Trystan Casey
To work as an electrician in New Jersey, you must be licensed. There are two types of electrician licenses: journeyman electrician and electrical contractor. To obtain a journeyman electrician license, you need 8,000 hours of documented experience, with at least 4,000 hours completed within the five years before applying, as well as a minimum of 576 hours of classroom training. To become a licensed electrical contractor, you need additional work experience and must pass the contractor's exam. New Jersey makes it challenging for outside contractors to obtain a license, and there are no reciprocity agreements with other states.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| License Type | Electrical Contractor License, Journeyman Electrician License |
| Education | Minimum of 576 hours of classroom training |
| Training | 4 years or 8000 hours of on-the-job training |
| Apprenticeship | 4-year apprenticeship program |
| Examination | Business and Law Exam, Electrical Contractor Exam, Journeyman Exam |
| Work Experience | 5 years of practical hands-on work experience |
| Bachelor's Degree | Electrical Engineering |
| Additional Experience | 2 years of practical hands-on experience |
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What You'll Learn
Apprenticeship requirements
To become a licensed electrician in New Jersey, you must complete an apprenticeship program. These programs typically last four to five years and combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training.
The IEC Apprenticeship Curriculum is recognized as one of the best teaching tools for electrical apprentices in the nation and is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship. The NJIEC training facility offers a four-year program that includes a minimum of 576 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, which is the standard across apprenticeship programs.
Union-based apprenticeships require membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and are managed by the Electrical Training Alliance program, a collaboration between the IBEW and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Non-union apprenticeship programs are also available through the New Jersey Independent Electrical Contractors.
Tuition for apprenticeship programs can range from $5,000 to over $20,000 per year, but it's important to note that apprentices are typically paid during their training, and specific apprenticeships may even cover the cost of classroom instruction through sponsorships.
After completing an apprenticeship or trade school program, you can apply for a Qualified Journeyman Electrician License. This license does not require passing an exam, but you must have 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience, with at least 4,000 hours completed within the five years before submitting your application.
With the necessary experience, you can then submit the "Application for a Certificate of Registration to Practice as a Qualified Journeyman Electrician" to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. This application costs $100 and is non-refundable. Once you have your journeyman license, you can gain additional on-the-job experience and eventually apply for an electrical contractor license.
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Journeyman electrician
In New Jersey, a journeyman electrician is a qualified electrician who can work independently but under an electrical contractor with a business permit. A journeyman electrician is not allowed to start a business or pull permits.
To become a journeyman electrician in New Jersey, you need to complete 8,000 hours of documented experience, with at least 4,000 hours accomplished within five years before applying. You also need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program and pass the journeyman exam to obtain this license. The initial cost to apply for a journeyman license is $40, and the license must be renewed every three years for $150 to $160. Additionally, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education units each year.
The journeyman electrician license allows you to work on wiring for heat, lighting, power sources, and other electrical systems without being supervised by a licensed electrician. You are also allowed to train apprentices at your workplace.
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Electrical contractor
In New Jersey, it is required by law to be licensed as either a journeyman electrician or an electrical contractor to legally perform electrical work.
Journeyman Electrician License
To apply for a journeyman electrician license, you need 8,000 hours (approximately 4 years) of documented experience, with at least 4,000 hours accomplished within five years before applying. Additionally, you must complete a minimum of 576 hours of classroom training. A journeyman license allows you to work under a licensed electrical contractor's supervision. As a journeyman electrician, your sole duty is the installation, maintenance, and ensuring adherence to the electrical code.
To obtain an electrical contractor license, you need additional work experience and to be several years older than the minimum age for a journeyman. You must also pass the contractor's exam. As an electrical contractor, you can run your own business, hire other electricians, and take on larger tasks. You will be responsible for project management and ensuring compliance with all policies and regulations.
Additional Considerations
It is worth noting that New Jersey does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, and there have been reports of the process becoming more challenging over the years. Additionally, national certifications, while optional, can help demonstrate proficiency and lead to more job opportunities and higher pay.
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Training programs
To become a licensed electrician in New Jersey, you must complete classroom and lab-based training while gaining hands-on experience in the electrical field. This can be achieved through various training programs, including trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and community colleges.
Trade School Programs
Trade schools offer a structured path to gaining electrical education and hands-on experience. They provide more classroom-focused training, along with hands-on training components. Examples of trade schools in New Jersey offering electrician programs include Lincoln Tech and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The cost of attending a trade school can vary, ranging from approximately $11,700 per year in tuition and $373 for study materials at Bergen County Technical Schools to up to $20,000 for other electrical trade schools or vocational schools in the state.
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship programs typically last four to five years and combine classroom preparation with on-the-job training. Apprentices learn about electrical theory, code necessities, safety practices, and practical capabilities. Union-based apprenticeships require membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). These apprenticeships are managed by the IBEW and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) through the Electrical Training Alliance program. Non-union apprenticeships are also available through programs offered by the New Jersey Independent Electrical Contractors.
Community Colleges
Community colleges across New Jersey offer electrician training programs that provide the necessary classroom instruction and hands-on experience. These programs can satisfy the academic requirements needed to apply for a journeyman license.
Other Training Resources
In addition to formal training programs, there are other resources available to help prepare for electrical licensing exams. Standard books such as "Electrical Wiring Residential" and "Electrical Wiring Commercial" provide valuable knowledge. Online courses and study materials are also offered by websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Mike Holt Enterprises.
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Examinations
To obtain an electrical contractor license in New Jersey, you must pass two examinations: the Business and Law exam and the Electrical Contractor exam. The former consists of 50 questions with a time limit of 2 hours, while the latter consists of 100 questions with a time limit of 4 hours. A grade of at least 70% is required to pass. The examinations are open-book and based on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC).
To be eligible to take the examinations, candidates must meet certain requirements. They must be over 21 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, they must have completed one of the following:
- Five years of hands-on experience in installation, alteration, or repair of wiring for electric light, heat, or power.
- Qualification as a journeyman electrician with at least one year of practical hands-on experience.
- A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and two years of practical hands-on experience.
Candidates must submit their applications to the New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, along with documentation of their education and work experience. The application fee ranges from $100 to $150. Once the application is approved, candidates will receive information about exam registration, content, and reference materials.
It is important to note that obtaining an electrical license in New Jersey requires more than just passing the examinations. Candidates must also complete a significant amount of work experience and training, demonstrating their competence and knowledge in the electrical field.
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Frequently asked questions
To get an electrical license in New Jersey, you need to complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training or four years of apprenticeship, along with a minimum of 576 hours of classroom training. You also need to pass the journeyman exam.
A journeyman electrician's sole duty is the installation, maintenance, and ensuring adherence to the electrical code. An electrical contractor, on the other hand, can run their own business, hire electricians, and take on larger projects.
First, complete an apprenticeship program or gain on-the-job training under a qualified electrician. Then, meet the hour requirements and pass the journeyman exam to obtain your license.
You can apply for an apprentice electrician license through the state licensing agency, which usually involves a small fee and a short application. Apprenticeships can be union-based or non-union. Union-based apprenticeships require membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Non-union apprenticeships are available through programs offered by the New Jersey Independent Electrical Contractors.
Yes, in addition to obtaining your license, you must also pass the Business and Law exam to legally perform electrical work in New Jersey.
