Most electricians move through the same ladder: apprentice, then journeyman (journeyperson in some places), then master. A journeyman can do electrical work independently. A master license usually adds more experience and responsibility, and in many states it is what an electrical contractor needs on staff. The exact requirements for each step, however, are set by each state.
This guide explains the difference in plain English, then lists every verified official fact we hold that mentions journeyman or master electrician licenses, so you can compare the steps in your state. The explanations are ours. The requirements are quoted, with sources.
Chart sources (experience hours):
- Utah electrician: 16,000 — Journeyman (experience route): 16,000 hours of supervised licensed electrical experience. (Individual worker license (UT DOPL)) — source: journeyman-electrician.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
- Michigan electrician: 8,000 — Journeyman: 8,000 hours and 4 years as an electrical apprentice. (Individual worker license (MI Bureau of Construction Codes)) — source: mi_bcc_electrical.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
- Nebraska electrician: 8,000 — Journeyman: at least four years (8,000 hours) of verifiable electrical experience. (Individual worker license (NE State Electrical Division)) — source: Journeyman Electrician | Nebraska State Electrical, verified 2026-10-18
- Delaware electrician: 8,000 — Journeyperson by exam: at least 8,000 hours of supervised full-time electrical experience. (Individual worker license (DE Board of Electrical Examiners)) — source: Journeyperson Electrician - Division of Professional Regulation - State of Delaware, verified 2026-10-18
- British Columbia electrician: 6,000 — Construction Electrician: 6,000 hours work-based training; 40 weeks technical training over 4 years. (Individual worker certificate) — source: Electrician, Construction | SkilledTradesBC, verified 2026-10-18
- Alberta electrician: 1,560 — 4-period apprenticeship: 1,560 hours work experience in periods 1–2 and 1,500 hours in periods 3–4 (each ~1 year). (Individual worker certificate) — source: Tradesecrets - Electrician, verified 2026-10-18
Chart sources (application fee):
- New Mexico electrician: $75 — Journeyman reciprocity: submit application, copy of license and $75 to PSI. (Individual worker license (NM Construction Industries Division)) — source: Construction Industries - NM Regulation and Licensing Department, verified 2026-10-18
- Tennessee electrician: $50 — Initial LLE application fee $50. (Individual worker license (TN Limited Licensed Electrician)) — source: limited-licensed-electrician-lle.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
At a glance
| Jurisdiction | Trade | Verified facts on this topic | Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Electrician | 3 | view |
| Alaska | Electrician | 1 | view |
| Arkansas | Electrician | 2 | view |
| Colorado | Electrician | 1 | view |
| Delaware | Electrician | 1 | view |
| Maine | Electrician | 5 | view |
| Maryland | Electrician | 2 | view |
| Michigan | Electrician | 2 | view |
| Minnesota | Electrician | 2 | view |
| Nebraska | Electrician | 1 | view |
| New Hampshire | Electrician | 1 | view |
| New Jersey | Electrician | 1 | view |
| New Mexico | Electrician | 2 | view |
| New York | Electrician | 1 | view |
| North Dakota | Electrician | 3 | view |
| Ohio | Electrician | 1 | view |
| Texas | Electrician | 5 | view |
| Utah | Electrician | 2 | view |
| Washington | Electrician | 1 | view |
| Wyoming | Electrician | 2 | view |
| British Columbia | Electrician | 1 | view |
| Nunavut | Electrician | 1 | view |
| Quebec | Electrician | 4 | view |
| Yukon | Electrician | 1 | view |
United States
Alabama
What the official Alabama pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Alabama electrician requirements.
- Exam: The Board offers online examination and licensing for journeyman electricians. (Individual worker license (AL Electrical Contractors Board)) — source: Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors, verified 2026-10-18
- Fees: Journeyman electrician exam fee $115. (Individual worker license (AL Electrical Contractors Board)) — source: al_aecb_how_to_get_licensed.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
- Fees: License fees: Electrical Contractor $150, Journeyman $35. (Contractor & journeyman licenses (AL Electrical Contractors Board)) — source: al_aecb_how_to_get_licensed.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
Alaska
What the official Alaska pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Alaska electrician requirements.
- License levels: A state Electrician Trainee Certificate of Fitness is required to earn hours toward a Journeyman COF. (Individual worker certificate (AK Dept. of Labor Certificate of Fitness)) — source: ak_dol_mechanical_inspection.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
Arkansas
What the official Arkansas pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Arkansas electrician requirements.
- License levels: License classes: master, journeyman, residential master, residential journeyman, air conditioning, and industrial maintenance electrician. (Individual worker license (AR Board of Electrical Examiners)) — source: electrical-inspection-and-licensing.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
- Reciprocity & endorsement: Arkansas has Master License reciprocal agreements with Oregon and North Dakota. (Individual worker license (AR Board of Electrical Examiners)) — source: electrical-inspection-and-licensing.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
Colorado
What the official Colorado pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Colorado electrician requirements.
- Continuing education: Master, Journeyman and Residential Wireman: at least 24 hours of CE per three-year license period (not required at the first renewal after passing the exam). (Individual worker license (CO State Electrical Board)) — source: co_electrical_ce.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
Delaware
What the official Delaware pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Delaware electrician requirements.
- Experience / hours: Journeyperson by exam: at least 8,000 hours of supervised full-time electrical experience. (Individual worker license (DE Board of Electrical Examiners)) — source: Journeyperson Electrician - Division of Professional Regulation - State of Delaware, verified 2026-10-18
Maine
What the official Maine pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Maine electrician requirements.
- Experience / hours: Journeyman: 8,000 hours as a licensed apprentice/helper plus 576 hours of approved study. (Individual worker license (ME Electricians’ Examining Board)) — source: me_journeyman_electrician.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
- Experience / hours: Master: 4,000 hours as a journeyman or 12,000 hours of electrical experience, plus 576 hours of study. (Individual worker license (ME Electricians’ Examining Board)) — source: me_master_electrician.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
- Reciprocity & endorsement: Master Electrician reciprocity: New Hampshire and Vermont. (Individual worker license (ME Electricians’ Examining Board)) — source: me_master_electrician.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
- Reciprocity & endorsement: Journeyman reciprocity: New Hampshire, Vermont, North Dakota, Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming. (Individual worker license (ME Electricians’ Examining Board)) — source: me_journeyman_electrician.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
- Fees: Biennial renewal fee $150 (Master); $20 for Senior Master (over 70). (Individual worker license (ME Electricians’ Examining Board)) — source: me_master_electrician.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
Maryland
What the official Maryland pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Maryland electrician requirements.
- License levels: Master or Journeyman license is a two-step process; first step is passing the PSI exam. (Individual worker license (MD State Board of Master Electricians)) — source: Taking the Exam - Maryland State Board of Electricians - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, verified 2026-10-18
- Reciprocity & endorsement: Maryland offers reciprocal Master and Journeyperson electrician license applications. (Individual worker license (MD State Board of Master Electricians)) — source: Licensing Applications - Maryland State Board of Electricians - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, verified 2026-10-18
Michigan
What the official Michigan pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Michigan electrician requirements.
- Other notes: Journeyman: at least 20 years old. (Individual worker license (MI Bureau of Construction Codes)) — source: mi_bcc_electrical.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
- Experience / hours: Journeyman: 8,000 hours and 4 years as an electrical apprentice. (Individual worker license (MI Bureau of Construction Codes)) — source: mi_bcc_electrical.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
Minnesota
What the official Minnesota pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Minnesota electrician requirements.
- Exam: Master electrician: a written exam must be passed before applying for the license. (Individual worker license (MN DLI)) — source: Electrical licensing basics | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, verified 2026-10-18
- Renewal: Master electrician licenses expire on the last day of February of each odd-numbered year. (Individual worker license (MN DLI)) — source: Electrical licensing basics | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, verified 2026-10-18
Nebraska
What the official Nebraska pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Nebraska electrician requirements.
- Experience / hours: Journeyman: at least four years (8,000 hours) of verifiable electrical experience. (Individual worker license (NE State Electrical Division)) — source: Journeyman Electrician | Nebraska State Electrical, verified 2026-10-18
New Hampshire
What the official New Hampshire pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: New Hampshire electrician requirements.
- Continuing education: Journeyman and Master: 15 hours of CE every code cycle. (Individual worker license (NH Electricians Board)) — source: electricians-board.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
New Jersey
What the official New Jersey pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: New Jersey electrician requirements.
- Experience / hours: Exam applicants: 4-year USDOL-approved apprenticeship plus 1 additional journeyman year. (Contractor license (NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors)) — source: nj_elec_faq.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
New Mexico
What the official New Mexico pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: New Mexico electrician requirements.
- Reciprocity & endorsement: Journeyman reciprocity (EE-98J, 8,000 hours) accepted from AK, AR, CO, ID, MT, NE, OK, SD, TX and WY. (Individual worker license (NM Construction Industries Division)) — source: Construction Industries - NM Regulation and Licensing Department, verified 2026-10-18
- Fees: Journeyman reciprocity: submit application, copy of license and $75 to PSI. (Individual worker license (NM Construction Industries Division)) — source: Construction Industries - NM Regulation and Licensing Department, verified 2026-10-18
New York
What the official New York pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: New York electrician requirements.
- Experience / hours: NYC Master/Special Electrician: at least 7 years of experience within the 10 years before applying (alternatives exist for engineering degrees and registered apprenticeships). (City-level rule (NYC)) — source: Obtain a: Master & Special Electrician License - Buildings, verified 2026-10-18
North Dakota
What the official North Dakota pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: North Dakota electrician requirements.
- Fees: Journeyman annual renewal fee is $25. (Individual worker license (ND State Electrical Board)) — source: North Dakota State Electrical Board - Electrician's License Renewal & Requirements, verified 2026-10-18
- Reciprocity & endorsement: Part of a multi-state reciprocal licensing group (NERA) for Master and Journeyman electricians. (Individual worker license (ND State Electrical Board)) — source: North Dakota State Electrical Board - Reciprocal License Agreements & Requirements, verified 2026-10-18
- Reciprocity & endorsement: Reciprocity experience: 8,000 hours for a Journeyman and 10,000 hours for a Master. (Individual worker license (ND State Electrical Board)) — source: North Dakota State Electrical Board - Reciprocal License Agreements & Requirements, verified 2026-10-18
Ohio
What the official Ohio pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Ohio electrician requirements.
- License levels: OCILB issues state contractor licenses, also called Master Licenses, for electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics and refrigeration. (Contractor license (Ohio OCILB, commercial)) — source: oh_ocilb_home.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
Texas
What the official Texas pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Texas electrician requirements.
- Continuing education: Journeyman electrician: 4 hours of continuing education per license cycle. (Individual worker license) — source: Renew a Journeyman Electrician License, verified 2026-10-18
- Renewal: Journeyman Electrician licenses are valid one year and renewed annually; renewal fee $30. (Individual worker license) — source: Renew a Journeyman Electrician License, verified 2026-10-18
- Renewal: Master Electrician licenses are valid one year and renewed annually; renewal fee $45. (Individual worker license) — source: Renew a Master Electrician License, verified 2026-10-18
- Fees: Master electrician renewal fee: $45 (non-refundable). (Individual worker license) — source: Renew a Master Electrician License, verified 2026-10-18
- License levels: An Electrical Contractor license needs a Master Electrician of record (who may also be the owner). (Contractor license) — source: Apply for a New Electrical Contractor License, verified 2026-10-18
Utah
What the official Utah pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Utah electrician requirements.
- Experience / hours: Journeyman (experience route): 16,000 hours of supervised licensed electrical experience. (Individual worker license (UT DOPL)) — source: journeyman-electrician.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
- Exam: Pass the Utah Journeyman Electrician Written exam and the Utah Electrician Practical exam. (Individual worker license (UT DOPL)) — source: journeyman-electrician.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
Washington
What the official Washington pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Washington electrician requirements.
- Other notes: Electrical contractor license: valid UBI number, $4,000 bond or assignment of savings, and a designated master electrician or administrator. (Contractor license) — source: Electrical Licensing, Exams & Education, verified 2026-10-18
Wyoming
What the official Wyoming pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Wyoming electrician requirements.
- Reciprocity & endorsement: Journeyman reciprocity: AK, AR, CO, ID, ME, MN, MT, NE, NH, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, IA and UT. (Individual worker license (WY Dept. of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety)) — source: Licensing, verified 2026-10-18
- Reciprocity & endorsement: Master Electrician reciprocity: Idaho, South Dakota and Iowa. (Individual worker license (WY Dept. of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety)) — source: Licensing, verified 2026-10-18
Canada
British Columbia
What the official British Columbia pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: British Columbia electrician requirements.
- Is a state/provincial license required?: Skilled Trades Certification (compulsory) trade: must be a registered apprentice, certified journeyperson, or registered Trade Qualifier / Uncertified Experienced Worker. (Individual worker certificate) — source: Electrician, Construction | SkilledTradesBC, verified 2026-10-18
Nunavut
What the official Nunavut pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Nunavut electrician requirements.
- License levels: Journeypersons may be certified with or without the Interprovincial Red Seal. (Individual worker certificate (Nunavut, all designated trades)) — source: apprenticeship-trade-occupations-certification.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
Quebec
What the official Quebec pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Quebec electrician requirements.
- Experience / hours: Journeyperson certificate (CCC) via a MTESS qualification certificate: recognized training program plus at least 8,000 hours of experience in the trade. (Individual worker certificate (CCQ, applies to all construction trades)) — source: Compagnon, verified 2026-10-18
- License levels: CCQ journeyperson route for holders of a MTESS qualification certificate (electrician, refrigeration systems, plumbing, heating). (Individual worker certificate (CCQ, applies to all construction trades)) — source: Compagnon, verified 2026-10-18
- Fees: CCQ journeyperson certificate fee: $100 (where applicable). (Individual worker certificate (CCQ, applies to all construction trades)) — source: Compagnon, verified 2026-10-18
- Renewal: A journeyperson active in the 14 months before the renewal date is renewed automatically. (Individual worker certificate (CCQ, applies to all construction trades)) — source: Compagnon, verified 2026-10-18
Yukon
What the official Yukon pages say, quoted from our reviewed record. Full details: Yukon electrician requirements.
- License levels: Completing the apprenticeship earns a Certificate of Qualification (certified journeyperson). (Individual worker certificate (Yukon, all designated trades)) — source: apprenticeship-program.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
Which one do you need?
If you'll work for someone else, a journeyman license is usually the goal. If you plan to pull permits, supervise others or run a contracting business, check whether your state requires a master electrician. The facts above show where an official page says so. See also how to become an electrician and electrician license requirements by state.
How to use this guide
- Every fact above links to the official page it came from, with the date we checked it. Rules change — confirm with the board before you apply or pay.
- To check whether a specific person or company holds a license, use our license lookup (TX, CA, WA, OR, NY and Québec RBQ data) or the board's own search.
- Moving between states or provinces? See the electrician reciprocity matrix and our Red Seal guide.
FAQ
What do journeyman and master electrician licenses require in Alabama?
The Board offers online examination and licensing for journeyman electricians. (Individual worker license (AL Electrical Contractors Board)) — source: Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors, verified 2026-10-18
What do journeyman and master electrician licenses require in Alaska?
A state Electrician Trainee Certificate of Fitness is required to earn hours toward a Journeyman COF. (Individual worker certificate (AK Dept. of Labor Certificate of Fitness)) — source: ak_dol_mechanical_inspection.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
What do journeyman and master electrician licenses require in Arkansas?
License classes: master, journeyman, residential master, residential journeyman, air conditioning, and industrial maintenance electrician. (Individual worker license (AR Board of Electrical Examiners)) — source: electrical-inspection-and-licensing.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
What do journeyman and master electrician licenses require in Colorado?
Master, Journeyman and Residential Wireman: at least 24 hours of CE per three-year license period (not required at the first renewal after passing the exam). (Individual worker license (CO State Electrical Board)) — source: co_electrical_ce.pdf, verified 2026-10-18
What do journeyman and master electrician licenses require in Delaware?
Journeyperson by exam: at least 8,000 hours of supervised full-time electrical experience. (Individual worker license (DE Board of Electrical Examiners)) — source: Journeyperson Electrician - Division of Professional Regulation - State of Delaware, verified 2026-10-18
What do journeyman and master electrician licenses require in Maine?
Journeyman: 8,000 hours as a licensed apprentice/helper plus 576 hours of approved study. (Individual worker license (ME Electricians’ Examining Board)) — source: me_journeyman_electrician.pdf, verified 2026-10-18