Electrician License Requirements By State

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 650,500 working electricians in the United States in 2021. The Bureau also anticipates that as the market expands, people change careers, or retire, there will be around 85,000 job openings for electricians each year.

Only some electricians are authorized to work unattended and independently. Because of this, various electrician licenses specify the kinds and levels of operations an electrician is permitted to provide.

Not all states, but the majority of them, mandate that electricians have a license to practice. Since municipal rules may still be in effect even when there are no state obligations in Illinois, Indiana, or Kansas, you should make sure you are in compliance. Additionally, you should be aware that every jurisdiction has its specifications for various license types, so you should research them before submitting an application for your own.

Irrespective of whether you’re a beginner who still don’t know about how to start an electrical business or a business owner, consultant, or self-employed electrician, you should consider recommended insurance products that cover your company in addition to the licenses that are necessary. Before reviewing the insurance plans that electrician professionals require, let’s take a closer look at the many electrician license requirements and the fundamental license criteria for each.

Requirements for an Apprentice Electrician License

• Before applying for a license, you must fulfill a few requirements if you want to work as an electrician. Typically, an apprenticeship, a trainee program, or a college degree are those professional career path options that drives individual’s way to become an electrical estimator or an assistant or technician in the field of electrical engineering.
• Aspiring electricians often choose an Associate Degree in Electrical Technology as their entry-level degree. It requires two years to complete and enables students to look for work once they graduate. But lots of people decide to go back to school and get an engineering degree.
• To become an electrician, you do not need a formal education. Programs for apprenticeships might help you get started in the industry.
• Depending on the official nomenclature in your state, an apprentice or trainee can begin their training after graduating from high school. Your high school program should assist you in obtaining an apprentice license that will enable you to locate an apprenticeship program if it offers both practical learning and classroom education for becoming an electrician.
• Even without prior vocational experience, you can enroll in one of these programs, but you will need to devote a little more to the classroom in addition to your on-the-job training. It should be noted that you can seek your learning license either before or after being accepted into an apprenticeship program.
• Because apprenticeship programs are a valuable method to locate help for apprentices and senior electricians and identify talent early on, employers occasionally finance them. Apprenticeships are also supported by several organizations, like the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), which also support apprenticeships.
• Apprentices operate under the guidance of an experienced electrician during their four-year apprenticeships. 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom training are provided in a single year.

Requirements for a Journeyman Electrician License

• To qualify for a journeyman license, electricians must meet standards specific to their state, and in some areas, additional testing requirements apply. You need to have at least four years (or 8,000 hours) of verified experience working under the supervision of a licensed electrician, as well as the necessary in-class training to be eligible for a journey-level electrician license.
• Depending on your state or local standards, you may also need to pass a test given by your state’s licensing board or a nationally renowned organization like the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Get in touch with your local government office to find out more information, including eligibility requirements, costs, and testing specifications, get in touch with your local government office.
• You should also be aware that you must complete a set amount of continuing education hours and renew your license, typically every year or after two years, dependent on the state requirements.

Requirements for a Master Electrician License

• The highest degree of electrical licensing is a master electrician license. Along with performing home and commercial electrical work, a master electrician can also oversee other electricians.
• You need to have at least eight years of experience working as a master electrician under another master electrician’s supervision in order to be eligible for a master electrician license. Additionally, you typically need to hold a journeyman electrician license for at least two years before applying for a master electrician license.
• After completing these requirements, you can apply for the master electrician license exam. Keep in mind that your knowledge must be verified using specific forms. When your state or local laws mandate it, you must renew your master electrician license just like you must with your journey-level license.

Requirements for Contractor Certification

• It’s important to remember that a certificate cannot take the place of a license, and you must have a license to operate as an electrician. You need to have a journeyman or master electrician license first, and you must pass an exam given by your state’s or city’s licensing board in order to get a contractor’s certificate.
• Before you may apply for a contractor’s license, most states additionally demand that you have a particular amount of experience working as a certified electrician. To be qualified for a contractor certificate, you typically need to have at least four years of documented work experience.
• To become certified to launch your electrical contracting firm, you may need to hire at least one master electrician in several areas. You will also need evidence of insurance to launch your firm because a contractor certificate functions similarly to a business license. Some states demand that you present insurance certificates and specific policy limits within 30 days of receiving your contractor license.

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What Types of Insurance Coverage Ought Electrician Contracting Companies Have?

It’s no secret that electrical consulting businesses are at a higher end of the risk scale for legal liability and litigation. Working in the field, typically on construction sites, poses risks of injury or damage to other people’s property. Correct insurance coverage can be essential for shielding your business from such claims’ potentially disastrous financial repercussions of such claims.

Let’s examine the regulations experts say every electrician contractor ought to have.

General liability insurance

A general liability insurance policy is needed for any electrical contracting company. This coverage can defend against many claims, such as third-party property damage or personal injury. Libel and slander lawsuits and other personal injury claims are covered. It also covers some product liability lawsuits, but you should speak with a broker to be sure you have the appropriate level of protection.

For instance, other contractors on the same project as you may file a claim against your business for damages if you or one of your employees harms their equipment. The expense of your legal defense and any settlement or judgments rendered against you may be partially covered by your general liability insurance.
A contractor’s E&O policy

Professional mistakes happen to everyone, but an electrician’s misstep can be particularly harmful. A client may file a lawsuit against you for damages if you unintentionally overload a circuit board or cause a malfunction that harms appliances. Such a claim may result in a settlement that pays the client for the cost of replacing any damaged installations and electronic equipment.

Your client may file a lawsuit against you for breach of contract if you fail to deliver what you agreed to by the deadline set forth in the agreement you signed with them. E&O, or professional liability insurance, can shield you from lawsuits claiming carelessness, breach of contract, and other offenses.

Insurance for workers’ compensation

Worker’s compensation insurance is another crucial insurance plan for companies that contract electricians. Let’s say one of your workers is hurt at work. Their medical costs and lost pay during the time they have been unable to work can be covered by worker’s compensation insurance.

Except for Texas, most states mandate that companies with at least one employee have worker’s compensation insurance. But depending on the state, certain businesses are free from carrying worker’s compensation insurance.

Even if the state legislation in your state does not require worker’s compensation for a company like yours, it is still a good idea to have this coverage in place to shield your company from the financial effects of workplace accidents.

Owners of businesses policy (BOP)

Consider purchasing separate insurance for these exposures if you need more coverage. Small businesses looking to combine commercial basis, property, and business interruption coverage into one package might consider a business owners policy (BOP). If your company qualifies for a BOP, you can save money on these coverages by buying a package policy. Consider purchasing separate insurance for these exposures if you need more coverage.

If you had property insurance, you would be compensated if something happened to your property, such as an office where you run your business or a warehouse where you keep your equipment. If a covered risk forces the temporary closure of the business, business interruption insurance will compensate for the lost revenue and other costs.

Working with a knowledgeable insurance agent is crucial when choosing a BOP for your company to ensure that you’re getting the insurance you require. The best BOP for your company will rely on your unique demands since not all BOPs are created equal.

Business auto insurance

You must make sure you have business insurance in place if your electrical contracting firm requires automobiles to move tools, equipment, or materials. When one of your workers is driving for work, commercial auto insurance can assist shield your company from the financial repercussions of accidents, vehicle damage, and injuries.

Additionally, it covers losses brought on by theft, vandalism, or extreme weather. If you or a member of your staff is at fault for a collision, the coverage also covers damage done to other people’s cars.

As the business owner, your assets are protected, but your workers and any other operators you use for work-related purposes are also secured by commercial auto insurance. You must have comprehensive coverage for your work vehicles since commercial vehicles regularly encounter a greater variety of risks than personal automobiles.

Contact one of our knowledgeable brokers if you require more details on the coverage you must buy for your contracting business. If you’re prepared to obtain estimates online, you may get started by registering on the digital hub of Embroker.