How to Get a Philadelphia Electrical Contractor License

Philadelphia licenses electrical contractors at the city level. You need four years of experience, eight hours of approved NEC coursework, and a passing score on ICC Exam 211.

Experience and coursework

The experience requirement is four years of electrical work for a company licensed by a local or state jurisdiction. Two years of electrical education count as one year of experience, for up to two of the four years.

Your eight hours of NFPA 70 coursework must come from a provider approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.

One exam: ICC Exam 211

Take the Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) Standard Master Electrician exam, ICC 211. Calculations are included. There's no separate load-calculation or Business and Law exam.

The ICC Philadelphia bulletin (updated March 2026) still lists the 2020 NEC. Aim for 75%: ICC's passing-score page sets 70% for most trade exams and 75% for its Master Electrician exam.

Book your exam through Pearson VUE, ICC's testing company. The ICC test-site rules allow bound books with ink notes, highlighting, and permanent tabs. Leave loose papers, study guides, and removable tabs at home. Bring government-issued photo ID that matches your registration and a basic, nonprogrammable calculator. If you fail, the retest rule makes you wait ten days.

What to file with the City

You don't need insurance or City business accounts to take the exam. File these with your license application after you pass.

• Business accounts: a Philadelphia tax account for Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT) and a Commercial Activity License.
• Insurance: general liability of $500,000 per occurrence and auto liability of $300,000. Workers' compensation limits are $100,000 per accident, $100,000 per employee, and $500,000 per policy.
• Supporting records: photo ID, employment verification, coursework proof, and exam results. Under the exam-result rule, your exam must match the current Philadelphia code, or you must apply within 12 months of passing.

The L&I checklist has the full document list. Apply online through eCLIPSE, or in person by appointment.

Renewal and EV chargers

To renew each year, show your NFPA 70 coursework from the past license period and keep your insurance and City taxes current.

Since July 1, 2026, the contractor on any permit that includes an EV charger must have a valid Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certification. See the City's EVITP requirement.

The Philadelphia Electrical Code is the 2020 NEC with City amendments. Your license doesn't replace electrical permits and inspections.