Do you need a license to do Electrical work in North Dakota?

Yes. North Dakota requires a state-issued Electrical contractor license to perform Electrical work. Per ND Administrative Rules Article 24.1-03: a Master electrician shall have at least two thousand (2,000) hours of experience working as a licensed journeyman electrician under the supervision of a contracting master electrician or master of record. A Journeyman electrician shall have completed eight thousand (8,000) hours experience, which experience may not be obtained in less than three (3) years, registered as an apprentice electrician (of which up to 3,000 hours may apply under the qualifications of a class B electrician) under the supervision of a contracting master or master of record licensed electrician, and successfully completed apprentice electrician training. Two thousand (2,000) hours credit may be granted for a graduate of a two-year or more electrical school accepted by the board.

How much does an Electrical license cost in North Dakota?

Per ND Administrative Code 24.1-03-01-01: application fees — Master $50.00, Journeyman $25.00, Class B $40.00, Apprentice registration $10.00, Power limited $50.00, Power limited apprentice $10.00. Annual license/registration renewal fees: Master $50.00, Journeyman $25.00, Class B $40.00, Apprentice $10.00, Power limited $50.00, Power limited apprentice $10.00. Reinstatement fee equals the annual fee. Inspection fees (separately) range from $50.00 minimum (job cost up to $500) to $440.00 for the first $20,000 + 1/10 of 1% on the balance over $20,000 (effective July 1, 2024).

How often do you renew an Electrical license in North Dakota?

Annual (Master, Class B, Power limited — expire April 30; Journeyman — expires March 31; Apprentice — expires January 31).

Does a North Dakota Electrical license transfer to other states?

NDSEB Reciprocal License Agreements and Requirements page covers the current list of states. The National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance (NERA) provides an additional pathway; requirements are posted on the NDSEB Applying for an Electrical License page.

How to Get an Electrical License in North Dakota (2026 Guide)

Navigating North Dakota's electrician licensing landscape is a critical first step for your career, as all electrical work is regulated by the North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB). The state issues distinct licenses for various roles—from apprentices to contracting masters—each with precise experience, examination, and compliance requirements you must meet to legally practice your trade. This guide outlines every step, fee, and requirement based on the official state regulations.

Do You Need an Electrician License in North Dakota?

Yes, any individual performing electrical work in North Dakota must hold a current license or be registered as an apprentice with the North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB). The NDSEB is the sole authority for issuing, renewing, and regulating all electrical licenses in the state, ensuring that all work meets established safety and code standards.

North Dakota Electrician License Types & Tiers

The NDSEB has established a clear structure of license classifications, each with a defined scope of work.

Master Electrician Licenses

Contracting Master Electrician: This license authorizes an individual to contract for, plan, and supervise the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment.
Master of Record Electrician: This license is for an individual designated by a firm, partnership, or corporation to be responsible for its electrical work. They may be covered by their organization's insurance.
Non-Contracting Master Electrician: This license authorizes an individual to act as a master electrician but does not permit them to contract for electrical work independently.

Journeyman Electrician License

A Journeyman Electrician is authorized to install and repair electrical wiring and equipment under the supervision of a licensed Contracting Master or Master of Record Electrician.

Class B Electrician License

This is a restricted license that permits an individual to perform electrical work on farmsteads and in single-family residences located within cities with a population of 2,500 or less.

Power Limited Electrician License

This license is for individuals working with low-voltage systems, such as fire alarms, security systems, and other power-limited circuits.

Apprentice Electrician Registration

Individuals training to become electricians must register as an apprentice and work under the direct supervision of a licensed Master or Journeyman Electrician.

Power Limited Apprentice Registration

This registration is for individuals training specifically in power-limited systems and requires supervision by a licensed Power Limited or Master Electrician.

North Dakota Electrician License Requirements by Tier

All applicants must meet specific experience criteria before they are eligible to sit for the required examination.

Master Electrician Requirements

Experience: An applicant must have at least 2,000 hours of practical experience working as a licensed journeyman electrician. This experience must be under the direct supervision of a Contracting Master Electrician or Master of Record.

Journeyman Electrician Requirements

Experience: An applicant must have at least 8,000 hours of experience as a registered apprentice electrician, obtained in no less than three years. This work must be supervised by a licensed Contracting Master or Master of Record.
Education: A graduate of a two-year or more electrical school approved by the board may receive a credit of 2,000 hours toward the experience requirement.
Class B Credit: Up to 3,000 hours of experience obtained under a Class B license may be applied toward the journeyman requirement.

Class B Electrician Requirements

Experience: The NDSEB sets the specific experience requirements for work on farmsteads and residential properties in small cities. This experience may be credited toward a journeyman license. Confirm the current hour and documentation requirements with the board before applying.

Power Limited Electrician Requirements

Experience: Applicants must demonstrate experience in power-limited (low-voltage) electrical work under qualified supervision. The specific hour requirement for this tier is established in the NDSEB administrative rules (Article 24.1-03).

Apprentice Electrician Registration Requirements

Supervision: Must be employed and supervised by a licensed Master or Journeyman Electrician.
Registration: Must register with the NDSEB to legally work and accrue experience hours.

Power Limited Apprentice Registration Requirements

Supervision: Must be employed and supervised by a licensed Power Limited or Master Electrician.
Registration: Must register with the NDSEB to work on power-limited systems.

North Dakota Electrician Exam Details

To obtain a Master, Journeyman, Class B, or Power Limited Electrician license in North Dakota, applicants must pass a state-approved examination administered on behalf of the North Dakota State Electrical Board.

Exam Administrator & Location

The NDSEB has contracted with a third-party testing service, PSI, to administer all electrical licensing exams. Exams are available at various PSI testing centers, and scheduling is handled directly through the provider after your application is approved by the board.

Exam Content & Format

Examinations cover topics essential for safe and compliant electrical work, including:

The National Electrical Code (NEC), as adopted by North Dakota.
North Dakota state laws, administrative rules, and wiring standards.
General electrical theory and practical knowledge.

Passing Score

A minimum passing score of 70% is required on all licensing examinations.

How to Register for the Exam

After the NDSEB reviews and approves your license application, you will receive an eligibility notification. You can then schedule your exam directly with PSI through their website or customer service.

North Dakota Electrician License Application Process

Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth application and licensing process.

Verify Eligibility: Confirm you meet all experience and training requirements for your desired license tier as outlined in the North Dakota Administrative Rules.
Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary supporting documents, which may include notarized affidavits of work experience, transcripts from an electrical school, and valid identification.
Complete the Application: Fill out the official application form from the NDSEB website completely and accurately.
Submit Application & Fees: Mail the completed application and the required application fee to the NDSEB.
Receive Application Approval: Wait for the NDSEB to process your application and send you a notification of your eligibility to test.
Schedule & Pass the Exam: Once eligible, schedule and pass the appropriate licensing exam with PSI.
Provide Proof of Insurance (if applicable): Contracting Master and Master of Record applicants must submit proof of liability insurance to the board after passing the exam.
Receive Your License: Upon passing the exam and meeting all other requirements, the NDSEB will issue your official North Dakota electrician license.

North Dakota Electrician License Fees

Obtaining and maintaining an electrician license in North Dakota involves application, renewal, and potential inspection fees, as defined in North Dakota Administrative Code 24.1-03-01-01.

Application Fees

Master Electrician: $50.00
Journeyman Electrician: $25.00
Class B Electrician: $40.00
Power Limited Electrician: $50.00
Apprentice Electrician Registration: $10.00
Power Limited Apprentice Registration: $10.00

Annual Renewal Fees

Master Electrician: $50.00
Journeyman Electrician: $25.00
Class B Electrician: $40.00
Power Limited Electrician: $50.00
Apprentice Electrician Registration: $10.00
Power Limited Apprentice Registration: $10.00

Reinstatement Fees

A reinstatement fee equal to the annual renewal fee is required for an expired license.

Electrical Inspection Fees

Inspection fees are separate from licensing fees and are based on the total cost of the electrical installation. Effective July 1, 2024, the fees are:

$0 to $500: $50.00
$501 to $20,000: $50.00 plus 2% of the job cost over $500
Over $20,000: $440.00 plus 1/10 of 1% of the job cost over $20,000

Insurance and Bonding Requirements for ND Electricians

Contracting Master Electricians and Master of Record Electricians in North Dakota must provide proof of liability insurance to the NDSEB to ensure compliance and public protection.

Liability Insurance Requirements

Required Tiers: Contracting Master and Master of Record Electrician licenses.
Coverage: A Master of Record may be covered by their organization's insurance policy.
Minimums: The specific minimum coverage amounts for general liability are set by the NDSEB. Confirm the current required coverage with the board before obtaining a policy.

There are no statewide bonding requirements for electrical contractors identified in the state's rules; the primary requirement is liability insurance.

North Dakota Electrician License Renewal & Continuing Education

North Dakota electrician licenses must be renewed annually and require the completion of continuing education to remain active.

Renewal Cycle & Deadlines

Master, Class B, and Power Limited Licenses: Expire annually on April 30.
Journeyman Licenses: Expire annually on March 31.
Apprentice Registrations: Expire annually on January 31.

Continuing Education Requirements

Licensed electricians must complete a set number of continuing education (CE) hours each renewal cycle. The NDSEB's rules require eight hours of CE, with four of those hours dedicated to the National Electrical Code. You must use providers and courses approved by the board. A list of approved classes is available on the NDSEB website.

Reciprocity and Endorsement for ND Electrician Licenses

North Dakota offers pathways for electricians licensed in other states to obtain an ND license through direct reciprocal agreements or the National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance (NERA).

NDSEB Reciprocal Agreements

The NDSEB maintains reciprocal agreements with several states, allowing licensed electricians from those states to obtain a North Dakota license without taking the exam, provided they meet all other requirements. The list of states is subject to change; applicants should consult the NDSEB's "Reciprocal License Agreements and Requirements" page for the current list and specific application procedures.

National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance (NERA)

North Dakota is a member of NERA, which provides another pathway for out-of-state electricians. If you obtained your license in another NERA state by passing an approved exam, you might be eligible for a North Dakota license by endorsement. Details on the NERA application process are available on the NDSEB's "Applying for an Electrical License" page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need an electrician license to work in North Dakota?

Yes, all individuals performing electrical work in North Dakota must be licensed or registered as an apprentice with the North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB).

How much experience do you need to become a Journeyman Electrician in North Dakota?

You need 8,000 hours of experience as a registered apprentice, completed in no less than three years. A graduate of an approved two-year electrical school can receive a 2,000-hour credit.

What is the difference between a Contracting Master and a Master of Record Electrician in ND?

A Contracting Master Electrician is licensed to independently contract for and supervise electrical work. A Master of Record is an individual designated by a company to be responsible for that company's electrical installations.

What work can a Class B Electrician perform in North Dakota?

A Class B Electrician is licensed to perform electrical work on farmsteads and in single-family residences located in cities with a population of 2,500 or less.

Who administers the electrician licensing exam in North Dakota?

The exam is administered by the testing company PSI on behalf of the North Dakota State Electrical Board.

What is the passing score for the ND electrician exam?

The minimum passing score for all North Dakota electrical licensing exams is 70%.

What is the application fee for a Master Electrician license in North Dakota?

The application fee for a Master Electrician license is $50.00.

How much does it cost to renew an electrician license in North Dakota?

Annual renewal fees are $50.00 for Master and Power Limited, $40.00 for Class B, $25.00 for Journeyman, and $10.00 for Apprentice and Power Limited Apprentice registrations.

Do North Dakota electricians need liability insurance?

Yes, Contracting Master Electricians and Master of Record Electricians are required to provide proof of liability insurance to the NDSEB.

When do North Dakota electrician licenses expire?

Master, Class B, and Power Limited licenses expire on April 30. Journeyman licenses expire on March 31. Apprentice registrations expire on January 31.

How many hours of continuing education do ND electricians need?

Electricians must complete eight hours of continuing education annually to renew their license. Four of these hours must be on the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Does North Dakota have reciprocity with other states for electrician licenses?

Yes, North Dakota has reciprocal agreements with several states and is also a member of the National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance (NERA). Check the NDSEB website for a current list of reciprocal states and requirements.