Electrician Licenses and Certifications: What You Need to Start a Business

If you’re an ambitious electrician looking to start your own business, understanding licensing and certification requirements is one of the important first steps you need to take.

Knowing how to get your electrician license and the type of certifications you need will ensure your business operates legally, safely, and competitively in your local market. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the key electrician licenses and certifications, including state-mandated apprentice, journeyman, and master licenses. We’ll also discuss how to get an electrician’s license, along with common requirements. 

Let’s dive in.

State-Level Electrician Licenses

In the U.S., electrician licensing is primarily handled at the state level. While requirements vary by state, the general progression for electricians includes four key license types:

Apprentice Electrician License

The apprentice electrician license is the starting point of a professional electrical career.

In most states, apprentices do not need a license to begin working, but need to register with the state or a local agency. Registration ensures that apprentices are working under the direct supervision of licensed electricians and accumulating necessary hours of on-the-job training and classroom education. Some states also require apprentices to pass an aptitude or entrance exam to join a registered program. 

Typical apprentice electrician license requirements include:

• Registering as an apprentice with the appropriate state, city, or local licensing authority.
  
  
• Working under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician.
  
  
• Completing 4,000 to 8,000 hours of supervised work experience (varies by state and license type).
  
  
• Completing 500 to 1,400 hours of classroom and lab instruction.
  
  
• Passing an aptitude or entrance exam (required in some states or programs).
  
  

Licensing authorities vary widely by state. For example, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development governs electrical licensing in Alaska, while in Idaho, the Division of Building Safety is the proper authority.

Journeyman Electrician License

Journeyman is the next level in electrician licensing. Electricians at this level are qualified to perform most electrical work independently. However, they are not yet authorized to run their own contracting business without additional licensing.

To become a journeyman, electricians must complete their apprenticeship, accumulate many training hours on the job, and pass a licensing exam. Required training hours typically range from 6,000 to 8,000 aside from time spent in the classroom. 

Some states offer different classifications for residential or commercial journeyman electricians, each with specific requirements.

For instance, Colorado requires 8,000 hours of fieldwork and 288 hours of classroom training, or a two-year degree plus 6,000 hours of experience, to sit for the journeyman exam. Nevada, on the other hand, offers both general journeyman and residential journeyman licenses, with residential licenses requiring about 2,000 fewer hours of documented experience.

Typical journeyman electrician license requirements include:

• Completion of a registered apprenticeship program.
  
  
• Accumulation of 6,000 to 8,000 hours of hands-on experience.
  
  
• Completion of 240 to 600 hours of classroom or lab instruction.
  
  
• Successful passing of a state or local journeyman licensing exam.
  
  
• License renewal requirements may include continuing education credits.
  
  

Master Electrician License

Master electricians are the highest level of licensed electricians. At this level, electricians are authorized to design electrical systems, pull permits, supervise journeymen and apprentices, and operate an electrical contracting business.

To become a master electrician, candidates must have several years of experience as a journeyman (typically 2-5 years). However, this depends on the jurisdiction. They must also pass a comprehensive master electrician exam covering complex electrical codes, design, and safety standards.

Requirements can differ significantly by state or even local jurisdiction.

For example, Nevada’s Clark County allows journeymen to advance to master electrician status by meeting specific experience requirements and passing an exam, while Maine requires journeymen to gain at least four years of experience before applying for the master license.

Some states, like Maryland, only offer a master electrician license at the state level, with journeyman and apprentice levels managed locally.

Typical master electrician license requirements include:

• Hold a journeyman electrician license for 2 to 5 years.
  
  
• Accumulate an additional 2,000 to 4,000 hours of advanced electrical work experience.
  
  
• Pass a master electrician exam (includes advanced code, systems design, and safety).
  
  
• Comply with ongoing continuing education for license renewal.
  
  
• Obtain business registration if operating as an independent contractor.
  
  

Electrical Contractor License

In order to legally bid, contract, and advertise for electrical work, many states require electricians to obtain an electrical contractor license. This is on top of a journeyman or master electrician license.

Contractor licensing requires familiarization with state construction laws, insurance, bonding, financial responsibility, and overall business competency.

Typical electrical contractor license requirements include:

• Holding a current journeyman or master electrician license (varies by state and local jurisdiction).
  
  
• Meeting a minimum number of years of field experience (often 4–5 years).
  
  
• Passing a business and law or contractor license exam.
  
  
• Providing proof of general liability insurance and surety bonding.
  
  
• Registering a business entity with the state (in states requiring business registration).
  
  
• In some states, the license type may be classified by project size (e.g., residential, commercial, unlimited).
  
  

Note that state contractor licensing boards, departments of commerce, or consumer affairs offices often issue contractor licenses (ex. Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board, New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors).

Some states, like Oregon and Washington, also require separate licenses for electrical contractors and for individual electricians, often issued by two different agencies. 

In states with local licensing authority like New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, municipalities may set their own contractor licensing requirements, including specialty, residential, and commercial licenses.

Certain states, like Utah, do not offer a separate electrical contractor license. Instead, master electricians may operate as contractors without additional license but still must comply with local business registration and insurance requirements.

National Certifications 

Electrician licensing in the U.S. is primarily a state-level requirement, with each state implementing its own specific licensing process and requirements. While all states use the National Electrical Code (NEC) as a national standard for electrical safety, individual state jurisdictions adopt it with their own variations and interpretations.

Here are some national certifications available for electricians:

Electrical Project Management Institute (EPMI) Certification 

The EPMI Certification, offered by the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), is designed for professionals managing electrical projects. It focuses on enhancing leadership, budgeting, scheduling, and safety compliance skills for successful project delivery.

Prerequisites:

• Several years of electrical industry experience in management or leadership roles.
  
  
• Completion of EPMI training modules, including online or in-person courses.
  
  
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical codes, standards, and safety regulations.
  
  
• Submission of application, resume, and professional references for review.
  
  
• Degree in electrical engineering, construction, or a related field.
  
  

Certified Electrical Safety Technician (CEST)

The CEST certification by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) validates expertise in NFPA 70E safety standards. It equips technicians to assess risks, implement control measures, and ensure compliance in electrical workplaces.

Prerequisites:

• Five years of electrical work or safety experience, or equivalent education.
  
  
• Completion of 40-hour NFPA 70E safety course or approved equivalent.
  
  
• Comprehensive exam covering safety standards, hazards, and risk assessments.
  
  
• Familiarity with electrical concepts and NFPA 70E standard applications.
  
  
• Commitment to the NFPA code of ethics and continuing education requirements.
  
  

Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP)

The CESCP certification from NFPA is aimed at professionals overseeing electrical safety compliance. It confirms proficiency in NFPA 70E and safe work practices to prevent workplace hazards.

Prerequisites:

• Five years of electrical or safety-related professional work experience.
  
  
• Bachelor’s degree reduces required work experience to three years total.
  
  
• Completion of 40 hours electrical safety education within the past three years.
  
  
• Passing exams on safety standards, risk assessments, and safe practices.
  
  
• Adherence to NFPA certification code of ethics and renewal guidelines.
  
  

Certified Electrical Safety Worker (CESW)

The CESW certification by NFPA validates a worker’s competence in electrical safety practices. It ensures understanding of NFPA 70E and OSHA requirements to manage risks effectively.

Prerequisites:

• 40 hours NFPA 70E-aligned safety training within the last three years.
  
  
• OSHA 30-hour construction or general industry safety course completion required.
  
  
• Three years of electrical field work or safety-related job responsibilities.
  
  
• Application with employment verification, training, and experience documentation.
  
  
• Passing exam assessing knowledge of safety standards, hazards, and controls.
  
  

Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

The CEM certification by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) is globally recognized for energy management expertise. It covers energy efficiency, utility systems, and project management, optimizing sustainability and cost savings.

Prerequisites:

• Four-year engineering degree with three years energy management experience.
  
  
• Without a degree, ten years verified energy management work experience is required.
  
  
• Completion of AEE-approved CEM training seminar before exam eligibility.
  
  
• Passing the CEM exam covering energy systems, sustainability, and project management.
  
  
• Certification renewal every three years through continuing education credits.
  
  

Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

The CAP certification from the International Society of Automation (ISA) validates professionals’ skills in automation and control systems. It covers system design, implementation, and management, ensuring industry safety and efficiency standards.

Prerequisites:

• Bachelor’s degree plus five years industrial automation work experience.
  
  
• Associate degree with seven years automation and control systems experience.
  
  
• Ten years industrial automation experience required without a degree.
  
  
• Experience must include designing, programming, or maintaining automation systems.
  
  
• Passing CAP exam covering systems integration, project management, and maintenance.
  
  

LEED Green Associate

The LEED Green Associate certificate by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) certifies foundational knowledge of green building practices. It focuses on sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship across industries.

Prerequisites:

• Candidates must be at least 18 years old at application.
  
  
• No formal experience required; green building familiarity recommended.
  
  
• LEED Green Associate exam prep course is recommended, not mandatory.
  
  
• Understanding of LEED rating system and sustainability core concepts.
  
  
• Register and pay the exam fee via tbe USGBC website (rates may vary).
  
  

Photovoltaic (PV) Installer Certification

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Photovoltaic Installer Certification validates skills in solar panel system installation. It ensures adherence to safety standards, best practices, and NEC compliance for PV professionals.

Prerequisites:

• 58 hours advanced PV training, including 40 hours NABCEP-approved courses.
  
  
• Documented experience installing at least 10 PV projects or 6 months work.
  
  
• OSHA 10-hour construction safety card or equivalent proof required.
  
  
• Understanding NEC standards as applied to photovoltaic system installations.
  
  
• Passing the PVIP exam and adhering to the NABCEP code of ethics.
  
  

Fire Alarm Systems Certification (NICET)

The Fire Alarm Systems Certification, offered by National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), is a multi-level credential designed for engineering technicians involved in the layout, installation, inspection, testing, and servicing of fire alarm systems.

Covering codes, detectors, supervision, and power requirements, this certification ensures technicians have the skills to design, install, and maintain compliant, reliable fire alarm systems. NICET offers four levels of certification, with online and computer-based exam options available.

Prerequisites:

• Work experience in fire alarm systems design, installation, or maintenance roles.
  
  
• Passing relevant NICET exam(s) corresponding to desired certification level.
  
  
• Completion of documented work history meeting NICET’s industry-specific experience requirements.
  
  
• Personal recommendation required for Levels III and IV certification levels.
  
  
• Certification must be renewed every three years via Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
  
  

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) Certification

The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) is a nationally recognized certification for electricians installing electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

Developed in collaboration with automakers, utilities, and equipment manufacturers, EVITP ensures certified professionals are equipped with technical skills and industry knowledge, including customer relations, utility interconnect requirements, safety protocols, and advanced EV charging technologies.

Prerequisites:

• State-licensed electrician or 8,000 hours of verified electrical construction experience.
  
  
• Completion of EVITP’s 20-hour comprehensive training course and passing final exam.
  
  
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, OSHA, and EVSE installation best practices.
  
  
• Understanding of EV battery specs, grid integration, and utility interconnect policies.
  
  
• Ability to install, troubleshoot, and commission Level 1-4 charging equipment safely.
  
  

Electrical License Renewal and Continuing Education

Most states require electricians to renew their licenses typically every 1–3 years. This includes completing continuing education hours focused on updates to the National Electrical Code, safety standards, and state-specific regulations. Always check with your state’s licensing board for the latest renewal requirements and approved continuing education providers.

Conclusion

The path to running your own electrical business starts with the right licenses and certifications. From apprentice and journeyman licenses to master electrician and electrical contractor licenses, staying compliant ensures you can operate legally while protecting your business and your customers.

Electricians who invest in national and specialized certifications can stand out in competitive markets by expanding their service offerings.

As your business grows, keeping up with license renewal requirements and continuing education will help you stay ahead of changing codes and standards.

Investing in your (and your team’s) education is a smart move. So is investing in tailored tools for the trade that help you eliminate inefficiencies and mistakes.

Workyard offers electrician software with streamlined features for construction and trade professionals like GPS time tracking, scheduling, smart forms, and job costing. Check out how we can help you eliminate time theft and increase your bottom line. Try Workyard free for 14 days now!

References

Teal. “Best Certifications for Electricians in 2025 (Ranked)” Accessed May 14, 2025.

NICET. “Fire Alarm Systems – NICET.” Accessed May 14, 2025.

EVITIP. “Training | EVITP” Accessed May 14, 2025.