Montana electrical license renewal takes 16 hours of continuing education (CE, also called CEUs), the approved classes licensed electricians take to keep a license, every 2 years. At least 8 of the 16 must cover NEC updates, meaning what changed in the newest National Electrical Code (NEC). Licenses renew by July 15 of even-numbered years, so the next deadline is July 15, 2028. The Montana State Electrical Board sets the hours in ARM 24.141.2102 and on its CE page.
| Quick facts | Montana electrician CE |
|---|---|
| Hours | 16 per 2-year renewal cycle, with no yearly minimum |
| Cycle and deadline | Renew by July 15 of even-numbered years. Renewal opens 60 days before. |
| Required topics | At least 8 hours on NEC updates. The rest can be other subjects tied to the electrical trade. |
| Who needs it | Every active licensee, including residential, journeyman and master electricians |
| Online allowed | The rule sets no classroom minimum. The course just has to be approved. |
| Reporting | Approved providers make your hours viewable online within 30 days. You keep your certificates in case of an audit. |
| JCR approval | JCR classes are approved in Montana by reciprocity, based on JCR's approvals in other states |
Montana electrical continuing education: how many hours?
Sixteen hours during each 2-year renewal cycle. You can take them all in one month or spread them out.
- 8 or more on NEC updates. The other hours can cover any approved electrical-industry subject.
- No basic classes. Basic electrical or apprentice-level courses don't earn credit.
- First renewal after an apprenticeship: new graduates of an approved apprenticeship program skip CE for their first renewal.
- Moving up a license level: going from journeyman or residential to a higher license doesn't exempt you.
Need Montana CE hours? JCR CE classes are $230 for 8 hours, in Raleigh, Asheville, Mooresville (Charlotte area) or live on Zoom, plus a bonus 8-hour online video course. JCR CE is approved in 20+ states, and Montana accepts JCR classes by reciprocity.
Add Montana State Reporting ($25) so JCR reports your hours to Montana.
Which courses count for Montana electrical CE?
Two kinds of courses count:
- Montana-approved courses. The Department gives each one an approval number. Search them at Find Approved Continuing Education.
- Courses approved by a reciprocal state. Montana honors CE approved by a state it has a reciprocal licensing agreement with, or courses it finds substantially equivalent (about the same as its own).
Your completion certificate must show your name, the course title, the date, the approval number and how many hours were NEC or industry. Hang on to it. The Board can audit CE at any time.
How does Montana electrical license renewal work?
- Finish 16 hours before July 15 of the even-numbered year, with 8 or more on NEC updates.
- Check your hours with the Board's Check Your CE Credits tool.
- Renew online once renewal opens, 60 days before July 15.
- Print or download your license. Montana no longer mails a hard card.
The system runs 24/7, but staff aren't there after 5:00 p.m. A last-minute renewal can run into late fees. All fees are non-refundable.
Montana electrician CE questions
How many CE hours do I need to renew a Montana electrical license?
Sixteen hours each 2-year cycle, with at least 8 on NEC updates, done before you renew by July 15 of the even-numbered year.
Does Montana have a yearly electrical CEU minimum?
No. You can earn all 16 hours at any point in the 2-year cycle.
Do Montana electrical CE hours have to be in a classroom?
The rule sets no classroom minimum. The course must be approved by Montana or by a state Montana has a reciprocal licensing agreement with.
Do new journeymen need CE for their first Montana renewal?
Not if they just graduated from an approved apprenticeship program. Electricians moving up from journeyman or residential to a higher license still need all 16 hours.
Montana CE from JCR
JCR's Montana page says Montana approves JCR workshops by reciprocity, because JCR is an approved provider in other states.
- Sign the Montana roster when you arrive at class.
- Write your Montana license number on it.
- Add Montana State Reporting ($25) to your order.
One 8-hour class covers 8 of your 16 hours.
More Montana guides
Sources
- ARM 24.141.2102, continuing education
- Board CE requirements
- Board renewal process
- Montana State Electrical Board
- Approved CE and CE credit lookup
Last checked October 21, 2026, against ARM 24.141.2102 and the Board's CE and renewal pages.