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How to get an Electrician license in Kentucky

Kentucky licenses electricians statewide through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (HBC).1 For the Electrician license you need at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2, a passing score on the Journeyman's Electrical Exam3 and a criminal background check4. The board lists $100 for the application (Full 24-month license)5 and $54 for the application (Lowest prorated amount)4, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years5 and complete at least 6 hours of continuing education6.

Last checked · 17 official sources

Who issues it

Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (HBC)

Training and experience

Experience: at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2

Exam

Journeyman's Electrical Exam3

Fees the board lists

Application fee (Full 24-month license): $1005
Application fee (Lowest prorated amount): $544

Renewal

Every 2 years5, at least 6 hours of continuing education6

From another state

Reciprocity agreements and License by endorsement37 Details

On this page
  1. Kentucky electrician licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs an Electrician license
  4. Requirements for an Electrician license
  5. How much an Electrician license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Moving to Kentucky with a license from another state
  9. Provisional Electrician
  10. Master Electrician
  11. Electrical Contractor
  12. City and county rules
  13. Check a license or report a problem
  14. Laws and rules
  15. Common questions
  16. Electrician licenses in other states

Kentucky electrician licenses

Kentucky issues 4 electrician credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
Provisional ElectricianOne-year, non-renewable electrician license for experienced workers (6 years at 2,080 hours a year) who have not yet passed the exam; same rights as a licensed electrician. Pass the electrician exam within the year to convert, or it ends and cannot be issued again.5Experience 6 years2No2$508
ElectricianLicensed person employed by an electrical contractor who constructs, alters or repairs electrical systems for heat, light or power. HBC calls the exam the Journeyman's Electrical Exam; the license itself is titled "Electrician".3Experience 8,000 hours2Yes5$1005
Master ElectricianLicensed to take responsible charge, supervise or direct electricians on any electrical system for heat, light or power. Every electrical contractor must be or employ a full-time master, and a master may act for only one contractor.9Experience 16,000 hours3Yes5$2005
Electrical ContractorBusiness license (individual or entity) to contract for, design, plan, superintend or take responsibility for electrical installations and employ electrical workers. Must be a master electrician or employ one full-time.9–Yes5$4005

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Kentucky electrician licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 4)

Requirements

Background check
Background check required4810
The application asks whether you have any felony or misdemeanor conviction in any jurisdiction; a "yes" answer may block the license and the applicant is told to contact the Licensing Branch.4810
Also required
Attach a passport-sized color photograph taken within the past 6 months.5

How to apply

2. Every license level except Provisional Electrician

Requirements

Also required
An incomplete application stays pending for up to 1 year, then becomes void.5

How to apply

  1. Pay the prorated, non-refundable application fee (payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer or electronically) and send everything to HBC Licensing Branch, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601.410
  2. After licensing, create an HBC online portal account to renew, upload documents, pay fees and print your license card.11

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years5
Continuing education
At least 6 hours each renewal period6
Approved courses
Courses from NECA, ABC, IBEW, AGC, IAEI, IEC, HBC itself, or another HBC-approved provider.12
Exemptions
No CE for the first renewal if the initial license was issued within 12 months of renewal; excess hours carry forward up to 12 hours.6
Inactive licensees need no CE and are exempt from renewal; reactivation needs the renewal fee, a reactivation fee and 12 months of CE.6
Renew online
dhbc.ky.gov11

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
KRS 227A.070: license by endorsement for applicants licensed in a state with substantially equal requirements, in good standing, only if that state gives Kentucky licensees similar reciprocity.7

3. Electrician and Master Electrician

Fees

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, PROV, NASCLA or Pearson VUE3, when you schedule.

Renewal

When it expires
Biennial: renew by the last day of your birth month in the second year.5
Required topics
Master electrician and electrician courses: job safety, electrical codes, or subject matter directly related to the electrical trade.6
No more than 2 hours of safety practices per 12 months count; 1 hour = 50 minutes.6
If it expires
60-day grace period after expiry (renewal fee + $50 late fee, may keep working); then the license terminates. Reinstatement within 3 years needs no exam.12
Renewals postmarked by the last day of the renewal month are on time.5

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Supervised military occupational specialty experience can count toward all or part of the experience hours (Form ELM-1 with a DD-214 or a commanding officer's statement).2

Who needs an Electrician license

Licensed person employed by an electrical contractor who constructs, alters or repairs electrical systems for heat, light or power. HBC calls the exam the Journeyman's Electrical Exam; the license itself is titled "Electrician".3

Work that does not need this license:

  • Homeowners and farmers may install or repair wiring on their own property without a license.13
  • Maintenance workers doing routine maintenance for a property owner or manager need no license (not installation of complete systems).13
  • Retailers installing appliances they sold, utility installations, coal mine work and telecom work at 50 volts or less are exempt.13

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • Unlicensed workers may do electrical work only under direct on-site supervision of a licensed electrician or master electrician.14

Requirements for an Electrician license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Education or training
Optional: an HBC-approved electrical training course (at least 288 classroom hours, or a registered apprenticeship) substitutes for 4,000 hours of experience.2
Who may teach it: Electrical training programs approved by HBC under 815 KAR 35:090, or an electrical apprenticeship registered with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet.15
Alternative: Associate degree or diploma in electrical technology (KCTCS or accredited college): substitutes for 4,000 hours.2
Alternative: Two years of teaching electrical technology at an accredited college: substitutes for 4,000 hours.2
Alternative: Two years of a 4-year approved training course: substitutes for 4,000 hours, but the rest of the course must be finished within 4 years of licensing or the license is revoked.2
Experience
At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2
The board's words

“(b) Has completed eight thousand (8,000) hours of verifiable experience in the electrical trade since his or her sixteenth birthday.”


Supervision: Unlicensed workers must be directly supervised on site by a licensed electrician or master electrician.14
Substitute: Supervised military occupational specialty experience can count toward all or part of the experience hours (Form ELM-1 with a DD-214 or a commanding officer's statement).2
Substitute: Prove hours with tax records (Schedule C, 1040, 1099, local occupational tax returns), a qualifying local business license, a sworn affidavit on letterhead from a union, licensed contractor/master, industrial employer or approved training program, or Form ELM-1 for military experience.5
Exam
Journeyman's Electrical Exam3
Given by: PROV, NASCLA or Pearson VUE3
Passing score: 70%5
Time limit: A passing score is valid for 3 years.5
Exam waived: Reciprocity instead of test results: holders of an active Virginia or West Virginia journeyman electrician license; HBC may also accept another examination shown to be equivalent.4

How much an Electrician license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$1005HBCFull 24-month license; prorated (13-24 months) to end in your birth month. Not refundable
Application fee$544HBCLowest prorated amount (13-month license); the form has a table for every application month and birth month. Not refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Pass the Journeyman's Electrical Exam with an HBC-approved provider (70% or higher; the score is good for 3 years) - or qualify through a reciprocity agreement.5
  2. Complete Form EL-3 (Electrical License Application, October 2024), ticking "Electrician License", attach your test results (or reciprocity documents), proof of experience or training, and a passport-sized color photo taken within 6 months.5

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal fee
$1005
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $505 (renewal during the 60-day grace period (renewal fee plus $50))
Reinstatement fee: $1005 (license terminated after the 60-day grace period: reinstatement fee equal to the renewal fee ($100) plus the renewal fee ($100))

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Kentucky Electrician license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to Kentucky with a license from another state

These are the routes HBC publishes for the Electrician license. The other electrician licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Holders of an active Virginia or West Virginia journeyman electrician license can get the Kentucky license without the exam: copy of license, letter of good standing, application, fee and photo.3
States on Kentucky's list
Virginia and West Virginia3
This is the list of states whose licenses Kentucky accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Kentucky license.
Conditions
Must meet the terms of the reciprocity agreement, give a copy of the license and a good-standing letter, and meet the normal application rules.5

Provisional Electrician

One-year, non-renewable electrician license for experienced workers (6 years at 2,080 hours a year) who have not yet passed the exam; same rights as a licensed electrician. Pass the electrician exam within the year to convert, or it ends and cannot be issued again.5

Requirements

Experience
At least 6 years2
The board's words

“has completed at least six (6) years of verifiable experience and has worked two thousand eighty (2,080) hours a year for those six (6) years in the electrical trade since the applicant's sixteenth birthday.”


Substitute: Experience is proved with the same documents as for other licenses (tax records, affidavits, etc.).5
Exam
Not required2
Time limit: Within the 1-year provisional term.2
Residency or citizenship
The EL-14 form has a check box "I certify that I'm a Kentucky resident."8

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$508HBCNot refundable

How to apply

  1. Complete Form EL-14 and attach proof of 6 years x 2,080 hours of experience and a passport-sized color photo.8
  2. Send it with the $50 non-refundable fee (payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer) to HBC Licensing Branch, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601.8
  3. Within the year, pass the Journeyman's Electrical Exam and pay the electrician application fee to receive the regular Electrician license.2

Renewal

How often
Every year5
When it expires
Non-renewable; ends on the 1-year anniversary of issue.8
If it expires
If you do not pass in time the license ends, you return to unlicensed status and can never get another provisional license (you can still apply for the regular Electrician license).5

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
Provisional license is based on documented experience, not on another state's license.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Applies to every license level.

Master Electrician

Licensed to take responsible charge, supervise or direct electricians on any electrical system for heat, light or power. Every electrical contractor must be or employ a full-time master, and a master may act for only one contractor.9

Requirements

Education or training
Optional: an HBC-approved electrical training course (288+ classroom hours) substitutes for 4,000 hours of experience.2
Who may teach it: HBC-approved electrical training programs (815 KAR 35:090) or a Labor Cabinet registered electrical apprenticeship.15
Alternative: Associate degree or diploma in electrical technology (KCTCS or accredited college): substitutes for 6,000 hours.2
Alternative: Two years teaching electrical technology at an accredited college: substitutes for 4,000 hours.2
Experience
At least 16,000 hours of on-the-job training3
16,000 hours of verifiable electrical-trade experience earned since your 16th birthday. No Kentucky electrician license is required first.2
License you must hold first: None stated: KRS 227A.060(2) lists fee, 16,000 hours and the exam only.2
Substitute: Supervised military occupational specialty experience can count toward all or part of the experience hours (Form ELM-1 with a DD-214 or a commanding officer's statement).2
Substitute: Prove hours with tax records (Schedule C, 1040, 1099, local occupational tax returns), a qualifying local business license, a sworn affidavit on letterhead from a union, licensed contractor/master, industrial employer or approved training program, or Form ELM-1 for military experience.5
Exam
Master Electrician's Exam3
Given by: PROV, NASCLA or Pearson VUE3
Passing score: 70%5
Time limit: A passing score is valid for 3 years.5
Exam waived: Reciprocity instead of test results: holders of an active Virginia or West Virginia master electrician license, or an active Ohio electrical contractor license; HBC may also accept another examination shown to be equivalent.4

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$2005HBCFull 24-month license; prorated (13-24 months) to end in your birth month. Not refundable
Application fee$1084HBCLowest prorated amount (13-month license). Not refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Pass the Master Electrician's Exam with an HBC-approved provider (70% or higher; the score is good for 3 years) - or qualify through a reciprocity agreement.5
  2. Complete Form EL-3 (Electrical License Application, October 2024), ticking "Master Electrician License", attach your test results (or reciprocity documents), proof of experience or training, and a passport-sized color photo taken within 6 months.5

Renewal

Renewal fee
$2005
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $505 (renewal during the 60-day grace period (renewal fee plus $50))
Reinstatement fee: $2005 (license terminated after the 60-day grace period: reinstatement fee equal to the renewal fee ($200) plus the renewal fee ($200))

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Holders of an active Virginia or West Virginia master electrician license can get the Kentucky license without the exam: copy of license, letter of good standing, application, fee and photo.3
States on Kentucky's list
Virginia and West Virginia3
This is the list of states whose licenses Kentucky accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Kentucky license.
Conditions
Must meet the terms of the reciprocity agreement, give a copy of the license and a good-standing letter, and meet the normal application rules.5
Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Ohio: an active Ohio electrical contractor license is reciprocated to both a Kentucky Electrical Contractor and a Kentucky Master Electrician license.3
States on Kentucky's list
Ohio3
This is the list of states whose licenses Kentucky accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Kentucky license.
Conditions
Copy of the Ohio license, good-standing letter, liability and workers' compensation insurance certificate, both applications and both fees.3

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Electrical Contractor

Business license (individual or entity) to contract for, design, plan, superintend or take responsibility for electrical installations and employ electrical workers. Must be a master electrician or employ one full-time.9

Requirements

Experience
No experience hours for the contractor license itself; the contractor must be, or name and employ, a licensed master electrician.10
License you must hold first: Master electrician license (yours or a full-time employee's).3
Exam
Business and Law Exam3
Given by: PROV or Pearson VUE3
Passing score: 70%5
Time limit: A passing score is valid for 3 years.5
Exam waived: Reciprocity instead of test results: holders of an active Ohio electrical contractor license; HBC may also accept another examination shown to be equivalent.10
Insurance
General liability of at least $1,000,000, plus workers' compensation and unemployment insurance compliance; HBC must be the certificate holder and insurers must be listed with the Kentucky Department of Insurance.2
Insurance
Sole proprietors with no employees may file a notarized workers' compensation waiver.3
Business requirements
A business entity names an owner, officer, director or full-time employee to take the exam; if that person leaves, a new designee must already have passed or pass within 30 days.5
Business requirements
If the license holder a business relies on leaves, the business must employ a licensed person before continuing or within 30 days; if a master dies, HBC allows up to 180 days.16

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$4005HBCFull 24-month license; prorated (13-24 months). Not refundable
Application fee$21710HBCLowest prorated amount (13-month license). Not refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, PROV or Pearson VUE3, when you schedule.

How to apply

  1. Pass the Business and Law Exam with an HBC-approved provider (70% or higher; the score is good for 3 years) - or qualify through a reciprocity agreement.5
  2. Complete Form EL-2 (Electrical Contractor's License Application, October 2024) as an Individual or Business license, naming the associated master electrician, attach your test results (or reciprocity documents), proof of experience or training, and a passport-sized color photo taken within 6 months.5
  3. Get an ACORD certificate of general liability ($1,000,000+) and workers' compensation insurance (or a notarized waiver) naming "Dept. of Housing, Buildings & Construction, Electrical Licensing, 500 Mero St, 1st FL, Frankfort KY 40601" as certificate holder.2

Renewal

When it expires
Biennial: renew by the last day of your birth month in the second year; business-entity contractor licenses renew in the month the license was issued.5
Renewal fee
$4005
Required topics
Electrical contractor courses: business or job safety.6
No more than 2 hours of safety practices per 12 months count; 1 hour = 50 minutes.6
An electrical contractor cannot use master electrician, electrician or inspector hours toward the contractor's CE; a business licensee designates an agent to take it.6
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $505 (renewal during the 60-day grace period (renewal fee plus $50))
Reinstatement fee: $4005 (license terminated after the 60-day grace period: reinstatement fee equal to the renewal fee ($400) plus the renewal fee ($400))
If it expires
60-day grace period after expiry (renewal fee + $50 late fee, may keep working); then the license terminates. Reinstatement within 3 years needs no exam.12
Renewals postmarked by the last day of the renewal month are on time.5
Proof of insurance is required again at every renewal.5

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Ohio electrical contractors get a Kentucky Electrical Contractor license (and Master Electrician license) by reciprocity: copy of active Ohio license, insurance certificate, both applications, fees, photo and good-standing letter.3
States on Kentucky's list
Ohio3
This is the list of states whose licenses Kentucky accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Kentucky license.
Conditions
Proof of insurance is required for a reciprocity contractor license.5

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Electrical ContractorOne statewide license; local governments cannot license electricians separately but may act as HBC agents and still collect occupational taxes.14

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire an electrician in Kentucky, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Kentucky is on the Kentucky license lookup page.

Look up a license
dhbc.ky.gov17

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get an Electrician license in Kentucky?

The rules set at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.

Can I transfer my electrician license to Kentucky?

HBC publishes these routes for the Electrician license: reciprocity agreements3 and license by endorsement7. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew an Electrician license in Kentucky?

Every 2 years5. Continuing education: at least 6 hours6. The renewal fee is $1005.

Electrician licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. Electrical DivisionKentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and ConstructionChecked November 7, 2026
  2. KRS 227A.060Kentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated July 15, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  3. New Application Checklists (electrical)Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and ConstructionChecked November 7, 2026
  4. Form EL-3 Electrical License Application (October 2024)Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and ConstructionChecked November 7, 2026
  5. 815 KAR 35:060 Licensing of electrical contractors, master electricians, and electriciansKentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated May 6, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  6. 815 KAR 2:010 Continuing education requirementsKentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated January 4, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  7. KRS 227A.070Kentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated July 15, 2010Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Form EL-14 Provisional Electrician's License Application (April 2023)Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and ConstructionChecked November 7, 2026
  9. KRS 227A.010Kentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated June 29, 2017Checked November 7, 2026
  10. Form EL-2 Electrical Contractor's License Application (October 2024)Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and ConstructionChecked November 7, 2026
  11. How to Create a Portal Account and Renew a License OnlineKentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and ConstructionChecked November 7, 2026
  12. KRS 227A.100Kentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated July 15, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  13. KRS 227A.030Kentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated June 29, 2021Checked November 7, 2026
  14. KRS 227A.020Kentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated July 15, 2010Checked November 7, 2026
  15. 815 KAR 35:090 Electrical Training Program standardsKentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated December 3, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  16. KRS 227A.140Kentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated July 14, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  17. License Search and VerificationKentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and ConstructionChecked November 7, 2026