How to Apply for a Maryland Electricians License - Electricians

Apprentice | Journeyperson | Master

Apprentice Electrician License

This is the first step to becoming a licensed electrician in Maryland.
Who qualifies? There are no pre-qualifications for this license. The State does not renew or reciprocate apprentice licenses obtained in other jurisdictions.

Application Process

1. Apply for an original Apprentice License and pay the $12.00 fee online
1. Upload any required documents when prompted at the start of the application, if necessary

Criminal history or prior discipline? See Convictions and Disciplinary Action below.

Journeyperson Electrician License

There are 3 paths to take to become a Licensed Journeyperson Electrician in Maryland:

• Option 1: Original License by Work Experience and Examination
  • To take a journeyperson electrician's license examination, the applicant must have been engaged or employed regularly and principally in providing electrical services for all types of electrical equipment and apparatuses for at least four years–while holding an apprentice license-and be under the direction and supervision of a Master Electrician. Apply for an Apprentice License before beginning your training
• Option 2: Original License by Registered Apprenticeship and Examination Waiver
  • Complete a registered apprenticeship through the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC) or the Federal Office of Apprenticeship (FOA) that consists of:
    • At least 576 classroom hours; and
    • 8,000 hours of work experience.
  • This Certificate must be presented to the Board for licensing no later than two years after its issuance.
  • To find an employer who offers a registered apprenticeship with the State of Maryland, start by using the MATC Apprenticeship Locator or the USDOL FOA Apprenticeship Locator. Apply for an Apprentice License before beginning your training
• Option 3: Reciprocal License
  • Apply for a reciprocal license if you’re already a licensed electrician in another qualifying state

Once you become a Maryland-licensed Journeyperson Electrician, you will need to complete 5 continuing education hours to renew your license every 2 years.

Apply for an Original Journeyperson Electrician License – By Work Experience and Examination

Who qualifies

To take a Journeyperson Electrician's license examination, the applicant must have:

• Held an Apprentice Electrician license for at least four years; and
• Worked under a licensed Master Electrician or similarly qualified governmental employee during those four years. Experience may come from multiple jobs.

What to Gather Before Applying

• Work Verification form(s) filled out by the supervising Master Electrician(s) documenting your experience
• A copy of the supervising master electrician's license (include all if multiple Masters)
• Schooling and other educational records
• Copy of any current licenses, including those from other states

Criminal history or prior discipline? See Convictions and Disciplinary Action below.

Application Process

1. Register for the Journeyperson Electrician exam
1. Contact PSI Exams at 1-800-733-9267 to obtain an application to take the Journeyperson Electrician's exam or visit the PSI Website. Request and gather all necessary documents as described above  and submit with PSI application
2.  Pass the Journeyperson Electrician exam – you will receive an email afterwards instructing you to apply.
3. Apply for your Journeyperson Electrician license online
1. Select your current license type from the dropdown menu and enter your login credentials or use the “Create My Password Button” to log into the system if you have never used the LABOR password management system before
2. Follow the prompts to complete the Journeyperson Electrician License Application
3. Pay the $18.50 licensing fee online

Apply for an Original Journeyperson Electrician License – By Registered Apprenticeship and Exam Waiver

Who qualifies

To obtain your Journeyperson Electrician's license without an examination, you must have:

• Completed an apprenticeship program that was approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC) or the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Federal Office of Apprenticeship (FOA)
  • Note: Most qualifying programs are Maryland-based. Completing an apprenticeship in another state does not automatically qualify you for the waiver. See the Apply for a Reciprocal Journeyperson Electrician License section for more information about out-of-state apprenticeship programs.
• Your certificate of completion must have been issued within 2 years of applying to the Board.

What to Gather Before Applying

• A scan or photo of your MATC or USDOL Certificate of Completion.
  • Note: By statute, these are the only certificates the Board can accept; certificates or letters from unions or training providers are not substitutes. If you cannot locate your certificate, contact your sponsor or the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Criminal history or prior discipline? See Convictions and Disciplinary Action below.

Application Process

1. Receive your Certificate of Completion from MATC or USDOL FOA or request it, if necessary
2. Apply for your Journeyperson Electrician license online
1. Upload your Certificate of Completion from MATC or USDOL and any other required documents when prompted at the start of the application
2. Select the option for “Waiver of Examination via Apprenticeship Program”
3. Pay the $18.50 fee online

Apply for a Reciprocal Journeyperson Electrician License – By Out-of-State License

Who Qualifies

If you’re already a licensed Journeyperson Electrician in another state or country, you may have a path to becoming licensed in Maryland. The process will depend on where you are currently licensed.

Not eligible for reciprocity? If your current license does not meet the requirements for reciprocity you may still qualify to apply for an Original Journeyperson Electrician License – By Work Experience and Examination.

What to Gather Before Applying

• Letter of Good Standing from the issuing state licensing authority (we recommend they email it to us directly) confirming the license:
  • The license is current and in good standing
  • The license was obtained by examination.
    • Note for Virginia Applicants: Your Letter of Good Standing may indicate that your license was obtained through an approved apprenticeship program rather than examination. However, you may be asked to provide additional documentation verifying completion of that apprenticeship.
• Copy of Current Electrical License

Application Process

1. Request and gather all required documents as described above.
2. Apply for a reciprocal Journeyperson Electrician license online
1. Upload your required documents as described above when prompted at the start of the application
2. Select the option for “Reciprocity via State Jurisdiction” and select your qualifying state from the dropdown menu
3. Pay the $18.50 fee online

Master Electrician License

Maryland offers 3 types of licenses at the Master Electrician level:

Learn More

• Uninsured Master License
• Insurance Requirements

There are 2 paths to take to become a Licensed Master Electrician in Maryland:

• Option 1: Original License by Work Experience and Examination
  • After 7 years of qualifying LICENSED electrical experience and passing the Master Electrician Exam, apply for an original license.
• Option 2: Reciprocal License
  • Apply for a reciprocal license if you’re already a licensed Master Electrician in another qualifying state

Apply for an Original Master Electrician License – By Work Experience and Examination

Who Qualifies?

To take the Master Electrician's license exam, you must:

• Have at least seven years of electrical work experience, performed while holding a valid electrician’s license and working regularly under the direction and supervision of a licensed Master Electrician or a similarly qualified employee of a governmental unit. Experience may come from multiple jobs
• Hold a current Maryland Apprentice or Journeyperson License

What to Gather Before Applying

• Work Verification form(s) filled out by the supervising Master Electrician(s) documenting your experience
• A copy of the supervising Master Electrician's license (include all if multiple Master Electricians)
• Schooling and other educational records
• Copy of any current licenses, including those from other states

• A Certificate of Insurance (Master and Qualified Agent)
  • Insurance Requirements
  • Note: The licensee's name must appear under Description of Operations or Additional Insured.
  • Certificate holder: State of Maryland – State Board of Electricians, 100 S. Charles St, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201
• If licensed out of state, a Letter of Good Standing from the issuing state showing how many years you have held the license (Delaware, Virginia, Washington D.C., or West Virginia licensees, see Reciprocal Master License section.)
• A copy of any licenses you have held, including those from other states

Note: If you are licensed in another country and you need to provide a school transcript and/or test results that are not in English, you will need to provide a translated copy.
Criminal history or prior discipline? See Convictions and Disciplinary Action below.

Application Process

1. Register for the Master Electrician Exam
1. Contact PSI Exams at 1-800-733-9267 to obtain an application to take the Journeyperson Electrician's exam or visit the PSI Website. Submit all necessary documents as described above, except insurance information, with PSI application
2. Pass the Master Electrician exam – you will receive an email afterwards instructing you to apply
3. Gather all necessary insurance information as described above
4. Apply for an original Master Electrician license online
1. Select your current license type (Make sure to choose the correct Master category you chose when testing) from the dropdown menu and enter your login credentials or use the “Create My Password Button” to log into the system if you have never used the LABOR the online password management system before
2. Follow the prompts to complete the appropriate license application (Master Electrician, Qualified Agent, Uninsured Master Electrician)
3. Pay the appropriate fee ($25.00 - Master Electrician, $25.00 - Qualified Agent, $63.00 - Uninsured Master Electrician) online 

Apply for an Reciprocal Master Electrician License – By Out-of-State License

Who Qualifies

If you’re already a licensed Master Electrician in another state or country, you have a path to becoming licensed in Maryland. The process will depend on where you are currently licensed.

Not eligible for reciprocity? If your current license does not meet the requirements for reciprocity you may still qualify to apply for an Original Master Electrician License – By Work Experience and Examination.

What to Gather Before Applying

1. Letter of Good Standing from the issuing state licensing authority (we recommend they email it to us directly) confirming the following:
1. The license is current and in good standing
2. The license was obtained by examination and the length of time the license has been held
2. A Certificate of Insurance (Master and Qualified Agent)
1. Insurance Requirements
2. Note: The licensee's name must appear under Description of Operations or Additional Insured.
3. Certificate holder: State of Maryland – State Board of Electricians, 100 S. Charles St, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201
3. Copy of Current Electrician's License

Criminal history or prior discipline? See Convictions and Disciplinary Action below.

Application Process

1. Request and gather all necessary documents as described above
2. Apply for a reciprocal Master Electrician license online
1. Upload your required documents as described above when prompted at the start of the application
2. Select the option for “Reciprocity via State Jurisdiction” and select the state you hold your license from the dropdown menu
3. Complete the appropriate license application (Master Electrician, Qualified Agent, Uninsured Master Electrician)
4. Pay the appropriate fee ($25.00 - Master Electrician, $25.00 - Qualified Agent, $63.00 - Uninsured Master Electrician) online

Convictions and Disciplinary Actions

This applies to every license application on this page. If you answer "Yes" to a felony or misdemeanor conviction, or to disciplinary action by a local jurisdiction, you must provide:

• Official Court Records: A certified True Test Copy of the court records showing the charges and final disposition of each case. Judiciary Case Search printouts or screenshots are not acceptable.
• A personal letter to the Board, in your own words, explaining what happened, the outcome, and what you have done since the incident, including employment, rehabilitation, or other positive changes.
• A letter from your probation or parole officer confirming your current status and compliance, where applicable. Alternatively, documentation showing completion/compliance with any court-ordered requirements, such as rehabilitation programs, counseling, classes, or community service.

Obtain these documents before applying and upload them during the application. Alternatively, send them by email within 30 days of your application date.

Local Permit Registration

Note: Some local jurisdictions require a registration in order to obtain a permit. Please check with the local jurisdiction regarding registration requirements