Do you need a license to do Electrical work in Oregon?

Yes. Oregon requires a state-issued Electrical contractor license to perform Electrical work. General Journeyman applicants must have at least four years of general experience as an apprentice (or its equivalent, as determined by the Board by rule) in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wires and equipment, including not fewer than 1,000 hours in wiring on single- or multifamily dwelling units (ORS 479.630(4)(b)(A)). General Supervising Electrician requires at least four years as a general journeyman (ORS 479.630(2)(b)).

How much does an Electrical license cost in Oregon?

Per ORS 479.840(1): $125 per year for an electrical contractor license (each place of business); $100 for a 3-year general journeyman or supervising electrician license; $50 for a 3-year limited journeyman/limited energy technician license; $150/year elevator contractor; $2,000 surety bond required per ORS 479.840(4).

How often do you renew an Electrical license in Oregon?

Triennial for journeyman/supervising electrician ($100/3yr); annual for electrical contractor ($125/yr).

Does a Oregon Electrical license transfer to other states?

ORS 479.632 provides a path for applicants whose training or experience was obtained in another state; confirm specifics with the BCD/Electrical and Elevator Board.

How to Get an Electrical License in Oregon (2026 Guide)

If you plan to perform any electrical work in Oregon, you will need a license. The state’s Building Codes Division (BCD), through the Electrical and Elevator Board, oversees a detailed licensing system to ensure safety and professionalism for a wide range of roles, from apprentices to electrical business owners. This guide provides the official steps and specific requirements to navigate the licensing process successfully.

Do You Need an Electrician License in Oregon?

Yes, the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) mandates a license for all individuals and businesses performing electrical work within the state. Licensing ensures that all electrical installations meet the state's safety standards, which are based on the National Electrical Code, protecting both the public and trade professionals.

Understanding Oregon Electrician License Types and Scope

Oregon offers distinct licenses for individual electricians and the businesses that employ them, along with several limited and specialty licenses for specific types of work. The scope of work authorized by each license is set by Oregon statute and the Electrical and Elevator Board's published rules.

Individual Electrician Licenses

These licenses are issued to individuals who have met specific training, experience, and examination requirements.

Electrical Apprentice: A trainee registered with an approved apprenticeship program, working under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or supervising electrician.
General Journeyman Electrician (J): Qualified to install, maintain, and repair electrical wires and equipment.
General Supervising Electrician (S): Qualified to direct, supervise, or control the installation or alteration of electrical wiring. This is often considered a master-level license.
Limited Journeyman Electrician: Restricted to specific scopes of work, such as signs, stage lighting, manufacturing plants, or building maintenance.
Limited Supervising Electrician: A supervisory license restricted to specific settings like industrial or manufacturing plants.
Limited Maintenance Electrician: Authorized to maintain, repair, and replace electrical installations on an industrial or commercial premises.

Electrical Contractor Licenses (Business Licenses)

These licenses are required for any business entity that offers electrical services.

Electrical Contractor: A business licensed to engage in the trade of installing, maintaining, or repairing electrical systems.
Limited Energy / Restricted Energy / Limited Sign Contractor: Specialized business licenses for contractors performing work in low-voltage systems, restricted energy circuits, or electrical sign installation.

Step-by-Step: How to Get an Electrician License in Oregon

The path to licensure in Oregon follows a clear, sequential process managed by the Building Codes Division.

Meet Experience Requirements: Accumulate the necessary years of apprenticeship or equivalent on-the-job training as required for your desired license type.
Apply for Examination: Submit an application to the Building Codes Division to be approved to take the state licensing exam.
Pass the Required Exam: Successfully pass the examination administered by the state for your specific license classification.
Submit License Application: Once you pass the exam, submit your final license application along with all required documentation and fees.
Obtain Required Surety Bond: For contractor licenses, you must secure and provide proof of a surety bond.

Oregon Electrician License Requirements by Type

Each license tier has specific prerequisites for experience and examination established in Oregon Revised Statutes.

General Journeyman Electrician (J)

Experience: Applicants must document at least four years of general experience as an apprentice or an equivalent combination of training and experience. This must include at least 1,000 hours of work wiring single- or multi-family dwelling units, per ORS 479.630.
Exam: Must pass the General Journeyman Electrician examination.

General Supervising Electrician (S)

Experience: Must have at least four years of experience working as a licensed General Journeyman Electrician, per ORS 479.630.
Exam: Must pass the General Supervising Electrician examination.

Limited Journeyman and Supervising Electricians

Experience: The specific experience requirements for limited licenses are established by the Electrical and Elevator Board. Confirm the current qualifications for licenses like Limited Journeyman Sign or Limited Supervising Manufacturing Plant with the BCD before applying.
Exam: An examination specific to the limited scope of work is typically required.

Electrical Contractor (Business License)

Responsible Individual: The business must designate a full-time General Supervising Electrician to act as the responsible supervising individual.
Surety Bond: Must secure a $2,000 surety bond.
Business Registration: The business must be registered with the Oregon Secretary of State.

Oregon Electrician License Exam Details

Electrician licenses in Oregon require passing a state examination administered by the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) Building Codes Division.

The exams are based on the current Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC), which is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC). The application process for the exam, scheduling details, and information on retake policies are published by the BCD. Applicants should confirm all current procedures, locations, and what to bring on exam day directly with the division.

Fees for Oregon Electrician Licenses

The fees for Oregon electrician licenses vary by license type and renewal cycle, with annual costs for contractor licenses and triennial costs for individual licenses.

The primary fees are established by Oregon Revised Statutes 479.840.

Application and Renewal Fees

Electrical Contractor License: $125 per year for each place of business.
General Journeyman or Supervising Electrician License: $100 for a three-year license.
Limited Journeyman or Limited Energy Technician License: $50 for a three-year license.
Elevator Contractor License: $150 per year.

Examination Fees

Examination fees are set by the Building Codes Division. Confirm the current fee schedule with the BCD before submitting an exam application.

Insurance and Surety Bond Requirements for Oregon Electrical Contractors

Electrical contractors in Oregon are required to secure a $2,000 surety bond. Per ORS 479.840, an irrevocable letter of credit or a cash bond may be accepted in lieu of a surety bond. There are no statewide general liability insurance minimums identified in the cited statutes; however, contractors should confirm all insurance and bonding requirements directly with the BCD and the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) if applicable.

Renewing Your Oregon Electrician License and Continuing Education (CE)

Oregon electrician licenses require regular renewal, with individual licenses renewing every three years and contractor licenses renewing annually, both often accompanied by continuing education requirements.

Renewal Cycles and Deadlines

Individual Licenses (Journeyman, Supervising): Renew every three years. The fee is $100 for General Journeyman and Supervising Electricians.
Contractor Licenses: Renew annually. The fee is $125 per year.

Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing education is required for most license renewals in Oregon. The specific number of hours required, including any mandatory topics like code changes, are determined by the Electrical and Elevator Board. The BCD maintains a list of approved CE courses and providers; check their website for the most current requirements before your renewal date.

Does Oregon Have Reciprocity for Electrician Licenses?

Oregon Revised Statutes provide a path for reciprocity for electricians licensed in other states, contingent on meeting equivalency requirements set by the Electrical and Elevator Board. The board may issue a license without an exam to an applicant who provides proof that their training, experience, and qualifications from another state are substantially similar to those required in Oregon. The specific process and documentation required should be confirmed directly with the BCD.

How to Verify an Oregon Electrician License

To verify the status of an electrician or electrical contractor license in Oregon, use the official license search tool provided by the Building Codes Division. This tool allows you to search by name, license number, or business name to confirm that a license is active and in good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for an Oregon General Journeyman Electrician license?

To qualify for a General Journeyman Electrician license in Oregon, you must have at least four years of general experience as an apprentice or equivalent, which includes a minimum of 1,000 hours wiring single- or multifamily dwellings. You must also pass the state's General Journeyman examination.

How much does an Oregon electrician license cost?

The cost varies by license. An Electrical Contractor license costs $125 per year. A General Journeyman or General Supervising Electrician license costs $100 for a three-year term. A Limited Journeyman license costs $50 for a three-year term. Exam fees are separate.

How often do Oregon electrical licenses need to be renewed?

Individual licenses, such as General Journeyman and Supervising Electrician, must be renewed every three years. Business licenses, such as the Electrical Contractor license, must be renewed annually.

What are the continuing education requirements for Oregon electricians?

Continuing education (CE) is required for most license renewals. The specific hour requirements and approved courses are determined by the Electrical and Elevator Board and are published on the Building Codes Division website.

Does Oregon have reciprocity for electrical licenses?

Yes, Oregon has a process for licensing out-of-state electricians if their home state's training, experience, and examination requirements are determined to be equivalent to Oregon's standards. Applicants must apply and provide detailed documentation to the Electrical and Elevator Board for review.

Do I need an apprenticeship to get an electrician license in Oregon?

Oregon requires at least four years of general experience as an apprentice or an equivalent combination of training and work experience to qualify for a General Journeyman license. Completing a state-approved apprenticeship is the most direct path to meeting this requirement.

How do I become an electrical contractor in Oregon?

To become a licensed Electrical Contractor in Oregon, your business must be registered with the state, secure a $2,000 surety bond, and designate a full-time General Supervising Electrician as the responsible individual for the company's electrical work.