Since Pennsylvania requires no state license to perform electrical work, counties and cities have their own licensure and certification processes. Aspiring electricians must consult with their local building department in order to satisfy licensing and registration. The same principle goes for other general contracting positions in Pennsylvania, including plumbing. Despite the lack of state-wide contractor licensing, the rules and regulations remain largely the same throughout Pennsylvania.
Below you can find more detailed information on fees, application instructions, and other requirements for some of the most populous cities in Pennsylvania:
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Harrisburg
- Scranton
- Allentown
- Erie
- Lancaster
Pennsylvania Electrical License Reciprocity
Pennsylvania currently offers no reciprocity agreements with any other states. However, certain municipalities offer reciprocity with other towns or states. Check with your local government to see what reciprocity agreements it honors for electricians in your area.
Pennsylvania Electrical Contractors
Electrical contractors in the state of Pennsylvania are responsible for supervising both apprentices and journeyman electricians.
These are the general requirements for becoming an electrical contractor in the state of Pennsylvania:
- Have a valid journeyman electrician license;
- Have worked as a journeyman electrician for at least two years;
- Have general liability insurance and workers compensation;
- Pass the electrical contractor examination.
Pennsylvania Electrical Journeyman License Requirements
Electrical journeymen in Pennsylvania are responsible for the installation, repair, and evaluation of any equipment that uses electrical energy. Journeyman electricians in the state must meet the following requirements:
- Have at least 4 years of experience;
- Proof of experience, through tax records or licenses;
- Proof of successful completion of the journeyman exam;
- Have a high school diploma or GED;
- Be at least 18 years old.
Electrical Journeyman Exam
Each municipality has its own rules and regulations on exams and testing. As such, these exams are administered by local boards.
Pittsburgh, among other cities in Pennsylvania, requires aspiring journeymen to pass the Electrical Contractor Exam. This exam is to be administered by the International Code Council, a non-profit association committed to the adherence of safety in the development of building codes and standards.
In Philadelphia, for example, two years of related-education can substitute one year of practical experience. However, education can only substitute two years of practical experience in total. Proof of licensure must be approved by a given city department. In Philadelphia licensure must be approved by the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
Pennsylvania Electrical Insurance Requirements
Insurance requirements vary in the state of Pennsylvania. In cases where you’re taking an exam to become a licenses electrical contractor, you’ll need to show proof of liability insurance. The amount of insurance required depends on jurisdiction. See below for some examples:
In Pittsburgh, one of the qualifying requirements for electrical licensees is possessing general liability insurance of no less than $300,000.
In Philadelphia, electrical contractors are required to secure liability insurance coverage of $500,000, worker’s compensations and auto insurance.
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Electrician Apprenticeship Requirements
All electrical apprentices must be supervised by a licensed journeyman or contractor in their field. While working as an apprentice, aspiring electricians move their way from observing to performing small tasks. Eventually, they are able to perform tasks by themselves, under the guidance of their supervisor.
The following requirements must be met to become an electrical apprentice in the state of Pennsylvania:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Have a high school diploma or GED;
- Pass a high school algebra course;
- Register as an apprentice in a local county or city;
- Pass a general aptitude test.
Pennsylvania Electrical Apprentice Jobs
Aspiring electricians in Pennsylvania can find apprenticeships through local unions, associations, and career services. Below are a few of those resources:
- IBEW Local Union 712;
- IBEW Local Union 81;
- PA CareerLink;
- Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Coordinators Association.
These programs offer individuals the opportunity to learn the trade while still making an income, unlike electrical trade schools. However, apprenticeships often have waitlists making them more difficult to come by. Be sure to contact your local office to find out about waitlist times and further opportunities.
Electrical Trade Schools in Pennsylvania
Many community colleges and trade schools alike offer students in Pennsylvania the opportunity to study up on electrical codes and standards. These programs range in price and are offered across the state. Below are a few of those options:
Orleans Technical College
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tuition: Interested parties must request more information
Contact: (215) 728-4700
Triangle Tech
Location: Various Locations
Tuition: Sliding Scale/Flexible
Contact: (800) 874-8324
Northampton Community College
Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuition: Interested parties must request more information
Contact: (610) 861-5300
Pennsylvania Professional License Search
Utilize Pennsylvania’s Licensing System to verify the licensure of a person(s), facility, disciplinary, or provider.
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 Pennsylvania, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
- Pennsylvania General Contractor License Requirements
- How to Become a Plumber in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Handyman License Guide
- Pennsylvania Welding Schools and Career Guide
- How to Get an HVAC License in Pennsylvania
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