Introduction To Journeyman Electrician Certification Requirements
Embarking on the path to obtaining a Journeyman electrical license involves navigating a complex landscape of prerequisites, examinations, and qualifications. In the United States, each state sets its unique criteria for what aspiring electricians must accomplish to sit for the Journeyman electrician examination. These criteria often encompass a blend of educational achievements, hands-on experience through apprenticeships or direct work, and a comprehensive understanding of the NEC (National Electric Code).
The journey toward licensure typically entails completing an approved apprenticeship program or accumulating specific hours of on-the-job training (OJT). Additionally, a portion of your preparation will likely involve formal education in electrical theory and the NEC. Qualifying to take your state’s examination is the first critical step; successfully passing this examination certifies you as a journeyman electrician, ready to tackle the electrical challenges of the modern world.
Journeyman Electrical License Reciprocity Agreements
Once you’ve obtained your license, it’s worth noting that many states have reciprocal agreements allowing electricians to practice across state lines without undergoing another licensing examination. These agreements facilitate the mobility of skilled electricians, acknowledging the universal need for their expertise while respecting the nuances of state-specific regulations. For more detailed information on this, refer to our comprehensive guide on Journeyman Electrical License Reciprocity.
Preparing for Your Journeyman Electrician Examination
Preparing for and passing the Journeyman electrician examination is a testament to your dedication and skill in the electrical trade. This exam not only tests your knowledge of the NEC but also assesses your understanding of electrical theory and practical application. Success in this examination solidifies your status as a journeyman electrician, marking a significant milestone in your professional journey.
| State | Journeyman State Requirements | Licensing Website | Licensing Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 8000 OJT Hours. May Subsitute 1000 hours for evey year of approved school or apprenticeship training up to 2000 hours. (E.g Having 6000 hours and two years of schooling) | Website | Application |
| Alaska | 8000 OJT Hours. Minimum 6000 in commercial or industrial settings. Up to 1000 hours of in school learning count towards the 8000 | Website | Application |
| Arizona | No statewide license. Refer to local municipality | - | - |
| Arkansas | Completion of a 4 year apprenticeship OR 16000 hours (8 years). Complex requirements for masters and industrial licensing. Refer to pages 21-25 in this PDF. | Website | Application |
| California | Completion of apprenticeship, electrician trainee program, OR 8000 OJT. School or apprenticeship NOT required. Refer to (A)(2) in application. | Website | Application |
| Colorado | 8000 OJT in no less than 4 years, 4000 minimum in commercial / industrial. 288 classroom hours for those registered as apprentices | Website | Online Application Portal (Must have a registered account) |
| Connecticut | Completion of apprenticeship, OR 8000 hours OJT and "proof of equivalent trade-related education". No minimum school hours speicifed. Refer to website. | Website | Application |
| Delaware | (1) Be at least 20 years of age (2) Completion of apprenticeship OR 8000 hours OJT Refer to Section 1408 (5) | Website | Online Application Portal (Refer to website instructions to continue) |
| Florida | No statewide license. Refer to local municipality. | - | - |
| Georgia | No statewide license. Refer to local municipality | - | - |
| Hawaii | 5 years experience with no less than 10,000 hours in residential or commercial AND 240 hours of approved academic coursework | Website | Application (scoll to bottom) |
| Idaho | (1) Completion of 4 year apprenticeship AND 8000 OJT hours OR (2) Notarized documentation of 16000 OJT | Website | Application |
| Illinois | No statewide license. Refer to local municipality | - | - |
| Indiana | Licensing requirements at the discretion of each local municipality. | - | - |
| Iowa | Completion of apprenticeship program OR completed approved post-secondary program with 6000 OJT hours and 2000 classroom training hours. | Website | Application |
| Kansas | No statewide license. Refer to local municipality. | - | - |
| Kentucky | Completion of an apprenticeship with 576 classroom hours OR 3 years experience and associates degree in electrical technology at Kentucky Community OR 6 years experience with notarized letters to verify. Reference | Website | Application |
| Louisiana | No statewide license. Refer to local municipality | - | - |
| Maine | 8000 OJT hours and completion of program comprising of 576 clasroom hours. Other ways of qualifying for exam can be seen here. | Website | Application |
| Maryland | (1) Four years experience OR (2) Written proof of 3 years work experience under master electrician(?) OR (3) completion of apprenticeship program with 8000 OJT hours and 576 classroom hours. Worded oddly refer to link. | Website | According to website: If you meet criteria,contact PSI Exams for application. |
Massachusetts | High School Diploma, 600 hours classroom hours, 4 years with 8000 OJT hours. Background check required. Refer here | Website | Application (Scroll down to bottom) |
| Michigan | 20 years of age, 8000 OJT hours, 4 years minimum | Website | Application |
| Minnesota | 8000 OJT Hours, Minimum 4 years | Website | Application |
| Mississippi | No statewide license. Refer to local municipality | - | - |
| Missouri | No statewide license. Refer to local municipality | - | - |
| Montana | 8000 OJT Hours OR completion of apprenticeship | Website | Application |
| Nebraska | Four years experience. Up to a year experience credit will be given for completion of qualifying electrical course. If four years experience not in an apprenticeship, restricted license will be given. Refer here for details. | Website | Application |
| Nevada | No statewide license. Refer to local municipalities | - | - |
New Hampshire | 8000 OJT hours. Refer to Elec 302.04 | Website | Application |
| New Jersey | 5 years OJT hours OR 4 year apprenticeship program OR bachelors degree in electrical engineering with two years on the job experience. Reference | Website | Online Portal to Application (Need to register) |
| New Mexico | 8000 OJT Hours | Website (Simply refers you to PSI) | Application (To be submitted to PSI) |
| New York | No state license. Refer to local municipalities | - | - |
| North Carolina | No state license. Refer to local municipalities | - | - |
| North Dakota | 8000 OJT hours. 2000 hours credit may be granted for a two year or more electrical school. | Website | Application |
| Ohio | No state license required. Journeyman license only required in Middletown and Hamilton. | - | - |
| Oklahoma | 8000 OJT Hours, 4000 of those must be in commercial / industrial. Up to 2000 hours can be classroom hours. Reference | Website | Application |
| Oregon | (1) Completion of apprenticeship OR (2) 8000 OJT hours + 576 classroom hours OR (3) 16,000 OJT hours obtained outside of oregon. Reference | Website | Application |
| Pennsylvania | No statewide licensing measures in place | Website | - |
| Rhode Island | 8000 OJT Hours and 576 Classrom Hours | Website | Application |
| South Carolina | No statewide licensing in place. Please refer to local municipaltiy. | - | - |
| South Dakota | 8000 OJT Hours | Website | Application |
| Tennessee | No state license. License depends on municipality. Limited License given out, refer to website | Website | - |
| Texas | Can take exam at 7000 OJT hours, license given at 8000 OJT hours. Experience must be verified by each supervisor using this form (Also attatched on application) | Website | Application |
| Utah | 4 years experience as a licensed apprentice (does not have to be an apprenticeship, just means you are enrolled in school and register with the website) + 576 classroom hours OR 8 years full time experience as a licensed apprentice. Reference | Website | Online Application Portal (Need to be registered) |
| Vermont | Completion of apprenticeship OR "equivalent training and experience." Reference | Website | Application |
| Virginia | Four Years Experience + 240 classroom Hours OR Five years experience + 160 Classroom Hours OR Six years experience + 80 hours classroom hours OR (Continues on. Lots of ways to qualify. Refer to item 15 on application here) | Website | Appliation |
| Washington | 8000 OJT hours, 4000 minimum on commercial or industrial installations. +96 hours classroom instruction. | Website | Online Application Portal |
| West Virginia | One year experience(??Ref1 Ref2 ) OR completion of apprenticeship program | Website | Online Application Portal |
| Wisconsin | (1) Completion of apprenticeship OR (2) 8000 OJT hours over no less than 4 years OR (3) At least 1000 OJT hours a year for 5 years. Each semester spent school counts for 500 hours, up to a max of 2000. Refer to Method 1 (2)(b) on application | Website | Application |
| Wyoming | 4 years, 8000 OJT hours with 144 classroom hours per year OR completion of apprenticeship with 576 classroom hours. Use this form to verify work hours | Website | Online Application Portal |