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

Yes. South Dakota requires a state-issued Electrical contractor license to perform Electrical work. Apprentice: must register and work under personal supervision of a licensed journeyman or electrical contractor. Journeyman: at least 4 years (8,000 hours, with 2,000 hours = 1 year of experience) as a registered apprentice. Class B: at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman, with at least 1 year in residential or farmstead wiring. Electrical Contractor: at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman, with at least 1 year in commercial wiring.

How much does an Electrical license cost in South Dakota?

Per the General Application form (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms/Electrical-License-Application-General.pdf): Journeyman $60 application / $80 license; Class B Electrician $60 application / $100 license; Electrical Contractor $60 application / $200 license; Maintenance Electrician $80. Apprentice registration is a biennial fee not to exceed $20 (per the Wiring Bulletin, dlr.sd.gov/electrical/documents/wiring_bulletin.pdf).

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

Biennial (CE cycle July 1 – June 30).

Does a South Dakota Electrical license transfer to other states?

South Dakota maintains reciprocal agreements with select states — confirm the current participating states with the Commission.

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

In South Dakota, electrical work is regulated at the state level by the South Dakota Electrical Commission, which "licenses all electricians within the state" (per the Commission's homepage) and sets the experience, examination, and continuing-education requirements for each license tier. The Commission's authority and specific exemptions are defined in the Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) Article 20:44 and in the Wiring Bulletin, so always confirm whether a given project is covered before assuming licensure is required. This guide details the verified experience, examination, fee, and bonding/insurance requirements for each license tier as of the latest reviewed Commission sources.

Do You Need an Electrical License in South Dakota?

Yes, the South Dakota Electrical Commission requires a state-issued license or registration for most individuals performing electrical work in the state, with the specific scope of work and any exemptions set out in ARSD Article 20:44 and the Wiring Bulletin. This statewide mandate applies across all levels of the trade, from apprentices learning under supervision to journeyman electricians and electrical contractors operating a business. The licensing system ensures that electrical installations and modifications meet established safety codes and standards.

Types of Electrical Licenses in South Dakota

South Dakota offers several distinct licenses and registrations, each with a specific scope of work and set of requirements. These are managed by the state's Electrical Commission under the Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR).

Apprentice Electrician (Registration)

An Apprentice Electrician is an entry-level worker learning the trade under the direct supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Electrical Contractor. Registration is the first step in a professional electrical career in South Dakota.

Scope: Apprentices may perform electrical work only under the personal supervision of a licensed journeyman or electrical contractor (per the Wiring Bulletin).
Requirements: Register with the Commission and work under personal supervision. A biennial apprentice registration fee applies, with the maximum fee set in the Wiring Bulletin (not to exceed twenty dollars); confirm the current amount on the apprentice application at dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.
Application: Apply for registration using the state's general application form.

Journeyman Electrician License

A Journeyman Electrician is a licensed professional qualified to install, alter, repair, and maintain electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures under the general supervision of an Electrical Contractor.

Scope: Per the General Application form, a Journeyman Electrician is licensed to perform electrical work consistent with the trade's standards; consult the full scope in the Wiring Bulletin and ARSD 20:44:16.
Requirements: Must have at least four (4) years of experience (one year equals 2,000 hours per the Wiring Bulletin) as a registered apprentice working under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor.
Examination: Passing the Journeyman Electrician exam with a score of 70 percent or higher is required.

Class B Electrician License

A Class B Electrician license has a more limited scope than a Journeyman license and is restricted to specific types of residential and farmstead wiring.

Scope: Limited to wiring on residential and farmstead sites, and other installations with specific limitations on amperage and complexity, as set out in ARSD 20:44:16 and the Wiring Bulletin.
Requirements: Must have at least two years of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician under the employment or supervision of a licensed electrical contractor or Class B electrician, with at least one year of that experience in residential or farmstead wiring (per the Wiring Bulletin).
Examination: Passing the Class B Electrician exam with a score of 70 percent or higher is required.

Electrical Contractor License

An Electrical Contractor is the firm-level license that authorizes a business to offer and perform electrical contracting work in South Dakota. The full operational scope for Electrical Contractor authority is set out in ARSD 20:44:16 and the Wiring Bulletin (consult those sources for the current scope of permitted activities).

Scope: Per the Wiring Bulletin and ARSD 20:44:16, an Electrical Contractor may operate an electrical contracting business and employ licensed electricians to perform work; the full operational scope is defined in the rule and the Wiring Bulletin.
Requirements: Must have at least two years of experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician, with at least one year in commercial wiring (per the Wiring Bulletin).
Examination: Passing the Electrical Contractor exam with a score of 70 percent or higher is required.
Additional Requirements: Must file a $10,000 undertaking and carry public liability insurance of $100,000 per occurrence (per the Wiring Bulletin).

Maintenance Electrician (County-Specific)

A Maintenance Electrician license is a limited license that allows a public or private entity (and its employees) to perform maintenance electrical work on land and facilities owned or leased by that entity. Per ARSD 20:44:16:21, a separate maintenance electrical license is required for each county in which the entity's employees perform maintenance electrical work, and each application must be accompanied by an $80 fee.

Scope: Limited to maintenance electrical work on the entity's own land and facilities, in a specific county (per ARSD 20:44:16:21).
Requirements: The entity must employ the persons performing the work. The specific experience qualifications for a maintenance electrician are set out in ARSD 20:44:16 and the Wiring Bulletin; consult those sources (or the Commission office) for the current maintenance-electrician experience requirements.
Application: Submit the Maintenance Electrician Application form, accompanied by the $80 fee, to the South Dakota Electrical Commission.

South Dakota Electrical License Requirements: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to obtain your Journeyman, Class B, or Electrical Contractor license in South Dakota.

1. Meet Experience Requirements for Your Desired License Tier

You must document all required work experience before you can apply for examination and licensure. Per the Wiring Bulletin, one year of experience equals 2,000 hours.

Journeyman Electrician: At least four (4) years (8,000 hours) of experience as a registered apprentice, working under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor.
Class B Electrician: At least two years of experience as a licensed journeyman, with at least one year of that experience in residential or farmstead wiring.
Electrical Contractor: At least two years of experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician, with at least one year in commercial wiring.

2. Complete and Submit Your Application

You must submit a complete application to the South Dakota Electrical Commission to be approved for an examination.

Download and complete the Electrical License Application - General form from the Commission's website.
Gather all required supporting documents, such as affidavits of experience, proof of age, and any other requested materials.
Include the required application fee with your submission.
Mail the completed application packet to the address listed on the form.

3. Pass the Required Examination (If Applicable)

The South Dakota Electrical Commission requires examinations for Journeyman, Class B, and Electrical Contractor licenses. The current exam provider, exam content, exam format, and registration process are administered under the Commission's oversight — confirm the current exam provider and the registration process directly with the South Dakota Electrical Commission before scheduling.

After the Electrical Commission reviews and approves your application, you will receive notification that you are eligible to sit for the exam.
Register for the exam directly with the Commission's current designated third-party testing provider; confirm the current provider with the Commission.
The passing score for the Journeyman, Class B, Electrical Contractor, and 501(d) examinations is 70 percent (per the Wiring Bulletin).
The exam content, format (open-book status, number of questions, time limit), and approved study references are published in the current exam-provider bulletin — confirm those details with the Commission's current designated provider before scheduling.

4. Fulfill Insurance and Undertaking Requirements (Contractor/Class B)

Electrical Contractor and Class B Electrician applicants in South Dakota are required to file an undertaking with the Electrical Commission and carry public liability insurance (per the Wiring Bulletin).

File an undertaking in the sum of $10,000 with the Commission (per the Wiring Bulletin, dlr.sd.gov/electrical/documents/wiring_bulletin.pdf).
Carry public liability insurance with a minimum limit of $100,000 per occurrence (per the Wiring Bulletin).
Both the undertaking and proof of insurance must be filed with and approved by the Commission before your license can be issued.

5. Receive Your South Dakota Electrical License

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, including the undertaking and insurance, the South Dakota Electrical Commission will process your file and issue your license. You can then legally begin working within the scope of your new license.

South Dakota Electrical License Fees

Application, license, and reciprocal fees are listed in the Electrical License Application – General form (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms/Electrical-License-Application-General.pdf), and the apprentice registration fee is set in the Wiring Bulletin (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/documents/wiring_bulletin.pdf). The current fees are:

Apprentice Electrician Registration: a biennial fee, not to exceed $20 (per the Wiring Bulletin; confirm the current amount on the apprentice application form).
Journeyman Electrician: $60 application fee + $80 license/reciprocal fee.
Class B Electrician: $60 application fee + $100 license/reciprocal fee.
Electrical Contractor: $60 application fee + $200 license/reciprocal fee.
Maintenance Electrician License: $80 (per ARSD 20:44:16:21 and the forms page).
Examination Fee: Paid directly to the current exam provider; consult the current exam-provider bulletin for the amount.
Renewal Fees: The current biennial renewal fees for each license type are set by the Commission; the renewal notice mailed by the Commission lists the current amount for your license type — confirm with the Commission office if you do not receive a notice or want to verify before renewal.

South Dakota Electrical License Renewal and Continuing Education (CE)

South Dakota electrical licenses must be renewed biennially, and all licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years (per the General Application form).

Renewal Cycle

All electrical licenses expire on June 30 of each even-numbered year. The renewal fee and any other required documents are due by that date; failure to renew may result in lapse of the license and require reapplication.

Continuing Education Requirements

Licensed electricians must complete 16 hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal cycle (per the Wiring Bulletin).

Total Hours: Sixteen hours of continuing education.
Code Hours: A minimum of one-half (8 hours) must be on the National Electrical Code.
Online / Correspondence Cap: Up to eight credit hours may be completed by correspondence or online (pre-approved) courses.
Approval: All continuing education must be pre-approved by the Commission; refer to the Commission's approved-provider list.

Renewal Process

Licensees can renew their license by submitting a renewal application and fee to the Electrical Commission, along with proof of completed continuing education.

South Dakota Electrical License Reciprocity

South Dakota's reciprocal-license framework is set out in the Wiring Bulletin, which states that the Commission "may grant a license of the same grade" to applicants who hold a license in good standing from a reciprocal state. The current list of reciprocal states and the specific requirements (exam, holding period, fees) are not stated on the cited source pages opened in this review — confirm the current participating states and the specific reciprocity requirements directly with the South Dakota Electrical Commission before applying.

To apply via reciprocity, you must hold a current, valid license in a state that has a reciprocal agreement with South Dakota and meet the current requirements as confirmed by the Commission.

South Dakota Electrical Commission Contact Information

For the most current applications, fee schedules, and regulations, contact the South Dakota Electrical Commission directly.

Website: https://dlr.sd.gov/electrical/default.aspx
Mailing Address: Find the current address on the official application forms.
Phone Number: Find the current number on the Commission's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an electrical license in South Dakota?

To get an electrical license in South Dakota, you must first meet the experience requirements for your desired license (e.g., 8,000 hours as an apprentice for a Journeyman license), submit an application to the South Dakota Electrical Commission for approval, and then pass the Commission's designated exam with a score of 70 percent or higher (per the Wiring Bulletin). Electrical Contractors and Class B Electricians must also file a $10,000 undertaking and carry $100,000 per occurrence public liability insurance.

How many hours do I need for a journeyman electrician in South Dakota?

You need to complete 8,000 hours (equivalent to four years) of on-the-job training as a registered apprentice under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor to be eligible for the Journeyman Electrician license exam.

Does South Dakota have reciprocity for electricians?

Yes. The Wiring Bulletin provides that the Commission "may grant a license of the same grade" to qualified out-of-state licensees, but the current list of reciprocal states and the specific reciprocity requirements are not published on the cited source pages. You must contact the South Dakota Electrical Commission to confirm the current reciprocal-state list and the specific requirements before applying.

How often do you have to renew your electrical license in South Dakota?

All South Dakota electrical licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years). The license period ends on June 30 of even-numbered years.

What are the continuing education requirements for electricians in South Dakota?

For each two-year renewal cycle, you must complete 16 hours of continuing education. At least one-half (8 hours) must be on the National Electrical Code, and up to 8 hours may be completed by correspondence or pre-approved online courses.

Is there an exam for the South Dakota electrical license?

Yes, an exam is required to obtain a Journeyman, Class B, or Electrical Contractor license. After the Electrical Commission approves your application, the exam is administered by the Commission's designated third-party testing provider — confirm the current provider with the Commission before scheduling.

What is the NEC code for South Dakota?

South Dakota is scheduled to adopt the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) effective November 12, 2024. Always verify the currently enforced code edition with the South Dakota Electrical Commission before taking an exam or starting a project.

Do I need a surety bond for an electrical contractor license in South Dakota?

Yes. Both Electrical Contractor and Class B Electrician applicants must file an undertaking in the sum of $10,000 with the South Dakota Electrical Commission and carry public liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence before a license will be issued.

State	License	Classes	Exam	Renewal
South Dakota This guide	Required	5 classes	Required	Biennial
Delaware	Required	7 classes	Required	Every 2 years
Oklahoma	Required	5 classes	Required	Annual license renewal (12-month cycle) per OAC 158:40-9; journeyman/contractor CE on a 3-year (36-month) cycle per CIB Electrical page.
Virginia	Required	3 classes	Required	Every 3 years (CE req.)
Washington	Required	8 classes	Required	Contractor licenses renew every 2 years; journey-level/specialty electrician certificates renew every 3 years (based on birthdate). Trainee certificates are short-term.