How to get a Journeyman Electrician license in South Dakota
South Dakota licenses electricians statewide through the South Dakota Electrical Commission.1 For the Journeyman Electrician license you need 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 $60 for the application3 and $80 for the initial license3, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years5 and complete at least 16 hours of continuing education6.
Who issues it
South Dakota Electrical Commission
Training and experience
Experience: at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2
Exam
Journeyman electrician examination3
On this page
- South Dakota electrician licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs a Journeyman Electrician license
- Requirements for a Journeyman Electrician license
- How much a Journeyman Electrician license costs
- How to apply
- Renewal and continuing education
- Moving to South Dakota with a license from another state
- Apprentice Electrician registration
- 501(d) Electrician
- Electrical Inspector
- Class B Electrician
- Electrical Contractor
- Maintenance Electrician License
- City and county rules
- Laws and rules
- Common questions
- Electrician licenses in other states
South Dakota electrician licenses
South Dakota issues 7 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) | Learns the trade under the supervision and employment of a licensed contractor, journeyman or Class B electrician; may not work on an installation without personal supervision (on commercial sites, on-site supervision).5 | – | – | $203 |
| 501(d) Electrician | Restricted to wiring on 501(d) (religious or apostolic association) properties in South Dakota.5 | Experience 2 years3 | Yes5 | $603 |
| Electrical Inspector | Valid only for electrical inspections for the state, local inspection systems or third-party inspections; not a substitute for a contractor, journeyman or Class B license. A residential/farmstead (RFI) inspector variant exists.3 | Training 6 years5 Experience 2 years3 | Yes5 | $603 |
| Journeyman Electrician | Wires, installs and repairs electrical equipment while employed by a licensed contractor or Class B electrician; may supervise apprentices; may not contract with the public (contracting requires an electrical contractor or Class B license).5 | Experience 8,000 hours2 | Yes5 | $603 |
| Class B Electrician | May contract for farm and residential electrical wiring and related equipment only.5 | Experience 2 years3 | Yes5 | $603 |
| Electrical Contractor | Plans, lays out, supervises and contracts for all classes of electrical installation work; only an electrical contractor may contract for wiring (Class B limited to farm/residential).5 | Experience 4,000 hours2 | Yes5 | $603 |
| Maintenance Electrician License (issued to an entity) | Issued to a public or private employer, one license per county, for repair or like-for-like replacement of existing wiring devices and equipment on its own property; additions, alterations and circuit changes need a licensed electrical contractor.3 | – | – | $803 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for several of the South Dakota 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 7)
How to apply
- Application form
- Form (PDF, dlr.sd.gov)8
Renewal
- Renew online
- dlr.sd.gov28
2. Every license level except Maintenance Electrician License (issued to an entity)
How to apply
Renewal
- When it expires
- All licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years; renew on the Commission's Adobe Sign biennial renewal form with CE certificates and payment.4
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $503 (renewal after June 30 and within one year of expiration (plus the biennial license fee))
- If it expires
- Not renewed within one year of expiration: apply as a new applicant and retake the exam.3
From another state
Military service members, veterans and spouses: Licensed electricians called to active duty may renew without re-examination within 120 days after release; CE exempt for 12 months after release.3
3. Every license level except 501(d) Electrician and Maintenance Electrician License (issued to an entity)
Renewal
- Continuing education
- At least 16 hours each renewal period6
- Required topics
- At least 8 of the 16 hours on the National Electrical Code; at most 8 hours by pre-approved correspondence or online courses (the forms page adds that 8 hours must be in person).6
- Approved courses
- Courses must be pre-approved by the Commission; one credit hour per 50 minutes.8
4. Every license level except Apprentice Electrician (registration) and Maintenance Electrician License (issued to an entity)
Requirements
- Background check
- Background check required4
Application asks about convictions for a crime of violence (SDCL 22-1-2) and prior license denial or revocation.4 - Social Security number
- SSN disclosure is mandatory (child-support enforcement, 42 USC 666).4
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $603 | South Dakota Electrical Commission | Not refundable |
The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.
How to apply
- Fill in the Electrician License Application (PDF), sign it, and mail or fax it with the $60 application fee (check or money order to "South Dakota Electrical Commission"). The license fee goes as a separate check.4 Form (PDF, dlr.sd.gov)8
- Wait for written approval (about 30 days), then sit the exam within 90 days at the site the Commission names.11
- After passing, complete issuance (pay the license fee) within 90 days; the Commission emails a printable license.3
5. Journeyman Electrician and 501(d) Electrician
Fees
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $803
6. Electrical Inspector and Class B Electrician
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $1004 | South Dakota Electrical Commission | Not refundable |
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $1003
7. Class B Electrician and Electrical Contractor
Requirements
- Surety bond
- $10,0005 (Notarized undertaking in lieu of a surety bond; not a cash payment)
- Business requirements
- A firm may hold the license through an officer or manager who applies, takes the oath and shows the experience; an employee licensee is exempt from the insurance/undertaking when the employer meets it.5
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit | $503 | South Dakota Electrical Commission | Initial and at each biennial renewal (waived at renewal when the fund exceeds $50,000). Not refundable |
How to apply
- Contractor and Class B applicants also file the notarized Electrical Contractor and Class B Electricians' Bond Application (undertaking) with the $50 deposit and keep a liability insurance certificate on file.3
Who needs a Journeyman Electrician license
Wires, installs and repairs electrical equipment while employed by a licensed contractor or Class B electrician; may supervise apprentices; may not contract with the public (contracting requires an electrical contractor or Class B license).5
Work that does not need this license:
- No license needed for wiring in your own owner-occupied single-family home, own farmstead, a home you are building to live in, or your own non-business non-habitable property; larger service entrances and circuits still need inspection and a fee.5
- Statutory exemptions include utility employees for generation/distribution work, telephone/communication workers, low-voltage alarm and communications (class 2/3) installers, appliance repair departments, and architects/engineers planning work.5
Other rules on who may do this work:
- Emergency repairs to farmstead and residential wiring are outside the chapter.5
Requirements for a Journeyman Electrician license
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.
- Education or training
- Training must cover the National Electrical Code, commercial wiring, residential/farmstead wiring, motor installation, motor controls and blueprint reading (on the job or in postsecondary school).3
Alternative: Wiring school: one month of credit per month of schooling (application form: school credit maximum 2,000 hours).3
Alternative: BSEE degree: two years of credit.3
Alternative: Electrical lineman: up to one year of credit for at least four years of verified lineman experience.3
Alternative: Apprenticeship classroom: two hours of credit per verified classroom hour.3
Alternative: Military electrical wiring experience of at least 24 months: one year of credit.3 - Experience
- At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2
Four years (8,000 hours) as a licensed apprentice under the employment and supervision of a licensed electrical contractor or Class B electrician (501(d) electricians: four years under a contractor or Class B).3
Supervision: Under a licensed electrical contractor or Class B electrician3
License you must hold first: Registered apprentice (hours count only while licensed); federal-government electrical employment counts as licensed.2
Substitute: Wiring school: one month of credit per month of schooling (application form: school credit maximum 2,000 hours).3
Substitute: BSEE degree: two years of credit.3
Substitute: Electrical lineman: up to one year of credit for at least four years of verified lineman experience.3
Substitute: Apprenticeship classroom: two hours of credit per verified classroom hour.3
Substitute: Military electrical wiring experience of at least 24 months: one year of credit.3 - Exam
- Journeyman electrician examination3
Passing score: 70%3
When you can take it: Only after the Commission approves the application in writing; the exam must then be taken within 90 days.11
Written questions from the National Electrical Code (2023 NEC since Dec. 2, 2024) and South Dakota statutes and rules.3
Retakes: Retake after 30 days; after a failed retake, wait 90 days.3
Time limit: After passing, complete license issuance within 90 days or the exam is forfeited.3
Exam waived: Exam waived for licenses earned by exam in a reciprocal state and held active at least one year.7
How much a Journeyman Electrician license costs
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inactive journeyman electrician (biennial fee) | $803 | South Dakota Electrical Commission | Inactive license (no work requiring a license); $60 application fee also applies. Not refundable |
How to apply
- Complete four years (8,000 hours) as a registered apprentice under a licensed contractor or Class B electrician, covering the NEC, commercial and residential wiring, motors, controls and blueprints.3
Renewal and continuing education
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your South Dakota Journeyman Electrician license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Moving to South Dakota with a license from another state
These are the routes the South Dakota Electrical Commission 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
- Journeyman license by reciprocity for journeymen licensed by exam in 14 agreement states (AK, AR, CO, ID, IA, MN, MT, NE, NH, NM, ND, OK, TX, WY), held and active at least one year.7
- States on South Dakota's list
- Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming7
This is the list of states whose licenses South Dakota accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a South Dakota license. - Condition for Alaska
- Journeyman (JM), no ec equivalent7
- Condition for Colorado
- Journeyman (JM), no ec equivalent (Master Electrician or ME + 2,000 more hours)7
- Condition for New Mexico
- New Mexico Journeyman only7
- Condition for Oklahoma
- Journeyman, unlimited electrical contractor (EC)7
- Conditions
- License must have been earned by exam, held at least one year and active for one year.7
Statute: reciprocity only with states that reciprocate, for a license of the same grade, on proof of equal qualifications.5
Other states (NERA members without an agreement, states with similar licenses) are listed for information only; South Dakota says to call to confirm.7 - Fee
- $803
Apprentice Electrician registration
Learns the trade under the supervision and employment of a licensed contractor, journeyman or Class B electrician; may not work on an installation without personal supervision (on commercial sites, on-site supervision).5
Requirements
- Background check
- Background check required9
Apprentice application asks about convictions for a crime of violence (SDCL 22-1-2) and prior license denial or revocation.9 - Social Security number
- SSN required on the apprentice application.9
- Also required
- Experience counts only while registered; hours start the day the Commission receives the application.3
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $203 | South Dakota Electrical Commission | Not refundable |
How to apply
- Get hired by a licensed electrical contractor, journeyman or Class B electrician (or a 501(d) electrician) who will supervise you.5
- Fill in the Apprentice License Application, sign it and mail or fax it with the $20 fee. Hours count only from the day the Commission receives it.3 Form (PDF, dlr.sd.gov)8
- Renew every two years (even years) with $20 and 16 hours of CE; after four years (8,000 hours) apply for the journeyman exam.2
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $203
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- No reciprocity for apprentice registrations; out-of-state apprentices register as new apprentices.7
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.
501(d) Electrician
Restricted to wiring on 501(d) (religious or apostolic association) properties in South Dakota.5
Requirements
- Experience
- At least 2 years3
At least two years of licensed apprentice experience under a licensed electrical contractor, 501(d) electrician or Class B electrician, covering the NEC, commercial and residential wiring, motors, controls and blueprints.3
Supervision: Under a licensed electrical contractor, 501(d) electrician or Class B electrician3
Substitute: Wiring school: one month of credit per month of schooling (application form: school credit maximum 2,000 hours).3
Substitute: BSEE degree: two years of credit.3
Substitute: Electrical lineman: up to one year of credit for at least four years of verified lineman experience.3
Substitute: Apprenticeship classroom: two hours of credit per verified classroom hour.3
Substitute: Military electrical wiring experience of at least 24 months: one year of credit.3 - Exam
- 501(d) electrician examination3
Passing score: 70%3
When you can take it: Only after the Commission approves the application in writing; the exam must then be taken within 90 days.11
Written questions from the National Electrical Code (2023 NEC since Dec. 2, 2024) and South Dakota statutes and rules.3
Retakes: Retake after 30 days; after a failed retake, wait 90 days.3
Time limit: After passing, complete license issuance within 90 days or the exam is forfeited.3
Exam waived: Exam waived for licenses earned by exam in a reciprocal state and held active at least one year.7
How to apply
- Work at least two years as a registered apprentice under a contractor, 501(d) or Class B electrician.3
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- No reciprocity agreement is listed for 501(d) electrician licenses; the published agreements cover journeyman and electrical contractor licenses only.7
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.
Electrical Inspector
Valid only for electrical inspections for the state, local inspection systems or third-party inspections; not a substitute for a contractor, journeyman or Class B license. A residential/farmstead (RFI) inspector variant exists.3
Requirements
- Education or training
- At least 6 years5
Graduate of a recognized electrical school plus four years of electrical work, or at least six years of practical wiring experience.5 - Experience
- At least 2 years3
Journeyman plus two years under an electrical contractor (one year commercial), or hold an electrical contractor license (no added experience).3 - Exam
- Electrical inspector examination3
Passing score: 80%3
When you can take it: Only after the Commission approves the application in writing; the exam must then be taken within 90 days.11
Written questions from the National Electrical Code (2023 NEC since Dec. 2, 2024) and South Dakota statutes and rules.3
Retakes: Retake after 30 days; after a failed retake, wait 90 days.3
Time limit: After passing, complete license issuance within 90 days or the exam is forfeited.3
Exam waived: Exam waived for licenses earned by exam in a reciprocal state and held active at least one year.7
How to apply
- Qualify by experience (journeyman + two years under a contractor, or a contractor license) and apply on the general application.3
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- No reciprocity agreement is listed for electrical inspector licenses; the published agreements cover journeyman and electrical contractor licenses only.7
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.
Class B Electrician
May contract for farm and residential electrical wiring and related equipment only.5
Requirements
- Experience
- At least 2 years3
Licensed journeyman plus at least two years of journeyman experience under a licensed contractor or Class B electrician, at least one year of it in residential or farmstead wiring.3
Supervision: Under a licensed electrical contractor or Class B electrician3
License you must hold first: Journeyman Electrician (South Dakota)3
Substitute: Wiring school: one month of credit per month of schooling (application form: school credit maximum 2,000 hours).3
Substitute: BSEE degree: two years of credit.3
Substitute: Electrical lineman: up to one year of credit for at least four years of verified lineman experience.3
Substitute: Apprenticeship classroom: two hours of credit per verified classroom hour.3
Substitute: Military electrical wiring experience of at least 24 months: one year of credit.3 - Exam
- Class B electrician examination3
Passing score: 70%3
When you can take it: Only after the Commission approves the application in writing; the exam must then be taken within 90 days.11
Written questions from the National Electrical Code (2023 NEC since Dec. 2, 2024) and South Dakota statutes and rules.3
Retakes: Retake after 30 days; after a failed retake, wait 90 days.3
Time limit: After passing, complete license issuance within 90 days or the exam is forfeited.3
Exam waived: Exam waived for licenses earned by exam in a reciprocal state and held active at least one year.7
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inactive Class B electrician (biennial fee) | $803 | South Dakota Electrical Commission | Inactive license; exempt from undertaking/insurance. Not refundable |
How to apply
- Hold a journeyman license and work two more years under a contractor or Class B electrician, at least one year in residential/farmstead wiring.3
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- No reciprocity agreement is listed for Class B electrician licenses; the published agreements cover journeyman and electrical contractor licenses only.7
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.
Electrical Contractor
Plans, lays out, supervises and contracts for all classes of electrical installation work; only an electrical contractor may contract for wiring (Class B limited to farm/residential).5
Requirements
- Education or training
- Experience must include technical knowledge to plan, lay out and supervise installation of electrical light, heat and power under the NEC.3
- Experience
- At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training2
At least two years as a licensed journeyman under an electrical contractor (at least one year commercial; the Commission page says 4,000 hours including at least 2,000 commercial), or one year of commercial work as a Class B electrician under a contractor.5
Supervision: Under the employment and supervision of an electrical contractor3
License you must hold first: Journeyman Electrician or Class B Electrician (South Dakota)3
Substitute: Wiring school: one month of credit per month of schooling (application form: school credit maximum 2,000 hours).3
Substitute: BSEE degree: two years of credit.3
Substitute: Electrical lineman: up to one year of credit for at least four years of verified lineman experience.3
Substitute: Apprenticeship classroom: two hours of credit per verified classroom hour.3
Substitute: Military electrical wiring experience of at least 24 months: one year of credit.3 - Exam
- Electrical contractor examination3
Passing score: 70%3
When you can take it: Only after the Commission approves the application in writing; the exam must then be taken within 90 days.11
Written questions from the National Electrical Code (2023 NEC since Dec. 2, 2024) and South Dakota statutes and rules.3
Retakes: Retake after 30 days; after a failed retake, wait 90 days.3
Time limit: After passing, complete license issuance within 90 days or the exam is forfeited.3
Exam waived: Exam waived for licenses earned by exam in a reciprocal state and held active at least one year.7
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $2004 | South Dakota Electrical Commission | Not refundable |
| Inactive electrical contractor (biennial fee) | $803 | South Dakota Electrical Commission | Inactive license; exempt from undertaking/insurance. Not refundable |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
How to apply
- Hold a journeyman license and work two more years (4,000 hours, at least 2,000 commercial) under an electrical contractor, or one year of commercial work as a Class B electrician.5
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $2003
From another state
- Route
- Reciprocity agreements
- What the board says
- Electrical contractor license by reciprocity for master/contractor licenses earned by exam in 11 agreement states (AR, ID, IA, MN, MT, NE, NH, ND, OK, TX, WY), held and active at least one year. Alaska, Colorado and New Mexico agreements cover journeymen only.7
- States on South Dakota's list
- Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming7
This is the list of states whose licenses South Dakota accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a South Dakota license. - Condition for Oklahoma
- Journeyman, unlimited electrical contractor (EC)7
- Conditions
- License must have been earned by exam, held at least one year and active for one year.7
Statute: reciprocity only with states that reciprocate, for a license of the same grade, on proof of equal qualifications.5
Other states (NERA members without an agreement, states with similar licenses) are listed for information only; South Dakota says to call to confirm.7 - Fee
- $2003
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.
Maintenance Electrician License
Issued to a public or private employer, one license per county, for repair or like-for-like replacement of existing wiring devices and equipment on its own property; additions, alterations and circuit changes need a licensed electrical contractor.3
Requirements
- Business requirements
- Renewal needs a statement that the holder assumes all risk and liability for its employees' electrical work, plus an inspection (or waiver) of maintenance work; violations must be corrected first.3
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $803 | South Dakota Electrical Commission | Per county |
How to apply
- File the Maintenance Electrician Application for each county where your employees do maintenance work, with the $80 fee.8 Form (PDF, dlr.sd.gov)8
- Before each biennial renewal, request an inspection of maintenance work (or a waiver), correct any violations, and file the renewal with the $80 fee and the liability statement.3
Renewal
- If it expires
- Inspection may be waived if no maintenance work was done in the prior two years or a recognized third-party inspection report is filed.3
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Applies to every license level.
City and county rules
501(d) ElectricianState license is required statewide; cities may add stricter rules. Sioux Falls (largest city) also requires a city license for electrical contractors, Class B electricians, journeymen and apprentices, and a city exam for contractors and Class B.5
| City or county | What it requires | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | City license on top of the state license: contractors and Class B electricians pass a city exam ($75 exam fee, monthly) and post a $10,000 compliance bond; journeymen and apprentices register with their state card and pay the city license fee.12 | Official page12 |
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 South Dakota?
Can I transfer my electrician license to South Dakota?
The South Dakota Electrical Commission publishes this route for the Journeyman Electrician license: reciprocity agreements7. 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
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- 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.
- SD Electrical Commission homeSouth Dakota Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation)Checked November 7, 2026
- Licensing & RenewalsSouth Dakota Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation)Checked November 7, 2026
- ARSD ch. 20:44:16 Qualifications and LicensesSouth Dakota LegislatureDated November 12, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- Electrician License Application (REV 10/2025)South Dakota Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation)Checked November 7, 2026
- SDCL ch. 36-16 Electricians and Electrical ContractorsSouth Dakota LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- Continuing EducationSouth Dakota Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation)Checked November 7, 2026
- Reciprocal Licensing AgreementsSouth Dakota Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation)Checked November 7, 2026
- License Applications and Other FormsSouth Dakota Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation)Checked November 7, 2026
- Apprentice License Application (Rev 10/2025)South Dakota Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation)Checked November 7, 2026
- ARSD ch. 20:44:17 Continuing EducationSouth Dakota LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- ExamsSouth Dakota Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation)Checked November 7, 2026
- Electrical ContractorCity of Sioux FallsChecked November 7, 2026