How to get an Unlimited Electrical Journeyman license in Oklahoma

Oklahoma electrician licenses

Oklahoma issues 10 electrician credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Oklahoma 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 10)

Requirements

Background check

Background check required⁴
Fingerprints required⁴
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply⁴

Social Security number

Contractors give tax IDs and employer account numbers; all applicants sign a notarized affidavit of lawful presence.³

How to apply

Application form

Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)^38101211

2. Every license level except Temporary Journeyman Electrician License (state of emergency)

Renewal

Renew online

oklahoma.gov¹²⁹¹³

3. Every license level except Student Electrical Apprentice (registration) and Temporary Journeyman Electrician License (state of emergency)

Renewal

How often

Every year¹⁸⁴

4. Every license level except Student Electrical Apprentice (registration), Temporary Journeyman Electrician License (state of emergency) and Poultry House Contractor License

Fees

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

Approved courses

Course and instructor must be approved in advance by the Committee of Electrical Examiners; CIB publishes the approved class list on its Continuing Ed page.⁴

5. Every license level except Electrical Apprentice (registration), Student Electrical Apprentice (registration) and Temporary Journeyman Electrician License (state of emergency)

Requirements

Minimum age

18 years old⁴³¹³

6. Every license level except Electrical Apprentice (registration), Student Electrical Apprentice (registration), Temporary Journeyman Electrician License (state of emergency) and Poultry House Contractor License

Requirements

Also required

Military education/experience counts toward exam qualifications; military spouses can get an equivalent license (OAC 158:1-3-10/-11); no late penalty if a license expires during military service and renewal is within a year of discharge.⁴

Fees

Fee waivers and reductions:

• One-time, one-year low-income fee waiver available (OAC 158:1-3-13(c)).⁴

How to apply

1. Gain the required hours as a CIB-registered apprentice (Oklahoma experience only counts while registered) working for a licensed electrical contractor; keep records of hours by type.⁴
2. After CIB approves the application, PSI contacts you with study material, sites, testing fees and dates; schedule and pass the exam (70% per part).¹

Temporary or provisional license

Only in a declared state of emergency: a non-renewable temporary journeyman license for journeymen licensed in another state.¹

Renewal

Continuing education

At least 12 hours each renewal period¹

Required topics

6 hours on codes and revisions adopted by the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (code update, course # ending "E"); the other 6 hours may be theory, wiring methods, grounding, NFPA 70E safety, the Electrical License Act and CIB rules, etc. (course # ending "EO").⁴

Exemptions

No CE needed for three years after passing the current licensing exam.⁴

If it expires

Late fee applies once the license is more than 30 days past expiry; a license can be renewed up to one year after expiry with CE.⁴

7. Unlimited Electrical Journeyman, Refinery Electrical Journeyman and Residential Electrical Journeyman

Fees

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

Renewal

When it expires

Every license expires yearly on the last day of the holder's birth month.⁴

Renewal fee

$75⁴ (Annual renewal)

Late renewal

Renewal plus late fee: $100⁴ (total due when renewed more than 30 days after expiry (renewal + late fee))
Reinstatement fee: $200¹⁷ (license expired more than one year, reinstated without retesting (paid with the renewal fee))

8. Electrical Apprentice (registration), Student Electrical Apprentice (registration) and Poultry House Contractor License

Requirements

Exam

Not required⁷⁴

9. Limited Electrical Contractor, Residential Electrical Contractor and Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Requirements

Surety bond

$5,000¹⁸ (Active contractor only; bond amount (premium set by surety); replaces municipal license bonds)

Insurance minimum

$50,000 combined single limit (general liability insurance)⁴ (Minimum liability insurance limit for an active contractor (premium set by insurer); workers' compensation proof or exemption also required)

Also required

The contractor must be an owner, partner or officer of the electrical firm, work full time for it, and represent only one firm; firms need one licensed contractor.¹¹

Also required

Active license needs a $5,000 bond, $50,000 liability insurance and workers' comp; otherwise the license is inactive (an inactive contractor may work as a journeyman).⁴

Also required

Vehicles, advertising, contracts and bids must show the firm name and "OK" license number.⁴

Fees

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, PSI³, when you schedule.

How to apply

1. The license stays inactive until CIB receives a $5,000 surety bond, $50,000 general liability certificate (CIB as certificate holder) and workers' compensation proof; then register with each city where you work.¹⁸

Renewal

When it expires

Expires yearly on the last day of the birth month; active or inactive, renew every year. A contractor may elect to renew as a journeyman (a permanent change).⁴

Renewal fee

$200⁴ (Annual renewal)

Late renewal

Renewal plus late fee: $300⁴ (total due when renewed more than 30 days after expiry (renewal + late fee))
Reinstatement fee: $200¹⁷ (license expired more than one year, reinstated without retesting (paid with the renewal fee))

From another state

10. Unlimited Electrical Journeyman and Residential Electrical Journeyman

Requirements

Also required

A journeyman must be employed by a licensed contractor and may not contract for work.⁴

11. Unlimited Electrical Journeyman and Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Requirements

Education or training

Formal electrical education (technical school or Committee-approved courses, actual classroom hours on transcripts) may replace up to 2,000 hours of the experience.⁴
Who may teach it: Technical school or training courses approved by the Electrical Committee (CIB list of approved schools).⁴

12. Electrical Apprentice (registration) and Student Electrical Apprentice (registration)

Requirements

Minimum age

16 years old¹¹⁰

Fees

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

$20⁸ (Re-registration (plus $5 application fee if filed more than 30 days after expiry))

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $5⁴ (application fee charged again when re-registering more than 30 days after expiry)

If it expires

Unregistered periods do not count as experience toward a license.⁴

From another state

13. Residential Electrical Journeyman and Residential Electrical Contractor

Requirements

Education or training

Formal electrical education (technical school or Committee-approved courses, actual classroom hours on transcripts) may replace up to 1,000 hours of the experience.⁴
Who may teach it: Technical school or training courses approved by the Electrical Committee (CIB list of approved schools).⁴

Who needs an Unlimited Electrical Journeyman license

Installs, alters, repairs or renovates electrical facilities of any type (residential, commercial, industrial) while employed by a licensed electrical contractor; may supervise up to three apprentices.¹

Work that does not need this license:

• No license needed for minor repairs (replacing outlets or minor working parts of fixtures), utility and telecom work, water-pump work from the output side of a fused disconnect, or an individual working on their own property or residence (unless a local ordinance requires it); Class 2 and Class 3 circuits are exempt.¹
• CIB has no low-voltage license; solely telephone and CATV work needs no license.¹⁹

Other rules on who may do this work:

• Alarm/security work (burglar alarms, access control, CCTV, nurse call) additionally needs a CIB alarm endorsement with a national fingerprint background check.⁷

Requirements for an Unlimited Electrical Journeyman license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 10 and group 11 under Applies to every license level.

Experience

At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training²

The board's words

“8,000 Verifiable hours on the job experience in the electrical construction trade as a registered apprentice under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or licensed contractor”

Supervision: Direct on-the-job supervision; no more than three apprentices per journeyman or contractor.¹
Substitute: Up to 2,000 hours may be formal electrical education.²
Substitute: Utility electrical work is not counted as experience.³

Exam

Oklahoma Unlimited Electrical Journeyman exam (PSI)³
Given by: PSI³
Passing score: 70% or higher on each part (since November 1, 2024; previously 75%).¹
When you can take it: CIB must approve the application (experience, fees) before PSI schedules the exam; all exam and license fees are paid before testing and forfeited if the applicant is not qualified.²
Exam waived: Exam waived for reciprocity applicants from agreement states; exam equivalency may be approved for applicants from states without an agreement whose exam the Board has approved.³

How to apply

1. Mail the CIB Electrical application for the Unlimited Electrical Journeyman with notarized signature and affidavit of lawful presence, full work history, employer-signed experience affidavits, any transcripts, and a check or money order for the application and license fee.³ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)³

Renewal and continuing education

Moving to Oklahoma with a license from another state

These are the routes CIB publishes for the Unlimited Electrical Journeyman license. The other electrician licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Electrical Apprentice registration

Learns and assists with electrical installation under the direct on-the-job supervision of a licensed journeyman or contractor of the matching category; registered hours count toward a journeyman license.¹

Requirements

Also required

Must work for an active licensed electrical contractor (who signs the application every year) or be enrolled in a recognized school/federal apprenticeship program; max three apprentices per supervising journeyman/contractor.¹⁹

Also required

Registration is effective on posting the application with fee; a copy of the application with proof of payment serves as registration for up to 30 days.⁴

How to apply

1. Get hired by an active licensed electrical contractor (or enroll in a recognized school/federal apprenticeship program).⁹
2. Complete the apprentice application signed by the contractor, notarize the lawful-presence affidavit (free notary at CIB), and mail it with the $25 fee.⁸ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)⁸

Renewal

When it expires

Apprentice registration lasts one year from issue; re-register each year (contractor signs again).⁸

Continuing education

At least 3 hours each renewal period¹²

Exemptions

Not required for student apprentices or apprentices enrolled in and attending an approved formal education course.¹²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 8 and group 12 under Applies to every license level.

Student Electrical Apprentice registration

High-school student in a work-ready program working during the school year for a licensed electrical contractor under a licensed journeyman/contractor; up to 500 hours per school year count toward a license.⁹

Requirements

Also required

Must be in high school and a work-ready (or similar) program, employed by a licensed electrical contractor; school year only; one student apprentice per worksite; max 500 hours per school year count toward a license.⁹

How to apply

1. Get hired by an active licensed electrical contractor while in high school and a work-ready program.⁹
2. Complete the student apprentice application signed by the contractor, notarize the lawful-presence affidavit (free notary at CIB), and mail it with the $25 fee.¹⁰ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)¹⁰

Renewal

When it expires

Student apprentice registration runs for the school year and expires on its last day.¹

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 8 and group 12 under Applies to every license level.

Temporary Journeyman Electrician License

Distinctively colored, non-renewable journeyman license issued within one year of a governor-declared disaster emergency (destroyed dwellings) to journeymen licensed in another state; expires one year after the declaration.¹

Requirements

Experience

Current journeyman license from another state where testing is required.⁵

Exam

Oklahoma journeyman exam (PSI), at the first opportunity after applying¹
Given by: PSI⁵

Also required

Apply for the exam within 10 days of starting journeyman work in Oklahoma.⁵

Fees

You pay CIB (2 fees) and PSI (exam fee).

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. Within 10 days of starting work, mail the temporary journeyman application with proof of your out-of-state license and the $25 + $50 fees, then sit the PSI exam at the first opportunity.⁵ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)¹²

Renewal

When it expires

Non-renewable.¹

If it expires

To keep working, convert the passed exam to a regular journeyman license by filing the regular application with a $25 processing fee.⁵

From another state

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

Refinery Electrical Journeyman

Electrical work only inside refinery facilities (facilities that receive, unload, store, process and refine raw crude oil).⁴

Requirements

Experience

Instead of Oklahoma hours: a current, in-good-standing license in the unlimited electrical classification from a jurisdiction outside Oklahoma.³

Exam

Unlimited refinery electrical journeyman exam (PSI)³
Given by: PSI³
Passing score: 70% or higher on each part (since November 1, 2024; previously 75%).¹
When you can take it: CIB must approve the application (experience, fees) before PSI schedules the exam; all exam and license fees are paid before testing and forfeited if the applicant is not qualified.²
Exam waived: Exam waived for reciprocity applicants from agreement states; exam equivalency may be approved for applicants from states without an agreement whose exam the Board has approved.³

How to apply

1. Mail the CIB Electrical application for the Refinery Electrical Journeyman with notarized signature and affidavit of lawful presence, full work history, employer-signed experience affidavits, any transcripts, and a check or money order for the application and license fee.³ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)³

From another state

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Residential Electrical Journeyman

Electrical work limited to one- and two-family dwellings (single structure, max two units, 5 ft separation); not apartments, motels or multi-family townhomes.⁴

Requirements

Experience

At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training²
4,000 verifiable hours as a registered apprentice under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or contractor, while employed by a licensed electrical contractor.²
Supervision: Direct on-the-job supervision; no more than three apprentices per journeyman or contractor.¹
Substitute: Up to 1,000 hours may be formal electrical education.²
Substitute: Utility electrical work is not counted as experience.³

Exam

Oklahoma Residential Electrical Journeyman exam (PSI)³
Given by: PSI³
Passing score: 70% or higher on each part (since November 1, 2024; previously 75%).¹
When you can take it: CIB must approve the application (experience, fees) before PSI schedules the exam; all exam and license fees are paid before testing and forfeited if the applicant is not qualified.²
Exam waived: Exam waived for reciprocity applicants from agreement states; exam equivalency may be approved for applicants from states without an agreement whose exam the Board has approved.³

How to apply

1. Mail the CIB Electrical application for the Residential Electrical Journeyman with notarized signature and affidavit of lawful presence, full work history, employer-signed experience affidavits, any transcripts, and a check or money order for the application and license fee.³ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)³

From another state

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 10 and group 13 under Applies to every license level.

Limited Electrical Contractor

Owner, partner or officer of an electrical firm who contracts for electrical work but may not do or supervise field work (no apprentice or journeyman work).⁴

Requirements

Experience

At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training⁴
Either a degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university plus 8,000 hours (4 years) of field construction, estimating or project management in commercial/industrial electrical work, or 16,000 hours (8 years) of commercial/industrial electrical work, estimating or project management.¹¹
Substitute: Without the engineering degree: 16,000 hours (8 years).⁴

Exam

Oklahoma Limited Electrical Contractor exam: business/law portion and trade portion (PSI)³
Given by: PSI³
Passing score: 70% or higher on each part (since November 1, 2024; previously 75%).¹
When you can take it: CIB must approve the application (experience, fees) before PSI schedules the exam; all exam and license fees are paid before testing and forfeited if the applicant is not qualified.²
Business and law portion (job estimating, laws and regulations) plus trade portion; pass both; a passed portion is kept for three years from approval.⁴
Exam waived: Exam waived for reciprocity applicants from agreement states; exam equivalency may be approved for applicants from states without an agreement whose exam the Board has approved.³

How to apply

1. Mail the CIB Electrical application for the Limited Electrical Contractor with notarized signature and affidavit of lawful presence, full work history, employer-signed experience affidavits, any transcripts, and a check or money order for the application and license fee.³ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)³

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6 and group 9 under Applies to every license level.

Poultry House Contractor License

Contracting only for premise wiring of environmentally controlled poultry house systems; no other wiring; experience does not count toward other electrical licenses.⁴

Requirements

Insurance minimum

$500,000 liability insurance minimum¹³ (Minimum insurance limit (premium set by insurer))

Also required

Liability insurance of at least $500,000 and workers' compensation proof required at application.⁴

Fees

How to apply

1. Mail the CIB poultry house contractor application with the $300 fee, a $500,000 general liability certificate and workers' compensation proof/exemption.¹³ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)¹¹

Renewal

When it expires

Expires one year from issue.⁴

Renewal fee

$200⁴

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $300¹³ (renewal received 30+ days after expiry)

From another state

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 5 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.

Residential Electrical Contractor

Contracting limited to wiring one- and two-family dwellings as defined in the NEC.¹¹

Requirements

Experience

At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training¹¹
8,000 verifiable hours total: 4,000 as a residential or unlimited journeyman (two years licensed) employed and supervised by an electrical contractor, plus 4,000 as a registered apprentice (or 3,000 apprentice + 1,000 formal education); must have passed the residential or unlimited journeyman exam.¹¹
Supervision: Journeyman hours under the employment and supervision of an unlimited or residential electrical contractor.⁴
Substitute: 1,000 of the apprentice hours may be formal electrical education.¹¹

Exam

Oklahoma Residential Electrical Contractor exam: business/law portion and trade portion (PSI)³
Given by: PSI³
Passing score: 70% or higher on each part (since November 1, 2024; previously 75%).¹
When you can take it: CIB must approve the application (experience, fees) before PSI schedules the exam; all exam and license fees are paid before testing and forfeited if the applicant is not qualified.²
Business and law portion (job estimating, laws and regulations) plus trade portion; pass both; a passed portion is kept for three years from approval.⁴
Exam waived: Exam waived for reciprocity applicants from agreement states; exam equivalency may be approved for applicants from states without an agreement whose exam the Board has approved.³

How to apply

1. Mail the CIB Electrical application for the Residential Electrical Contractor with notarized signature and affidavit of lawful presence, full work history, employer-signed experience affidavits, any transcripts, and a check or money order for the application and license fee.³ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)³

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 9 and group 13 under Applies to every license level.

Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Highest-ranking license: contracts for and supervises any type of electrical work; licensed on behalf of the electrical firm of which the holder is owner, partner or officer.¹¹

Requirements

Experience

At least 12,000 hours of on-the-job training¹¹

The board's words

“12,000 Verifiable Hours on the job experience in electrical construction work”

Supervision: Experience gained while employed by a licensed electrical contractor.⁴
Substitute: Up to 2,000 hours may be formal electrical education.¹¹

Experience

At least 2 years⁴
Two years as a licensed unlimited electrical journeyman before applying.⁴

Exam

Oklahoma Unlimited Electrical Contractor exam: business/law portion and trade portion (PSI)³
Given by: PSI³
Passing score: 70% or higher on each part (since November 1, 2024; previously 75%).¹
When you can take it: CIB must approve the application (experience, fees) before PSI schedules the exam; all exam and license fees are paid before testing and forfeited if the applicant is not qualified.²
Business and law portion (job estimating, laws and regulations) plus trade portion; pass both; a passed portion is kept for three years from approval.⁴
Exam waived: Exam waived for reciprocity applicants from agreement states; exam equivalency may be approved for applicants from states without an agreement whose exam the Board has approved.³

How to apply

1. Mail the CIB Electrical application for the Unlimited Electrical Contractor with notarized signature and affidavit of lawful presence, full work history, employer-signed experience affidavits, any transcripts, and a check or money order for the application and license fee.³ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)³

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 9 and group 11 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Electrical Apprentice (registration)Licenses are issued only by the CIB; cities and towns register state-licensed electrical contractors, charge registration/permit fees and inspect electrical work.¹

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license

okcibv7prod.glsuite.us²²

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

• 59 O.S. §§ 1680-1699 (Electrical License Act), CIB compilation "Eff 11-1-2025"
• OAC 158:40 (Electrical Industry), permanent rules effective 07/11/2026
• OAC 158:40-9-3
• HB 3673 (2026), amending 59 O.S. § 1688 (reinstatement of licenses expired over one year), effective November 1, 2026
• SB 1732 (2026), amending 59 O.S. § 1000.5, effective July 1, 2028

Common questions

Electrician licenses in other states

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