Beatrice Lang
If you're interested in searching for or applying for an electrical license in Michigan, there are a few things you should know. The state of Michigan offers electrical licenses or registrations to residents in most communities, with some exceptions, such as the City of Detroit. To be eligible for a license, you must meet certain requirements, including age and experience. For example, you must be at least 20 years old and have a minimum of 8,000 hours of practical experience obtained over at least four years, with a maximum credit of 2,000 hours per year. Additionally, the state has specific examination requirements, which as of May 1, 2019, include content from the 2017 Michigan Electrical Code Rules Part 8, the 2017 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), and current versions of the relevant legislation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license? | The state of Michigan |
| Who can apply? | Persons eligible to be licensed or registered by the state of Michigan |
| Minimum age requirement | 20 years |
| Minimum experience required | 8,000 hours of practical experience over 4 years or 12,000 hours over 6 years |
| Supervision | Direct supervision of a person licensed under 2016 PA 407 or supervision of a master electrician |
| Credit | Credit may be provided for graduation from or attendance at a recognized training or educational program |
| Examination | Must take and pass the examination |
| Application | Application for Journeyman, Master Electrician Examination, Fire Alarm Specialty Technician, or Sign Specialist Examination |
| Communities where the state-issued license is not applicable | City of Detroit |
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What You'll Learn
Electrical licensing examinations
There are different types of electrical licenses in Michigan, each with its own set of requirements:
- Journeyman Electrician License: A Journeyman Electrician in Michigan is involved in the practical installation or alteration of electrical wiring. To be eligible for the Journeyman Electrician Examination, candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of 4,000 hours of experience over a period of 2 years related to electrical construction or maintenance. This experience must be obtained under the supervision of a licensed electrician. Upon application approval, candidates can schedule their examination.
- Master Electrician License: Master Electricians are responsible for the code compliance of all installations of electrical wiring and equipment. To be eligible for the Master Electrician Examination, candidates must be at least 20 years old and have a minimum of 8,000 hours of practical experience obtained over 4 years. This experience must be under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician. Candidates must submit a complete and notarized application, and upon approval, they can schedule their examination.
- Fire Alarm Specialty Technician License: This license is for technicians who ensure code compliance for the installation of fire alarm system wiring and equipment. To be eligible for the Fire Alarm Specialty Technician Examination, candidates must hold a fire alarm specialty technician's license or have at least one licensed technician residing in Michigan in their full-time employ. Out-of-state corporations will not qualify for a contractor's license unless they employ a licensed technician residing in the state.
- Sign Specialist License: Sign Specialists are responsible for code compliance regarding the installation, connection, and repair of electric signs and related wiring. To be eligible for the Sign Specialist Examination, candidates must hold a sign specialist's license or have at least one licensed specialist residing in Michigan in their full-time employ. Similar to the previous license, out-of-state corporations will not qualify for a contractor's license unless they employ a licensed sign specialist residing in Michigan.
PSI Examination Centers are located throughout Michigan and are equipped to provide access in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Candidates with disabilities can request exam accommodations by filling out a request form. Additionally, candidates may request to have the examination read to them in English with extra time for an additional fee.
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Required experience and qualifications
To obtain an electrical license in Michigan, several requirements must be met regarding experience and qualifications. Firstly, applicants must be at least 20 years of age. In terms of experience, a minimum of 8,000 hours of practical work obtained over a period of no less than four years is necessary. This experience should relate to electrical construction, maintenance of buildings, or electrical wiring and equipment. It is essential that this work is carried out under the direct supervision of a licensed person as per the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.
Additionally, applicants must have acquired this experience through working with, or being supervised by, a master electrician. This collaboration should amount to at least 12,000 hours of experience over six years. Alternatively, applicants may be eligible if they hold a master electrician's license themselves. It is worth noting that out-of-state corporations will not qualify for a contractor's license unless they employ a master electrician who is a resident of Michigan.
The experience requirements also allow for credit from educational programs. Attendance at, or graduation from, a recognized training program can contribute to the overall experience requirement. This credit is capped at a maximum of 2,000 hours per year.
To ensure compliance with the relevant codes and regulations, applicants must take and pass the electrical licensing examination. This examination covers various topics, including the Michigan Electrical Code Rules Part 8, the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), and the Skilled Trades Regulation Act. It is important to note that the specific content of the examination may be updated periodically, so applicants should refer to the most recent version of the exam requirements.
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How to apply for a license
To apply for an electrical license in Michigan, you must meet specific requirements and follow certain procedures, which vary slightly depending on whether you are seeking a journeyman or master electrician license. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for each type of license:
Journeyman Electrician License:
- Meet the Basic Requirements: To be eligible for a journeyman electrician license in Michigan, you must be at least 20 years old.
- Complete an Apprenticeship: Undertake an apprenticeship program that meets the requirements of the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT). This typically involves at least 8,000 hours of practical field experience and 576 hours of classroom training over a four-year period, all under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician.
- Submit Proof of Apprenticeship: Obtain letters verifying your hours of experience on employer letterhead, and ensure they are notarized.
- Pass the Journeyman Exam: Prepare for and successfully pass the journeyman exam, which covers topics related to electrical installations and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Apply and Pay the Fee: After passing the exam, submit your application along with the required supporting documentation. The fee for a journeyman license is typically $40.
- Renew Annually: Note that journeyman licenses need to be renewed annually, also at a cost of $40. This renewal requires 15 hours of continuing education on the latest version of the NEC.
Master Electrician License:
- Meet the Basic Requirements: To be eligible for a master electrician license, you must be at least 22 years old and have held a journeyman license for a minimum of two years.
- Gain Work Experience: Accumulate at least 12,000 hours of practical experience in electrical wiring over a six-year period. This experience must be gained under the supervision of a master electrician.
- Submit Proof of Experience: Obtain letters verifying your hours of experience, similar to the journeyman license process. These letters must be on employer letterhead and notarized.
- Apply for the Exam: Submit your application to take the master electrician exam, providing proof of your journeyman license and work experience. The exam fee is typically $100.
- Pass the Master Electrician Exam: The exam covers the same topics as the journeyman exam, with additional focus on planning and supervising electrical installations. It is an open-book exam with 75 questions to be completed in three hours. A score of at least 75% is required.
- Obtain the License: After successfully passing the exam, pay the license fee, which is typically $50. The master electrician license also needs to be renewed annually at the same cost.
It is important to note that licensing procedures and fees may vary slightly in Grand Rapids and Detroit compared to the rest of Michigan. Additionally, electrical contracting firms must have a master electrician in full-time employment, and electrical contractors need to pass a separate exam and obtain a license to run an independent business.
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Tracking courses
To become a licensed electrician in Michigan, you must complete a certain number of hours of work experience and pass a licensing exam. The number of hours of work experience required depends on the type of electrician license you are applying for.
Journeyman Electrician License
To obtain a journeyman electrician license, you must be at least 20 years old and have 8,000 hours of electrical wiring experience obtained over a period of at least four years under the direct supervision of a journey or master electrician licensed in Michigan. This equates to around four years of experience. You must also pass the journeyman electrician exam.
Master Electrician License
To obtain a master electrician license, you must be at least 22 years old and have 12,000 hours of electrical wiring experience obtained over a period of at least six years under the supervision of a master electrician. You must also have held a journeyman electrician license for at least two years and pass the master electrician exam.
Electrical Contractor License
To become a licensed electrical contractor, you must fill out an application and provide the required documentation. You must also pass an exam. Electrical contractor licensing procedures, fees, and required documentation vary in Grand Rapids and Detroit but are uniform across the rest of the state.
Apprenticeships
Michigan offers both union and non-union apprenticeship programs. Apprentices must be Michigan residents, at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, reliable transportation, and pass a drug test and criminal background check. Apprenticeships typically last four years and require 8,000 hours of electrical trade work experience, plus 576 hours of classroom training.
Continuing Education
To renew a journeyman electrician license in Michigan, you must complete 15 hours of continuing education on the state's most recently adopted version of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
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Communities where licenses are issued locally
The state of Michigan issues electrical licenses or registrations to residents in most communities in the state. However, there are a few communities where electrical licenses are issued locally, and residents of these communities should not use the state's electrical examination forms nor submit them to the state of Michigan. These communities include:
- City of Grand Rapids/Kent County
- City of Detroit/Wayne County
- City of Detroit
In these communities, electrical licenses are likely issued by the municipality or local units of government.
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Frequently asked questions
Residents of most Michigan communities can apply for an electrical license or registration. Residents of the City of Detroit are excluded, as licenses are issued locally.
Applicants must be at least 20 years old and have at least 8,000 hours of practical experience in electrical construction, maintenance, or electrical wiring and equipment. This experience must be gained over at least four years, with a maximum credit of 2,000 hours per year.
Yes, credit may be provided for graduation from or attendance at a recognized training or educational program.
Examinations include the Journeyman, Master Electrician, Fire Alarm Specialty Technician, and Sign Specialist exams.
