Electricians' Examining Board - Frequently Asked Questions

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Master Electrician

Do I need to pass a test?

Yes; 100 questions (multiple choice). You must get 70% correct in order to pass.

How do I apply to take the exam?

Submission of an online application, along with the requisite educational and work experience documentation. Alternatively, you can download a paper exam application (PDF) to print, complete and send. IMPORTANT: You must receive approval from the Board prior to scheduling your exam.

Once I pass the exam, how do I become licensed?

I cannot find my license certificate. Can you send me a duplicate?

You may request a duplicate license online. There is no charge to have a replacement emailed to you.

What about continuing education?

Completion of 15 hours of an approved current National Electrical Code update course must be completed prior to renewal. You can obtain information regarding board-approved vendors by completing a search and scrolling to the bottom of the page to "Course and Course Providers".

How many helpers can I have working with me at one time?

One (1)

Reciprocity?

New Hampshire, Vermont. Please complete an online application. Alternatively, you can download a reciprocity application (PDF), print, complete and send it. IMPORTANT: You must provide proof of licensure from the State you are licensed in and mail it with your application.

Is my application confidential?

No. With the exception of Social Security Number, all application information is public. Contact information provided to the Board is posted on our website.

Journeyman Electrician

Do I need to pass a test?

Yes; 80 questions (multiple choice). You must get 70% correct in order to pass.

How do I apply to take the exam?

Completion of an examination application is required. An online application may be submitted. Alternatively you can download an exam application (PDF) to print and complete. IMPORTANT: You must receive approval from the Board prior to scheduling your exam.

Once I pass the exam, how do I become licensed?

Completion of an application for licensure is required. An online application may be submitted, along with sufficient proof of the requisite work experience.

I cannot find my license certificate. Can you send me a duplicate?

You may request a duplicate license online. There is no charge to have a replacement emailed to you.

What about continuing education?

Completion of 15 hours of an approved current National Electrical Code update course must be completed prior to renewal.

Reciprocity?

New Hampshire, Oregon, Idaho, North Dakota and Vermont. An online application may be submitted. Alternatively you can download a reciprocity application (PDF) to print, complete and mail to the board along with a payment in the amount of $171.00. IMPORTANT: You must provide proof of licensure from the State you are licensed in and mail it with your application.

Is my application confidential?

No. With the exception of Social Security Number, all application information is public. Contact information provided to the Board is posted on our website.

Limited Electrician

Do I need to pass a test?

Yes; 50 questions (multiple choice). You must get 70% correct in order to pass.

How do I apply to take the exam?

Submission of an online application, along with of proof of completion of the requisite educational and work experience documentation. Alternatively, you can download an exam application (PDF) to print and complete. IMPORTANT: You must receive approval from the Board prior to scheduling your exam.

Once I pass the exam, how do I become licensed?

Board staff will provide you with a licensing application. Complete the application and return it to this office with appropriate fees.

I cannot find my license certificate. Can you send me a duplicate?

You may request a duplicate license online. There is no charge to have a replacement emailed to you.

What about continuing education?

Completion of 15 hours of an approved current National Electrical Code update course must be completed prior to renewal.

Do I need a helper's license to work beyond the scope of my limited license?

Yes. If you want to work beyond the scope of your limited license, you will need to obtain a helper's license and work under the supervision of a master or journeyman electrician.

Reciprocity?

None.

Is my application confidential?

No. With the exception of Social Security Number, all application information is public. Contact information provided to the Board is posted on our website.

Helper Electrician

Do I need to pass a test?

No. Just complete an application. Download a license application (PDF)

When should I obtain a license?

Immediately after commencing employment or immediately after starting school in an electrical program.

I cannot find my license certificate. Can you send me a duplicate?

You may request a duplicate license online. There is no charge to have a replacement emailed to you.

What about continuing education?

None.

Reciprocity?

None.

Is my application confidential?

No. With the exception of Social Security Number, all application information is public. Contact information provided to the Board is posted on our website.

Apprentice Electrician

Do I need to pass a test?

How do I qualify for a license?

You must be registered pursuant to 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 29.3 (2016) with the United States Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship or a state apprenticeship agency recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship. For more information on Maine apprenticeships please contact the Maine Apprenticeship Program .

When should I obtain a license?

Immediately after registration in a 4 - 5 year federal or state apprenticeship program.

I cannot find my license certificate. Can you send me a duplicate?

You may request a duplicate license online. There is no charge to have a replacement emailed to you.

What about continuing education?

None.

Reciprocity?

None.

Is my application confidential?

No. With the exception of Social Security Number, all application information is public. Contact information provided to the Board is posted on our website.

Electrical Permits

How do I know if a permit is required?

No electrical installation may be installed or altered unless the master or limited electrician making the installation first obtains a permit from the Board. View list of exceptions to permitting

How do I apply for a permit?

Single-Family Certifications

How do I know if a single-family certification is required?

If you are making electrical installations in a newly constructed single-family residence occupied by you as your bona fide personal abode, or an auxilary structure you can make the electrical installations as long as the installation conforms to standards of the National Electrical Code. The installation requires certification by a State or Local Inspector, Master Electrician or Limited Electrician in House Wiring prior to the activation of electricity by the utility company.

How do I apply for a single-family certification?

Consumer Questions

How can I find out if an electrician I want to hire is licensed?

How can I file a complaint against an electrician?

Click here for information regarding filing complaints against electricians