Every general contracting, plumbing, or electrical license for South Dakota is awarded by the South Dakota Department of Labor (SDDL). For electricians, you will have to go through the South Dakota Electrical Commission, a subsidiary of the SDDL. The South Dakota Electrical Commission will first make electricians go through an apprenticeship to obtain their journeyman license — and any other advanced electrical contractor position.
To become a qualified journeyman, an aspiring electrician will need hours of training and on-the-job experience before they submit their application. The South Dakota Electrical Commission has different rules and regulations regarding what each type of electrician can and can’t do. To make sure you have everything in order, read on to understand how to become an electrician and South Dakota.
South Dakota Electrical License Reciprocity
South Dakota Electrical Commission has reciprocal licensing agreements with the following states:
Alaska
Arkansas
Colorado
Idaho
Iowa
Minnesota
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Texas
Utah
Wyoming
Electricians in the states looking for reciprocity will need their license in their current state to be active for a year, and the South Dakota Electrical Commission may request further education, supervision, and different passing scores on the electrical exam. You will also have to pay application and reciprocal fees ranging from $40 to $100 depending on the electrical license you are applying for.
South Dakota Journeyman Electrician License Requirements
To qualify for a journeyman’s electrical license in South Dakota, you will need to have gone through an apprenticeship program. Once you’ve proven your work experience and training of an apprenticeship program, you can start your application and exam process as a journeyman — which will include two more years of work under the supervision of an electrical contractor.
When filling out the South Dakota electrician license application be you will need to disclose the following information and include the following items:
- License type (in this case journeyman);
- Application fee of $40;
- License/reciprocal fee of $40;
- Proof of experience (on commercial and residential wiring);
- Hours of schooling and classes.
Journeymen are required to be at least 18 years of age. The application process will take up to 30 days.
Electrical Journeyman Exam
If your application is accepted, you will have 90 days to take your exam. The exam to obtain a journeyman’s electrical license will be conducted through the International Code Council (ICC). Most trade exams are open-book, and you will need a passing score of 70%. All testing fees will be handled through the ICC website. Visit the South Dakota Contractor/Trades Examination Information Bulletin for more information on examinations.
South Dakota Electrical Insurance Requirements
The state of South Dakota and the South Dakota Electrical Commission requires all electrician applicant to have general liability insurance. The minimum license coverage is $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 for property damage and bodily injury.
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Electrician Apprenticeship Requirements
A qualified apprentice will have completed four years, or 8,000 hours, of electrical training under the supervision of an electrical contractor. Only then can you apply for a journeyman’s license.
The apprentice license application will need to be submitted before you start your work in training. You will be required to pay a $20 fee alongside your application. Once you’ve completed the apprentice license application, you are free to start your 8,000 hours of training and education hours.
South Dakota Electrical Apprentice Jobs
Visit the following job boards to stay apprised of apprentice jobs in South Dakota:
Electrical Trade Schools in South Dakota
There are four main schools in, or around, South Dakota where you can receive training throughout your apprenticeship program and continued education. Many provide online classes and seminars.
Dakotas Area Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Fund (Dakotas JATC)
2901 1st Ave North
Fargo, ND 58102
701-297-5934
AETech Electrical Training Center
320 East Blvd
Rapid City, SD 57701
605-342-9088
Southeast Technical Institute
2320 N Career Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
605-367-7624
Western Dakota Technical Institute
800 Mickelson Dr
Rapid City SD 57703
605-718-2565
South Dakota Professional License Search
To look up and/or validate a licensed electrician in South Dakota, visit the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation licensee roster.
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 South Dakota, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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