How to get an Electrical Journeyman license in Michigan
Michigan licenses electricians statewide through the Bureau of Construction Codes.1 For the Electrical Journeyman license you need at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training1, a passing score on the Electrical journeyman examination1 and a criminal background check1. The board lists $40 for the application1 and $100 for the exam1, each a separate charge. You renew every year1.
Who issues it
Bureau of Construction Codes
Training and experience
Experience: at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training1
Exam
Electrical journeyman examination1
Renewal
Every year1
On this page
- Michigan electrician licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs an Electrical Journeyman license
- Requirements for an Electrical Journeyman license
- How much an Electrical Journeyman license costs
- How to apply
- Renewal and continuing education
- Apprentice Electrician registration
- Fire Alarm Specialty Technician
- Sign Specialist
- Master Electrician
- Electrical Contractor
- Fire Alarm Contractor
- Sign Specialty Contractor
- City and county rules
- Check a license or report a problem
- Laws and rules
- Common questions
- Electrician licenses in other states
Michigan electrician licenses
Michigan issues 8 electrician credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Training or experience | Exam | Application or license fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Electrician (registration) | Registered individual learning and assisting in wiring installation under direct personal supervision of a journeyman or master (max 3 apprentices per licensee on a jobsite).1 | – | – | $151 |
| Electrical Journeyman | Individual whose principal occupation is the practical installation or alteration of electrical wiring; works for a licensed electrical contractor; may supervise up to 3 registered apprentices.1 | Experience 8,000 hours1 | Yes1 | $401 |
| Fire Alarm Specialty Technician | Designs and installs or alters fire alarm systems; required to work on fire alarm system wiring unless you hold an electrical contractor, master, journeyman or apprentice credential.1 | – | Yes1 | $501 |
| Sign Specialist | Installs, alters or repairs electric signs and related wiring as a principal occupation; may supervise up to 2 unlicensed helpers.1 | Experience 4,000 hours1 | Yes1 | $401 |
| Master Electrician | Has the qualifications to supervise electrical wiring installations; an electrical contractor must be or employ a full-time Michigan-resident master, who can qualify only one contractor.1 | Experience 12,000 hours1 | Yes1 | $501 |
| Electrical Contractor | Person engaged in the business of erecting, installing, altering, repairing, servicing or maintaining electrical wiring. Required to engage in electrical contracting (state or municipal license).1 | – | Yes1 | $3001 |
| Fire Alarm Contractor | Business of erecting, installing, altering, repairing, servicing or maintaining fire alarm system wiring and equipment.1 | – | Yes1 | $3001 |
| Sign Specialty Contractor | Business of manufacturing, installing, maintaining, connecting or repairing electric sign wiring or devices. Licensed electrical contractors need no sign specialty license.1 | – | Yes1 | $2001 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for several of the Michigan 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 8)
Requirements
2. Every license level except Apprentice Electrician (registration)
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $1001 | Bureau of Construction Codes | The examination fee for licensure |
How to apply
- Get the required experience (and any training/certification) and have current and past employers sign notarized experience statements.1
- Pass the written exam with 75%; LARA then issues the license.2
- Finish everything within 1 year of applying or the application is void and fees are forfeited.1
- Temporary or provisional license
- Non-renewable temporary license for applicants licensed elsewhere (MCL 339.5219); 6-month temporary license for military dependents.1
Renewal
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $1002 (renewal application not submitted within 60 days after expiry (R 339.5116), in addition to the renewal fee)
- If it expires
- An unrenewed license lapses the day after expiry; you may renew within 60 days with a late fee; within 3 years LARA relicenses without exam (application fee, late fee, license fee); after 3 years or revocation you must pass the exam again.1
From another state
- Route
- Military service members and spouses
- What the board says
- Members of the armed forces, veterans and dependents holding an equivalent license in another state for 1+ year (exam passed, substantially equivalent requirements, good standing) get the Michigan license without exam; military dependents may also get a 6-month temporary license.1
- Conditions
- Held the other-state license at least 1 year in good standing, passed that state's exam if one was required, no discipline or pending complaints, and meets the Michigan age requirement.1
- Route
- Temporary license or permit
- What the board says
- A non-renewable temporary license may be granted to a person licensed in good standing in another state/territory/country while applying; valid until the next exam results, license issue or a job change. Max 2 in 4 years.1
3. Electrical Journeyman, Fire Alarm Specialty Technician, Sign Specialist and Master Electrician
Requirements
- Also required
- Must carry proof of license and government photo ID and show them to building officials/inspectors on request.1
Renewal
- How often
- Every year1
- When it expires
- Expires December 31 each year; renewable up to 60 days after (late fee); void after March 1 if not renewed.1
- Required topics
- No fixed CE hours: after each update of the state construction code, you must complete a board-approved code update course within 12 months to renew.1
- Approved courses
- Code update courses and instructors must be approved by the department; the provider issues a certificate with the course approval number.2
4. Electrical Contractor, Fire Alarm Contractor and Sign Specialty Contractor
Requirements
- Business requirements
- If the qualifying licensee leaves, both must notify LARA immediately; the contractor license may be summarily suspended until a new qualifying licensee is designated.2
Renewal
- How often
- Every 3 years1
- When it expires
- Expires December 31 of every third year; renew by March 1; first license is pro-rated to the end of the 3-year cycle.1
5. Electrical Journeyman and Fire Alarm Specialty Technician
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 20 years old1
6. Electrical Journeyman and Sign Specialist
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $401
7. Fire Alarm Specialty Technician and Master Electrician
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $501 | Bureau of Construction Codes | Not refundable |
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $501
8. Electrical Contractor and Fire Alarm Contractor
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $3001 | Bureau of Construction Codes | Full 3-year cycle; first license pro-rated by year. Not refundable |
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $3001
Who needs an Electrical Journeyman license
Individual whose principal occupation is the practical installation or alteration of electrical wiring; works for a licensed electrical contractor; may supervise up to 3 registered apprentices.1
Exemptions and dollar thresholds:
- No license needed for minor repair work (electrical wiring worth $100 or less).1
- Homeowners may do electrical work in a single-family home (and outbuildings) they own and occupy or will occupy.1
- Utility, telephone and telecommunications systems, elevator work under elevator permits, manufacturing of equipment, security alarm systems and listed low-voltage (30 V or less) irrigation and landscape lighting are exempt.1
Other rules on who may do this work:
- Licensed mechanical and plumbing contractors may work on control wiring of existing mechanical systems on the load side of the unit disconnect.1
Requirements for an Electrical Journeyman license
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.
- Experience
- At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training1
8,000 hours of experience over at least 4 years in electrical construction/building maintenance/wiring, under direct supervision of a person licensed under the electrical article.1
Supervision: Direct supervision by an individual licensed under article 7; apprentices must be registered and supervised 1 licensee : 3 apprentices.1 - Exam
- Electrical journeyman examination1
Passing score: 75% on the written exam (a practical part, if any, is pass/fail).2
When you can take it: Experience must be proven to the board (notarized statements from current and past employers) before you sit the exam.1
Retakes: Fail twice within 2 years and you must wait at least 1 year and show a board-approved course on the Michigan electrical code, electrical fundamentals or theory; each retake requires paying the exam fee again.1
Exam waived: Exam waived for qualifying members of the armed forces, veterans and their dependents who hold an equivalent out-of-state license for at least 1 year (MCL 339.5223).1
How much an Electrical Journeyman license costs
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $401 | Bureau of Construction Codes | Not refundable |
How to apply
- Apply to LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes on the department form for the Electrical Journeyman license and pay the non-refundable application (initial license) fee and the $100 exam fee.1
Renewal and continuing education
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Michigan Electrical Journeyman license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Apprentice Electrician registration
Registered individual learning and assisting in wiring installation under direct personal supervision of a journeyman or master (max 3 apprentices per licensee on a jobsite).1
Requirements
- Education or training
- Must participate in a board-approved apprenticeship training program (equivalent to or exceeding USDOL Office of Apprenticeship standards).1
- Also required
- Proof of a sponsoring employer is required for initial and renewal registration.1
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $151 | Bureau of Construction Codes | Not refundable |
How to apply
- Get hired as an apprentice and enroll in a board-approved apprenticeship training program.1
- Within 30 days of starting, register with LARA on the board form with proof of program participation and a sponsoring employer, and pay $15.1
Renewal
- When it expires
- Expires August 31 each year; renewable within 30 days after that date.1
- Renewal fee
- $151
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
Military service members, veterans and spouses: Members of the armed forces, veterans and dependents holding an equivalent license in another state for 1+ year (exam passed, substantially equivalent requirements, good standing) get the Michigan license without exam; military dependents may also get a 6-month temporary license.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Applies to every license level.
Fire Alarm Specialty Technician
Designs and installs or alters fire alarm systems; required to work on fire alarm system wiring unless you hold an electrical contractor, master, journeyman or apprentice credential.1
Requirements
- Education or training
- NICET certification as associate engineering technician level II in fire alarm systems (or board-approved equivalent).1
- Exam
- Fire alarm specialty technician examination1
Passing score: 75% on the written exam (a practical part, if any, is pass/fail).2
When you can take it: Before the exam you must show NICET level II (or equivalent) certification.1
Retakes: Re-examination after paying the exam fee again.1
Exam waived: Exam waived for qualifying members of the armed forces, veterans and their dependents who hold an equivalent out-of-state license for at least 1 year (MCL 339.5223).1
How to apply
- Apply to LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes on the department form for the Fire Alarm Specialty Technician license and pay the non-refundable application (initial license) fee and the $100 exam fee.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 5 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.
Sign Specialist
Installs, alters or repairs electric signs and related wiring as a principal occupation; may supervise up to 2 unlicensed helpers.1
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 18 years old1
- Education or training
- Course on installation, maintenance, connection or repair of electric signs (American Technical Publishers sign electrician's workbook or a board-approved course).1
- Experience
- At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training1
4,000 hours over at least 2 years in electric sign manufacture, installation, maintenance, connection or repair, verified by a licensed current employer (equivalent education may be credited).1 - Exam
- Sign specialist examination1
Passing score: 75% on the written exam (a practical part, if any, is pass/fail).2
When you can take it: Experience must be proven to the board (notarized statements from current and past employers) before you sit the exam.1
Retakes: Fail twice within 2 years and you must complete a board-approved Michigan electrical code and fundamentals course before retesting.1
Exam waived: Exam waived for qualifying members of the armed forces, veterans and their dependents who hold an equivalent out-of-state license for at least 1 year (MCL 339.5223).1
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $401 | Bureau of Construction Codes | The fee for an initial sign specialist license or renewal of a sign specialist license. Not refundable |
How to apply
- Apply to LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes on the department form for the Sign Specialist license and pay the non-refundable application (initial license) fee and the $100 exam fee.1
From another state
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- Sign specialty licensure without exam if licensed/registered in another state whose standards meet or exceed Michigan's (board decides).1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.
Master Electrician
Has the qualifications to supervise electrical wiring installations; an electrical contractor must be or employ a full-time Michigan-resident master, who can qualify only one contractor.1
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 22 years old1
- Experience
- At least 12,000 hours of on-the-job training1
12,000 hours of experience over 6 or more years (electrical construction, building maintenance or wiring) under a master electrician's supervision.1
Supervision: Performed under the supervision of a master electrician.1
License you must hold first: Electrical journeyman license held for at least 2 years.1 - Exam
- Master electrician examination1
Passing score: 75% on the written exam (a practical part, if any, is pass/fail).2
When you can take it: Experience must be proven to the board (notarized statements from current and past employers) before you sit the exam.1
Retakes: Fail twice within 2 years and you must wait at least 1 year and complete a board-approved course before retesting; each retake requires paying the exam fee again.1
Exam waived: Exam waived for qualifying members of the armed forces, veterans and their dependents who hold an equivalent out-of-state license for at least 1 year (MCL 339.5223).1
How to apply
- Apply to LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes on the department form for the Master Electrician license and pay the non-refundable application (initial license) fee and the $100 exam fee.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.
Electrical Contractor
Person engaged in the business of erecting, installing, altering, repairing, servicing or maintaining electrical wiring. Required to engage in electrical contracting (state or municipal license).1
Requirements
- Experience
- Must be a master electrician, or have at least one full-time Michigan-resident master electrician employee in charge of code compliance.1
License you must hold first: Must be a master electrician, or have at least one full-time Michigan-resident master electrician employee in charge of code compliance.1 - Exam
- Electrical Contractor examination1
Passing score: 75% on the written exam (a practical part, if any, is pass/fail).2
Retakes: Re-examination after paying the exam fee again.1
Exam waived: Exam waived for qualifying members of the armed forces, veterans and their dependents who hold an equivalent out-of-state license for at least 1 year (MCL 339.5223).1
How to apply
- Apply to LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes on the department form for the Electrical Contractor license and pay the non-refundable application (initial license) fee and the $100 exam fee.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.
Fire Alarm Contractor
Business of erecting, installing, altering, repairing, servicing or maintaining fire alarm system wiring and equipment.1
Requirements
- Experience
- Must be a fire alarm specialty technician, or employ at least one full-time Michigan-resident technician in charge of code compliance.1
License you must hold first: Must be a fire alarm specialty technician, or employ at least one full-time Michigan-resident technician in charge of code compliance.1 - Exam
- Fire Alarm Contractor examination1
Passing score: 75% on the written exam (a practical part, if any, is pass/fail).2
Retakes: Re-examination after paying the exam fee again.1
Exam waived: Exam waived for qualifying members of the armed forces, veterans and their dependents who hold an equivalent out-of-state license for at least 1 year (MCL 339.5223).1
How to apply
- Apply to LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes on the department form for the Fire Alarm Contractor license and pay the non-refundable application (initial license) fee and the $100 exam fee.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.
Sign Specialty Contractor
Business of manufacturing, installing, maintaining, connecting or repairing electric sign wiring or devices. Licensed electrical contractors need no sign specialty license.1
Requirements
- Experience
- Must be a sign specialist or employ at least one full-time Michigan-resident sign specialist in charge of code compliance.1
License you must hold first: Must be a sign specialist or employ at least one full-time Michigan-resident sign specialist in charge of code compliance.1 - Exam
- Sign Specialty Contractor examination1
Passing score: 75% on the written exam (a practical part, if any, is pass/fail).2
Retakes: Re-examination after paying the exam fee again.1
Exam waived: Exam waived for qualifying members of the armed forces, veterans and their dependents who hold an equivalent out-of-state license for at least 1 year (MCL 339.5223).1 - Insurance
- Evidence of public liability insurance coverage (amount not stated in the Act).1
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $2001 | Bureau of Construction Codes | Full 3-year cycle; first license pro-rated by year. Not refundable |
How to apply
- Apply to LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes on the department form for the Sign Specialty Contractor license and pay the non-refundable application (initial license) fee and the $100 exam fee.1
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $2001
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.
City and county rules
Apprentice Electrician (registration)State LARA license, except in municipalities with their own equally strict licensing ordinance (e.g. Detroit). State licenses and those of such municipalities are recognized statewide; cities that inspect may require contractors to register locally, but licensed journeymen need not register in board-jurisdiction areas.1
| City or county | What it requires | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit | Detroit's electrical permit page requires a "City of Detroit licensed Electrician" and posts city checklists for apprentice, journeyman, master, electrical/fire alarm/sign contractor licenses. City apprentices must be in a board-approved training program and prove Detroit residency; city contractors need a Detroit business address and pass a 40-question city exam (75%).3 | Official page4 |
Check a license or report a problem
Before you hire an electrician in Michigan, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Michigan is on the Michigan license lookup page.
- Look up a license
- aca-prod.accela.com5
- File a complaint
- michigan.gov5
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
Common questions
How long does it take to get an Electrical Journeyman license in Michigan?
The rules set at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training1 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 Michigan?
The Bureau of Construction Codes publishes this route for the Electrical Journeyman license: temporary license or permit1. Conditions and forms.
Electrician licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- Skilled Trades Regulation Act, 2016 PA 407 (MCL 339.5101-339.6133), full act PDFMichigan Legislature (Legislative Council)Dated May 16, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Mich. Admin. Code R 339.5101-339.5412 Skilled Trades Regulation RulesMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes (Michigan Administrative Code via ARS)Dated May 3, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
- Detroit Electrical/Fire Alarm/Sign Specialty Contractor License Requirements & Examination (revised…City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department (BSEED), Electrical Inspection DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
- Detroit Electrical PermitCity of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department (BSEED)Checked November 7, 2026
- Residential BuildersMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction CodesChecked November 7, 2026