Electrical Licenses 101: What You Need to Know

Electricians provide vital services in the construction industry — literally powering projects and keeping the lights on for the entire country. To be able to provide those services, electricians go through a substantial amount of training. They also obtain electrical licenses to prove that they’re up-to-date on their skills and can do their jobs properly.

Each state has slightly different requirements that professional electricians need to achieve to get and maintain their licenses. What are those requirements? Are there different types of electrician licenses? And how can you get started?

We’ll start with the basics.

What is an electrician license?

An electrician license demonstrates you’ve completed training, obtained certifications, and have the skills necessary to perform safe electrical work.

Every state has different routes to an electrician’s license (we’ll talk more about that in a moment!), but all licenses will require knowledge of the NEC, or the National Electric Code.

To get and maintain a valid electrical license, you’ll need a certain amount of experience, a background check, and liability insurance if your jurisdiction requires it. You’ll also need to pass an exam and commit to continuing your education.

Do I really need an electrician’s license?

Short answer? Yes.

In many states, an electrician’s license is legally required for you to work on a site. And if it isn’t required at the state level, it’s definitely required on a county or municipality basis.

Some states may offer reciprocity or an agreement that lets electrical professionals from another state work in both regions with a minimum of additional paperwork.

What types of electrical licenses can I get?

Your state will probably offer three different levels of electrical licenses. They include:

• Apprentice licenses, which are for trainees that perform electrical work only under direct supervision;
• Journeymen licenses, which are for fully-trained professionals that have fewer restrictions than apprentices but still work with master electricians; and
• Master electrician licenses, which represent the highest level of licensure and allow license holders to supervise jobs and train apprentices.

How can I get an electrical license in my state?

Each state has a specific electrician license system. Heading to your state’s board of electricians or department of labor is a good first step to take on your route to a valid electrician’s license. We’ll provide some state-by-state examples below!

• Maryland issues master electrician licenses through the Maryland State Board of Master Electricians. Apprentice and journeymen licenses are available on a county-by-county basis.
• Pennsylvania does not have a statewide license system. Instead, each municipality requires specific certification. On a statewide level, however, working electricians must comply with the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.
• Delaware requires electrical licensure through the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners. This board offers many licenses, including apprentice, journeyman, limited, master, and master special levels.
• North Carolina requires journeyman electrical licenses at the municipality level. The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors also oversees electrician license requirements.

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