Licensing Guides
New Jersey Electrical License: How to Become a Licensed Electrician in New Jersey
Electrical, NJ
May 18th, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in New Jersey
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in New Jersey?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in New Jersey?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in New Jersey?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in New Jersey?
Does My New Jersey Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in New Jersey?
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in New Jersey?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in New Jersey?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in New Jersey.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide, and 13,520 work in New Jersey.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. In New Jersey, that growth rate also is expected to be at 10% according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment in New Jersey in July 2025 totaled 156,300, a decrease of 8,000 (-4.9%) from July 2024 and an increase of 7,700 (5%) from February 2020. If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in New Jersey
Is a license required for electricians in New Jersey? Yes.
The Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors within the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs issues electrical apprentice, journeyman electrician, and electrical contractor licenses.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in New Jersey
To get an electrical license in New Jersey, follow these steps:
Be at least 18 years old.
Register for an approved apprenticeship.
Complete work experience and educational requirements.
At every level, apply for a license with the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
Pass an electrical exam, if applicable.
Pay all applicable fees.
How to Become an Electrician in New Jersey
To become a licensed electrician in New Jersey, you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Meet the experience and/or education requirements.
Pass an electrical exam, if applicable.
Pay all applicable fees.
Below are the specifics for each license.
CLASS A ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE LICENSE
Work experience: Apprentice Electricians must be enrolled in a four-year electrical apprenticeship program accredited and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Apply for license: Apply for an electrical apprentice license through the MyLicense online portal.
Pay fees: Pay the $100 application fee. Pay the initial license fee, which is $150 if applying in the first year of the three-year license cycle, $100 if applying in the second year, and $50 if applying in the third year.
Limitations: Apprentices must work under the supervision of a licensed Electrical Contractor or Class A Journeyman Electrician.
CLASS A JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Journeyman applicants must complete an approved apprenticeship consisting of 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience and a minimum of 576 hours of related classroom instruction. At least 4,000 hours of the practical experience must be obtained within five years of the application date.
Apply for license: Apply for a Class A Journeyman Electrician license through the MyLicense online portal.
Pay fees: Pay the $100 application fee. Pay the initial license fee, which is $150 if applying in the first year of the three-year license cycle, $100 in the second year, and $50 in the third year.
Limitations: Journeymen Electricians must work for a licensed Electrical Contractor.
Increased authority: Licensed Class A Journeymen may supervise Class A electrical apprentices.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE
Work experience: To be eligible to take the Electrical Contractor exam, you must have been employed by a licensed Electrical Contractor for five years, completed a four-year apprenticeship, and worked one year (2,000 hours) as a licensed Journeyman electrician. The state may also accept two years of verifiable hands-on experience if the applicant has earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
Apply for exam: Apply for the Electrical Contractor exam through the MyLicense online portal. Pay the $100 application fee.
Pass exam: Once your application is approved, pass the electrical contractor examination administered by PSI. The exam is a three-part exam consisting of the electrical contracting trade exam, the New Jersey business and law exam, and the alarm systems electrical contractor exam. The cost for the three exams is $180. PSI provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
Pay license fee: Pay the $225 license fee for a three-year electrical contractor license. If applying in the second year of the license cycle, the fee is $150; in the third year of the license cycle, the fee is $75.
Apply for business permit: Submit an initial business permit application to the electrical board. Applications must be received at least 10 business days before the next scheduled monthly board meeting.
Obtain surety bond: Obtain a $1,000 surety bond.
Proof of insurance: Submit a certificate of general liability insurance for a minimum of $300,000 insurance coverage, or a bank letter of credit. Contractors must also meet state workers’ compensation insurance coverage requirements.
Pay business permit fee: Contractors pay a $150 initial business permit fee if applying in the first year of the three-year permit cycle. If applying in the second year, pay a $100 fee; in the third year, pay a $50 fee. Contracting businesses must also pay $25 for a pocket-pressure seal, which must be impressed upon all electrical inspection applications.
Increased authority: Contractors may operate an electrical contracting business and supervise electrical apprentices and journeymen.
The Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors provides an FAQ page answering commonly asked questions about electrical licensing.
Types of Electrical Licenses in New Jersey
What are the different types of electrician licenses in New Jersey? There are three types of state-issued electrical licenses.
Class A Electrical Apprentice License
A Class A electrical apprentice is a person enrolled in an electrical apprenticeship program accredited and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor who performs electrical work under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor or Class A journeyman electrician.
Class A Journeyman Electrician License
A Class A journeyman electrician has 8,000 hours of practical experience in the installation, alteration, or repair of wiring for electric light, heat, or power, and a minimum of 576 classroom hours of related instruction.
Electrical Contractor License
An electrical contractor is a person engaging in the business of contracting to install, erect, repair, or alter electrical equipment for the generation, transmission, or utilization of electrical energy.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in New Jersey
There are many benefits to obtaining your electrical license in New Jersey.
First and most importantly, New Jersey requires electrical apprentices, journeymen, and contractors to hold a license.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the start as an electrical apprentice.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise, your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in New Jersey?
The annual mean wage for electricians in New Jersey is $80,090 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience.
An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In New Jersey, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $65,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $76,500
Senior (4-7 years): $82,500
Salaries can vary widely, depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in New Jersey?
The cost of an electrician license varies, depending on the license. State regulations list the fee schedule.
Application fee for all licenses: $100
Electrical apprentice and journeyman initial license fees:
$150, if applying during the first year of the three-year license cycle
$100, if applying during the second year of the license cycle
$50, if applying during the third year of the license cycle
Electrical contractor initial license fee:
$225, if applying during the first year of the three-year license cycle
$150, if applying during the second year of the license cycle
$75, if applying during the third year of the license cycle
Electrical contractor initial business permit fee:
$150, if applying during the first year of the three-year permit cycle
$100, if applying during the second year of the permit cycle
$50, if applying during the third year of the permit cycle
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in New Jersey?
The minimum amount of time it takes to get a journeyman electrician license is four years. The state requires journeyman electrician applicants to complete an approved apprenticeship consisting of 8,000 hours and at least 576 hours of classroom training. It takes an additional year (2,000 hours) working as a licensed journeyman before you can apply for an electrical contractor license.
The great news is that as an apprentice in the electrical trade, you earn a wage from the very beginning. Compensation increases as you acquire more training and knowledge and become a licensed journeyman electrician. As a licensed contractor, you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
New Jersey Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in New Jersey. The New Jersey Office of Apprenticeship connects applicants with registered apprenticeships throughout the state. Electrical apprentices must register for an apprenticeship approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.
There are a number of training programs offering electrician apprenticeships for hands-on experience. These include:
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 102 in Parsippany
IBEW Local 164 in Paramus
IBEW Local 269 in Trenton
IBEW Local 351 in Hammonton
IBEW Local 400 in East Wall
IBEW Local 456 in North Brunswick
Several schools offer a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. These include:
Tuition: Tuition cost depends on the program you choose. Some apprenticeships are fully paid by your employer with required good grades. A New Jersey state resident who enrolls in community college can expect to pay about $5,470 per year in tuition.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED high school equivalent degree.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, perform troubleshooting, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in New Jersey, check out our post — Electrician Schools in New Jersey: The Ultimate Guide.
New Jersey Electrician Licensing Exam Details
In New Jersey, electrical contractors must pass a licensing exam. They apply for the exam with the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Upon approval, the board sends applicants information about how to schedule the exam with PSI, which administers the exam. The board lists information on its examination information page.
PSI provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information. The exam is a three-part exam consisting of the electrical contracting trade exam, the New Jersey business and law exam, and the alarm systems electrical contractor exam. The cost for the three exams is $180. The exams are open book with approved references. A passing score is 70% or higher.
The electrical contractor trade exam has 100 questions and a 255-minute time limit. Topics include general electrical knowledge; services, feeders, and branch circuits; conductors and cables; grounding and bonding; and safety.
The business and law exam has 50 questions and a 130-minute time limit. Topics include estimating and bidding, contract management, project management, financial management, labor law, tax law, and lien law.
The alarm systems contractor exam has 50 questions and a 165-minute time limit. Topics include general electrical knowledge, application of fire alarm and security systems, installation requirements, and wiring methods and materials.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in New Jersey?
Those who complete an apprenticeship will receive the work experience, training, and fundamental knowledge necessary to take a licensing exam.
PSI lists approved references for each of the contractor exams in its candidate information bulletin. Approved references include the NFPA 70 - National Electric Code (NEC) by the National Fire Protection Association and the NASCLA Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management – New Jersey, 2nd Edition, by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in New Jersey?
The Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors within the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs issues electrical apprentice, journeyman electrician, and electrical contractor licenses.
Visit the board’s home page for current board contact information. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs is at 124 Halsey St., Newark, N.J. 07102. The consumer service center hotline is (973) 504-6200.
Does My New Jersey Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
No. New Jersey does not have reciprocity agreements with other states.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in New Jersey?
New Jersey does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, but the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors may grant Class A journeyman electrician licenses to those who have held a journeyman electrician license for at least two years from another state with equal licensing requirements. They must also show proof of completing a board-approved, 15-hour course relating to the most recent edition of the National Electric Code, according to administrative code.
The applicant must apply for the New Jersey license, show proof of education, and have the licensing agency submit licensure verification to the New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
National Electrical Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in New Jersey?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in New Jersey. Scholarships are awarded through the state, trade schools, trade organizations, and colleges. The state offers a Community College Opportunity Grant to enable eligible New Jersey residents to pursue their first associate’s degree tuition-free.
Other scholarship opportunities or scholarship directories for trade or vocational schools include:
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in New Jersey?
Potential clients or employees may verify your electrical license through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs license verification system. Perform a business search or a person search. Search by:
Profession
License type
Business or individual name
License number
City
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in New Jersey?
A suspended electrical license means the licensee is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the reasons electrical licenses can be suspended or revoked in New Jersey include:
Obtaining a certificate, registration, license, or authorization to sit for an examination through fraud, deception, or misrepresentation.
Engaging in dishonesty, fraud, deception, misrepresentation, false promise, or false pretense.
Engaging in gross negligence or gross incompetence which damaged or endangered the life, health, welfare, safety, or property of any person.
Advertising fraudulently.
Engaging in professional or occupational misconduct.
Failing to comply with any act or regulation administered by the board.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information, refer to New Jersey Revised Statutes Title 45, Chapter 1 and Title 45 Chapter 5A; and New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 31.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in New Jersey?
Performing electrical contracting work without a license in New Jersey is a fourth-degree crime, according to New Jersey Revised Statutes. A fourth-degree crime is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to 18 months.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information, refer to New Jersey Revised Statutes Title 45, Chapter 1 and Title 45 Chapter 5A; and New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 31.
Continuing Education
Electrical contractors must complete 34 hours of continuing education every three years before renewing their license. Of those 34 hours, nine hours must cover code and one hour must cover New Jersey laws, rules, and regulations.
Licenses and business permits must be renewed every three years. Renew online through the MyLicense online portal.
License renewal fees are as follows:
Electrical apprentice license: $150
Journeyman electrician license: $150
Electrical contractor license: $225
Electrical contractor business permit: $150
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrical industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
