• The apprenticeship that includes supervised on-the-job experience for about four years (about 8,000 hours) as well as several hundred classroom hours of electrical science and theory.
• A journeyman license can be obtained after the successful completion of the apprenticeship program and passing the Electrical Journeyman exam.
• Master Electrician license can be achieved after obtaining a two-year (about 4,000-hours) experience as a journeyman electrician and completion of the Master Electrician Exam.

Electrical Contractor License

Speaking of an electrical contractor license, it is an optional business license that can be obtained by master electricians.

This license is required if you operate some electrical contracting business or a company that has at least one master electrician among its employees.

The process of licensing is pretty much the same in most jurisdictions, however, there are some significant differences:

• most electricians are licensed by a state licensing body but in some states, they can obtain their licenses at the local (city, county) level;
• in some states, it is known as a certification instead of licensing;
• in some states, apprentices need to get licensed, while it is not required until they reach journeyman level in other states;
• in some states, there is no license classification for journeyman or master electricians;
• in some states, there are multiple specialty journeyman, master electrician, and/or electrical contractor licenses, that have unique requirements;
• in some states, there are reciprocal electrician licenses, which facilitate working across state lines.

Due to all these variations and inconsistencies, you need to check the requirements in your area addressing your local licensing authority.

Below, you can find some basic requirements for electrical licensing in each state.

Alabama

Licenses issued through the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: It can be obtained after at least 4 years of experience in electrical wiring, equipment, apparatus, as well as light, power, or heat systems. There is a possibility to substitute the required 4 years of experience with education at college for at least 1 year.

Electrical Contractor License: It requires a minimum of 4 years of experience in planning, designing and laying out various electrical systems and constructions as well as their supervision and installation. You can obtain it after specialized education for 2 years instead of 4 years of working experience.

Alaska

Licenses issued through the Alaska Department of Labor and Workplace Development.

Apprentice License: Yes

Journeyman License/Master Electrician License: It can be obtained after obtaining 8,000 hours of experience in the electrical industry. There are separate licenses for journeyman electricians, journeyman power lineman, residential electricians, and maintenance electricians issued by the DOL.

Electrical Contractor License: The Department of Community and Economic Development registration is required. Also, there should be an electrical administrator among the employees.

Arizona

There is no statewide code but licensing is issued by most municipalities and Coconino, Maricopa, and Pima counties.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: This license can be obtained at the local level while a state license isn’t required.

Electrical Contractor License: It is the State Registrar of Contractors that is responsible for fr licensing. 4-year experience within the last 10 years is required. Also, applicants should pass a written exam.

Arkansas

Licenses issued through the Arkansas State Board of Electrical Examiners.

Apprentice License: The DOL, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training and the Arkansas DOL registration are required.

Journeyman License: T get your journeyman and residential journeyman electrician license, you need to address your local agency.

Master Electrician License: Residential, industrial maintenance, and air conditioning electricians can obtain their master license at the state agency.

Electrical Contractor License: In order to get it, you need to have 5 years of experience, a master electrician’s license, and pass the Arkansas Business and Law Exam.

California

Licenses issued through the Electrical Contractors’ State Licensing Board.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: Residential electricians need to complete 4,800 hours of work, voice data video technician – 4,000 hours, fire/life technician – 4,000 hours, and nonresidential lighting technician – 2,000 hours.

Master (General) Electrician License: To be able to get it, you need to have 8,000 hours of experience working for an electrical contractor and performing installation, construction, or maintenance of electrical systems.

Electrical Contractor License: You need to prove your proficiency including technical knowledge, experience, integrity, and financial responsibility, as well as pass an exam.

Colorado

Licenses issued through the Colorado State Electrical Board.

Apprentice License: Registration with the Board is required.

Journeyman License: 4 years of practical experience are required. Also, you should be skillful in wiring, installing and repairing electrical systems and equipment.

Master Electrician License: Electrical engineering degree and 1-year on-the-job experience are required. One other option is 4-year working experience. Also, applicants need to complete a written exam

Electrical Contractor License: You need to pass and open book exam on the National Electric Code. Also, a master electrician license is required.  If it is a firm, there should be at least one master electrician among the employees.

Connecticut

Licenses issued through the Electrical Board of Occupational Licensing.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: 576 hours of training, as well as 4 years of working experience, are required.

Electrical Contractor License: At least 2-year experience as a licensed journeyman is required.

Delaware

Licenses issued through the Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Electrical Examiners.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman (Master Electrician Limited) License: To obtain it, applicants need to have 3-year working experience or 2-year training + 1-year working experience. Also, applicants should pass an exam. Among other options there are:

• Limited electricians that work with to air conditioning, signs, oil burners, elevators, as well as overhead and underground primary distribution systems, etc.;
• Limited special electricians that work with residential wiring.

Master Electrician (General) License: A minimum 6-years practical experience is required. It can be substituted with 4-year training and 2-years of working experience. Speaking of a limited license, it requires at least 3 years of working experience. It can be replaced with two years of training and one year of experience. In both cases, applicants need to pass a written exam.

Contractor License: Master electricians and firms can obtain it addressing the Delaware Division of Revenue.

District of Columbia

Licenses issued through the DC Board of Industrial Trades.

Apprentice License: Yes

Journeyman License: It requires 8,000 hours of apprenticeship.

Master Electrician License: It can be designated to both master electricians and master electrician specialists. You need to pass an exam and have some experience beyond the journeyman level

Electrical Contractor License: It can be obtained by a master electrician or a company that has a master electrician among its employees. The Board is also responsible for licensing electrical contractor specialists and electrical contractor specialist fixtures.

Florida

Licenses issued through the State Board of Electrical Examiners and/or local jurisdictions.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: Licences are issued by municipality agencies.

Electrical Contractor License: If you don’t have a certification, you should be registered with the state. You don’t need to pass a state-level exam to get registered. There are some municipality areas that allow registered contractors to take part in contracting. Also, there is a possibility to obtain a state license addressing the State Electrical Licensing Board. Among the specialty contractor licenses there are:

• Alarm contractor I and II;
• Limited energy;
• Lighting maintenance specialty;
• Residential;
• Sign specialty;
• Utility line.

Georgia

Licenses issued through the Construction Industry Licensing Board, Board of Electrical Contractors.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: Those who are employed by a licensed electrical contractor don’t need a license.

Electrical Contractor License: Only a person can obtain this license after passing an exam.

Hawaii

Licenses issued through the Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: It requires 5 years (10,000 hours) of working experience that involves various aspects of electrical wiring work. Speaking of industrial electricians, they need the same amount of experience but in the industrial wiring sphere.

Master Electrician (Supervising Electrician) License: Supervising electricians need to have 4-year experience working as a licensed journeyman. Supervising industrial electricians the same amount of experience as a licensed industrial journeyman electrician.

Electrical Contractor License: There is an exam held by the Contractors Licensing Board after which you can get your license.

Idaho

Licenses issued through the Division of Building Safety (DBS).

Apprentice License: The DBS-Electrical Bureau registration is required.

Journeyman License: At least 4 years (8,000 hours) of apprentice experience, as well as 576 hours of training, are required. If you want to get a specialty electrician license, you need to prove that you have 2 years of work experience within your specialty.

Master (Journeyman) Electrician License: 4-year experience as a journeyman is required. Also, you need to pass the master journeyman exam successfully.

Electrical Contractor License: To get this license you need to have 2-year experience as a journeyman or master electrician, be employed and pass an exam successfully.

Illinois

There is no state licensing but there are some municipalities such as the City of Chicago’s Department of Buildings, City of Aurora that provide licenses to journeyman electricians and electrical contractors.

Also, companies that perform installation and maintenance of fire and burglar alarm systems need to have a license.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: It can be obtained in some municipalities.

Electrical Contractor License: It is municipalities that are responsible for an electrical contractor license.

Indiana

Indiana has no state licensing requirements.

However, a journeyman license can be obtained through some municipalities.

Also, most municipalities have specific licensing requirements for electrical contractors.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: There is no state license but it can be obtained through some municipalities.

Electrical Contractor License: There are no state licensing requirements but if you want to get an electrical contractor license you can get it addressing some municipalities.

Iowa

Licenses issued through the Department of Public Safety, Electrical Licensing, and Inspection.

Apprentice License: Apprentice electricians and people who want to assist electricians without applying for an apprenticeship can get their license.

Journeyman License: A completion of an approved apprenticeship program is required.

Special Electrician License: There are specific endorsements that regulate certain classes of work such as:

• Wiring irrigation systems;
• Disconnecting and reconnecting existing air conditioning and refrigeration systems;
• Sign installer.

Master Electrician License: To get this license, you need to have one-year experience as a journeyman electrician. Also, you can obtain a residential master electrician license after working as a special residential electrician, residential electrician, or journeyman electrician,].

Electrical Contractor License: After obtaining a Class A or Class B master electrician license, you can apply for an electrical contractor license. Also, there is a possibility to get a residential contractor license.

Kansas

In Kansas, there is no state license however in most jurisdictions, you need to have a license to work as an electrical contractor or an electrician on a site.

To get your license, you need to pass a Prometric (formerly Block & Associates) examination that is honored in all jurisdictions.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: You need to pass the Prometric Journeyman Electrician exam to get this license.

Master Electrician License: To be able to get this license, you should pass the Prometric Master Electrician exam.

Electrical Contractor License: The Prometric Master Electrician exam completion is required for electrical contractor’s licensing.

Kentucky

Licenses issued through the Kentucky Electrical Licensing.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman (electrician) License: 4-year experience or completion of a department-approved training course + 2-year experience are required. Also, applicants need to pass a board-approved exam.

Master Electrician License: Applicants should have 6 years of experience or complete a department-approved educational program with two years of experience. Moreover, they need to complete a board-approved examination.

Electrical Contractor License: The list of requirements includes a department-approved training course or 2-year working experience, and successful completion of a board-approved examination.

Louisiana

Licenses issued through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman: There is a state licensing that requires 8,000 hours of working experience as well as 1,000 hours of training.

Electrical Contractor License: To get your electrical contractor license, you need to address the State Licensing Board for Contractors. The license is required only if you are performing work that worth $50 000 or more. The evaluation is based on financial responsibility, experience, test results, and tech qualification. Those who work with burglar alarm and fire alarm need to have a separate license.

Maine

Licenses issued through the Maine Electrician’s Examining Board.

Apprentice License: Apprentice and helper electricians need to have a license.

Beginning Electrician: To get this license, you need to be experienced in installing and repairing electrical wiring. Also, these specialists are obliged to work under the supervision of a master or journeyman electrician. It is up to your local municipality whether you need a license or not.

Journeyman License: 5 years (1,000 hours) of working experience under the supervision of a master electrician are required. If you want to get a journeyman-in-training license, you need to be employed by a master electrician, limited electrician, or electrical company.

Master Electrician License: According to the Board requirements, it can be obtained in your municipality without passing an exam. Also, it is up to municipalities, to decide on certification necessity.

Electrical Contractor License: According to the Board, municipalities can accept contracting business owners, their partners, chairman of the board or CEO that present the contracting business.

Maryland

Licenses can be obtained at the county level.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: License requirements depend on your county.

Master Electrician License: Speaking of a statewide master electrician license, only the State Board of Master Electricians can issue it. Also, you can get a non-performing license that is recognized locally. Moreover, there are municipalities that can issue licenses for electricians and contractors. To get this license, you need to have 7 years of supervised working experience.

Electrical Contractor License: It is local municipalities that are responsible for the licensing of electrical contractors.

Massachusetts

Licenses issued through the State Examiners of Electricians.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman (Certificate B) License: You need to have 8000 hours of working experience under the supervision of a licensed professional as well as pass an exam.

Master Electrician (Certificate A) License: It can be obtained by professionals and companies and similar to contractor licenses in other states. It requires one-year experience as a journeyman and successful completion of an exam.

Electrical Contractor License: It is a certificate C license that is obtained by system contractors that have one-year experience in the field and completed an exam. Also, there is a certificate D license that is issued to systems technicians that are responsible for installation, maintenance, and repair of warning, security, or other power limited systems. It also requires the successful completion of an exam.

Michigan

Licenses issued through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Apprentice License: Registration through the State of Michigan or local jurisdiction is required.

Journeyman License: A written examination completion is required.

Master Electrician License: Must pass a written examination

Electrical Contractor License: It can be obtained by master electricians or companies that have a master electrician among their full-time employees. Among specialty contractor licenses, there are:

• Fire alarm contractor
• Sign specialty contractor

Minnesota

Licenses issued through the Minnesota Board of Electricity.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: 4-year experience in such activities as installation and repair of electrical wiring, systems, and equipment is required. Also, applicants need to pass an exam successfully. Also, there is licensing for installers that completed a course in electricity, have 1 year of working experience, and complete an exam. Speaking of maintenance electricians, they need to have 4 years of experience in their field as well as pass an exam successfully.

Master Electrician License: To get this license, you need to complete a four-year electrical program or work as a journeyman electrician for at least one year. Also, it can be issued for those who have 5-year experience in laying out, planning, installing and supervising wiring and electrical systems.

Electrical Contractor License: Master electricians and companies that employ A or B master electrician, can apply for this license. Also, applicants for a technology system contractor’s license should pass an alarm and communication contractor examination.

Mississippi

There is no state licensing but it can be obtained locally.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: Licenses issued locally and requirements vary from one jurisdiction to another.

Master Electrician License: It can be obtained at the local level but the requirements vary.

Electrical Contractor License: Contractors that have a license in business and 2-year working experience as an electrical contractor can obtain their license addressing your municipality or county. Also, you can get a certificate of Responsibility addressing the Mississippi State Board. Just keep in mind that it can be issued to those contractors that perform private jobs worth $100 000 and projects worth $40 000.

Missouri

In Missouri, there is no state license bur it can be obtained at the county level.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: Most municipalities require licensing but requirements depend on your location.

Master Electrician License: It can be obtained at your municipality and requirements vary from one jurisdiction to another.

Electrical Contractor License: Requirements depend on your locations and the license itself is issued by municipalities.

Montana

Licenses issued through the Montana State Electrical Board.

Apprentice License: These electricians need to get registered at the Montana Department of Labor and perform their duties under the supervision of a qualified professional.

Journeyman License: 4-year experience as an apprentice electrician is required. Also, applicants should pass an exam. Residential electrician licenses are issued by the Board. To get it, you need to have 4 years of experience in the trade or 2 years of experience as an electrical construction specialist.

Master Electrician License: You need to have 5-year experience in planning, laying out, and supervision of electrical construction. One other option is the completion of an electrical trade school and 4-year experience. Also, the successful completion of an exam is required.

Electrical Contractor License: Companies that meet workers’ compensation and unemployment laws and have full-time licensed journeyman or master electricians can apply for this license.

Nebraska

Licenses issued through the State of Nebraska, State Electrical Division.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: Applicants should have post-high school education in electrical wiring + 3 years of experience of 4-year experience. Residential electricians can also obtain their licenses addressing the Division. They need to have 3-year working experience or 2-year experience + specialized training.

Electrical Contractor License: Applicants need to complete a four-year electrical engineering course. Also, 1-year working experience as a journeyman is required. Those who have no training, need to have 5 years of working experience in planning, laying out, supervision or installation of electrical systems.

Nevada

Licenses issued through the Nevada State Contractors Board.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: It can be obtained locally at your jurisdiction but state license isn’t required.

Electrical Contractor License: Electrical contractors need to have a license issued by the State Contractors Board after passing an exam. There are some sub-classifications of contractors that include such options as electrical wiring, integrated ceilings, fire detection, lines to transmit electricity, low-voltage systems, residential wiring, and photovoltaics.

New Hampshire

Licenses issued through the New Hampshire Electrician’s Examining Board

Apprentice License: The board registration is required.

Journeyman License: You need to have a minimum of two years of experience. One other option is a completed training course that is approved by the Board. Also, applicants should pass an oral or written exam.

Master Electrician License: Applicants should pass an exam. However, before applying for it, they need to prove they have a 2-year experience or complete an approved training program.

New Jersey

Licenses issued through the New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: To be able to work as a journeyman, you need to have a registration. To get it, you need to have 576 hours of training and 8,000 hours of working experience.

Electrical Contractor License: It can be obtained by both individuals and companies. Applicants need to have 5-year experience in electrical construction and installation. Also, they are obliged to pass an exam successfully. Moreover, a business permit from the Board is required.

New Mexico

Licenses issued through the New Mexico Electrical Bureau.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: To get this license, you need to pass an exam successfully. Also, you need to have a certain amount of experience depending on your sphere of specialization:

• Cathodic protection and lightning protection – 2 years;
• Electrical – 4 years;
• Electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines – 2 years;
• Electrical signs and outline lighting – 2 years;
• Residential – 2 years;
• Sound and intercommunication and electrical alarm systems – 2 years;
• Telephone communications systems – 2 years.

Electrical Contractor License: Before applying for it, you need to obtain at least 4 years of working experience in the sphere related to the type of license you are applying for. Among the available certificates, there are:

• Cathodic protection and lightning protection – 2 years;
• Electrical – 4 years;
• Electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines – 4 years;
• Electrical signs/outline lighting – 2 years;
• Residential – 2 years;
• Sound and intercommunication and electrical alarm systems – 2 years;
• Telephone communications systems – 2 years.

New York

There is no state licensing for journeyman and contractors however working in New York City, you need to get a license issued through the Department of Buildings.

After obtaining a license in NYC, you can work in all city boroughs that are the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Master Electrician License (NYC): To get this license, you need to complete a BA in an engineering program and obtain 3-5 years of working experience under the supervision of a licensed professional. If you have no schooling, you need to have 5-7 years of working experience.

North Carolina

Licenses issued through the State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: There are no state licensing requirements however licenses can be required in some municipalities that have their own specific requirements for applicants.

Electrical Contractor License: Companies that apply for this license should have at least one licensed electrical contractor in each site. Also, you need to pass an exam. Among the available types of licenses there are:

• Limited (electrical projects up to $10,000);
• Intermediate (electrical projects up to $50,000);
• Unlimited (no project limits);
• Single-family dwelling (restricted);
• Special restricted.

North Dakota

Licenses issued through the North Dakota State Electrical Board.

Apprentice License: After half a year of employment, you need to register with the State Electrical Board.

Journeyman License: It requires a 4-year experience one of which can be obtained through an approved training program. Also, you should pass a written exam.

Master Electrician License: It requires a 5-year experience that includes 1-year experience as a journeyman. Also, all applicants should pass a written exam.

Electrical Contractor License: It is similar to a master electrician degree and requires a 2-year experience as a journeyman or 4-year (including 1 year of training) experience as a class B electrician. Only farmstead and residential wiring contractors can apply for it.

Ohio

Licenses issued through the State of Ohio Department of Commerce.

Apprentice: Not Licensed

Journeyman License: Only Middletown and Hamilton residents are obliged to obtain this license.

Electrical Contractor License: It is mandatory for all contractors that perform commercial work. To obtain it, you need to have 5 years of working experience and pass an exam. Also, specialists that have a degree in engineering and 3 years of business experience are eligible for it.

Oklahoma

Licenses issued through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.

Apprentice License: To work as an apprentice, you have to be registered with the Board

Journeyman License: It is a state license that requires the completion of the exam at the  State Board of Examiner. Also, you need to have 8000 hours of working experience and 900 hours of training to be able to apply for it.

Electrical Contractor License: It is a state license that is issued by the State Board of Examiners after obtaining 4000 hours of experience and successful completion of an exam.

Oregon

Licenses issued through the Building Codes Agency.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: 4 years of experience and successful completion of a written exam are required. Applying for a limited license, you need to have 4-year experience and pass an exam. Among the available specialty limited licenses, there are:

• Limited maintenance electrician
• Limited residential electrician
• Limited journeyman stage electrician
• Limited journeyman elevator electrician
• Limited journeyman energy electrician

Master Electrician (Limited Supervising) License: 4 years of experience as a journeyman are required.

Electrical Contractor License: You need to address the Construction Contractors Board to get this license that is issued to firms or individuals. Also, they need to perform work under the supervision of a licensed supervising electrician.

Pennsylvania

There is no state license but there are 2565 municipalities in the state and some of them require licensing.

Journeyman License: There are numerous municipalities that require journeyman licensing.

Master Electrician License: There are numerous municipalities that require a master electrician license.

Electrical Contractor License: There are numerous municipalities that require electrical contractor licensing.

Rhode Island

Licenses issued through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: Among the available types of licenses, there are:

Electrical Contractor License: Types of license include:

• Electrical sign installer;
• Electrical sign contractor;
• Electrical contractor;
• Fire alarm contractor;
• Fire alarm installer;
• Journeyperson electrician;
• Lightning protection installer;
• Lightning protection contractor;
• Oil burner person;
• Oil burner contractor.

South Carolina

Licenses issued through the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman: Journeyman license can be obtained at the local level.

Electrical Contractor License: Those specialists that perform work worth $17 500 or more are obliged to have a license. Also, applicants should pass an exam.

South Dakota

Licenses issued through the South Dakota State Electrical Commission.

Apprentice License: The State Electrical Commission registration is required.

Journeyman License: Applicants should have 4 years of experience including 18 months at a recognized trade school. Just keep in mind that class B license can be obtained only by farmstead and residential wiring electricians.

Electrical Contractor License: This license is considered as equivalent to a master electrician license. To get it, you need to have 6 years of experience including 2 years as a journeyman.

Tennessee

Licenses issued through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Electrician License: Applicants are obliged to complete business law and electrical exam. If you have a contractor’s license, you don’t need to take an exam. Requirements may vary but usually, you need to have 8000 hours of working experience as well as 500 hours of training.

Electrical Contractor License: It is the Department of Commerce and Insurance that issues this license. This license is required for all projects worth $25 000 or more. Any applicant is obliged to pass business law and electrical contractor exam. Speaking of the limited license, it is required for projects worth less than $25 000.

Texas

Licenses issued through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.

Apprentice License: The DOL license is required and licenses electrical sign apprentices separately.

Journeyman License: 8,000 hours of working experience and successful completion of an examination is required. Also, it should be signed by a qualified electrician.

Master Electrician License: To get this license you need to have 12,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training. Also, an applicant should be a licensed journeyman for at least 2 years. Residential wiremen also need to get this license.

Electrical Contractor License: Only a licensed master electrician or a company that employs one can apply for it.

Utah

Licenses issued through the Utah Department of Commerce.

Apprentice License: The Department of Commerce is responsible for this licensing.

Journeyman License: You need to be a registered apprentice for 4 years or have 6 years of practical experience. Also, a complete of a written and practical exam is required.

Master Electrician License: At least 8 years of experience including 4 years as an apprentice are required. Also, a degree in electrical engineering and one year of practical experience may be an option. An applicant must pass an exam.

Electrical Contractor License: An employer need to pass a written examination and have a master electrician among their employees.

Vermont

Licenses issued through the Vermont State Electrical Licensing Board.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: An applicant should complete a certain amount of training including apprenticeship. Also, it is necessary to pass an exam. Type S journeyman electricians can get their specialty license through the Board. Among the available options, there are:

• Automatic gas or oil heating;
• Appliance and motor repairs;
• Farm equipment;
• Outdoor advertising;
• Refrigeration or air conditioning;
• Well-pumps;
• Other miscellaneous areas of specialized competence.

Master Electrician License: A journeyman electrician’s license is required. You should hold it for at least 2 years. Also, a complete of a written and oral exam is required.

Virginia

Licenses issued through the Virginia Board for Contractors.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman (Tradesman) License: To get this license, you need to have 4 years of working experience as well as 240 hours of vocational training. There is a statewide exam however some local subdivisions can make a decision not to exam a journeyman.

Master Electrician License: Before applying for this license, you need to work as a journeyman electrician for a year. It is a statewide exam but local authorities may decide on the necessity of the exam.

Electrical Contractor License: Class A or Class B license or Class C certificate is required depending on the type of projects you work on.

Washington

Licenses issued through the Washington Department of Labor and Industries.

Apprentice License: State registration is required. Also, any apprentice should report about their working hours annually.

Journeyman License: An applicant needs to complete a specialized training program or have 4 years of supervised working experience. One other option is a combination of vocational training and supervised working experience for 2 years. Also, applicants may have military training in electrical contracting.

Master Electrician License: A master journeyman electrician or master specialty electrician license is required.

West Virginia

Licenses issued through the West Virginia State Fire Marshal.

Apprentice: Not licensed

Journeyman License: 4 years of on-the-job experience are required.

Master Electrician License: 5 years of experience are required. Speaking of specialties available options include:

• Elevator electrician;
• Electric sign electrician;
• HVAC electrician;
• Low-voltage – fire and burglar alarm system electrician;
• Single-family dwelling electrician.

Electrical Contractor License: There are several types of licenses that have their own specific examination. Also, to get it, you need to have compliance with the Division of Tax and Revenue, Bureau of Employment Services, and Workers’ Compensation.

Wisconsin

Licenses issued through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Apprentice (Beginning Electrician) License: Electricians that have some experience in installing and repairing wiring can get this license. Also, they are obliged to work under the supervision of a master or journeyman electrician.

Journeyman License: 5 years of working experience are required. Also, the applicant should perform work under the supervision of a master electrician.

Master Electrician License: Having a master’s license, you can obtain a license in any municipality without applying for a local exam.

Electrical Contractor License: Contracting business owners can apply for this license addressing local municipalities. Also, a partner in the contracting business, as well as a CEO or a chairman, can apply for it as a representative of the whole company.

Wyoming

Licenses issued through the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety.

Apprentice License: A registration at the Electrical Board is required. Also, it is necessary to enroll in an approved apprenticeship program.

Journeyman License: You need to have 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience and complete an exam. Speaking of specialty licenses, they can be obtained by technicians and low-voltage licenses. In both cases, you need to have at least 4,000 hours of experience.

Master Electrician License: 16,000 hours of working experience and successful completion of an exam are required.

Electrical Contractor License: Firms with at least one employee with a master electrician license and licensed master electricians are eligible for this license. Also, low-voltage/limited contractor licenses can be obtained through the Department.