Louisiana Electrical License Requirements & Application Guide

The state of Louisiana is one of the few states that does not have a statewide electrician license (journeyman or master electrician). Instead, they require that, in order to complete jobs worth $50,000 or more, individuals must obtain an official contractor’s license from the Board. However, it is important to note that this does not mean one cannot become a journeyman or master electrician within Louisiana, it simply means that the process to do so will vary by city. This law isn’t specific to electrical contractors; it applies to mechanical trades and plumbing contractors in Louisiana as well.

Louisiana Electrical License Reciprocity

The Louisiana State Licensing Board (LSLB) for Contractors has electrical license reciprocity agreements with the following states:

Alabama;
Georgia;
Kentucky;
Mississippi;
Nevada;
North Carolina;
Ohio;
Tennessee;
Texas.

The LSLB reciprocity agreements allow an out-of-state contractor to receive credit in Louisiana for approved classifications, without taking the Louisiana trade exam. It also allows said out-of-state contractors to be exempted from the statutory 60 days waiting period between the date of the application and the actual license issuance. A contractor from any of the states listed above must obtain a Louisiana state license before they begin bidding, sign contracts, or perform any work.

In order to apply for the Louisiana state license, the contractor must fill out and submit a residential or commercial application. If the contractor currently holds a license in Louisiana, then they must submit the Adding a Classification to an Existing License form, and/or an Adding a Qualifying Party to an Existing License form, and/or an Application for Qualifying Party, as applicable. Each application states its own qualifications, examination, and fees.

Louisiana Journeyman Electrician License Requirements

A journeyman electrician license allows individuals to install or repair electrical materials under the supervision of an electrical contractor. Louisiana state does not have a statewide requirement standard for a journeyman’s license. However, in order to become a Class D Journeyman Electrician in New Orleans, an individual must meet all of the journeyman license requirements.

$5.00 delinquent fee every month on top of a $60 annual fee;
Must be at least 18 years of age or older;
Present two current passport-sized photos;
Copy of a valid driver’s license or state identification card;
Previous electrical license card;
Letter of passing from the International Code Council (ICC) for new applicants;
Fill out the Louisiana journeyman application;
Pass the journeyman electrician exam with a 70% or higher;
Four years with a state-approved training program/apprenticeship;
Four years with an electrician helper’s license;
Five years of continuous working experience as an electrician.

Once an individual earns their journeyman license, they must renew it annually within the month of their birthday.

Journeyman Electrician Exam

The Louisiana journeyman test is four hours long and is an open book test made up of 80 multiple-choice questions. Test takers will want to study the 2011 National Electrical Code. The exam is made up proportionately of questions pertaining to:

6% General Knowledge;
11% Services and Service Equipment;
4% Feeders;
26% Branch Circuits and Conductors;
26% Wiring Methods and Materials;
13% Equipment and Devices;
4% Control Devices;
6% Motors and Generators;
11% Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions.

Individuals can take the journeyman exam on a quarterly basis. It is up to the applicant to read the Examination Information Bulletin that can be found on the ICC website for exam requirements, procedures, and sources allowed during the exam. It is up to the applicant to schedule their own test. This can be done by visiting the PearsonVue website or by calling them at 1(877)234-6082. Prepayment must be submitted prior to scheduling the exam.

Louisiana Electrical Insurance Requirements

The state of Louisiana offers two types of electrical contractor licenses, residential and commercial. Commercial license means you can work on commercial projects valued at more than $10,000. Residential license means you can work on residential jobs valued at more than $7,500.

The state of Louisiana requires that both residential and commercial contractors maintain $100,000 of general liability insurance. This is required to receive and maintain their license in Louisiana.

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Electrician Apprenticeship Requirements

Apprenticeship programs allow for contractors to gain the necessary education and trainee experience to qualify for a journeyman license. Apprenticeship programs are available at the following Louisiana Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee locations:

Alexandria Electrical JATC
Baton Rouge Area Electrical JATC in Baton Rouge
Bogalusa Electrical JATC in New Orleans
Lake Charles Elec. JATC
Monroe Electrical JATC
New Orleans Electrical JATC in Metairie
Shreveport Area Electrical JATC in Bossier City

Electrical Trade Schools in Louisiana

There are many schools in Louisiana that offer electrical technological programs, some of which are listed below.

Central Louisiana Tech: CLTCC is a two-year, technical and community college offering certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees to prepare individuals for high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers. There are eight campuses located in Alexandria, Winnfield, Ferriday, Leesville, Natchitoches, Jena, Many, and Cottonport. CLTCC also provides instruction in three state prisons and two federal correctional institutions. The estimated program cost per semester (subject to change) is $1,898 (based on the highest credential available).

Delgado Community College: Like many of the programs in Louisiana, the tuition varies and is based on the number of credit hours a student enrolls in. Delgado Community College, a comprehensive community college, offers programs through the Associate degree.

ITI Tech: ITI Tech is located in Baton Rouge, LA. The cost for the electrical technology program at ITI Tech varies, however, there is a net price calculator that applicants may fill out in order to provide them with an estimated price.

Northwest Technical Community College: NTCC has locations in Lacombe, Bogalusa, Greensburg, Hammond, Angie, and walker. Their tuition varies given the number of credit hours the student decides to enroll in.

Nunez Community College: Located in Baton Rouge, LA, the Nunez Community College has tuition that varies and is based on the number of credits and whether or not the student attends classes on-campus or online. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.

Louisiana Professional License Search

Prior to hiring a professional, it is recommended that the consumers in Louisiana read the Consumer’s Guide to Hiring a Licensed Contractor brochure, however, it is not necessary. Consumers can find a list of licensed contractors by searching for their name, license number, city/town, contractor type, and qualifying party.

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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 Louisiana, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements: