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How to get a Journeyman Electrician license in Maine

Maine licenses electricians statewide through the Electricians' Examining Board.1 For the Journeyman Electrician license you need at least 576 clock hours2 of education, at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2, a passing score on the Journeyman Electrician examination3 and a criminal background check4. The board lists $150 for the initial license5 and $20 for the initial license (Senior Journeyman Electrician)5, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years5 and complete 15 hours of continuing education6.

Last checked · 18 official sources

Who issues it

Electricians' Examining Board

Training and experience

Training: at least 576 clock hours2
Experience: at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2

Exam

Journeyman Electrician examination3

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $1505
Initial license fee (Senior Journeyman Electrician): $205
Fingerprint and state background check: $214
Exam fee: $907

Renewal

Every 2 years5, 15 hours of continuing education6

From another state

Reciprocity agreements and License by endorsement48 Details

On this page
  1. Maine electrician licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Journeyman Electrician license
  4. Requirements for a Journeyman Electrician license
  5. How much a Journeyman Electrician license costs
  6. Renewal and continuing education
  7. Moving to Maine with a license from another state
  8. Apprentice Electrician
  9. Helper Electrician
  10. Journeyman-in-Training Electrician
  11. Limited Electrician
  12. Master Electrician
  13. City and county rules
  14. Laws and rules
  15. Common questions
  16. Electrician licenses in other states

Maine electrician licenses

Maine issues 6 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
Apprentice ElectricianMakes electrical installations only under the direct supervision of a licensed master, journeyman or limited electrician.2––$255
Helper ElectricianMakes electrical installations only under the direct supervision of a licensed master, journeyman or limited electrician.2––$255
Journeyman ElectricianMakes electrical installations while employed by a master electrician, limited electrician or electrical company; may supervise two apprentices, two helpers enrolled in/completed the 576-hour course, or one other helper.2Training 576 clock hours2
Experience 8,000 hours2		Yes3$1505
Journeyman-in-Training ElectricianMakes electrical installations while employed by a master or limited electrician or electrical company; may not supervise other electricians.2Training 576 clock hours2
Experience 2,000 hours2		Yes9$1505
Limited ElectricianInstalls only the equipment or work covered by the license category (low energy, gasoline dispensing, house wiring for one- and two-family homes, outdoor signs, refrigeration, traffic signals, water pumps, crane wiring).10Training 135 clock hours6
Experience 2,000 hours6		Yes2$15010
Master ElectricianMay make electrical installations without limitation; responsible for the work of electricians they supervise and may supervise unlimited journeymen, journeyman-in-training and limited electricians.2Training 576 clock hours2
Experience 4,000 hours2		Yes3$15011

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Maine 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 6)

Requirements

Background check
Background check required4121391011
Social Security number
Applicants without an SSN file the OPOR No SSN Affidavit.14

How to apply

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years5
When it expires
Two-year license term counted from the date of first licensure.4121391011

2. Every license level except Apprentice Electrician and Helper Electrician

Fees

FeeAmountPaid to
Initial license fee$15051011Electricians' Examining Board
Fingerprint and state background check$21491011Maine State Bureau of Identification (SBI) criminal history report

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. Apply online to the Electricians' Examining Board for exam approval, attaching transcripts and a work-experience affidavit signed by your supervising electrician.6 www1.maine.gov491011
  2. Wait for the Board's approval email; only then schedule the exam with Prov, Inc. (exam fee paid to Prov).7
  3. Pass the closed-book exam with a score of 70% or higher.6
  4. Within 2 years of passing, submit the license application with the license fee and the SBI report fee, plus proof of a 45-hour National Electrical Code course taken within the last 2 years.6

Renewal

Renewal fee
$1505
Continuing education
15 hours each renewal period6
Required topics
15-hour National Electrical Code update course (2026 NEC update for 2026 and 2027 renewals; none required for 2028 renewals per the schedule).6
Approved courses
Course must be a current National Electrical Code course adopted by the board; certification at renewal is subject to audit.6

3. Journeyman Electrician, Journeyman-in-Training Electrician and Limited Electrician

Requirements

Education or training
At least 45 clock hours2
45-hour National Electrical Code course within 2 years before applying for the license2

4. Journeyman Electrician, Journeyman-in-Training Electrician and Master Electrician

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Exam fee$907Prov, Inc.Not refundable

5. Journeyman Electrician, Limited Electrician and Master Electrician

Renewal

Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $5041011 (renewed up to 90 days after expiry)
If it expires
May renew up to 90 days after expiry with a late fee.15
Military: exam waived if renewal is filed within 90 days of separation, subject to the 4-year service limit.15

6. Apprentice Electrician, Helper Electrician and Journeyman-in-Training Electrician

Renewal

Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $5012139
If it expires
May renew up to 90 days after expiry with a late fee.15
Military: exam waived if renewal is filed within 90 days of separation, subject to the 4-year service limit.15
Renewal more than 90 days after expiry: all new-applicant requirements apply.12139

7. Journeyman Electrician and Master Electrician

Requirements

Also required
Work experience is documented by affidavit from the supervising electrician; no more than 40 hours/week credited unless overtime is verified.6

8. Apprentice Electrician and Helper Electrician

What it covers

Makes electrical installations only under the direct supervision of a licensed master, journeyman or limited electrician.2

Requirements

Also required
No exam: the board issues the license on application with the required fee.2

Fees

FeeAmountPaid to
Initial license fee$255Electricians' Examining Board
Fingerprint and state background check$211213Criminal background check

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. Apply online to the Electricians' Examining Board and pay the license fee and SBI report fee.1213 www1.maine.gov1213

Renewal

Renewal fee
$255

Who needs a Journeyman Electrician license

Makes electrical installations while employed by a master electrician, limited electrician or electrical company; may supervise two apprentices, two helpers enrolled in/completed the 576-hour course, or one other helper.2

Requirements for a Journeyman Electrician license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Education or training
At least 576 clock hours2
576-hour course of study adopted by the board (225 hours of Electricity I & II, Math I, Controls I and current NEC, plus 351 hours of electives) or a registered-apprenticeship course of study2
Who may teach it: Program approved by the Electricians' Examining Board or from an accredited institution.4
Alternative: Secondary-school career and technical education electrical program (credited 1,000 work hours; may test on graduation)2
Alternative: Accredited community college 576-hour electrical program (credited 4,000 work hours; may test on completion)2
Alternative: Department of Corrections vocational-electrical program (credited 4,000 work hours)2
Experience
At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2
8,000 work hours in electrical installations as a licensed apprentice or helper electrician2
Supervision: Apprentices and helpers work under direct supervision of a master, journeyman or limited electrician.2
Substitute: Comparable work experience, education or training acceptable to the board2
Exam
Journeyman Electrician examination3
Given by: Prov, Inc.7
Passing score: 70%6
When you can take it: Registered apprentices who finished the course of study may test after 4,000 of the 8,000 hours.2
80 questions, 3 hours, closed book3
Retakes: Approval to sit is valid 2 years; a candidate who has not passed within 2 years of approval must reapply as a new applicant.6
Time limit: Apply for the license within 2 years of the passing-score notice or reapply and retake the exam.6

How much a Journeyman Electrician license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$205Electricians' Examining BoardSenior Journeyman Electrician (over age 70)

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

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

Moving to Maine with a license from another state

These are the routes the Electricians' Examining Board publishes for the Journeyman Electrician license. The other electrician licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
License by reciprocity for journeymen licensed by exam in a reciprocating state with at least six years of licensed work.4
States on Maine's list
New Hampshire, Vermont, North Dakota, Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming4
This is the list of states whose licenses Maine accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Maine license.
Conditions
Sworn application, license from a reciprocating state, passed that state's written exam, at least six years working as an electrician.4
Statute: at least 8,000 hours licensed and working; the board may waive the 576-hour study requirement.16
Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
License by endorsement for an active journeyman license from a U.S. jurisdiction requiring an approved 576-hour course (or accredited program), a passed exam and at least 8,000 supervised hours.8
Conditions
Good standing in every jurisdiction ever licensed.8

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Exam waiver on late renewal for those who could not renew because of active duty, if filed within 90 days of separation.15

Apprentice Electrician

Requirements

Experience
Enrolment in a registered apprenticeship program (U.S. DOL Office of Apprenticeship or recognized state agency); copy of the apprenticeship agreement required12

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 6 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.

Helper Electrician

Requirements

Also required
Students in a Maine community college or high school electrical program get a helper license usable in the school program under a master-electrician instructor.13

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 6 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.

Journeyman-in-Training Electrician

Makes electrical installations while employed by a master or limited electrician or electrical company; may not supervise other electricians.2

Requirements

Education or training
At least 576 clock hours2
Accredited community college electrical program (576-hour course of study), or Department of Corrections vocational-electrical program, or 576-hour board/registered-apprenticeship course, or secondary CTE electrical program2
Experience
At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training2
2,000 work hours as a licensed helper (community college or Corrections route)2
Substitute: 6,000 work hours as a licensed apprentice plus a 576-hour or registered-apprenticeship course of study2
Substitute: Secondary CTE electrical program plus 6,000 hours as a licensed helper (1,000 hours credited on graduation)2
Substitute: Comparable work experience, education or training acceptable to the board2
Exam
Journeyman Electrician examination9
Given by: Prov, Inc.7
Passing score: 70%6
Retakes: Approval to sit is valid 2 years; a candidate who has not passed within 2 years of approval must reapply as a new applicant.6
Time limit: Apply for the license within 2 years of the passing-score notice or reapply and retake the exam.6

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Limited Electrician

Installs only the equipment or work covered by the license category (low energy, gasoline dispensing, house wiring for one- and two-family homes, outdoor signs, refrigeration, traffic signals, water pumps, crane wiring).10

Requirements

Education or training
Water pumps: electrical education6
Who may teach it: Courses approved by the Electricians' Examining Board or from an accredited institution.10
Education or training
At least 135 clock hours6
Outdoor signs (including sign lighting): electrical education6
Who may teach it: Courses approved by the Electricians' Examining Board or from an accredited institution.10
Education or training
At least 135 clock hours6
Gasoline dispensing: electrical education6
Who may teach it: Courses approved by the Electricians' Examining Board or from an accredited institution.10
Education or training
Traffic signals (including outdoor lighting of traffic signals): electrical education6
Who may teach it: Courses approved by the Electricians' Examining Board or from an accredited institution.10
Education or training
At least 225 clock hours6
House wiring: electrical education6
Who may teach it: Courses approved by the Electricians' Examining Board or from an accredited institution.10
Education or training
Refrigeration: electrical education6
Who may teach it: Courses approved by the Electricians' Examining Board or from an accredited institution.10
Education or training
At least 270 clock hours6
Low energy (including fire alarms): electrical education6
Who may teach it: Courses approved by the Electricians' Examining Board or from an accredited institution.10
Education or training
At least 135 clock hours6
Crane technician / crane wiring: electrical education6
Who may teach it: Courses approved by the Electricians' Examining Board or from an accredited institution.10
Experience
At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training6
Water pumps: work experience6
Experience
At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training6
Outdoor signs (including sign lighting): work experience6
Experience
At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training6
Gasoline dispensing: work experience6
Experience
At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training6
Traffic signals (including outdoor lighting of traffic signals): work experience6
Experience
At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training6
House wiring: work experience6
Experience
At least 6,000 hours of on-the-job training6
Refrigeration: work experience6
Substitute: Graduates of a community college refrigeration electrical program or accredited institution are credited 4,000 hours on graduation.6
Experience
At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training6
Low energy (including fire alarms): work experience6
Experience
At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training6
Crane technician / crane wiring: work experience6
Exam
Limited Electrician examination (by category)2
Given by: Prov, Inc.7
Passing score: 70%6
Retakes: Approval to sit is valid 2 years; a candidate who has not passed within 2 years of approval must reapply as a new applicant.6
Time limit: Apply for the license within 2 years of the passing-score notice or reapply and retake the exam.6
Exam waived: Low-energy applicants with experience before June 24, 1987 and crane-wiring applicants with experience before September 18, 1999 need not sit for the exam.6
Also required
Experience documented on the Limited Electrician Work Experience Affidavit.14

Fees

You pay the Electricians' Examining Board (initial license fee) and Prov, Inc. (2 fees).

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$2010Electricians' Examining BoardSenior Limited Electrician (over age 70)
Exam fee$657Prov, Inc.Low energy category. Not refundable
Exam fee$657Prov, Inc.House wiring category. The bulletin lists $65 for each limited category with a clearly aligned price (Low Energy, House Wiring, Gasoline Dispensing, Outdoor Signs, Refrigeration, Traffic Signals, Water Pumps); the Cranes line has no price aligned to it in the PDF text. 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.

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Statutory reciprocity applies to any electrician licensed in an equivalent state with at least 8,000 hours licensed work; the board page lists no reciprocity partner for limited licenses.16
States on Maine's list
The pages cited here give no list of partner states for this route; the board's words above say who qualifies. Ask the board which states it has agreements with.
Conditions
Reciprocity application needs six years licensed experience and verification from the reciprocal state.17

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Master Electrician

May make electrical installations without limitation; responsible for the work of electricians they supervise and may supervise unlimited journeymen, journeyman-in-training and limited electricians.2

Requirements

Education or training
At least 576 clock hours2
576-hour program of study (Electricity I & II, Electronics I, Math I, Controls I & II, Motors, Blueprint Reading/Drafting, Transformers, current NEC = 450 hours, plus 126 hours of degree-related courses)6
Who may teach it: Courses approved by the Electricians' Examining Board or from an accredited institution.11
Education or training
At least 45 clock hours2
45-hour National Electrical Code course completed within 2 years before applying for the license2
Experience
At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training2
4,000 work hours as a licensed journeyman electrician (plus the 576-hour course)2
License you must hold first: Maine journeyman electrician license (for this route)2
Substitute: 12,000 work hours as a licensed helper or apprentice electrician plus the 576-hour course2
Substitute: 6,000 work hours as a journeyman-in-training electrician plus the 576-hour course2
Substitute: Comparable experience, education or training acceptable to the board; hours worked as a licensed limited electrician do not count as qualifying experience for the master exam route under the rule.6
Exam
Master Electrician examination3
Given by: Prov, Inc.7
Passing score: 70%6
100 questions, 4 hours, closed book3
Retakes: Approval to sit is valid 2 years; a candidate who has not passed within 2 years of approval must reapply as a new applicant.6
Time limit: Apply for the license within 2 years of the passing-score notice or reapply and retake the exam.6

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$2011Electricians' Examining BoardSenior Master Electrician (over age 70)

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
License by reciprocity for electricians licensed by exam in a state with a reciprocity agreement and at least six years of licensed work; the board page lists New Hampshire and Vermont for master.11
States on Maine's list
New Hampshire and Vermont11
This is the list of states whose licenses Maine accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Maine license.
Conditions
Sworn application, license from a reciprocating state, passed that state's written exam, and at least six years actively working as an electrician.11
Statute: at least 8,000 hours licensed and working in an equivalent state that grants Maine licensees similar privileges; the board may waive the 576-hour study requirement.16
Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
License by endorsement for holders of an active master license from a U.S. jurisdiction whose initial pathway required an approved course (or accredited program), a passed master exam and at least 10,000 supervised hours.8
Conditions
Good standing in every jurisdiction ever licensed.8

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Exam waiver on late renewal for those who could not renew because of active duty, if filed within 90 days of separation; exam eligibility extensions for service members.15

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4, group 5 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Apprentice ElectricianMaine municipalities may not require state-licensed electricians to hold a municipal license; towns may still issue electrical permits only to persons who comply with the state law.18

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Journeyman Electrician license in Maine?

The rules set at least 576 clock hours2 and 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 Maine?

The Electricians' Examining Board publishes these routes for the Journeyman Electrician license: reciprocity agreements4 and license by endorsement8. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Journeyman Electrician license in Maine?

Every 2 years5. Continuing education: 15 hours6. The renewal fee is $1505.

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. 32 M.R.S. §1201 License requiredMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesDated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  2. 32 M.R.S. §1202-B Issuance and scope of licensesMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesDated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  3. Candidate Information Bulletin (trades)Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (bulletin prepared by exam vendor Prov, Inc.)Dated May 14, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  4. Journeyman Electrician, Senior Journeyman ElectricianMaine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Electricians' Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  5. 02-041 CMR ch. 10 Establishment of License FeesMaine Secretary of State (rules of the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation)Dated October 27, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  6. 02-318 CMR ch. 130 Examination and Licensing RequirementsMaine Secretary of State (rules of the Electricians' Examining Board)Dated June 7, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Electricians' Examining Board - ExaminationsMaine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Electricians' Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  8. 02-318 CMR ch. 180 Licensure by EndorsementMaine Secretary of State (rules of the Electricians' Examining Board)Dated July 22, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  9. Journeyman-in-Training ElectricianMaine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Electricians' Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Limited Electrician, Senior Limited ElectricianMaine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Electricians' Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Master Electrician, Senior Master ElectricianMaine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Electricians' Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Apprentice ElectricianMaine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Electricians' Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  13. Helper Electrician, Senior Helper ElectricianMaine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Electricians' Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  14. Electricians' Examining Board - Applications & FormsMaine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Electricians' Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  15. 32 M.R.S. §1204 RenewalsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesDated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  16. 32 M.R.S. §1206 ReciprocityMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesDated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  17. 02-318 CMR ch. 150 ReciprocityMaine Secretary of State (rules of the Electricians' Examining Board)Dated September 1, 2008Checked November 7, 2026
  18. 32 M.R.S. §1103 Municipal licenses not required; municipal permitsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesDated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026