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How to get a Journeyperson Electrician License in Maryland

Maryland licenses electricians statewide through the Maryland State Board of Electricians.1 For the Journeyperson Electrician License you need at least 576 classroom hours2 of training, at least 4 years3 of experience, a passing score on the Journeyperson Electrician exam4 and a criminal background check4. The board lists $18.50 for the initial license5. You renew every 2 years6 and complete at least 5 hours of continuing education4.

Last checked · 27 official sources

Who issues it

Maryland State Board of Electricians

Training and experience

Training: at least 576 classroom hours2
Experience: at least 4 years3

Exam

Journeyperson Electrician exam4

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $18.505
Exam fee: $657

Renewal

Every 2 years6, at least 5 hours of continuing education4

From another state

Reciprocity agreements and License by endorsement89 Details

On this page
  1. Maryland electrician licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Journeyperson Electrician License
  4. Requirements for a Journeyperson Electrician License
  5. How much a Journeyperson Electrician License costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Moving to Maryland with a license from another state
  9. Apprentice Electrician License
  10. Master Electrician
  11. Qualified Agent
  12. Uninsured Master Electrician
  13. City and county rules
  14. Check a license or report a problem
  15. Laws and rules
  16. Rule changes since January 2024
  17. Common questions
  18. Electrician licenses in other states

Maryland electrician licenses

Maryland issues 5 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 Electrician LicenseAssists in providing electrical services under the direction or control of a licensed master electrician while training to become a journeyperson; must be supervised at all times.10––$125
Journeyperson Electrician LicenseProvides or assists in providing electrical services under the direction or control of a licensed master electrician; a master or journeyperson must be present on every job site.10Training 576 classroom hours2
Experience 4 years3		Yes3$18.505
Master ElectricianProvides electrical services in all aspects of the trade without supervision; can pull permits, supervise journeypersons and subcontract to multiple companies; carries own insurance.9Experience 7 years4Yes3$255
Qualified AgentMaster-level license assigned to a single company that provides the required insurance; can pull permits and supervise journeypersons but cannot work for multiple companies.9Experience 7 years4Yes3$254
Uninsured Master ElectricianMaster qualified but on uninsured status: works only at journeyperson level under a licensed master, cannot pull permits or supervise journeypersons, and cannot use the license for a local master registration.11Experience 7 years4Yes3$635

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Maryland 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 5)

Requirements

Background check
Background check required4
Board weighs the nature of the crime, its relationship to electrical work, time elapsed and conduct since the conviction.9
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply12

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
License verification to another state$505Maryland State Board of ElectriciansNot refundable. Effective January 24, 2025
Status change$635Maryland State Board of ElectriciansStatus change (e.g. active/inactive/uninsured). Not refundable. Effective January 24, 2025

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

Apply online
dllr.state.md.us8
Processing time
No set time frame for PSI exam-application processing; military/veteran/spouse applications issued within 60 days of a complete application.13

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years6
When it expires
License valid 2 years from issue; renewals expire on a staggered basis. Renewal instructions are mailed about 60 days before expiry.6
Renew online
dllr.state.md.us6

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Expedited licensing for veterans, service members and military spouses holding a license in another state; license issued within 60 days of a complete application.13

2. Every license level except Uninsured Master Electrician

Renewal

Late renewal
Reinstatement fee (31 days through 60 days after license expiration): $635 (reinstatement 31-60 days after expiration)
Reinstatement fee (61 or more days after license expiration): $1265 (reinstatement 61 or more days after expiration)
If it expires
Reinstatement within 2 years of expiry by meeting renewal requirements and paying the renewal fee plus a reinstatement fee.14
After more than 2 years, the applicant must pay a reinstatement fee and requalify under §§6-304 and 6-307 / 6-503.14

3. Every license level except Apprentice Electrician License

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Exam fee$657PSI Examination ServicesThe examination fee

How to apply

  1. Pass the exam (70%); PSI emails instructions to apply.15

Renewal

Approved courses
Board publishes a list of approved continuing education providers; hours must be earned in the 24 months before renewal; teaching credit capped at 5 hours.16

4. Every license level except Apprentice Electrician License and Master Electrician

Renewal

Required topics
Courses based on the National Electrical Code (or local variants) or NFPA codes/standards related to electrical services.17

5. Every license level except Journeyperson Electrician License and Apprentice Electrician License

Requirements

Education or training
No course required; formal study may be credited for up to 3 of the 7 experience years.9
Experience
At least 7 years4
7 years providing electrical services under a master electrician (or similarly qualified government employee) while holding a valid electrician's license; must hold a current MD apprentice or journeyperson license.3
Supervision: Under a licensed master electrician or similarly qualified government employee; Work Verification forms from each supervising master.4
License you must hold first: Current Maryland apprentice or journeyperson license4
Substitute: Up to 3 years' credit for a formal course of study or professional training in electrical installation; completed approved apprenticeship work is credited.3
Exam
Master Electrician exam4
Given by: PSI Examination Services7
Passing score: 70%15
When you can take it: Register with PSI, which processes the exam application and notifies the applicant of approval.9
Exam based on the current National Electrical Code; no prep course required to sit.9
Retakes: Wait at least 30 days before retaking a failed exam (FAQ: later retests not before 60 days); exam fee paid each time.18
Business requirements
Advertisements must carry the name and license number of the master (or designated journeyperson); master must display the license at the principal place of business; non-resident contractors must designate a Maryland resident agent.19

How to apply

  1. Gather Work Verification forms, supervising masters' licenses, school records and any other licenses; apply to PSI for the Master Electrician exam.4 test-takers.psiexams.com7
  2. Register locally where required before pulling permits (some counties/cities require a local registration).4

Renewal

Continuing education
At least 10 hours each renewal period20

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Holders of a current master electrician registration in a Maryland county or Baltimore City can obtain the State license through reciprocity (§6-503: registered 1 year if by local exam, 2 years otherwise).9

6. Master Electrician and Qualified Agent

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$2554Maryland State Board of ElectriciansNot refundable. Effective January 24, 2025
Local registration assignment identification$635Maryland State Board of ElectriciansIdentifying a company to which a local registration is assigned. Not refundable. Effective January 24, 2025

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

Renewal

Renewal fee
$31.5054

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Reciprocal Master license (exam waived) for master licenses obtained by examination in Virginia, Delaware, DC or West Virginia (WV: held over 2 years). Other states are not eligible.4
States on Maryland's list
Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia and Delaware8
This is the list of states whose licenses Maryland accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Maryland license.
Condition for West Virginia
Passed the WV exam and held the WV master license at least 2 years in good standing.9
Condition for Virginia
License obtained by examination only.4
Condition for District of Columbia
License obtained by examination only.4
Conditions
Letter of Good Standing showing the license was obtained by exam and how long it has been held, certificate of insurance (master/qualified agent), copy of current license.8
Statute: 7 years' experience, at least 4 before licensure in the other state; licensed there by exam; the other state must reciprocate; foreign-only licenses excluded.21
Fee
$254

Who needs a Journeyperson Electrician License

Provides or assists in providing electrical services under the direction or control of a licensed master electrician; a master or journeyperson must be present on every job site.10

Work that does not need this license:

  • Public utility companies and their employees working on PSC-regulated utility facilities are exempt.22
  • Security-system licensees (Title 18) and certain other licensees acting within their own license scope are exempt.22

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • Unlicensed work: misdemeanor, fine up to $1,000 (first) / $5,000 (subsequent); Board civil penalty up to $5,000 per violation.23

Requirements for a Journeyperson Electrician License

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

Education or training
At least 576 classroom hours2
Registered apprenticeship route (exam waived): MATC- or USDOL-approved apprenticeship of at least 576 classroom hours plus 8,000 work hours; certificate must be presented within 2 years of issue.4
Who may teach it: Apprenticeship approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC) or the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship; union/training-provider letters are not accepted.4
Alternative: No course is required for the exam route.9
Experience
At least 4 years3
4 years providing electrical services under a master electrician (or similarly qualified government employee), while holding an apprentice license for those 4 years (exam route).3
Supervision: Under a licensed master electrician or a similarly qualified governmental employee; documented on Work Verification forms with a copy of each supervising master's license.4
License you must hold first: Maryland apprentice license (Board or local board) held 4 years24
Substitute: Completed MATC/USDOL apprenticeship work is credited (and the 576 h + 8,000 h program waives the exam).3
Exam
Journeyperson Electrician exam4
Given by: PSI Examination Services7
Passing score: 70%15
When you can take it: Register with PSI, which processes the exam application and notifies the applicant of approval.9
Exam based on the current National Electrical Code; no prep course required to sit.9
Retakes: Wait at least 30 days before retaking a failed exam (FAQ: later retests not before 60 days); exam fee paid each time.18
Exam waived: Exam waived for completers of an MATC/USDOL apprenticeship (576 classroom h + 8,000 h) who apply within 2 years of completion; also for holders of a qualifying local registration (§6-503) or reciprocal-state license (§6-308).2
Insurance
Not required while employed by a licensed master electrician.25

How much a Journeyperson Electrician License costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$18.505Maryland State Board of ElectriciansNot refundable. Effective January 24, 2025

How to apply

  1. Exam route: gather Work Verification forms from your supervising master(s), copies of their licenses and school records; register for the Journeyperson exam with PSI.4 test-takers.psiexams.com7
  2. Apply online for the Journeyperson license and pay $18.50. Apprenticeship-completers instead upload the MATC/USDOL certificate and choose "Waiver of Examination via Apprenticeship Program"; submit supporting documents within 30 days.8 dllr.state.md.us8

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal fee
$18.505
Continuing education
At least 5 hours each renewal period4

Renewal planner

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

Moving to Maryland with a license from another state

These are the routes the Maryland State Board of Electricians publishes for the Journeyperson Electrician License. The other electrician licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Reciprocal Journeyperson license (exam waived) for Virginia (license by apprenticeship or exam), Delaware and DC (license by exam only); other states are not eligible.8
States on Maryland's list
Virginia, Delaware and District of Columbia8
This is the list of states whose licenses Maryland accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Maryland license.
Condition for Virginia
License obtained by registered apprenticeship or examination; extra apprenticeship proof may be requested.8
Condition for Delaware
License obtained by examination only.8
Condition for District of Columbia
License obtained by examination only.8
Conditions
Letter of Good Standing from the home state plus a copy of the current license.8
Statute: 4 years' experience, at least 2 before licensure in the other state; licensed there by exam; the other state must reciprocate; foreign-only licenses are excluded.21
Fee
$18.505
Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Holders of a Maryland county/municipal registration may get a State reciprocal license (registered 1 year if by local exam, 2 years otherwise); such a license cannot be used for reciprocity in other states.9

Apprentice Electrician License

Assists in providing electrical services under the direction or control of a licensed master electrician while training to become a journeyperson; must be supervised at all times.10

Requirements

Experience
None — no pre-qualifications.4
Insurance
Not required while working for a licensed master electrician.25
Also required
Maryland does not renew or reciprocate apprentice licenses issued by other jurisdictions.4

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$125Maryland State Board of ElectriciansNot refundable. Effective January 24, 2025

How to apply

  1. Apply online for an original Apprentice License and pay the $12 fee; upload any requested documents (and court records if you have a conviction).8 dllr.state.md.us8
  2. Work only under the supervision of a licensed master or journeyperson; the apprentice license must be held 4 years to qualify for the journeyperson exam.1

Renewal

Renewal fee
$125

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
Out-of-state apprentice licenses are not reciprocated.4

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

Master Electrician

Provides electrical services in all aspects of the trade without supervision; can pull permits, supervise journeypersons and subcontract to multiple companies; carries own insurance.9

Requirements

Insurance
General liability at least $300,000 and property damage at least $100,000 (umbrella not accepted); certificate holder State Board of Electricians; insurer must give 10 days' cancellation notice.25

How to apply

  1. Apply online choosing the Master Electrician application, upload the required documents and pay the fee ($25); submit documents within 30 days.8 dllr.state.md.us8

Renewal

Required topics
Courses based on the National Electrical Code (or local variants) or NFPA codes/standards related to electrical services.17
At least 5 of the 10 hours must be taken in a classroom setting.20

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 5 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Qualified Agent

Master-level license assigned to a single company that provides the required insurance; can pull permits and supervise journeypersons but cannot work for multiple companies.9

Requirements

Insurance
Company to which the license is assigned provides the $300,000 general liability / $100,000 property damage insurance.9

How to apply

  1. Apply online choosing the Qualified Agent application, upload the required documents and pay the fee ($25); submit documents within 30 days.8 dllr.state.md.us8

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Uninsured Master Electrician

Master qualified but on uninsured status: works only at journeyperson level under a licensed master, cannot pull permits or supervise journeypersons, and cannot use the license for a local master registration.11

Requirements

Insurance
Not required on uninsured status.25
Also required
Uninsured status holders who have not completed CE receive a license marked "not authorized to work".16

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$635Maryland State Board of ElectriciansNot refundable. Effective January 24, 2025
Reactivation$635Maryland State Board of ElectriciansReactivation. Not refundable. Effective January 24, 2025

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 choosing the Uninsured Master Electrician application, upload the required documents and pay the fee ($63); submit documents within 30 days.8 dllr.state.md.us8

Renewal

Renewal fee
$635
Late renewal
Reinstatement fee: $1265 (reapplication after uninsured status expires (within 2 years))
If it expires
After uninsured status expires, the former licensee may reapply within 2 years (reapplication fee); after 2 years must requalify under §§6-304/6-307.11

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Reciprocal Master license (exam waived) for master licenses obtained by examination in Virginia, Delaware, DC or West Virginia (WV: held over 2 years). Other states are not eligible.4
States on Maryland's list
Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia and Delaware8
This is the list of states whose licenses Maryland accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Maryland license.
Condition for West Virginia
Passed the WV exam and held the WV master license at least 2 years in good standing.9
Condition for Virginia
License obtained by examination only.4
Condition for District of Columbia
License obtained by examination only.4
Conditions
Letter of Good Standing showing the license was obtained by exam and how long it has been held, certificate of insurance (master/qualified agent), copy of current license.8
Statute: 7 years' experience, at least 4 before licensure in the other state; licensed there by exam; the other state must reciprocate; foreign-only licenses excluded.21
Fee
$634

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

City and county rules

Apprentice Electrician LicenseState license required everywhere. Since July 1, 2021 counties and municipalities may not issue apprentice, journeyperson or master licenses; jurisdictions that licensed before then may keep registering electricians, and permits are issued locally.26

City or countyWhat it requiresLink
Montgomery CountyNo county electrician license; electrical permit required for all electrical work and the permit applicant must hold a valid Maryland master license.27Official page27

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license
dllr.state.md.us1

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • January 24, 2025: Board fees raised (e.g. master original $22.50 → $25, journeyperson $16.50 → $18.50, apprentice $11 → $12).5

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Journeyperson Electrician License in Maryland?

The rules set at least 576 classroom hours2 and at least 4 years3 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: No set time frame for PSI exam-application processing; military/veteran/spouse applications issued within 60 days of a complete application.13

Can I transfer my electrician license to Maryland?

The Maryland State Board of Electricians publishes these routes for the Journeyperson Electrician License: reciprocity agreements8 and license by endorsement9. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Journeyperson Electrician License in Maryland?

Every 2 years6. Continuing education: at least 5 hours4. The renewal fee is $18.505.

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. Maryland State Board of Electricians homeMaryland Department of Labor, State Board of ElectriciansChecked November 7, 2026
  2. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-307.1Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  3. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-304Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  4. How to apply for a state licenseMaryland Department of Labor, State Board of ElectriciansChecked November 7, 2026
  5. COMAR 09.09.01.03Maryland Division of State Documents (Code of Maryland Regulations)Dated January 24, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Renew Your License - ElectriciansMaryland Department of Labor, State Board of ElectriciansChecked November 7, 2026
  7. Exams - ElectriciansMaryland Department of Labor, State Board of ElectriciansChecked November 7, 2026
  8. Licensing Applications - ElectriciansMaryland Department of Labor, State Board of ElectriciansChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Licensing FAQs - ElectriciansMaryland Department of Labor, State Board of ElectriciansChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-101Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-311Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Criminal history predetermination reviewMaryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  13. Military veterans and families expedited licensingMaryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  14. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-312Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  15. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-306Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  16. COMAR 09.09.02.01Maryland Division of State Documents (Code of Maryland Regulations)Checked November 7, 2026
  17. COMAR 09.09.02.02Maryland Division of State Documents (Code of Maryland Regulations)Checked November 7, 2026
  18. COMAR 09.09.01.04Maryland Division of State Documents (Code of Maryland Regulations)Checked November 7, 2026
  19. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-606Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  20. COMAR 09.09.02.03Maryland Division of State Documents (Code of Maryland Regulations)Checked November 7, 2026
  21. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-308Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  22. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-303Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  23. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-608Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  24. COMAR 09.09.03.02Maryland Division of State Documents (Code of Maryland Regulations)Checked November 7, 2026
  25. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-604Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  26. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-103Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  27. DPS Licenses and CertificatesMontgomery County, Maryland, Department of Permitting ServicesChecked November 7, 2026