State-by-State Electrician License and Certification Requirements [2024 Update]

Electricians are generally subjected to strict licensing requirements.

This stems from the potentially dangerous and highly specialized scope of their tasks.

They have to meet these strict requirements before being allowed to practice the trade.

These requirements vary slightly from one jurisdiction to another, but generally, the licensing procedures involve going through four levels:

Apprenticeship
- On-the-job training that takes four to five years, or equivalent to 8,000 hours
- Also includes classroom instruction on electrical science theory and practice
Journeyman Electrician License
- Granted after successful completion of the apprenticeship program and journeyman licensure exam
Master Electrician License
- Granted after working for at least two years (4,000 hours) as a journeyman electrician and successfully passing the master licensure exam
Electrical Contractor License
- An optional business license for master electricians wanting to operate their own businesses
- Also applicable to companies provided they employ at least one master electrician

Other key points you should be aware of are as follows:

Most states’ licensing bodies perform the licensure of electricians, while a few delegate it to the local level (i.e., a city or county).
Some states use the term “certification” instead of “license.”
Some states require licensing for apprentices, while others don’t and only require it for the journeyman level.
Some do not recognize and provide for the journeyman or master electrician levels.
In some, several license regimes with their own requirements exist for the journeyman, master, and/or electrical contractors.
Some states allow reciprocity to facilitate trade practices across several state borders.

For the exact requirements, you are advised to counter-check with your local authority and state.

For an overview of these requirements, you can check the information provided below.

Alabama

Licenses Issued Through: Alabama Electrical Contractors Board
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License:
- You must have up to four years of experience in electrical equipment, apparatus, wiring, power, heat, or power.
- You may trade off education in the electrical curriculum for no more than 1 year of the four-year experience.
Electrical Contractor License:
- You must have up to four years of experience in laying out, planning, designing, or directly supervising electrical construction tasks, as well as in installing electrical components.
- You may trade off education in the electrical curriculum for two years of the four-year experience.

Alaska

Licenses Issued Through: Alaska Department of Labor and Workplace Development
Apprentice: Licensing is required.
Journeyman License/Master Electrician License:
- You must have up to 8,000 hours of work experience in the trade
- Licenses are issued to journeyman electricians, residential electricians, journeyman power linemen, and maintenance electricians.
Electrical Contractor License:
- Submit the required information to the Department of Community and Economic Development.
- Also, you must hire an electrical administrator to be eligible for licensure.

Arizona

Licenses Issued Through: Local-level licensing bodies (e.g., Pima, Maricopa, and Coconino counties)
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: The licensure happens at the local rather than the state level.
Electrical Contractor License:
- Issued out to corporate and individual entities by the State Registrar of Contractors.
- You must have up to four years of trade experience within the past 10 years.
- You must have successfully passed the written exam.

Arkansas

Licenses Issued Through: Arkansas State Board of Electrical Examiners
Apprentice: Submit your details to the Department of Labor – Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training and the Arkansas Department of Labor.
Journeyman License: The Board will issue two licenses:
- Journeyman electrician license
- Residential journeyman electrician license
Master Electrician License: The Board will issue three licenses:
- Residential master electrician license
- Air conditioning electrician license
- Industrial maintenance electrician license
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet the following qualifications:
- Has up to five years of trade experience
- Holds a valid and current master electrician license
- Successfully pass the Arkansas Business and Law Exam

California

Licenses Issued Through: Electrical Contractors’ State Licensing Board
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: The Board will issue the following licenses with these qualifications:
- Residential electrician license – at least 4,800 hours of work experience
- Voice-data-video technician – at least 4,000 hours of work experience
- Fire/life technician – at least 4,000 hours of work experience
- Non-residential lighting technician – up to 2,000 hours of work experience
Master (General) Electrician License: You must have up to 8,000 hours of work experience in the installation, construction, or maintenance of electrical systems.
Electrical Contractor License:
- You must have successfully passed the written exam.
- You must provide proof of technical know-how, fiscal responsibility, integrity, and experience.

Colorado

Licenses Issued Through: Colorado State Electrical Board
Apprentice: Mandatory registration with the Board.
Journeyman License: You must have up to 4 years of experience in the installation, wiring, and repairs of electrical apparatus and equipment.
Master Electrician License: You must meet one of these qualifications:
- An electrical engineer graduate with up to one year of experience in the construction industry
- Graduated from an electrical trade school with up to four years of trade and successfully passed the written exam
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet these qualifications:
- You must successfully pass the National Electric Code (NEC) open-book exam.
- If you’re an individual contractor, you must be a licensed master electrician.
- If you’re an entity, you must have employed at least one master electrician.

Connecticut

Licenses Issued Through: Electrical Board of Occupational Licensing
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: You must have met one of these qualifications:
- Completed a four-year on-the-job training
- Completed a 576-hour education in the relevant field of instruction
Electrical Contractor License: You must have up to two years of journeyman experience.

Delaware

Licenses Issued Through: Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Electrical Examiners
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman (Master Electrician Limited) License:
- You must meet these qualifications:
  - Up to three years of trade experience OR completed at least a two-year education plus one year of practical experience
  - Successfully pass the written exam
- The Board will also issue two other licenses:
  - Limited electrician – restricted to air conditioning, signs, oil burners, overhead, and underground primary distribution mechanisms
  - Limited special electrician – restricted to residential wiring alone
Master Electrician (General) License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Up to six years of trade experience, comprised of four years of education and two years of practical experience
- Successfully pass the written exam
Electrical Contractor License:
- You must be a licensed master electrician.
- License is issued through the Delaware Division of Revenue.

District of Columbia

Licenses Issued Through: District of Columbia Board of Industrial Trades
Apprentice: Licensing is required.
Journeyman License: You must have up to 8,000 hours of apprenticeship.
Master Electrician License: You must have passed the master licensure exam.
Electrical Contractor License: You must either be a master electrician or have employed at least one master electrician.

Florida

Licenses Issued Through: State Board of Electrical Examiners and various local jurisdictions
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.
Electrical Contractor License:
- You must have registered with the state unless expressly stated otherwise.
- You may also opt to apply for a state license through the State Electrical Licensing Board.
- Specialty electrical contractor licenses:
  - Alarm contractors I and II
  - Lighting maintenance specialty
  - Sign specialty
  - Residential
  - Limited energy
  - Utility line

Georgia

Licenses Issued Through: Board of Electrical Contractors and Construction Industry Licensing Board
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: No license is required if you are employed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Electrical Contractor License:
- License is issued to individual contractors only.
- You must successfully pass the required exams.

Hawaii

Licenses Issued Through: Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman (Worker) License: You must have up to five years (10,000 hours) of experience in electrical wiring work.
Master Electrician (Supervising Electrician) License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Supervising residential (general) electricians – up to four years of journeyman experience
- Supervising industrial electrician – up to four years of journeyman industrial electrician experience
Electrical Contractor License: You must successfully pass the exam given by the Contractors Licensing Board.

Idaho

Licenses Issued Through: Division of Building Safety
Apprentice: You must register with the Division of Building Safety – Electrical Bureau.
Journeyman License: You must meet one of these qualifications:
- Up to four years (8,000 hours) of experience as an apprentice electrician
- Completed 576 hours of classroom instruction
- Specialty electrician licenses – up to two years of experience in the area of specialization
Master (Journeyman) Electrician License: You must meet these qualifications:
- At least four years of journeyman experience
- Successfully passed the master journeyman licensure exam
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Successfully pass the required exams
- Must have been hired as a journeyman
- Holds at least a two-year valid journeyman or master electrician license

Illinois

Licenses Issued Through: Local-level licensing boards
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.
Electrical Contractor License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.

Note: A separate license is mandatory for firms that deal with the installation and maintenance of burglar alarms and fire systems.

Indiana

Licenses Issued Through: Local-level licensing boards
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.
Electrical Contractor License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.

Iowa

Licenses Issued Through: Department of Public Safety, Electrical Licensing, and Inspection
Apprentice: Licensing is required, along with the unclassified persons.
- Unclassified persons – people who aid licensed electricians but have no intention of applying for apprenticeship programs
Journeyman License: You must have completed the apprenticeship program.
Special Electrician License: The Board has placed special authorization for a certain cadre of work such as:
- Wiring irrigation systems
- Connecting and disconnecting the refrigeration and air conditioning systems
- Sign installer
Master Electrician License:
- You must have at least one year of journeyman experience.
- Other master-level licenses issued:
  - Residential master electrician
  - Residential electrician
  - Special residential electrician
Electrical Contractor License:
- You must have a valid Class A or Class B master electrician license.
- The Board also issues a residential contractor license.

Kansas

Licenses Issued Through: Local-level licensing boards
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: You must successfully pass the Prometric Journeyman Electrician exam.
Master Electrician License: You must successfully pass the Prometric Master Electrician exam.
Electrical Contractor License: You must have successfully passed the Prometric Master Electrician exam

Note: No state-level licensing board, but passing the Prometric (Block & Associates) exam opens the door for statewide jurisdiction.

Kentucky

Licenses Issued Through: Kentucky Electrical Licensing
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman (Electrician) License:
- You must meet one of these qualifications:
  - At least four years of trade experience
  - Completed a Department-approved electrician training program or at least two years of trade experience
- Successfully pass the journeyman licensure exam
Master Electrician License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Up to six years of trade experience
- Completed an approved training program or at least two years of field experience
- Successfully pass the master licensure exam
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Completed an approved training program
- At least two years of field experience
- Successfully pass the required board exam.

Louisiana

Licenses Issued Through: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: You must have completed at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience and at least 1,000 hours of classroom instruction.
Electrical Contractor License:
- License is required if you perform tasks that are valued in excess of $50,000.
- Separate licenses are issued for contractors engaged in fire and burglar alarms.
- You must provide proof of technical qualifications, fiscal responsibility, work experience, and test scores.

Maine

Licenses Issued Through: Maine Electrician’s Examining Board
Apprentice: Licensed is required, along with electrician helpers.
Beginning Electrician:
- Local-level licensing boards will determine the necessity of this license.
- You must meet these qualifications:
  - Experience in electrical wiring repairs and installations
  - Work under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master electrician.
Journeyman License:
- You must have up to five years (1,000 hours) of experience under a master electrician.
- The Board also issues a journeyman-in-training license which requires you to work in either of the following:
  - Under a master electrician
  - In an electrical company
  - As a limited electrician
Master Electrician License: The Board gives the necessity of license issuance to the local-level licensing boards.
Electrical Contractor License: The Board gives local-level licensing boards the authority to receive and evaluate contractor applications.
- Applications may come from the following people:
  - Proprietors of contracting business
  - Representative of the partnership
  - Board chairman or CEO on behalf of the business

Maryland

Licenses Issued Through: County-level licensing boards (e.g., Montgomery, Kent, and Frederick)
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: County-level licensing boards will set the requirements and issue the license.
Master Electrician License:
- License is issued at the state level, with the aim to access the requisite local electrician license.
- You must meet these qualifications:
  - Up to seven years of journeyman experience
  - Have worked under the direct supervision of a master electrician
Electrical Contractor License: County-level licensing boards will set the requirements and issue the license to contractors.

Massachusetts

Licenses Issued Through: State Examiners of Electricians
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman (Certificate B) License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Up to four years (8,000 hours) of experience as an apprentice electrician
- Have worked under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman
- Successfully pass the required written exam
Master Electrician (Certificate A) License:
- Granted to companies or individuals alike
- You must meet these qualifications:
  - Up to one year of journeyman experience
  - Successfully pass the required written exam
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet the qualifications for the following types of contractor licenses:
- Certificate C
  - Issued to systems contractors
  - Up to one year of experience as a licensed systems technician
  - Successfully pass the required exam
- Certificate D
  - Issued to systems technicians who provide services in security, fire warning, and other systems that consume a moderate amount of power
  - Successfully pass the required exam

Michigan

Licenses Issued Through: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Apprentice: You must be registered with the State of Michigan or through local authorities.
Journeyman License: You must successfully pass the required written exam.
Master Electrician License: You must successfully pass the required written exam.
Electrical Contractor License:
- You must meet these qualifications:
  - If you’re an individual, you must hold a valid master electrician license.
  - If you’re an entity, you must employ at least one licensed master electrician.
  - You must successfully pass the required written exam.
- The Department also issues two specialty contractor licenses:
  - Fire alarm contractor
  - Sign specialty contractor

Minnesota

Licenses Issued Through: Minnesota Board of Electricity
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: You must meet the qualifications for the following types of journeyman licenses:
- Journeyman electrician
  - Up to four years of experience in the installation and repair of apparatus, electrical wiring, and numerous equipment
  - Successfully pass the required written exam
- Installers
  - Completed post-secondary electrician or relevant program
  - Up to one year of work experience
  - Successfully pass the required written exam
- Maintenance electrician
  - Up to four years of experience in the maintenance and repair of electrical equipment and wiring
  - Successfully pass the required written exam
Master Electrician License: You must meet one of these qualifications:
- Graduated from a four-year approved program plus one year of journeyman experience
- At least five years of experience in planning, supervising, layout, and installing wiring, equipment, and apparatus
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet these qualifications:
- If you’re an individual, you must hold a valid master electrician license.
- If you’re an entity, you must employ at least one licensed master electrician (Class A or B).

Mississippi

Licenses Issued Through: Local-level licensing boards (e.g., Jackson)
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.
Master Electrician License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.
Electrical Contractor License:
- Contractors who possess state business licenses may attain licensure at the local level.
- You must meet these qualifications:
  - Up to two years of any business activity as an electrical contractor
  - Secure a Certificate of Responsibility from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors for private jobs valued in excess of $100,000 and projects worth $40,000 or more

Missouri

Licenses Issued Through: Local-level licensing boards (e.g., Louis County and Kansas County)
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.
Master Electrician License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.
Electrical Contractor License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.

Montana

Licenses Issued Through: Montana State Electrical Board
Apprentice: You must register with the Montana Department of Labor and train under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician.
Journeyman License:
- You must meet these qualifications:
  - Up to four years of experience as an apprentice electrician
  - Successfully pass the licensure exam
- The Board also issues a residential electrician license.
  - Up to four years of experience as an apprentice OR two years of experience in construction
Master Electrician License:
- You must meet one of these qualifications:
  - Up to five years of experience in planning, layout, and supervising electrical construction
  - For graduates of trade schools, up to four years of experience
- Successfully pass the required written exam
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Either you or your employee must be a licensed journeyman or master electrician
- Provide proof of know-how in unemployment laws and workers’ compensation

Nebraska

Licenses Issued Through: State of Nebraska, State Electrical Division
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License:
- You must meet one of these qualifications:
  - Up to four years of trade experience
  - Up to three years of trade experience plus completion of a post-secondary electrician program
- The Division also issues a residential journeyman electrician license.
  - Up to three years of trade experience; OR,
  - Up to two years of trade experience plus completion of a post-secondary electrician program
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet one of these qualifications:
- Graduated from a four-year electrical engineering program plus one year of journeyman experience
- Up to five years of experience in planning, layouts, supervising, or installation of equipment, apparatus, and wiring

Nevada

Licenses Issued Through: Nevada State Contractors Board
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.
Electrical Contractor License:
- You must successfully pass the required written exam.
- Sub-classification of contractor licenses:
  - Integrated ceilings
  - Electrical wiring
  - Low-voltage systems
  - Fire detection
  - Residential wiring
  - Electricity transmission lines
  - Photovoltaics

New Hampshire

Licenses Issued Through: New Hampshire Electricians Examining Board
Apprentice: You must register with the Board.
Journeyman License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Up to two years of experience as an apprentice electrician OR completed an approved electrician program
- Successfully pass the required oral and written exams
Master Electrician License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Up to two years of experience as an apprentice electrician OR complete a Board-approved electrician program
- Successfully pass the required oral or written exam

New Jersey

Licenses Issued Through: New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Register with the Board
- Up to 8,000 hours of experience as an apprentice and 576 hours of classroom instruction
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Up to five years of experience in electrical construction and installation
- Successfully pass the required written exam
- Obtain the necessary business permit from the Board

New Mexico

Licenses Issued Through: New Mexico Electrical Bureau
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: You must successfully pass the required written exam and meet the required experience:
- Electrical – four years
- Electrical distribution systems, such as transmission lines – two years
- Electrical signs and outline lighting – two years
- Cathodic and lightning protection – two years
- Sound, inter-communication, and electrical alarm systems – two years
- Residential – two years
- Telephone communications systems – two years
Electrical Contractor License: You must have up to four years of construction trade experience and meet the required experience for the specialization:
- Residential – two years
- Electrical – four years
- Electrical distribution systems plus transmission lines – four years
- Electrical signs/outline lighting – four years
- Cathodic and lightning protection – two years
- Sound, inter-communication, and electrical alarm systems – two years
- Telephone communications systems – two years

New York

Licenses Issued Through: Various regulatory bodies
- Local-level licensing boards – journeymen and contractors
- For New York City – Department of Buildings
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Master Electrician License (NYC): You must meet one of these requirements:
- B.S. Engineering graduate with up to 3 ½ years of experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician
- Completed an approved electrician program plus 5 ½ years of experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician
- At least 7 ½ years of experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician

Note: License holders can practice in all five boroughs: Staten Island, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.

North Carolina

Licenses Issued Through: State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirement and issue the license.
Electrical Contractor License:
- You must successfully pass the required exams
- Types of licenses you can apply for:
  - Limited (electrical projects not exceeding $10,000)
  - Intermediate (electrical projects below $50,000)
  - Unlimited (no limits imposed)
  - Single-family dwelling (limited)
  - Special restrictions

North Dakota

Licenses Issued Through: North Dakota State Electrical Board
Apprentice: Submit your details to the Board within six months of being employed as an apprentice.
Journeyman License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Up to four years of work experience
- Completed at least a one-year approved electrician program
- Successfully pass the required written exam
Master Electrician License: You must meet these qualifications:
- At least five years of work experience, with one of those years working as a journeyman electrician
- Successfully pass the required written exam
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet these qualifications:
- At least two years of journeyman experience OR four years as a Class B electrician
- Successfully pass the required written exam
- If you specialized in residential wiring and farmstead, at least three years of experience is required

Ohio

Licenses Issued Through: State of Ohio Department of Commerce
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: Only recognized in Hamilton and Middletown, with their local licensing boards setting the requirements.
Electrical Contractor License:
- Required for contractors taking on commercial projects
- You must meet successfully pass the required written exam and meet either of these experience requirements:
  - At least five years of relevant field experience
  - If you’re an engineer, at least three years of experience in the construction trade

Oklahoma

Licenses Issued Through: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board
Apprentice License: You must register with the Board.
Journeyman License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Completed the 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 900 hours of classroom instruction
- Successfully pass the licensure exam
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet these qualifications:
- At least 4,000 hours of journeyman experience
- Successfully pass the required exam by the State Board of Examiners

Oregon

Licenses Issued Through: Building Codes Agency
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License:
- You must meet these qualifications:
  - At least four years of experience as a general electrician
  - Successfully pass the required written exam
- Types of specialty limited journeyman licenses:
  - Limited maintenance electrician
  - Limited residential electrician
  - Limited journeyman stage electrician
  - Limited journeyman elevator electrician
  - Limited journeyman energy electrician
Master Electrician (Limited Supervising) License: You must have at least four years of journeyman and trade experience.
Electrical Contractor License:
- Issued by the Construction Contractors Board to individuals and corporates alike
- You must have worked under the direct supervision of a licensed supervisory electrician.

Pennsylvania

Licenses Issued Through: Local-level licensing boards
Journeyman License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.
Master Electrician License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.
Electrical Contractor License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.

Rhode Island

Licenses Issued Through: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: You can apply for any of these types:
- Journeyperson electrician
- Electrical sign installer
- Fire alarm installer
- Oil burner person
- Lightning protection installer
Electrical Contractor License: You can apply for any of these types:
- Electrical contractor
- Electrical sign contractor
- Fire alarm contractor
- Oil burner contractor
- Lightning protection contractor

South Carolina

Licenses Issued Through: South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.
Electrical Contractor License:
- Required for contractors taking on projects in excess of $17,500 or more
- You must successfully pass the required written exam.

South Dakota

Licenses Issued Through: South Dakota State Electrical Commission
Apprentice: You must register with the Commission.
Journeyman License: You must meet these qualifications:
- At least four years of experience, with 18 months of those years spent in an approved electrician program
- For Class B licenses:
  - License is restricted to the farmstead and residential wiring
  - At least 18 months of experience is required
Electrical Contractor License: You must have at least six years of experience, with two of these years working as a journeyman.

Tennessee

Licenses Issued Through: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Electrician License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Completed 8,000 hours of apprenticeship and 500 hours of classroom instruction
- Successfully pass the business and law or electrical exam
Electrical Contractor License:
- Mandatory license for projects exceeding $25,000 and Issued by the Department of Commerce and Insurance
- You must successfully pass the electrical contractor and business law exams.
- If you want to take on a project below $25,000, you must hold a valid limited electrician license unless you belong to a county with its own inspection and licensing regimes.

Texas

Licenses Issued Through: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations
Apprentice: Licensing is required, along with electrical sign apprentices.
Journeyman License:
- You must meet these qualifications:
  - At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience
  - Successfully pass the required written exam
- These requirements apply to journeyman sign electricians as well.
Master Electrician License:
- You must meet these qualifications:
  - At least 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician
  - Holds a valid journeyman license for at least two years
- The Department also issues residential wireman licenses.
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Holds a master electrician license or has employed a licensed master electrician
- It also applies to electrical sign contractors.

Utah

Licenses Issued Through: Utah Department of Commerce
Apprentice: Submit your details to the Department.
Journeyman License: You must meet these qualifications:
- At least four years of relevant work experience
- Has been registered as an apprentice for six years
- Successfully pass the required practical and written exams
Master Electrician License: You must successfully pass the licensure exam and meet either of these experience requirements:
- At least eight years of experience, with four of those years spent in apprenticeship
- B.S. Electrical Engineering graduate plus one year of relevant trade experience
Electrical Contractor License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Employ a licensed master electrician
- Successfully pass the required written exam

Vermont

Licenses Issued Through: Vermont State Electrical Licensing Board
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License:
- You must meet these qualifications:
  - Completed the apprenticeship program or equivalent training
  - Successfully pass the required written and oral exams
- The Board also issues these Type S (specialty) journeyman electricians licenses:
  - Automatic gas or oil heating
  - Outdoor advertising
  - Refrigeration or air conditioning
  - Appliance and motor repairs
  - Well pumps
  - Farm equipment
  - Other miscellaneous areas of specialized competence
Master Electrician License: You must meet these qualifications:
- Holds a valid journeyman electrician license for at least two years
- Successfully pass the required written and oral exams

Virginia

Licenses Issued Through: Virginia Board for Contractors
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman (Tradesman) License: You must meet these qualifications:
- At least four years of work experience and 240 hours of classroom instruction
- Successfully pass the required licensure exam
Master Electrician License: You must meet these qualifications:
- At least one year of journeyman experience
- Successfully pass the required licensure exam
Electrical Contractor License: You must hold a valid license, either a Class A, B, or C.

Note: Local-level licensing boards may opt to not subject journeymen and masters to take the exam.

Washington

Licenses Issued Through: Washington Department of Labor and Industries
Apprentice: You must register with the state and regularly report your work hours annually.
Journeyman License: You must meet one of these qualifications:
- Completed an approved apprenticeship program
- At least four years working under a licensed journeyman electrician
- At least two years working under a licensed journeyman plus completing a two-year electrician program
- Received military training in electrical contracting
Master Electrician License: You must hold a master specialty or master journeyman electrician license.

West Virginia

Licenses Issued Through: West Virginia State Fire Marshal
Apprentice: Not eligible for licensing.
Journeyman License: You must have at least four years of trade experience.
Master Electrician License:
- You must have at least five years of trade experience.
- Types of master-level specialty licenses:
  - HVAC electrician
  - Electric sign electrician
  - Single-family dwelling electrician
  - Low-voltage – fire and burglar alarm system electrician
  - Elevator electrician
Electrical Contractor License:
- Provides several license classifications, each with tailored licensure exams
- You also have to comply with the requirements from the following:
  - Worker’s Compensation
  - Bureau of Employment Services
  - Division of Tax and Revenue

Wisconsin

Licenses Issued Through: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Apprentice (Beginning Electrician License): You must work under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master electrician.
Journeyman License: You must have at least five years of experience under the direct supervision of a master electrician.
Master Electrician License: Local-level licensing boards set the requirements and issue the license.
Electrical Contractor License: The Department gives local-level licensing boards the authority to receive and evaluate contractor applications.
- Applications may come from the following people:
  - Proprietors of contracting business
  - Representative of the partnership
  - Board chairman or CEO on behalf of the business

Wyoming

Licenses Issued Through: Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety
Apprentice License: You must register with the Electrical Board and enroll in an approved apprenticeship program.
Journeyman License:
- You must meet these qualifications:
  - At least four years (8,000 hours) of work experience
  - Successfully pass the licensure exam
- Types of specialty licenses: low-voltage license and limited technician license
  - Requires at least 4,000 hours of work experience
Master Electrician License: You must meet these qualifications:
- At least eight years (16,000 hours) of work experience
- Successfully pass the licensure exam
Electrical Contractor License:
- You must be a licensed master electrician or have employed one in your company.
- Types of specialty contractor licenses: low-voltage contractor and limited contractor

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