Becoming a journeyman electrician is a milestone in an electrician’s career, representing a level of proficiency and commitment to the trade. The journey typically involves accumulating around 8,000 hours of hands-on work as well as some schooling, which qualifies you to sit for a state exam. Passing this rigorous test earns you a journeyman electrician certification within that state—a testament to your skills and knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other state-specific regulations.
Once certified, your journeyman license is your passport to professional practice. But what if your path leads you across state lines, whether due to a move, a desire to expand your job opportunities, or for personal growth? Normally, you’d have to meet the new state’s prerequisites, which might mirror the requirements of your home state, allowing you to sit for another state exam.
However, the landscape of licensure can be streamlined through the convenience of electrical license reciprocity agreements. These agreements are designed to simplify the process of obtaining licensure in a new state, eliminating the need to retake examinations or complete additional hours if you’re already licensed and in good standing with your home state.
Reciprocity can significantly ease the transition by waiving the need for further exams. For instance, if you’ve put in 8,000 hours on the job in Minnesota to earn your license, that effort can be recognized in Arkansas through a reciprocity agreement. Instead of navigating the apprenticeship requirements unique to Arkansas, your Minnesota licensure would grant you a reciprocal license, provided Arkansas has an agreement with Minnesota.
It’s crucial to remember that these agreements aren’t universal. Not all states participate, and reciprocity isn’t always mutual. For example, while West Virginia might waive its state exam for license holders from any of the 50 states, only a select few states reciprocate by recognizing a West Virginia license.
Navigating the nuances of Electrical License Reciprocity can open doors to new opportunities and broaden the horizons of your electrician career. It’s all about understanding the agreements in place and leveraging them to your advantage.
To use the table below, find the state you wish to obtain a new license in, and see if they have a reciprocity agreement with the state you are currently licensed in .
| To waive license requirements in | You need to have a current license in | Website | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No Reciprocity Agreements | ||
| Alaska | Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahmoma Texas, Wyoming | Website | Application |
| Arizona | No Reciprocity Agreements | ||
| Arkansas | Alaska, New Mexico, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota Texas, Utah, Colorado, Oregon (For master license only) | Website | |
| California | No Reciprocity Agreements | ||
| Colorado | Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming | Website | Application |
| Connecticut | No reciprocity agreements | ||
| Delaware | Approved on a case by case basis. Must be licensed in a jurisdiction that has substantially similair license requirements to Delaware. | Website 1 |
Navigating electrical license reciprocity can be complex, with each state’s requirements differing significantly. This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for journeyman electricians seeking information on transferring their credentials from one state to another.
Here, you’ll find detailed breakdowns of reciprocity agreements, application prerequisites, and essential contacts to facilitate your licensure across state lines. Whether you’re planning a move or expanding your work territory, understanding these nuances is key to a seamless transition in your professional journey.
Alaska has electrician license reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Alaska no longer maintains a reciprocity agreement with Utah.
To apply for a reciprocal electrical journeyman’s license in Alaska, you must:
The total fee for the reciprocity application is $250.00, which includes a $50.00 application fee and a $200.00 fee for a 2-year license. Payments should be made to the State of Alaska.
For more information or assistance with the reciprocity process, contact Mechanical Inspection at:
Applicants interested in applying for electrician license reciprocity in Alaska can begin their application process by accessing the Application for Certificate of Fitness. Visit the official website or contact Mechanical Inspection directly for the application form and additional guidance.
Colorado, following the bylaws of the National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance (NERA), offers journeyman electrician reciprocal licensing agreements with Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
Applicants seeking a reciprocal journeyman electrician license in Colorado must:
The Colorado Electrical Board issues certificates without a written examination to applicants who meet these requirements, provided they have not been grandfathered into their current certificate without passing a state-administered examination.
For specific information regarding the application fees and any inquiries related to the reciprocity process, applicants can reach out to:
Electricians seeking a reciprocal license in Colorado can start their application by filling out the required form and submitting it. The form is accessible through the provided link: Download the Reciprocal License Application Form. Ensure all parts of the application are completed accurately and submitted to the Division of Professions and Occupations at the address listed above, along with any necessary documentation and the applicable fees.
Delaware evaluates electrician license reciprocity on a case-by-case basis, assessing if the licensure requirements from other jurisdictions are substantially similar to Delaware’s standards. This approach ensures that electricians with a current journeyperson license from another state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia can apply for reciprocity in Delaware, facilitating their ability to work across state lines under Delaware’s regulations.
Applicants seeking reciprocity in Delaware must:
All applications for electrician license reciprocity must be submitted through Delaware’s online system, DELPROS. To apply:
In addition to the application and fee, applicants must provide:
Idaho has electrician license reciprocity agreements with Colorado, North Dakota, Maine, Oklahoma, Montana, Oregon, Nebraska, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Texas, New Mexico, and Wyoming. These agreements enable electricians licensed in these states to apply for a reciprocal license in Idaho, provided they meet certain criteria.
To apply for a reciprocal electrical license in Idaho, applicants must submit:
This information is crucial for the Idaho licensing board to determine the eligibility for reciprocity based on the similarity of licensure requirements and the verification of the applicant’s qualifications.
Applicants can submit their reciprocity application and the required License Verification Form via email to Idaho’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. Ensure all parts of your application are complete and accurately reflect your licensure status and history.
Iowa has electrician license reciprocity agreements with the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These agreements are designed to streamline the process for electricians who are already licensed in these states to work legally in Iowa.
To be eligible for a reciprocal electrical license in Iowa, applicants must:
These conditions ensure that only qualified electricians who meet Iowa’s standards can benefit from reciprocity agreements.
Electricians interested in applying for license reciprocity in Iowa should:
This portal provides a streamlined application process, guiding applicants through the necessary steps to submit their application for reciprocity.
The Maine Electricians’ Examining Board offers reciprocity for the following positions and states: New Hampshire, Vermont, North Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming.
To qualify for a reciprocal journeyman electrician license in Maine, applicants must:
Journeyman Electrician applicants must submit:
Applicants are required to pay the specified application fee along with their submission. For detailed information on fees and additional inquiries related to the reciprocity process, contact:
Maryland has entered into reciprocal licensing agreements for master electricians with West Virginia, Virginia, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Additionally, journeyman electricians holding a current license from local jurisdictions obtained by examination and in good standing are also eligible for reciprocity.
Master electricians seeking reciprocity in Maryland must:
Journeyman electricians can apply for reciprocity if they:
To apply for a reciprocal electrician license in Maryland:
For more detailed information regarding the application fees, specific documentation required, and any inquiries related to the reciprocity process, applicants can contact:
The Board of State Examiners of Electricians in Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with New Hampshire for both Journeyman and Master electrician licenses. This agreement is contingent on the license being obtained by examination in New Hampshire and meeting standards substantially the same as those of Massachusetts.
To apply for reciprocity in Massachusetts, applicants must:
The application fees for reciprocity are non-refundable:
For more information or assistance with the reciprocity process, contact:
Applications for electrician license reciprocity must be submitted online through the Division of Occupational Licensure’s (DOL) ePLACE portal. Applicants are required to upload electronic copies of all supporting documents as part of their application. It’s advisable for applicants to retain original copies of all supporting documents, as they may be requested by the Board.
Minnesota offers a streamlined path to licensure for journeyworker and master electricians licensed in certain states, allowing them to obtain a Minnesota license without the need for further examination. This reciprocity is available for journeyworker electricians from Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Similarly, master electricians from Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska can also benefit from these agreements, provided their licenses were obtained by state-level examination.
To qualify for reciprocal licensure in Minnesota, electricians must ensure they have not previously failed an examination for the same or greater class of license within the state. Applicants must have achieved their current license through an examination at the state level and held it for at least one year. The license must be current and in good standing, and the applicant should not be under any orders that would affect their licensure status in Minnesota. A non-refundable application and examination fee of $50 is required upon submission. Once approved, an additional license fee must be paid to issue the license.
Applicants are advised to submit the application fee with their initial application and prepare to submit the required license fee upon approval. For further details on the fees, application process, or any other inquiries, contact:
Montana distinguishes between reciprocal and endorsement states, with specific requirements for each:
An application fee of $250 is required, payable online for online applications or by check for paper submissions. For further assistance or more detailed information regarding the application process and requirements, reach out to the Montana State Electrical Board:
Journeyman electricians aiming for licensure in Montana through reciprocity or endorsement must submit:
