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How to Become an Electrician in Montana: License Requirements and Trade Schools

There is a growing demand for electricians across the nation, and a lack of trained individuals in the field has led to unprecedented job opportunities, sometimes to the tune of six figures. While such earnings are not common in the field, it does illustrate the level of security and earnings potential you might have as an electrical contractor. 

However, becoming licensed to perform electrical work can be a complex process — a process that is complicated by the fact that every state handles licensing differently. Montana has specific requirements for those wishing to do electrical work, just as they do with general contractors and plumbers. 

So what are the license requirements in The Treasure State? This guide will provide advice on navigating this process and get you well on your way to becoming a master electrician.

An aerial shot of a downtown area in Billings, Montana, the largest city in the state.

Montana Electrical License Reciprocity

If you are already licensed as an electrician in another state, you likely want to know whether Montana has any license reciprocity agreements. Fortunately, the state has established agreements with over a dozen states. If you are licensed in one of the following states and have held the license for at least one year, you can submit an application to become a journeyman electrician by reciprocity (see more on the application process below):

If you don’t have a license from one of these states, don’t despair — there are several endorsement states. If you have been licensed for at least one year from one of the following states and have no complaints against your license, you can obtain a license verification from your state’s electrical licensing board and apply to become a journeyman electrician by endorsement:

Montana Master Electrician License Requirements

An electrical master is eligible to perform electrical work without any of the restrictions faced by journeymen and apprentices. A master electrician is defined by the state as, “a person having the necessary qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to properly plan, lay out, and supervise the installation and repair of wiring apparatus and equipment for electric light, heat, power, and other (relevant) purposes.”

To be eligible to apply to become a master, you must meet certain requirements: you must graduate as an electrical engineer from an accredited university and obtain 2,000 hours of work experience. Alternatively, you can earn 8,000 hours of experience as a licensed journeyman, with 20% to 50% of that experience as a residential electrician. 

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Once you’ve met these requirements, you can apply either online or via a printable form, both of which can be found on the state electrical board website. There is an application fee of $240, as well as a $50 fee for a temporary work permit for exam candidates.

There is an exam you’ll need to pass in order to become a master electrician. You can apply online to take the exam, which costs $85. For more guidance, check out the section below titled “Electrical Journeyman Exam,” as the process for taking the master exam is largely the same as it is for journeymen.

Montana Electrical Journeyman License Requirements

Before you can become a master electrical contractor, you must become a journeyman. An electrical journeyman is defined by the state as “a person having the necessary qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to wire for, install, and repair electrical apparatus and equipment for light, heat, power, and other (related) purposes.” They can work autonomously, but they do not have all the rights that a master electrician does.

To qualify to become an electrical journeyman, you must have completed an apprenticeship or have legally obtained 8,000 hours of work experience. You must also complete an exam, which you can find more details on below. 

You can find the online application, as well as the printable application, at the state electrical board website. Note that there is a $240 application fee and a $50 temporary permit fee for exam candidates. If you are applying under a reciprocity agreement with another state, there is a $250 fee for a reciprocal application.

Electrical Journeyman Exam

Once you’ve been approved by the state of Montana to take the journeyman exam, you can apply with PSI Exams online or by calling them at (800) 733-9267. There are many nationwide testing centers, and you’ll be advised on the nearest location to you when you schedule. There is a $75 fee to take the exam.

The test lasts for three hours. There are 60 questions, and you’ll need to score at least 75% of them correctly to pass. Note that this is an open-book exam, meaning you’ll be able to use approved reference materials. Check out the exam information packet if you have any questions.

Montana Electrical Insurance Requirements

The state of Montana requires licensed electricians provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

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Electrician Apprenticeship Requirements

Individuals wishing to become an electrical contractor in Montana must either meet the education or experience requirements established in the application packet above. Completing an approved apprenticeship satisfies the education requirement, meaning you’ll be eligible to apply to become a journeyman electrician. 

There’s no licensing process with the state when it comes to becoming an apprentice but there are still some requirements you’ll have to meet. Eligibility requirements for apprenticeship programs will vary from sponsor to sponsor. Generally, however, you must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid state-issued ID, and be able to submit your high school or GED transcript.

Montana Electrical Apprentice Job

You can seek an apprenticeship with local electrician businesses, as electrical employers in Montana are allowed to have up to 20% of their workforce be comprised of apprentices. It takes some initiative, but reaching out to licensed electrical contractors in your area is a great way to find leads for apprenticeship opportunities.  

You can also apply for an apprenticeship through the Montana Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. This organization works in conjunction with three local branches of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to offer apprenticeship opportunities to candidates. There are several different programs available for applicants of different experience levels. The programs include a training facility with fully qualified instructors.

Remember that, after getting accepted to become an apprentice, it is essential that you make a good impression on the apprenticeship sponsor. Express genuine enthusiasm and interest in electrical work. Ask questions and stay engaged. By taking your apprenticeship seriously, you maximize your learning and potentially open new employment opportunities in the future.

Electrical Trade Schools in Montana

Another method of learning the ropes of electrical technology is to enroll at a trade school in Montana. While not necessary to becoming an electrical contractor, they can give you a serious advantage in the first stage of your career. Explore the options below to determine if this is the right choice for you.

Montana Professional License Search

Before signing on for an apprenticeship or hiring an electrician, it’s prudent to perform a professional license search. If you want to verify the license status of an electrical contractor or business in Montana, you can do so at the Montana Department of Labor & Industry License Search tool. 

To perform a search, scroll through the license types until you see the ELE section, where you can specify the type of electrician license you want to search for. Then, you can enter the license number in question or the contact information for the individual or business you’d like to lookup. You’ll be shown the entity’s license information, including whether the license is active, expired, terminated, or suspended, as well as the license expiration date.

 

 

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

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