In the state of Oregon, electricians are required to have a general contractor’s license as well as an electrical license. There are four types of electrical licenses in Oregon: a Limited Residential license, a General Journeyman’s license, a General Supervising electrician license, and an Independent Contractor license.
Electrical apprenticeships in Oregon are run through apprenticeship committees and trade schools; apprentices do not need a license, but they do need to be accepted into a program. The length of an apprenticeship depends on the program. Upon completion, an aspiring electrician can submit their application, and, pending approval of the application, move on to the exam.
Oregon Electrical License Reciprocity
Oregon has reciprocity agreements for electrical licensing with Idaho, Utah, Montana, Arkansas, Wyoming, and Maine. Reciprocity licensing is available through application if the candidate holds at least the equivalent license in their state, qualified for and passed the exam in their state with at least a 75%, have at least 1,000 hours of work experience with their existing license, and have not failed the equivalent Oregon electrical licensing exam within the last two years. The application requires a non-refundable $100 fee.
It is important to note that a General Supervising Electrician license is considered the equivalent to a Master’s license. Only Master electricians from Arkansas and Utah are allowed to apply for a General Supervising Electrician license in Oregon. General Supervising Electrician licenses are for direct supervisors of electrical work.
Oregon Independent Electrical Contractor License Requirements
In order to operate a business as an independent electrical contractor, a candidate needs to get licensed through the Construction Contractors Board (CCB). A prospective independent electrical contractor will need to know what kind of buildings or structures they intend to develop in order to choose what type of license endorsement they need. Following this, they will need to:
- Choose a Responsible Managing Individual who will provide pre-exam training, as well as administer the exam.
- File their business name, as well as the correct CCB surety bond.
- Secure and give proof of all relevant insurance.
- Obtain a Business Identification Number (BIN).
- Submit an application, which includes proof of the appropriate bond and insurance, as well as $250.00.
Oregon Electrical Insurance Requirements
The state of Oregon require working electricians to have liability insurance coverage. This is required for professional electrical work being done on both residential and commercial properties.
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Oregon General Supervising Electrician License Requirements
As the name implies, Supervising Electricians oversee electrical projects. An electrician in Oregon is eligible for this license after spending a minimum of four years as a Journeyman. To obtain a Supervising Electrician License, an electrician needs to:
- Provide proof that they have at least four years (8,000 hours) of experience as a Journeyman.
- Fill out the application.
- Wait for information about the testing location.
- Schedule the exam.
- Pass the exam with at least 75 %.
The fee for the application is $100.00, and these licenses must be renewed every three years.
Oregon Electrical Journeyman License Requirements
According to the Oregon state government website: “Inside electricians [General Journeyman Electricians] perform electrical installations, construction, maintenance, repair, and service. They work on electrical construction projects ranging from single-family residences to state-of-the-art industrial plants. They install conduits and wire lighting, switches, converters, and complex computerized systems.”
In order to obtain a Journeyman or limited electrical license in Oregon, a candidate must:
- Complete an accredited apprenticeship program;
- Complete 576 hours of in-class training, as well as provide proof of 8,000 hours of field experience outside of Oregon, including 1,000-3,000 hours of residential, 1,000-3,000 hours of commercial, and 1,000-3,000 hours of industrial electrical work;
- Provide proof of 16,000 hours of field experience outside Oregon.
Then, submit the electrical license application, and wait for further instructions from the Building Codes Division regarding the examination. A non-refundable fee of $50.00 or $100.00 (depending on the specific license) must be submitted along with the application. A minimum score of 75% is needed to pass the exam. This license must be renewed every three years, which includes continuing education requirements. The options for Journeyman and limited electrical licenses are as follows:
- General journeyman (J);
- Limited residential electrician (LR);
- Limited supervising electrician (PS);
- Limited journeyman sign electrician (SIG);
- Limited journeyman manufacturing plant (PJ);
- Limited journeyman stage electrician (ST);
- Limited energy technician Class A (LEA);
- Limited building maintenance electrician (BME);
- Limited energy technician Class B (LEB);
- Limited maintenance electrician (LME);
- Limited renewable energy technician (LRT).
Electrical Journeyman Exam
Pending approval of the licensing application, the Building Codes Division will send the candidate a Letter of Authorization, along with details about the exam and its location. The candidate must schedule their exam within 60 days of receiving their Letter of Authorization, and must present both this and a form of photo identification before entering the exam. 75% is the minimum passing grade.
Electrician Apprenticeship Requirements
Electrical apprentices in Oregon do not require licenses. Candidates only need to pass the prerequisites for the specific apprenticeship program that they apply for. Applicants must be 17 to apply, and 18 to begin their apprenticeship. They have to supply proof of high school or equivalent education, and a minimum grade of ‘C’ in an algebra course. Specific apprenticeship committees may have additional requirements.
Oregon Electrical Apprentice Jobs
Both union and non-union electrical apprenticeship committees are listed on the Oregon state government website. Many community and technical colleges also offer accredited programs.
Electrical Trade Schools in Oregon
Linn-Benton Community College
Institution: Public
Tuition: $113.46 (in-state, per credit)
Contact Information:
6500 Pacific Boulevard SW
Albany, OR 97321
(541) 917 4999
Clatsop Community College
Institution: Public
Tuition: $30 (In-state, Consolidated fee, per credit)
Contact Information:
1651 Lexington Avenue
Astoria, OR 97103
(503) 325-0910
(503) 338-2411
(855) 252-8767
Lane Community College
Institution: Public
Tuition: $10,880 (in-state estimate of all tuition and fees)
Contact Information:
4000 East 30th Avenue
Eugene, OR
(541) 463-3000
Rogue Community College — Redwood Campus
Institution: Public
Tuition: $112 (in-state, per credit)
Contact Information:
3345 Redwood Highway
Grants Pass, OR 97527
(541) 956-7500
Clackamas Community College — Oregon City Campus
Institution: Public
Tuition: $103 (in-state, per credit)
Contact Information:
19600 Molalla Avenue
Oregon City, OR 97045
(503) 594-6000
Blue Mountain Community College
Institution: Public
Tuition: $108 (in-state, per credit)
Contact Information:
2411 NW Carden Avenue
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 276-1260
Northwest Institute of Electrical Technology
Institution: Public
Tuition: N/A
Contact Information:
6915 NE 42nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97218
(503) 459-4056
Portland Community College — Swan Island Trades Center
Institution: Public
Tuition: $116 (in-state, per credit)
Contact Information:
6400 North Cutter Circle
Portland, OR 97217
(971) 722-5650
Umpqua Community College
Institution: Public
Tuition: $101 (in-state, per credit)
Contact Information:
1140 Umpqua College Road
Roseburg, OR
(800) 820-5161
Oregon Professional License Search
Per Oregon state law, individuals or businesses advertising or engaging in certain electrical development activities are required to have a license. Licenses of both individual electricians and electrical companies can be found by visiting the Oregon state government website. License holders can be researched by name, location, profession, or license number.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become an Electrical Contractor in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Oregon, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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