In Delaware, your path to becoming a licensed electrician is governed by a precise, multi-tiered system overseen by the Board of Electrical Examiners. This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of the official requirements for every license class, from apprentice to master electrician, ensuring you have the exact information you need to start and advance your career.
Do you Need an Electrician License in Delaware?
Per 24 Del. C. c. 14, "No person shall engage in the practice of providing electrical services" in Delaware without a license. The Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners, operating under the Division of Professional Regulation, is responsible for issuing electrical licenses and regulating the trade. Specific exemptions, if any, are set out in 24 Del. C. c. 14; confirm whether your specific work is covered by the licensing requirement with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.
Delaware Electrician License Tiers & Classifications
The Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners issues electrician licenses across multiple license classes (per 24 Del. C. c. 14 and the Board's published list). Each class has a specific scope of work set by Delaware law and the Board.
- Apprentice Electrician: An entry-level registration for individuals learning the trade under the supervision of a licensed electrician (per the Board).
- Residential Electrician: A license to perform electrical work on residential properties, with the specific scope of work set in 24 Del. C. c. 14.
- Journeyperson Electrician: A licensed professional who has completed the required experience and examination under 24 Del. C. c. 14.
- Master Electrician: The Master Electrician license authorizes electrical work as set out in 24 Del. C. c. 14 and the Board's published rules.
- Master Electrician – Special: A license limited to a specific, specialized area of electrical work (the Board's published examples include elevators and HVAC), as defined by the Board.
- Limited Electrician: A license limited in scope to a defined category of electrical work, as set by the Board.
- Limited Electrician – Special: A license restricted to a narrow, Board-defined scope of electrical installation or service.
How to Get an Apprentice Electrician License in Delaware
To begin your career as an electrician in Delaware, you must first register as an apprentice.
- Requirements: You must meet the eligibility requirements set by the Board (including any minimum age threshold set in 24 Del. C. c. 14 — at least 18 per the cited Delaware Code section) and any other conditions the Board establishes. Confirm the current age and other requirements with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation before applying.
- Application Process:
- Enroll in an apprentice program approved by the Board (per 24 Del. C. c. 14).
- Complete the Apprentice Electrician application form provided by the Division of Professional Regulation.
- Pay the required application fee.
How to Get a Residential Electrician License in Delaware
The Residential Electrician license covers work in residential properties, with the specific scope set in 24 Del. C. c. 14 and the Board's published rules.
1. Meet Experience Requirements
You must accumulate the practical experience required by the Board for the Residential Electrician license — per 24 Del. C. c. 14, the cited code path is either "over 4,000 hours of full-time experience performing electrical work" or "successfully completed a residential apprenticeship program approved by the Board." Confirm the current requirement with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation before applying.
2. Pass the Residential Electrician Exam
You are required to pass the Residential Electrician written, standardized examination for licensure (per 24 Del. C. c. 14, "Pass a residential electrician exam as determined by the Board, and which is approved by the Division"). Consult the Board for the current exam outline, scheduling, and procedures.
3. Submit Your Application
Submit a completed application to the Board of Electrical Examiners, including documentation of your experience and your passing exam score.
4. Provide Proof of Insurance
Upon approval, you must provide proof of general liability insurance to have your license issued.
How to Get a Journeyperson Electrician License in Delaware
The Journeyperson license is a key step for electricians who have completed their initial training and apprenticeship.
1. Meet Experience Requirements
To qualify, you must meet the Journeyperson Electrician requirements set out in 24 Del. C. c. 14 — the cited code paths are either (a) successfully complete a Board-approved apprenticeship program with a final exam, or (b) "have over 8,000 hours of full-time experience performing electrical work under the supervision of a licensed master electrician, master electrician special, limited electrician or limited electrician special" (per 24 Del. C. c. 14). The minimum age is at least 20. Confirm the current required hours and any updated supervising-license language with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation before applying.
2. Pass the Journeyperson Electrician Exam
You must pass the Journeyperson Electrician written, standardized examination for licensure (per 24 Del. C. c. 14). The exam is administered per the Board's rules; consult the Board for the current exam outline, scheduling, and procedures.
3. Submit Your Application
File your application with the Board, providing proof of your qualifying experience and any other documents required by 24 Del. C. c. 14. (Note: the Journeyperson license does not require a separate written standardized exam for applicants who complete a Board-approved apprenticeship with a final exam — confirm the current path with the Board before applying.)
4. Provide Proof of Insurance
Before your license is issued, you must show proof of holding general liability insurance.
How to Get a Master Electrician License in Delaware
The Master Electrician license is established in 24 Del. C. c. 14, with extensive and verifiable experience requirements.
1. Meet Experience Requirements
An applicant for a Master Electrician license must meet one of the following qualifications:
- Path A: Six years of full-time experience working under the supervision of a licensed master electrician.
- Path B: A total of 8,000 hours of full-time work experience plus 576 hours of related technical instruction.
- Path C: Four years of full-time experience plus two years of approved technical training.
2. Pass the Master Electrician Exam
You must achieve a passing score on the Master Electrician written, standardized examination for licensure (per 24 Del. C. c. 14). The exam is administered per the Board's rules; consult the Board for the current exam outline, scheduling, and procedures.
3. Submit Your Application
Submit a complete application package to the Board of Electrical Examiners, including detailed proof of your qualifying experience and your official exam results.
4. Provide Proof of Insurance
Upon application approval, you must provide a certificate of general liability insurance before the license will be issued.
How to Get a Master Electrician – Special License in Delaware
This license is for experts in a specific field of electrical work.
The application process involves demonstrating extensive experience in your chosen specialty area. Per the Board's published examples, specialties include elevators and HVAC; confirm the full list of Board-recognized specialties with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. The required experience and examination are tailored to that specific niche — confirm the current requirements with the Board before applying.
How to Get a Limited Electrician License in Delaware
A Limited Electrician license is limited in scope to a Board-defined category of electrical work. The specific scope, experience, and exam requirements for each limited category are set by the Board in 24 Del. C. c. 14 and the Board's published rules; confirm the requirements for the specific category you intend to pursue with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.
How to Get a Limited Electrician – Special License in Delaware
The Limited Electrician – Special license is restricted to a narrow, Board-defined scope of electrical work. The specific scope, experience, and exam requirements are set by the Board in 24 Del. C. c. 14 and the Board's published rules; confirm the requirements for the specific category you intend to pursue with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.
Delaware Electrician Application Fees
Application fees are set by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation and vary by license type.
- Master Electrician: $203
- Master Electrician – Special: $200
- Limited Electrician: $127
- Limited Electrician – Special: $127
- Journeyperson Electrician: $105
- Residential Electrician: $105
- Apprentice Electrician: $79
- Homeowner Permits: $42
- Inspection Agency: $90
Required Electrician Exams in Delaware
Delaware requires applicants for most license tiers to pass a written, standardized examination for licensure (per 24 Del. C. c. 14). The exam administration is set by the Board; confirm the current exam administration and scheduling procedures with the Board. Per the Delaware State Fire Marshal's 2026 update, the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) becomes effective on January 1, 2026. Confirm the current applicable code edition and effective date with the State Fire Marshal before any exam preparation or active work.
Electrician Insurance and Bonding Requirements in Delaware
Proof of general liability insurance is required to issue and renew a Master, Limited, Journeyperson, or Residential electrician license (per 24 Del. C. c. 14, "submits proof of general liability insurance as required by the Board"). Confirm the current insurance and bonding minimums directly with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.
Electrician License Renewal and Continuing Education in Delaware
Per 24 Del. C. c. 14, Delaware non-apprentice electrical licenses "shall be renewed biennially." To be eligible for renewal, licensees must meet the continuing education requirements established by the Board (per 24 Del. C. c. 14). The current CE hour requirement and the list of approved providers are set by the Board; confirm the current hour requirement and approved provider list with the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners prior to your renewal deadline.
Delaware Electrician License Reciprocity
Delaware offers licensure by reciprocity to electricians licensed in another U.S. state, district, or territory, per 24 Del. C. c. 14. The current reciprocity conditions, qualifying states, and application requirements are set by the Board; confirm the current details with the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners before applying.