Unlike plumbing licenses, Nebraska does regulate and issue both general contractor and electrician licenses at the state level. The Nebraska electrical division is responsible for the examination, approval, and renewal of all electrical apprentices and journeymen electricians. They are also the supervising body for electrical inspections and permits for ongoing or proposed projects. Homeowners can also file for permits through the Nebraska electrical division if they’re looking to perform their own work.
To become a licensed electrician in Nebraska, you will need work experience — which can be achieved through trade-school or apprenticeship — and a passing score on the state exam. Below, you can find a comprehensive guide on how to achieve and maintain your license.
Nebraska Electrical License Reciprocity
Nebraska has a reciprocal licensing agreement with Minnesota and South Dakota. If you have been licensed outside of these state, you will need to meet the following criteria for reciprocity:
- A score of 75% or higher on the state exam;
- 8000 work hours performed in the state of Nebraska;
- An electrical license from your origin state held in good standing for at least a year.
Once you meet these qualifications, you will need to submit an application for reciprocity with the applicable fees to the state electrical division.
Nebraska Journeyman Electrician License Requirements
Those seeking their journeyman electrician license will need four years experience in the electrical trade, which can include:
- Registration as an apprentice for four years consecutively;
- A two-year electrical training course may qualify for a one-year work experience credit;
- Electrical experience gained while in the military service may qualify for a one-year work experience credit.
Once you have met these requirements, you will be eligible for the Nebraska state journeyman’s exam. Upon passing the exam, you can submit your application for your journeyman electrician’s license.
Journeyman Electrician Exam
The journeyman electrician exam will cover the following:
- The national electrical code;
- Basic electricity theory;
- Nebraska State Electrical Act;
- Blueprint reading;
- Emergency circuits, including fire alarm circuits;
You can register for the exam online and view the exam schedule to see what testing options are available near you.
Electrician Apprenticeship Requirements
Apprenticeship is a great way to hone your skills and fulfill the Nebraskan journeyman experience requirements. You will need to register with the Nebraska electrical division to begin your work as an apprentice. You can register online and pay the registration fee from your account dashboard.
Nebraska Electrical Apprentice Jobs
You can use the state apprenticeship portal to begin your apprenticeship search.
Electrical Trade Schools in Nebraska
The Nebraska electrical division has a list of continuing education providers for those seeking to satisfy license renewal requirements or pursue post-high school training or apprenticeship. Here are a few on their list:
Lincoln Electrical JATC
1415 Old Farm Road,
Lincoln, NE 68512
(402) 423-4519
Southeast Community College
301 South 68th St. Place, Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center,
Lincoln, NE 68510
(402) 437-2508
Nebraska-Iowa Council
2840 S. 70th Street, Suite 7-272,
Lincoln, NE 68506
(402) 483-4483
Associated Builders & Contractors
State Office/Lincoln Training Center
830 Westgate Blvd.
Lincoln, NE 68528
(402) 477-4451
Associated Builders & Contractors
Omaha Training Center
10640 Burt Circle
Omaha, NE 68114
(402) 344-4258
Nebraska Professional License Search
You can check your license status or check the state of your renewal on the Nebraska State electrical division search portal.
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 Nebraska, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
Call Us