Electrician Requirements by State: NEC Exams & Continuing Education

Current Exam NEC: 2023 - Moving to 2026 NEC on 1/1/2027

Exam format:

Alabama Electrical Contractor: 110 questions, 5 hours, open book.

Alabama Electrical Journeyman: 80 questions, 4 hours, open book.

Separate Business & Law exam for NASCLA/reciprocity applicants: 40 questions, 2 hours, open book.

See Alabama Board Forms & Testing Info and Prov Alabama Electrical Contractor CIB

The standard contractor exam includes business/law. Its references include the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management and the Alabama Electrical Contractors Supplement to the Contractors Guide to Business, Law & Project Management
See Alabama's official exam & testing details →

CEUs: 14 hours every two years, with 7 of those hours on the NEC Code, for electrical contractors (but not licensed journeymen). You can carry over 6 hours in a two year term.

Method of CEU: classroom or online

Reciprocity: Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio and Virginia

Current exam NEC: 2020

Exam format: Unlimited Commercial Wiring Administrator: 100 questions, 4 hours. Residential Wiring Administrator: 75 questions, 3 hours. Both are open book, require 70% to pass and include Alaska licensing law. Other categories differ. These are administrator licenses, not authorization to perform hands-on electrical work. Check the PSI bulletin for the full reference list.

CEUs: Electrical Administrators - 8 hours every two years based on the current state adopted codes or their later revisions. Electrical Journeymen - 16 hours every two years, including at least 8 hours on the NEC.

Method of CEU: classroom or online

Out-of-state application route: As of August 8, 2025, Alaska accepts journeyman applications from all U.S. states and jurisdictions without requiring a mutual reciprocity agreement. This is not automatic license recognition; applicants must apply and meet Alaska’s current qualifications.

Current exam NEC: Arizona ROC electrical exams currently use the 2017 NEC.

Exam format: Arizona electrical contractor licensing goes through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) The main electrical classifications are C-11 Electrical (Commercial) and R-11 Electrical (Residential); CR-11 combines both scopes. See ROC’s classifications.

The Arizona ROC trade exams are 110 questions, require 70% to pass, and allow 240 minutes.

New applicants generally must also complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE) for the business/law requirement.

CEUs: does not require continuing education for licensed electricians. Some counties have additional requirements for electrical workers.

Reciprocity: No formal statewide reciprocity in Arizona. Contractor (R-11/C-11) applicants may qualify for a trade exam waiver through agreements with California, Nevada, and Utah. Other out-of-state licensees may request a waiver if the Registrar deems their classification comparable.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Arkansas Journeyman and Master exams are 60 questions, open book, 3 hours, 70% to pass— covering the NEC plus Arkansas electrical law.

To run a contracting business on projects of $50,000+, you separately need an Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board electrical license, which has its own Business and Law exam.

CEUs: 8 hours per code cycle (every 3 years) on the current NEC for Master and Journeyman electricians.

Reciprocity: Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming for Journeyman license.

Master Reciprocity: Master licenses from the states above transfer as Journeyman only, except North Dakota, which has Master-level reciprocal agreements.

Exam references: C-10 contractor licensing and DIR electrician certification are separate programs. Check the CSLB C-10 study guide or DIR’s instructions for your exam. A construction-code adoption date does not establish an exam transition.

Exam format: California C-10 Electrical Contractor is 115 multiple-choice questions, 3.5 hours, closed book.

California Law & Business Exam: separate multiple-choice exam, 115 questions, 3.5 hours, closed book.

California-specific business/law questions are covered in the Law & Business exam, including CSLB licensing law, contracts, bonding, insurance, workers’ compensation, safety, business organization, liens, and project/financial management.

See official CSLB Examination Study Guides, CSLB C-10 Electrical Study Guide, and CSLB Law & Business Study Guide.

CEUs: 32 hours every 3 years in courses relevant to your line of work. The 32 hours every 3 years applies to DIR-certified electricians (journeyman, residential, etc.) only. DIR renewal also requires 2,000 hours of work during the preceding three years; see the renewal rule. There are no continuing education hours required to renew a C-10 Electrical Contractor license.

Method of CEUs: Online and classroom courses are accepted.

Out-of-state applicants: Qualifying contractor licensees from Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada or North Carolina may receive a trade-exam waiver. Business & Law is still required. Check CSLB’s classification and eligibility rules; this is separate from DIR electrician certification.

Current exam NEC: 2026, effective August 1, 2026. PSI supplies the codebook and formula page. A 2023 book is available on request until November 1, 2026. See the current PSI bulletin.

Exam format: Colorado Journeyman, Master, and Residential Electrician exams are 90 scored questions with 4 hours allowed, plus unscored questions with 30 additional minutes, open book.

Colorado does not have a separate statewide electrical Business & Law exam, and the main electrician exams are about the NEC and trade-safety rather than contractor business law.

PDUs: 24 PDU’s every 3 years. (Professional Development Unit; Colorado’s equivalent to CEU’s). Colorado requires continuing education in four areas of professional competency: Code Update, Grounding and Bonding, Wiring Methods, and Calculations. At least 4 hours must be related to NEC changes, and a maximum of 4 hours can be related to safety.

Method of PDU: classroom or online

Reciprocity: Colorado has reciprocity agreements for Journeyman licenses with the following states through NERA: Alaska, Arkansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. A Colorado master electrician's license may not be granted by reciprocity.

Current exam NEC: PSI permits the 2020 or 2023 NEC for Connecticut E-1 and E-2. JCR's Connecticut self-study course is built around the 2020 NEC.

E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor: trade exam — 100 questions, 4 hours, open book, 70% to pass. E-1 applicants also take a separate Business & Law exam — 50 questions, 2 hours, open book, 70% to pass — using the Connecticut NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 6th Edition.

E-2 Unlimited Electrical Journeyperson: trade exam — 80 questions, 3.5 hours, open book, 70% to pass. PSI does not list a separate Business & Law exam for E-2.

PSI permits permanent tabs and material highlighted, underlined, or annotated before the exam. Temporary tabs and Post-it notes are prohibited, and candidates may not write in references during the exam. Connecticut DCP determines examination eligibility and licensing.

Continuing education: 4 hours each year for electricians required to complete CE. Confirm the approved course, delivery method, and renewal-cycle rules with Connecticut DCP; JCR is not an approved Connecticut CE provider.

Method: Use only Connecticut-approved continuing-education courses and providers. Confirm whether a course is accepted before enrolling.

Licensing note: Passing an exam does not itself issue a license. Connecticut DCP controls eligibility, applications, experience documentation, fees, and license issuance.

Reciprocity: Connecticut does not currently list reciprocal electrical-license agreements with other states. Confirm directly with DCP before relying on an out-of-state license.

Current exam NEC: Delaware adopted the 2023 NEC effective January 1, 2026, and the Board says electrical exams use the most recent NEC adopted by Delaware. The public ProV bulletin linked by JCR is dated June 24, 2025 and still lists the 2020 NEC. Confirm the authorized exam edition directly with the Board or ProV before scheduling or purchasing materials.

Exam format: Delaware Journeyperson Electrician: 70 questions, 3 hours, open book.

Delaware Residential Electrician: 60 questions, 3 hours, open book.

Delaware Limited Electrician: 70 questions, 3 hours, open book.

Delaware Master Electrician: 80 questions, 3 hours, open book.

Delaware Master Electrician Special - Elevators: 50 questions, 2 hours, open book.

Delaware does not have a separate electrical Business & Law exam, these tests are based on the NEC.

CEUs: 10 hours every two years (every even year); at least 5 must be on the NEC® Code. May not take the same CE course for credit per renewal.

Method of CEU: classroom

Reciprocity: may be given if your current license has licensure standards “substantially similar” to Delaware’s license standards.

Current exam NEC: 2011 with DC amendments

CEUs: does not require continuing education at this time.

Reciprocity: Qualifying Maryland and Virginia Journeyman and Master Electricians may apply without another exam. The original license must have been earned by examination and remain active and in good standing. See the DC Board’s requirements.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Florida Certified Electrical Contractor is a two-part state exam.

Technical/Safety exam: 100 questions, 5 hours, open book, based on NEC.

Business & Finance exam: 50 questions, 2.5 hours, open book. See Candidate Information Booklet.

Local journeyman exams in Florida are not one single statewide format; they vary by county/municipality.

CEUs: Electrical contractors generally need 11 hours every two years; certified electrical contractors performing alarm work also need 2 hours of false-alarm prevention. Alarm and specialty classifications generally need 7 hours. Both hours and subject categories matter. Check your DBPR account and the official renewal requirements, including first-renewal exceptions.

Method of CEU: classroom or online

Endorsement: Florida does not have reciprocal arrangements with additional states, but rather an Endorsement List (which exams are seen as equivalent). Ex: NC Unlimited = FL Unlimited Electrical Contractor.

Florida’s advice on Endorsement: The examination you took to become licensed needs to be substantially similar to the Florida examination. If your state and license are not listed on the Endorsement List it is possible your application will be denied. You may want to consider taking the Florida examination to expedite licensure.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Class I (Restricted) is 140 scored questions + 15 pretest questions over 8 hours total.

Class II (Unrestricted): 162 total questions over 8 hours.

Georgia Regulations, Laws, and Administrative Functions are 30 questions for the Class I, while Technical Functions (NEC) are 110 of the questions.

CEUs: 4 hours every year

Reciprocity: Effective May 2026, the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board states that it does not currently offer electrical-contractor licensure by reciprocity. Follow the Board’s current application and examination instructions.

Current exam NEC: 2020

Exam format: Supervising Electrician, Supervising Industrial, Journey Worker, and Journey Worker Industrial exams are 70 questions, 3 hours, open book.

Supervising Specialty, Journey Worker Specialty, and Maintenance Electrician exams are 50 questions, 2 hours, open book.

The test center supplies the 2020 NEC; your study tabs cannot be used in that supplied book. These are individual electrician exams, separate from contractor licensing. See the PSI bulletin.

CEUs: renewed every three years

Reciprocity: Hawaii does not have reciprocal arrangements with any additional states.

Exam references: PSI permits the 2020 or 2023 NEC for Journeyman and Master exams. Check the current Idaho bulletin for your classification’s complete reference list.

Exam format: Journeyman and Master: 100 questions, 4.5 hours, 75% to pass. Contractor: 100 questions, 4 hours, 70% to pass. These are open-book exams with different reference lists; contractor business material is separate from the Journeyman and Master trade requirements.

CEUs:  Effective 2025, Continuing education is no longer required to renew an Electrical Master or Journeyman license. Please contact the state for further information on the rule change.

Reciprocity: Colorado, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

Current exam NEC: local adoption only; does not have a single statewide adoption of any NEC edition.

Chicago exam reference: The 2018 Chicago Electrical Code, based on the 2017 NEC. A plain NEC book is not the same reference. See Chicago’s testing instructions.

Exam format: no statewide electrician licensing exam. Electrical licensing is local, so exams depend on the city or county.

Chicago Supervising Electrician: written exam administered through Continental Testing Services for the City of Chicago. The exam is open book and based on the Chicago Electrical Code.

CEUs: There are no continuing education requirements currently in place for the state of Illinois; each county may have their own requirements.

Exam NEC: Licensing is local; confirm the tested edition with the city or county. Indiana’s construction-code editions do not establish the reference for every local licensing exam.

Exam format: no single statewide journeyman/master electrician exam. Electrical contractor/journeyman licensing is local, so exams vary by city/county.

CEUs: There is no statewide electrician CE requirement. Check local licensing and renewal requirements.

Reciprocity: no reciprocal arrangements with additional states.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Journeyman exam is 80 scored questions with 3 hours allowed, plus 8 unscored questions with 30 additional minutes, open book. Exams are based on the NEC, and Iowa does not use a separate Business & Finance exam for electricians.

CEUs: 18 hours every 3-year license cycle, with at least 6 hours on the NEC. The remaining hours may also cover the NEC or related electrical installation topics; see Iowa’s CE law. CEUs are not required for Apprentice, Unclassified Person, Special Electrician, Residential Electrical Contractor, and Electrical Contractor licenses.

Method of CEU: classroom attendance only

Reciprocity: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Current exam NEC: local adoption only; does not have a statewide adoption of the NEC. For example, Johnson County tests on the 2017 NEC.

Exam format: no single statewide electrician exam. Licensing is handled locally, so journeyman/master/contractor exam format varies by jurisdiction. Many Kansas jurisdictions use ICC/Prometric-style open-book NEC exams, but the state does not publish one uniform format.

CEUs: no statewide continuing education requirements.

Johnson County: 8 hours every year with at least 4 hours on Code.

Method of CEU: Johnson County accepts approved in-person courses and live interactive Zoom courses that meet its attendance rules. Other Kansas jurisdictions set their own delivery requirements; confirm locally.

Reciprocity: no reciprocal arrangements with additional states.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: The Journeyman Electrician exam is 80 questions, 4 hours, open book.

Master Electrician: 100 questions, 5 hours, open book.

The Kentucky Electrical Contractor Business/Law/Project Management exam for the contractor license has 30 questions, 1.5 hours, open book.

CEUs: Kentucky requires 6 hours for each year of licensure for Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, and Electrical Contractor licensees. License prefixes are CE for Electrical Contractor, ME for Master Electrician and EE for Electrician. Because Kentucky licenses now renew on a biennial schedule, confirm the current renewal-period total and timing with the Department.

JCR completion process: JCR provides a competency quiz before issuing the course completion certificate. This describes JCR’s verification process; students should also follow the Board’s current attendance and documentation rules.

Reciprocity: does not have any reciprocal arrangements with additional states.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Louisiana electrical contractor licensing uses a NEC trade exam plus a separate Business & Law online course through LSLBC.

The electrical NEC trade exam is 80 questions, open book, 4 hours.

CEUs: Residential building contractors must complete 6 CEU hours annually through a board-approved provider. No continuing education is required for commercial electrical contractors.

Reciprocity and exam credit: Louisiana maintains specific reciprocity or examination-endorsement arrangements and may also recognize qualifying NASCLA or prior exam results. It is not a blanket acceptance of electrical trade exams from every state. Confirm eligibility with LSLBC before applying.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Journeyman: 80 questions, 3 hours. Master: 100 questions, 4 hours. Limited House Wiring: 50 questions, 3 hours. Maine laws and rules are included; there is no separate Business & Finance exam. Check the Prov bulletin and confirm which books are permitted for your exam with the Board or Prov before testing.

CEUs: 15 hours on the current NEC every 3-year code cycle. Licenses renew every 2 years.

Reciprocity: Master: New Hampshire and Vermont; Journeyman: Idaho, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Vermont, and Wyoming.

Current exam NEC: 2020

Exam format: Maryland Master Electrician: 90 questions, 4 hours, open book.

Journeyperson Electrician: 70 questions, 3.5 hours, open book.

Maryland does not require a separate electrical Business & Law exam. The PSI exams are based on the NEC, with Maryland laws/rules questions included.

CEUs: Master: 10 hours every 2 years (at least 5 must be in a classroom setting). Journeyperson: 5 hours every 2 years.

Method of CEU: At least 5 hours for a Master Electrician must be completed in a classroom setting. Maryland permits an approved live, interactive virtual class to satisfy the classroom requirement; self-paced online study does not.

JCR completion process: JCR provides a competency quiz before issuing the course completion certificate. This describes JCR’s verification process; students should also follow the Board’s current attendance and documentation rules.

Reciprocity: Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Current exam NEC: 2023

CEUs: 21 hours every 3 years with 15 of those hours related to Massachusetts electrical code, business practices, and state specific regulations. The remaining credits may be on the NEC or other related topics.

Method of CEU: Approved classroom and online instruction may qualify. Confirm approval for the required 15-hour course and follow the separate 6-hour professional-development rules in 237 CMR 17.

Reciprocity: New Hampshire

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Michigan Journeyman Electrician: 80 questions, 2.5 hours, open book.

Michigan Master Electrician: 76 questions, 3 hours, open book.

Michigan does not have a separate electrical Business & Law exam. Michigan electrical law/rules questions are included in the main exam references.

CEUs: 15 hours within 12 months of the state adopting a new NEC. CE is only required when a new code is adopted, not on a fixed cycle. The most recent adoption (2023 NEC) took effect March 12, 2024.

*Michigan has no reciprocal arrangements with additional states.

Current exam NEC: 2023 through September 7, 2026; 2026 beginning September 8, 2026. This exam transition is separate from the August 17 construction-code change. See Minnesota DLI’s dates.

Exam format: Minnesota Class A Journeyworker Electrician: 80 questions, 5.5 hours, open book.

Minnesota Class A Master Electrician: 80 questions, 5.5 hours, open book.

Minnesota Maintenance Electrician: 70 questions, 5.5 hours, open book.

Minnesota does not have a separate electrical Business & Law exam. State rules/code are included in the exam references.

CEUs: 16 hours every 2 years with at least 12 hours on the current code.

Method of CEU: online or in a classroom setting.

Reciprocity: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming

Master: Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota

Current exam NEC: The state-specific Master and Residential Electrician exams both list the 2020 NEC and other approved references. The NASCLA Accredited Electrical exam is a separate route with a different reference list. See the current PSI bulletin.

Exam format: For Mississippi Electrical Contractor license, a NEC trade exam is required, either Mississippi Master Electrical (80 questions, 3 hours, open book) or an accepted NASCLA electrical exam. Residential Electrician: 60 questions, 3 hours, open book. Both state electrical exams require 70% to pass.

Mississippi Business & Law / Management exam: 50 questions, 2 hours, open book. This is required for all MSBOC contractor applicants, in addition to the required trade NEC exam. MSBOC points students to NASCLA’s Mississippi Business and Law study aid/practice exam for prep.

CEUs: 2 hours every year for residential licenses.

Method of CEU: The Board does not mandate the specific courses to be taken by licensed contractors, unless CE has been ordered by the board as a result of a disciplinary hearing.

Reciprocity and exam waiver: Mississippi’s agreements vary by state and trade. Arkansas reciprocity excludes electrical, and the former Louisiana agreement no longer exists, although MSBOC may recognize a qualifying prior exam score. Do not rely on a blanket state list or three-year rule; check MSBOC’s current reciprocity table and obtain approval before assuming an exam waiver.

Exam requirements: Missouri’s optional statewide electrical contractor license accepts several Board-approved exams, not only NASCLA. Confirm the reference edition for the exam you select. Local licensing requirements may differ.

CEUs: no continuing education requirements. However, individual jurisdictions may set electrical licensing requirements.

Method of CEU: Missouri introduced an optional statewide electrical contractor license in 2019, but does not mandate continuing education at the state level. Local jurisdictions may set their own CE and licensing requirements.

Reciprocity: None, although the state board considers reciprocal licenses on a case-by-case basis.

Current exam NEC: 2020

Exam format: Montana Journeyman Electrician: 60 questions, 3 hours, open book.

Montana Master Electrician: 80 questions, 4 hours, open book.

Montana Residential Electrician: 50 questions, 2.5 hours, open book.

Montana does not have a separate electrical Business & Law exam. The exams are trade/code exams with Montana amendments/reference material.

CEUs: 16 hours during each two-year renewal cycle, including at least 8 hours on the current National Electrical Code. Montana does not state this as a separate 8-hour requirement in each individual year.

Method of CEU: Online and classroom settings are accepted.

Reciprocity or equivalency: available only for qualifying journeyman or residential applicants under Montana’s current rules and state list; there is no master-electrician reciprocity. The list and endorsement route have changed recently, so use the current Board application rather than an older state list.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Nebraska uses PSI for Electrical Contractor, Journeyman Electrician, and Residential Wireman exams after Board approval. Use the current candidate bulletin supplied with scheduling eligibility for question counts and time limits. The exam covers the 2023 NEC, basic electrical theory, the Nebraska State Electrical Act, blueprint reading, and emergency circuits.

CEUs: 12 hours during each two-year licensing period, with at least 6 hours on the National Electrical Code.

Method of CEU: Online and classroom settings are accepted.

Reciprocity: Journeyman agreements currently include Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Electrical Contractor reciprocity is limited to Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Texas. Restrictions apply; confirm eligibility before applying.

Current exam NEC: 2017

Exam format: Nevada C-2 Electrical Contractor trade exam: 80 questions, 4 hours, open book.

Nevada Contract Management Survey / Business & Law exam: 60 scored questions plus 3 unscored questions, 126 minutes, open book.

The 2017 NEC applies to the statewide C-2 Electrical Contractor exam through the Nevada State Contractors Board. Journeyman, Master, and Residential Electrician qualification cards are issued by Electrical Safety Professionals (ESP) via ICC exams at Pearson VUE, which currently accept 2020 or 2023 NEC exams. ESP stopped accepting 2017 exams after March 31, 2026. See ESP’s current notice.

Nevada electrical contractor licensing is handled statewide by the Nevada State Contractors Board; journeyman/master electrician licensing is handled locally by jurisdictions such as Clark County/Las Vegas and Reno.

CEUs: No statewide continuing education requirements. However, Clark County (Las Vegas) and the City of Reno require 18 hours for Journeyman or 30 hours for Master electricians every 3 years. The ESP renewal requirements include 8 hours of NEC code changes and 4 hours of NFPA 70E safety. Check with your local jurisdiction for specific requirements.

Reciprocity: No reciprocal arrangements for journeyman licenses. At the contractor level (C-2), Nevada has reciprocity with Arizona, California, and Utah for the trade examination only.

Exam NEC: Confirm the edition assigned to your exam with OPLC and Prov before buying books. Prov’s August 6, 2026 bulletin lists both 2017 and 2020 exam versions. See the current bulletin.

Exam format: New Hampshire Journeyman Electrician: 110 questions, 4.5 hours, open book.

Master Electrician: 125 questions for the 2017 version or 126 for the 2020 version, 5 hours, open book.

New Hampshire does not have a separate Business & Law exam. State law/rules are included through the board/Prov exam materials, but the exam questions are NEC-focused. See NH RSA 319-C: Electricians and NH Electricians’ Board Administrative Rules, Elec 100-400.

CEUs: 15 hours of instruction every code cycle on changes to the latest published edition of NFPA 70 (NEC). At least 1 hour must cover changes to RSA 319-C, administrative rules, and installation concerns. CE must be completed within 12 months of the January 1st following publication of the latest NEC edition.

Method of CEU: Online and classroom settings are accepted.

Reciprocity: Master and Journeyman reciprocity with Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Through NERA, Journeyman-only reciprocity with: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Current exam NEC: 2023

License and exam scope: The New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors controls contractor eligibility, examination, business-permit, and application requirements. Contractor testing includes electrical, alarm systems, and Business & Law. PSI supplies the 2023 NEC; candidates may not bring their own copy. See the current PSI bulletin. JCR does not currently sell New Jersey-specific exam preparation; use the official Board information linked below.

CEUs: Licensed electrical contractors complete 34 hours per triennial period, including 9 hours on the current National Electrical Code and 1 hour on New Jersey laws and rules. Other classifications may have different requirements; confirm with the Board.

Method of CEU: The required code-and-law course for licensed electrical contractors is completed in person; limited approved online or distance-learning credit may apply to general hours. Class A Journeyman Electricians and Class B Wiremen have separate in-person requirements. Confirm the current delivery rules with the Board.

Reciprocity: does not have reciprocity with any other state.

Current exam NEC: 2020

Exam format: EE-98 Contractor Part 1 (Commercial/Industrial): 80 questions, 200 minutes, open book; Part 2 (Residential): 40 questions, 100 minutes, open book; Part 3 (Specialties): 50 questions, 135 minutes, open book. EE-98J Journeyman Part 1 Code: 50 questions, 145 minutes, open book; Part 2 Theory: 50 questions, 120 minutes, closed book; practical exam: 100 points, 120 minutes. Contractor candidates also have a separate Business & Law requirement. Confirm the current PSI bulletins before scheduling.

CEUs: 16 hours of continuing education every 3 years. At least 8 of those hours must be on the current Code Change. (CC)

Method of CEU: Both classroom and online courses are accepted.

Reciprocity: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, subject to the current New Mexico classification and experience rules.

Exam NEC: The required edition depends on the local licensing authority. New York has no single statewide electrician exam. For NYC, check the DOB exam and application requirements.

Exam format: New York has no single statewide electrician exam. Licensing is local. Exam format, NEC edition, question count, time limit, and business-law requirements vary by local jurisdiction.

New York City Master Electrician / Special Electrician applicants go through NYC DOB, including exam and background investigation requirements. The exact written/practical exam format is controlled by the current NYC exam notice.

Students outside NYC should check their local licensing authority, such as their city building department, electrical examining board, or county/municipal licensing office.

CEUs: does not require continuing education nor do they issue licenses at the state level. Local jurisdictions, including NYC, set their own renewal and approved-course requirements.

Reciprocity: New York does not have reciprocal arrangements with any other states.

Current exam NEC: 2020

Exam format: Limited, Intermediate and Unlimited candidates take a 100-question PSI exam, with 6 hours allowed and 70% required to pass. Other classifications have different outlines. The listed references include the 2020 NEC and 2013 NFPA 72.

Study NC licensing law, Board rules and business material as well as the NEC. NCBEEC’s examinations webpage and current handbook disagree about bringing the NASCLA North Carolina Electrical guide into the exam. Confirm that rule with NCBEEC before testing. See the current handbook and NC exam requirements.

CEUs: Limited, Intermediate, Unlimited and SP-SFD qualifiers need 8 approved hours annually; other classifications need 4. At least half must be approved classroom instruction. Excess credit may carry into the next two renewal periods. See NCBEEC’s CE rules.

Reciprocity: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: North Dakota Master Electrician: closed-book portion 1 hour, open-book portion 3.5 hours.

North Dakota Journeyman Electrician: closed-book portion 1 hour, open-book portion 3.5 hours.

North Dakota Class B Electrician: closed-book portion 1 hour, open-book portion 3.5 hours.

North Dakota Power Limited Electrician: open-book exam, 4.5 hours.

No separate electrical Business & Law exam. ND exams cover the NEC and North Dakota laws, rules, and wiring standards.

CEUs: 8 approved hours each year. NDSEB requires CE courses to use the 2026 NEC from July 1, 2026. Check the current approved-course requirements; this CE change does not establish the licensing-exam edition.

Method of CEU: Classroom and online course are accepted. Online courses must include a segment on ND laws, rules and wiring standards with a question/answer section.

Reciprocity:

Master: Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota

Journeyman: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Ohio Electrical Contractor: trade exam, 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored questions, 4 hours, open book.

Ohio Business & Law: separate contractor exam, 50 scored questions plus 5 unscored questions, 2 hours, open book. Students should study Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4740 and the Ohio Administrative Code for Ohio contractor licensing laws/rules.

Ohio licenses electrical contractors through OCILB; it does not have a statewide journeyman electrician license.

CEUs: The standard OCILB renewal requirement is 10 classroom hours each year. A contractor holding only an electrical license must take at least 5 hours on electrical code. The reduced compliant-contractor program permits 8 hours per year or 24 hours per triennial period only when that program’s requirements are met. Confirm your status with OCILB.

If you have renewed your license late in the past or have any other issue with the board, you may need to have 10 CEUs to renew your license. We always recommend checking with the board before committing to an 8 CEU workshop.

Method of CEU: Standard renewal hours are classroom hours. Separate delivery and reporting rules apply to the compliant-contractor program; confirm the current approved format with OCILB before enrolling.

Reciprocity: Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Oklahoma Unlimited Electrical Contractor: 100 questions, 4 hours, open book.

Oklahoma Unlimited Electrical Journeyman: 100 questions, 4 hours, open book.

Oklahoma Electrical Business & Law: 50 questions, 2 hours, open book. Contractor applicants take this separately from the trade exam.

Business & Law covers bidding/estimating, project management, contracts, financial topics, labor/personnel, risk management, payroll/taxes, and licensing requirements. See CIB Rules and Laws.

CEUs: 12 hours every 3 years (effective January 1, 2026): 6 hours on Code Change and 6 hours on other electrical industry topics. Six instructional hours may be presented on one day OR two sessions of three instructional hours each presented within a seven day period.

Method of CEU: Classroom, correspondence or online courses are all accepted.

Reciprocity: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

Exam NEC: Local licensing; no statewide electrician exam. Philadelphia ICC Exam 211 lists the 2020 NEC. State construction-code adoption is a separate matter.

Exam format: Pennsylvania has no single statewide electrician exam. Licensing is local.

Exam format, NEC edition, question count, time, and business-law requirements vary by municipality.

For Philadelphia, students should follow the city trade-license materials.

Philadelphia Electrical Contractor / Standard Master Electrician exam: 100 multiple-choice questions, 5 hours, open book. Confirm the current passing standard with ICC when registering. Administered by ICC/Pearson VUE.

The Philadelphia exam is not a separate Business & Law exam. It is a trade/code exam based on the 2020 NEC and Ugly’s Electrical References, with Philadelphia licensing handled separately through the city application requirements.

Exam outline:
General Knowledge and Plan Reading: 12%
Services and Service Equipment: 16%
Feeders: 4%
Branch Circuits and Conductors: 16%
Wiring Methods and Materials: 19%
Equipment and Devices: 10%
Control Devices: 3%
Motors and Generators: 8%
Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions: 12%

Continuing education: Pennsylvania UCC-certified code officials have a separate recertification program that can require 15–45 credit hours depending on certification category. Philadelphia electrical contractors have a city requirement of 8 hours annually. These are different programs; other municipalities set their own rules.

Method of CEU: Classroom or online

Current exam NEC: 2023 (as of December 2025)

Exam format: Rhode Island Electrical Contractor A requires the Rhode Island DLT exam. Applicants must verify at least 6 years of electrical trade experience and must hold a Rhode Island Journeyperson Electrician license for at least 2 years before applying for the contractor exam. Passing score is 70+.

Rhode Island Journeyperson Electrician B: Rhode Island DLT exam required. Applicants must verify at least 4 years of experience and 576 hours of approved related instruction. Passing score is 70+.

Rhode Island does not require a separate electrical Business & Law exam. Students should study the current state-approved NEC, general trade knowledge, Rhode Island Electrician Rules and Regulations, and Rhode Island General Laws Title 5, Chapter 6.

CEUs: 15 approved hours every two years for A and B electrician licenses. Other classifications have different requirements; see the DLT rules.

Method of CEU: Both online and classroom courses are accepted from approved providers.

Reciprocity: does not have reciprocity with any additional states.

Current exam NEC: 2020 with SC amendments for the commercial license (Mechanical Contractor with Electrical classification).

The SC Residential Electrical exam is currently based on the 2017 NEC. Residential applicants may also choose the NASCLA Residential Electrical exam, based on either the 2020 or 2023 NEC.

Exam format: There is a separate mandatory Business Management and Law exam. The official reference for that is the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, see: PSI Information and Registration.

Reciprocity: Residential technical exam waivers currently include certain applicants from North Carolina and Mississippi, plus NASCLA and SC Mechanical Contractor/CAGC/MASC options. Commercial electrical waiver options currently include certain exams from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, CAGC/MASC, and NASCLA. Always check the current SC Technical Exam Waiver Agreement List.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician: state NEC-based exam required.

Applicants need 4 years / 8,000 hours as a licensed apprentice under an electrical contractor or Class B electrician before taking the journeyman exam. Passing score is 70%.

South Dakota Electrical Contractor: state NEC exam required. Applicants need 2 years / 4,000 hours as a licensed journeyman under an electrical contractor, including at least 1 year / 2,000 hours of commercial wiring experience. Passing score is 70%.

South Dakota Class B Electrician: state NEC exam required for residential/farmstead wiring authority. Applicants need journeyman experience under a Class B electrician or electrical contractor, including residential/farmstead wiring experience. Passing score is 70%.

There is no separate state business law exam, though the exam includes questions on SD laws and rules. Students should study the 2023 NEC, South Dakota electrical licensing law, ARSD electrical rules, and the South Dakota Electrical Commission Wiring Bulletin.

CEUs: 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 8 hours on Code.

Method of CEU: At least 8 hours must be completed in a classroom setting. No more than 8 hours may be from pre-approved correspondence or online courses. All CE must be pre-approved by the South Dakota Electrical Commission.

Reciprocity: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. Utah appears in the separate similar-licensing-requirements category, not the existing reciprocal-agreement list. See the Commission’s current categories. Check reciprocal arrangements for descriptions of acceptable licensing levels.

Tennessee state-administered LLE and CE trade-exam NEC: 2017. Memphis/Shelby County local ICC T16 Master and T17 Journeyman exams: 2020 NEC. Other local jurisdictions may use different exams or editions.

Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE): 40 questions, 2 hours, open book, 73% to pass, based on the 2017 NEC. No Board preapproval or experience is required to sit. After passing, the candidate must still apply and satisfy the Board's identification and eligibility requirements. The LLE applies to electrical work under $25,000 only where the jurisdiction accepts it.

CE Electrical Contractor: trade exam — 100 questions, 5 hours, open book, 73% to pass, based on the 2017 NEC. New CE applicants also take Tennessee Business & Law — 50 questions, 2.5 hours, open book, 73% to pass. The CE classification covers Tennessee electrical projects of $25,000 or more, subject to the full contractor application and any local licensing or permit requirements.

Testing-vendor transition: Prov began scheduling new exams July 1, 2026. PSI is only completing appointments already scheduled, through September 2026. Prov permits permanent tabs, highlighting, and underlining; it prohibits moveable tabs, Post-it notes, handwritten notes, loose papers, and writing during the exam. Only alternate editions named in Prov's Alternate Book List are accepted under the transition rule, through January 1, 2027.

Local-jurisdiction warning: the state LLE is not accepted everywhere. The state electrical permitting program’s exempt-jurisdiction list includes Nashville/Davidson County, Knoxville, Chattanooga and all Hamilton County, Memphis and all Shelby County, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Kingsport, Johnson City, and additional cities. Check the official current list and the codes office where you will work.

Continuing education: Tennessee currently lists no CE requirement for LLE renewal. The LLE license renews every two years; the current initial and renewal fee is $50. Confirm current fees and renewal requirements with the Board.

Method: No LLE CE delivery method applies because the Board currently lists no continuing-education requirement.

License scope: LLE is for work under $25,000 in accepting jurisdictions. CE is the contractor classification for projects of $25,000 or more. Passing an exam is not the same as receiving a license.

Reciprocity: Tennessee lists no LLE reciprocity. Contractor trade-exam waiver agreements may apply to certain classifications and states, but they do not waive Tennessee Business & Law or the contractor application. Verify the current agreement before relying on a waiver.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Texas Journeyman Electrician is a two-part PSI exam. NEC Knowledge: 59 items, 130 minutes. Calculations: 26 items, 110 minutes. Open book, 70% to pass.

Texas Master Electrician is a two-part PSI exam. NEC Knowledge: 75 items, 150 minutes. Calculations: 33 items, 170 minutes. Open book, 70% to pass.

Texas Residential Wireman: 80 items, 240 minutes, open book, 70% to pass.

Texas does not use a separate electrical Business & Law exam, but electrician should study Texas Laws and Rules in addition to the 2023 NEC, and consult the PSI exam bulletin for more details. Electrical contractor licensing is separate and requires an associated master electrician plus insurance, not a contractor trade/business exam.

CEUs: Texas electrician licensees complete 4 hours annually covering the National Electrical Code, Texas laws and rules, and NFPA 70E electrical safety. Electrical contractors do not have a separate CE requirement unless they also hold an electrician license.

Method of CEU: online and classroom setting courses are accepted.

JCR-specific completion step: Students using a JCR workshop for Texas credit complete JCR’s additional 30-minute Texas rules module and pass its questions with 70% or higher before JCR submits the course. This is part of JCR’s approved course process, not a separate universal TDLR course required from every Texas provider.

Reciprocity: Master: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Carolina and Ohio. Journeyman: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming. License classification, exam, experience and time-held conditions apply; check TDLR’s current requirements before applying.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Utah Journeyman Electrician: 100 questions, 240 minutes, open book, 75% to pass. Includes NEC/theory plus 4 Utah state laws/rules questions.

Utah Residential Electrician: 100 questions, 240 minutes, open book, 75% to pass. Includes NEC/theory plus 4 Utah state laws/rules questions.

Utah Master Electrician Law & Rules exam: 80 questions, 240 minutes, open book, 75% to pass. This exam tests Utah licensing law, construction trades law, labor/safety rules, NEC amendments, and administrative rules.

A practical exam is also required unless you qualify for an exemption. All Master applicants, including endorsement applicants, must pass the Utah Law & Rules exam. See DOPL’s requirements and the Prov bulletin.

Students should study the 2023 NEC, Ugly’s Electrical References (2023), Utah DOPL laws/rules, Utah Electricians Licensing Act Rule R156-55b, and Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act.

CEUs: 16 hours every 2 years. 12 Core hours required (8 hours on the NEC and 4 hours on NFPA 70E) plus 4 hours that may be Core or Professional. See DOPL’s CE requirements.

Method of CEU: online and classroom settings are accepted.

Reciprocity: Master: Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming

Journeyman: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Wyoming

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: Vermont Journeyman and Master Electrician state electrical exams are open-book and focused on the NEC, requiring 70% to pass.

Although Vermont does not require a separate electrical Business & Law exam, students should study both the NEC plus Vermont electrical licensing statutes/rules.

CEUs: 15 hours of continuing education on current code updates every 3 years.

Method of CEU: Both online and classroom courses are accepted.

Reciprocity: Maine and New Hampshire for both Master and Journeyman licensees.

Current exam NEC: 2020

Exam format: Journeyman — 70 questions, 210 minutes, 49 correct to pass. Master — 90 questions, 270 minutes, 63 correct to pass. Both PSI open-book exams cover the NEC plus Virginia tradesman rules. JCR prepares you for the NEC/code portion; use the current PSI bulletin for Virginia-specific rules.

CEUs: Virginia Journeyman and Master Electricians need 3 hours of continuing education every three years, focused on NEC updates.

Contractor business license: Operating an electrical contracting business also requires a Virginia contractor license with the ELE specialty. New applicants complete the 8-hour pre-license course; Class A and B applicants also take the business exam. These are separate from JCR’s Journeyman/Master exam prep.

Reciprocity: Virginia has electrician tradesman reciprocity with Maryland and North Carolina. This does not automatically issue a Virginia contractor business license.

Current licensing exam NEC: 2020. Washington currently enforces the 2023 NEC for electrical installations; the exam and field-code editions are different.

Exam format: Washington 01 General Journey Level Electrician: open book, 70% required on each section. NEC & Theory: 60 questions, 3 hours. Washington Codes: 17 questions, 1 hour.

Washington 01 Master Electrician: open book, 70% required on each section. NEC & Theory: 80 questions, 4 hours. Washington Codes: 20 questions, 1 hour. Major Load Calculations: 10 questions, 2 hours.

Washington 01 Electrical Administrator: open book, 70% required on each section. NEC & Theory: 65 questions, 4 hours. Washington Codes: 17 questions, 1 hour. Major Load Calculations: 10 questions, 2 hours.

To study for the Washington RCW/WAC law questions, electricians should learn the RCW and WAC.

CEUs: 24 hours every 3 years. 8 hours must be on the current code and 4 hours must be on the state code with the rest being considered electives.

Method of CEU: Both classroom and online courses are accepted.

Reciprocity: Qualifying Oregon license holders may apply for Washington’s general journey-level (01) certificate. This is a conditional application route, not automatic recognition or an administrator license. See L&I’s Oregon reciprocity requirements.

Current exam NEC: 2023 (as of January 2026)

Exam format: West Virginia Journeyman Electrician: 50 multiple-choice questions, open book, 70% to pass.

West Virginia Master Electrician: 50 multiple-choice questions, open book, 70% to pass.

West Virginia Single Family Dwelling Electrician: 50 multiple-choice questions, open book, 70% to pass.

West Virginia does not list a separate electrical Business & Law exam, though electricians should expect questions based on the West Virginia State Fire Marshal electrical licensing rules in addition to the 2023 NEC.

CEUs: no continuing education requirements.

Reciprocity arrangements with the following states:

• Virginia – Master and Journeyman Classifications
• Ohio – Master Classification
• North Carolina – Master Classification
• Kentucky – Master and Journeyman Classifications
• Maryland – Master Classification
• WV Division of Labor, Contractor’s Board – Master Classification

Current exam NEC: 2017. Check the current DSPS exam references before purchasing books.

Exam format: Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician: open book, 70% to pass, 100 questions, 4 hours.

Wisconsin Master Electrician: open book, 70% to pass, 100 questions, 4 hours.

Wisconsin does not require a separate electrical Business & Law exam. Students should study the NEC plus Wisconsin trade statutes, SPS 305 credentialing rules and SPS 316 electrical code.

Wisconsin's electrical code (SPS 316) currently adopts the 2017 NEC, and DSPS exams are based on the 2017 edition plus Wisconsin's SPS 305/316 amendments.

Candidates should confirm the current exam edition with DSPS before purchasing a codebook.

CEUs: 24 hours every four year license renewal period. May not retake the same course for credit in the same renewal period.

Reciprocity: Wisconsin may accept qualifying journeyman applicants who hold a current Iowa Journeyman Class A license or New Hampshire Journeyman Electrician license, subject to Wisconsin’s experience, exam, and application conditions. This is Wisconsin accepting those out-of-state credentials—not a statement that Iowa or New Hampshire automatically accepts Wisconsin licenses.

Current exam NEC: 2023

Exam format: ICC 385 Journeyman: 80 questions, 4 hours. ICC 701 Master: 100 questions, 5 hours. Both are open book and list the 2023 NEC. See the Wyoming exam bulletin. The separate 2026 construction-code adoption does not establish your exam’s reference edition; confirm your scheduled exam with the Board.

CEUs: 16 hours every 3 years with at least 8 hours of approved code-update instruction; check the Board’s accepted courses and editions for your renewal.

Reciprocity: Journeyman reciprocity with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Utah.