- Is a license required to provide electrical services?
- How do I apply for the examination?
- Application Process - How long does it take to process my application for exam?
- Exam Preparation - Is there a course to prepare for the required exam? Is any course required in order to apply for an Electrical license?
- Exam Retakes - I did not pass the exam. What do I need to do to retake it?
- Criminal Convictions - When I was younger, I was convicted of a crime. Can I still obtain an electrical contractor license?
- Out-of-State Contractor's License - I am a contractor licensed in another state. I do not have an office in Maryland, but I would like to provide services there. Do I need a separate license for the state of Maryland?
- How do I know if I am to apply for a qualified agent or a statewide master electrician?
- Paper License - My company is showing up on your website as an active contractor; however, we have not yet received our license in the mail.
- How do I apply for a license once I pass the exam?
- Reciprocity - I am licensed in another state. Do I still have to take the exam for Maryland?
- What if I am licensed in a reciprocal state? How do I know the requirements?
- Now that I have my statewide master license, can I contract work?
1.Is a license required to provide electrical services?
A state-issued license is required to provide electrical services. Local jurisdictions may also require a registration in order to provide electrical services. The Maryland State Board of Master Electricians issues a master license and will begin accepting applications for apprentice and journeyperson licenses starting July 1, 2021. An individual may sit for the required licensing examination offered through the State Board of Electricians or in the local jurisdiction. Please be advised that if you take a license examination in a local jurisdiction and reciprocate your local jurisdiction registration in order to obtain a State license, you will NOT be able to use your State license to obtain a reciprocal license in another state or the District of Columbia. Maryland’s reciprocal licensure agreement requires that the license be obtained by exam, not reciprocity, in order to qualify for a license in another state.
2.How do I apply for the examination?
To register for the journeyperson or master exam, please contact the board’s test vendor, PSI Exams online, or call 1-800-733-9267. On the PSI Homepage, click on “Government/State Licensing Agencies,” then select “Maryland” as the jurisdiction and select “MD Electrician” as the account. Then click on “download Candidate Information Bulletin.” The forms to order the study guide and to register for the exam are contained in the Candidate Information Bulletin.
3.Application Process - How long does it take to process my application for exam?
There is no set time frame for processing an application, which is processed through PSI, Inc., the board’s test vendor. Once the application is approved, the applicant's complete information is updated at PSI and an email or a letter is issued to notify the applicant of examination approval.
4.Exam Preparation - Is there a course to prepare for the required exam? Is any course required in order to apply for an Electrical license?
There is no required course to sit for the license examination. The license examination is
based on the current NEC Codes. Many providers offer a license examination preparatory course.
5.Exam Retakes - I did not pass the exam. What do I need to do to retake it?
If you did not pass the exam, then you must wait for 30 days until you can reapply. Any subsequent requests to retest cannot be made until 60 days have passed. You must pay the exam fee each time.
6. Criminal Convictions - When I was younger, I was convicted of a crime. Can I still obtain an electrical contractor license?
Each applicant is required to report to all prior convictions of a felony or a misdemeanor criminal offense. The applicant must provide a "true-test copy" of the court docket from the clerk's office of the court where the conviction was entered. The board is required to consider certain factors before granting or denying, or, if convicted during a license cycle, renewing a license application when an applicant or licensee has been of a criminal offense. The board’s evaluation will include consideration of the nature of the crime; the relationship of the crime to the activities authorized by the license; the relevance of the conviction to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee to provide electrical services; the length of time since the conviction; and the behavior and activities of the applicant or licensee before and after the conviction.
7.Out-of-State Contractor's License - I am a contractor licensed in another state. I do not have an office in Maryland, but I would like to provide services there. Do I need a separate license for the state of Maryland?
Each contractor who offers or provides electrical services in Maryland is required to hold an electrical license. This is true regardless of whether the contractor holds a license issued by another state or jurisdiction. A contractor who does not reside or have a principal place of business in Maryland must designate a resident agent in Maryland.
8.How do I know if I am to apply for a qualified agent or a statewide master electrician?
A qualified agent is an individual who assigns his/her license to a single company and the company provides the required insurance. A master electrician provides his/her own insurance and may sub-contract work from different entities. You may find the insurance requirement online.
9.Paper License - My company is showing up on your website as an active contractor; however, we have not yet received our license in the mail.
Once an individual passes the license examination, an applicant must register the license number with the Maryland Department of Labor. Each licensee is mailed a paper copy of the master electrician license. A letter with instructions to register a license should arrive within 10 business days after passing the exam.
10.How do I apply for a license once I pass the exam?
Once you have successfully passed the license examination, you may go online apply for a license. You will sign in by creating a password if you do not have one or using your existing password. All active master electricians must provide a certificate of insurance to the board. (You may find insurance requirement online.)
11.Reciprocity - I am licensed in another state. Do I still have to take the exam for Maryland?
An electrician licensed in another state may apply for a Maryland license. Reciprocal licensing is permissible if the state in which the individual is licensed and the board have entered into a reciprocal agreement* and the individual meets the qualifications of Maryland's Electrical law; holds an active license in good standing in the other state; holds a license that is equivalent to the Maryland license; and became licensed in the other state after meeting, in that state, requirements for licensure that are at least equivalent to the licensing requirements of Maryland, including the number of years of work experience required by the Maryland law.
*The board currently has reciprocal agreements with Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
12.What if I am licensed in a reciprocal state? How do I know the requirements?
The West Virginia State Fire Marshal and the Maryland Board of Electricians have entered into an agreement to waive the written exam for any individual who currently holds a master electrician license issued by either Maryland or West Virginia, which is in good standing, if the individual has passed the written license exam to obtain the other state's master electrician license, and is otherwise qualified.
An individual who is licensed by the West Virginia State Fire Marshal may apply to the State Board of Electricians without having to take the Maryland written licensure exam, so long as the applicant passed the licensure exam in West Virginia and has held the license for at least two years, in good standing.
Individuals holding a license in good standing in Virginia or the District of Columbia who have passed the written examination in Virginia or the District of Columbia may apply for licensure in Maryland without taking the Maryland written exam.
Additionally, individuals holding a Delaware license in good standing for at least five years who passed the exam in Delaware may also apply for licensure without taking the Maryland written exam.
Each licensing authority will review the applications submitted under this agreement to ensure that applicants are otherwise eligible to obtain a license.
The board also issues licenses, through reciprocity to individuals, who hold a current master electrician license in one of the Maryland counties or Baltimore City.
To apply, complete the application online.
13.Now that I have my statewide master license, can I contract work?
Any individual licensed by the board may also have to obtain a registration in a local jurisdiction to be eligible to provide electrical services and obtain a permit in that jurisdiction. You must contact the county or city you wish provide electrical services in to learn about that jurisdiction’s specific requirements.
FAQs
Can a journeyman electrician pull permits in Maryland? ›
After four years of training and passing the first licensed test, a journeyman still cannot pull permits only a master electrician can do that.
Do electricians have to be licensed in Maryland? ›Yes. Maryland requires a license to perform electrical work. However, the Maryland State Board of Master Electricians, through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, issues only one type of electrical license: master electrician.
Does Maryland electrical license reciprocity? ›The Board also issues licenses, through reciprocity to individuals, who hold a current master electrician's registration in one of the Maryland counties or Baltimore City.
What is a qualified agent electrician Maryland? ›A qualified agent is an individual who assigns his/her license to a single company and the company provides the required insurance. A master electrician provides his/her own insurance and may sub-contract work from different entities.
Who can pull electrical permits in Maryland? ›Only a licensed electrical contractor who is registered with Baltimore County can apply for an electrical permit.
Can a homeowner pull an electrical permit in Maryland? ›The applicant for an electrical permit must be a licensed electrical contractor or the property owner. If the applicant is the resident property owner, but is not a licensed electrician, the owner must pass a homeowner electrical examination with a score of at least 70% and sign a homeowner affidavit.
Do electricians need a MHIC license in Maryland? ›In Maryland, there is no state requirement for licensing for general contractors. However, the DLLR requires licenses from home improvement contractors, electrical contractors, HVACR specialists, plumbers and gas fitters.
How much does a journeyman electrician make in Maryland? ›The average salary for a journeyman electrician in Maryland is $72,000 per year. Journeyman electrician salaries in Maryland can vary between $36,000 to $136,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
How do I get my journeyman license in Maryland? ›Apply for a Journeyman License – By Apprenticeship Program
To obtain your journeyperson electrician's license without an examination, the applicant must have completed an apprenticeship program that was approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC) or the Federal Office of Apprenticeship (FOA).
Starting with the easiest, there are no statewide low-voltage licensing requirements in Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin. While Colorado, Indiana, Missouri and Pennsylvania have no statewide requirements, localities in these states do have them.
How much do electricians make near Maryland? ›
The average Union Electrician salary in Maryland is $70,889 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $62,496 and $80,368.
Can a MA licensed electrician work in NH? ›The Electricians' Board currently has active reciprocal agreements for the master and journeyman license with the states of Maine, and Vermont and Massachusetts. These are long standing agreements that recognize the master and journeyman licenses of these areas as being substantially equal to those of New Hampshire.
What is the highest electrician license? ›Master Electrician is the highest level of electrical certification, with requirements varying from state to state. The main standard for most states is around 4,000 hours of electric work as a Journeyman, followed by a licensing exam to display in-depth knowledge of the National Electrical Code.
What is the difference between an electrician and an approved electrician? ›An electrician must meet a number of criteria to be designated as an Approved Electrician by the JIB. This includes finishing an accredited apprenticeship or having comparable qualifications and working as an electrician for at least two years after completing their initial training.
What does a qualified electrician need? ›- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools.
- knowledge of building and construction.
- maths knowledge for understanding technical plans.
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
- problem-solving skills.
- the ability to use your initiative.
Is a permit required to install a new outlet, ceiling fan, or lighting fixture? An electrical permit must be obtained prior to commencement of any electrical work. Homeowners cannot obtain permits for work associated with the replacement or installation of service distribution panels, swimming pools, and hot tubs.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Maryland? ›How long will it take to get my permit? Standard residential building permit applications typically take four weeks to complete the first set of review comments. Fast track permit applications are issued generally in three to five days.
How long is a building permit good for in Maryland? ›Permit Renewals and Extensions
After work has started, approved inspections are required at a minimum of every six months to keep the permit valid. The exception to this rule is grading permits. Grading permits are issued with an expiration date of up to five years from the date of issuance.
A permit is not required for residential bathrooms but plumbing and electrical permits are always required. The licensed plumber and electrician may apply for their respective permit before the work is initiated.
Do you need a permit to pour concrete in your backyard in Maryland? ›Patio Construction
Patios are considered open-air leisure areas. Structures built from brick, block, pavers, stone or concrete (masonry) are classified as patios. Patios are usually built at grade. For construction of a patio built at existing grade, a permit is not required for construction.
Do you need a permit to replace a water heater in MD? ›
Homeowners also may perform certain plumbing work that requires a plumbing permit, subject to specific limitations. Generally, permits are not required for the replacement of existing plumbing fixtures, except for water heaters and testable backflow devices.
Is it illegal to hire an unlicensed contractor in Maryland? ›It is a crime to act as a home improvement contractor, subcontractor or salesperson in the State of Maryland without an MHIC license. 2. An unlicensed contractor may have a criminal history of violent crimes; he may be on probation. Perhaps he's also ripped off other homeowners.
Do you need a license to install drywall in Maryland? ›Contractors performing any work that involves repair, replacement, remodeling, or alteration of any part of a residential building (including individual condominium units) are required to have a Maryland Home Improvement Commission Contractor License (MHIC License).
Who needs a MHIC license in Maryland? ›The Maryland Home Improvement Commission licenses and regulates home improvement contractors and salespersons. Home improvement work includes alteration, remodeling, repair or replacement of a building or part of a building used as a residence. Home improvement also includes work done on individual condominium units.
What is the highest level electrician salary? ›Electrician salary overview
In 2021, the median salary for an electrician was $60,040, with amounts ranging based on experience, type of employer worked for, and location. Electricians in the lowest 10% make less than $37,020 per year, while electricians in the highest 10% make more than $99,800 per year.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $81,276 | $6,773 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,546 | $5,712 |
| Average | $55,192 | $4,599 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,961 | $4,080 |
Electrician Salary By State: Highest-Paid Electricians by State [2023] Research Summary. After extensive research by the Zippia data science team, we identified these details of electrician salary by state for the United States: Alaska has the highest electrician salary of $80,537.
What does journeyman mean in trades? ›Journey-level experience applies to a person who has completed an apprenticeship program or is an experienced worker, not a trainee, and is fully qualified and able to perform a specific trade without supervision.
How do I get a low voltage license in Maryland? ›- Hold a current Master General License with the State of Maryland.
- Complete an online application for a Master General Registered. ...
- After the application review is complete, the Electrical Inspection office will schedule a virtual or in-person verification appointment with you.
Submit your renewal online and on time
Check your current license issue date and jump forward two years to figure out when your renewal is due. You should get a renewal reminder from the Board in the mail, complete with instructions on how to renew. To make sure you get it, keep your address updated.
What state pays electricians the lowest? ›
Arkansas ($42,800) and West Virginia ($43,300) have the lowest median salary for entry-level electricians; California ($54,000) and Alaska ($53,000) have the highest.
Which state needs electricians the most? ›1. Arizona. The Arizona Commerce Authority predicts that electrician jobs will grow by 35% in the decade between 2020 and 2030.
What states pay best for electricians? ›- San Francisco, California. $93,900.
- San Jose, California. $91,090.
- Chicago, Illinois. $86,600.
- Trenton, New Jersey. $86,350.
- New York, New York. $85,070.
- Certified Electrician. Salary range: $64,500-$90,000 per year. ...
- Electrical Superintendent. Salary range: $61,000-$88,500 per year. ...
- Electrical Systems Designer. ...
- Maintenance Electrician. ...
- Traveling Electrician. ...
- Service Electrician. ...
- Construction Electrician. ...
- Wiring Technician.
The average salary for a electrician apprentice in Maryland is $37,000 per year. Electrician apprentice salaries in Maryland can vary between $20,500 to $66,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
Who makes the most money electricians or plumbers? ›On average, plumbers make $55,600 per year , only slightly less than electricians. Similarly, their salary can vary based on their location, employer and level of experience. According to the BLS, employment of plumbers may grow 2% by 2031, which is slower than the rate of electricians and other occupations.
How much does a mass licensed electrician make? ›$57,929 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $78,849 is the 75th percentile.
How much does a licensed electrician make an hour in Massachusetts? ›Electrical License
Electricians with this license earn +19.31% more than the average base salary, which is $39.74 per hour.
The average age of an employed journeyman electrician is 41 years old. The most common ethnicity of journeyman electricians is White (64.0%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (21.2%), Black or African American (7.6%) and Unknown (4.2%). In 2021, women earned 96% of what men earned.
Can electricians make 7 figures? ›Aside from just that, a good electrician can earn six figures. However, this entire process will undoubtedly need a lot of dedication and hard work as a journeyman. One can make good use of the electrician certification programs. Or gain a deeper insight into the field with the help of apprenticeship programs.
How do I become a master electrician in Maryland? ›
To be eligible for a master electrician license, you need seven years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed master electrician and pass the necessary exam. After passing the master electrician exam and paying the $190 licensing fee, you must submit an online application to obtain your license.
What does jib mean electrician? ›JIB stands for Joint Industry Board. This is the organisation that sets the standards for the electrical industry, including employment standards, certification requirements, apprenticeship processes, and more.
What is a gold card electrician? ›The gold card shows that the cardholder has completed a formal industry regulated competency based qualification, which includes technical theory with practical and competency assessments.
Do I need a gold card to be an electrician? ›It will prove your identification, qualifications and occupation. If you are looking to work unsupervised on construction sites, then you will need a Gold Card in order to do this. However, if you are looking to work in domestic properties then you do not need a Gold Card.
Which electrician certification is best? ›| Rank | Certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OSHA Safety Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
| 2 | Electrical Technician Certification | EETC |
| 3 | EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) | EPA |
| 4 | Electrical Maintenance Technician Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
If you have a wealth of electrical experience, qualifications (including an NVQ Level 3 Apprenticeship) and are competent to carry out unsupervised work, then you could be eligible for an ECS Gold Card.
What is the 18th edition? ›The 18th Edition (also known as BS 7671 or wiring regs) is a British Standard for the installation of electrical wiring. The guidelines set out by IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) cover the installation of new electrical appliances and maintenance of existing ones, including any additions or alterations.
How do I get an electrical permit in Maryland? ›Apply for a Journeyman License – By Apprenticeship Program
To obtain your journeyperson electrician's license without an examination, the applicant must have completed an apprenticeship program that was approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC) or the Federal Office of Apprenticeship (FOA).
A journeyman electrician is qualified by education and experience and works as an individual in performing electrical work. State regulations require that a journeyman carry a license and display it upon request.
Can a journeyman electrician pull permits in Tennessee? ›Yes. In the state of Tennessee, electrical licenses are issued at both a local level and state level. Local licenses, like those of journeyman and master electricians, are issued by individual cities or counties.
How many years do you have to be a journeyman electrician to become a master in Texas? ›
Master Electrician: Requires a journeyman electrician license for a minimum of two years and 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a master electrician licensed in Texas.
What is the difference between a journeyman and a master? ›A journeyman is a trained and experienced electrician who can work on his or her own under the general guidance of a master. A master develops projects, gets permits for construction and installations, and oversees the work of journeymen and trainees.
How much does a journeyman electrician earn in MA? ›As of May 18, 2023, the average annual pay for a Journeyman Electrician in Massachusetts is $62,960 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $30.27 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,210/week or $5,246/month.
How much does a journeyman electrician get paid in Tennessee? ›The average Electrician Journeyman salary in Tennessee is $61,700 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $54,200 and $69,600.
Do you need a license to do electrical work in NY State? ›As of now, New York state does not license electricians on a state level. Each municipality throughout the state has their own local law governing who can do electrical work in their jurisdiction. Most municipalities throughout New York state allow for anyone to perform electrical work.
Can a journeyman electrician work for himself in Alabama? ›Journeyman electricians can work without the supervision of an electrical contractor or another journeyman. They must be licensed by the Alabama Electrical Contractor Board.
What is the most a master electrician can make? ›Master electrician salaries typically range between $31,000 and $86,000 a year.
What is the top salary for a master electrician? ›How Much Do Master Electrician Jobs Pay per Year? $58,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $93,000 is the 75th percentile.
How much does a journeyman electrician make in Texas? ›$43,971 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $61,560 is the 75th percentile.