Working in the elevator trade in Pennsylvania means getting licensed, but the path isn't one-size-fits-all. The state issues two distinct, statutorily-created elevator licenses: one for individual mechanics and a separate one for contracting firms. The qualifying path you take—based on experience, apprenticeship, or an out-of-state license—determines whether you need to sit for the state exam at all. This guide walks you through the requirements for both license tiers.
Do you need an elevator license in Pennsylvania?
Yes, a state-issued license is required to perform elevator work in Pennsylvania. The Elevator Contractor and Mechanic Licensure Act establishes two license types: the Elevator Mechanic license for individuals and the Elevator Contractor license for businesses. These licenses are required for individuals and firms who erect, construct, install, alter, service, repair, test, or maintain elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, wheelchair lifts, and similar lifting devices covered by state code.
Who needs this license (and who doesn't)?
Pennsylvania law distinguishes between the individuals performing the hands-on work and the business entities contracting for that work.
- Elevator Mechanics are individuals who need a license to perform construction, maintenance, service, or repair on regulated elevator equipment.
- Elevator Contractors are the firms (sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations) that contract to perform elevator work. These firms must hold an Elevator Contractor license and are required to employ at least one licensed elevator mechanic.
- Building Owners are responsible for ensuring their equipment is inspected and maintains a valid certificate of operation, but they do not need a contractor license unless they are directly employing mechanics to service their own equipment.
- Incidental Maintenance Staff may not perform work that falls under the scope of the Elevator Contractor and Mechanic Licensure Act without the proper license.
Pennsylvania elevator license tiers
Pennsylvania offers two distinct license tiers managed by the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI):
- Elevator Mechanic: This license is issued to an individual who has met the state's experience and/or examination requirements. A mechanic is authorized to perform the hands-on work of installing, maintaining, and repairing elevator systems.
- Elevator Contractor: This license is issued to a business entity. A licensed elevator contractor must employ at least one licensed elevator mechanic to supervise and perform the work. This license is required for any company that bids on or enters into contracts for elevator work.
Mechanic license requirements
To qualify for an Elevator Mechanic license in Pennsylvania, you must meet criteria through one of three distinct paths.
The primary path requires an applicant to demonstrate:
- Experience: "Not less than three years' work experience in the area of elevator industry, construction, maintenance, service or repair, or any combination of those areas, as verified by current and previous employers licensed to do business in this Commonwealth."
- Examination: A passing score on a written examination administered by the Department of Labor and Industry.
Alternatively, the exam may be waived if an applicant meets the requirements of one of the following two paths:
- Apprenticeship: Successful completion of an elevator mechanic apprenticeship program registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training or the Pennsylvania State Apprenticeship Council.
- Reciprocity: Holding a valid elevator mechanic license from another state with licensing standards that are "substantially equal" to Pennsylvania's.
Contractor license requirements
The requirements for an Elevator Contractor license focus on the business entity and its personnel rather than an individual's hands-on experience. There is no separate years-of-experience or exam requirement for the contractor license itself. Instead, the applicant firm must:
- Employ at least one licensed Elevator Mechanic.
- Provide necessary business entity documentation for the sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation.
- Furnish proof of required insurance coverage.
How to apply — step-by-step
Follow these general steps to apply for your Pennsylvania elevator license:
- Confirm Your Path: Determine which of the three qualifying paths (experience and exam, apprenticeship, or reciprocity) you will use to apply for a mechanic license. If applying as a contractor, ensure you employ a licensed mechanic.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents. For the experience path, this includes verification from current and previous licensed employers. For other paths, you'll need apprenticeship completion certificates or proof of your out-of-state license.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the appropriate license application form provided by the Department of Labor and Industry's Elevator Safety Board.
- Provide Proof of Insurance: Attach evidence of general liability, personal injury, and property damage insurance. Contractor applicants must also show proof of workers' compensation coverage.
- Submit Your Application: Send the completed application, supporting documents, and required fees to the Department of Labor and Industry.
- Schedule and Pass the Exam: If your path requires it, the DLI will provide information on scheduling and taking the written examination after your application is approved.
- Receive Your License: Upon successful completion of all requirements, the DLI will issue your license.
The PA elevator license exam
The written examination for the Elevator Mechanic license is administered directly by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, not a third-party testing vendor. The exam covers "the most recent applicable code and standard," as specified in the Elevator Contractor and Mechanic Licensure Act.
As noted above, you may be able to obtain a license without taking the exam if you can provide proof of:
- Completion of a registered elevator mechanic apprenticeship program.
- A valid elevator license from a state with substantially equal standards.
Pennsylvania elevator license fees
Pennsylvania law separates the license application and renewal fees from the fees for equipment permits and inspections.
The fee for an Elevator Mechanic or Elevator Contractor license and its renewal is set by the Department of Labor and Industry rather than being fixed in statute. The specific fee is published by the department; confirm the current amount with the DLI's Elevator Safety Board before applying.
Separately, the DLI publishes a detailed fee schedule for equipment-specific permits and inspections under 34 Pa. Code § 401.2. Key fees include:
- Elevator Installation Permit/Plan Review:
- 1 to 7 floors: $363
- 8 to 20 floors: $436
- More than 20 floors: $508
- Hydraulic elevators & other lifting devices: $290
- Wheelchair & inclined stairway chairlifts: $150
- Alterations & Major Repairs Permit: $145
- Periodic Inspection:
- Passenger/freight elevators (up to 7 floors): $94
- Hydraulic elevators & other lifting devices: $73
- Wheelchair & inclined stairway chairlifts: $75
- Certificate of Operation:
- Annual Renewal: $36
- Duplicate Certificate: $25
Insurance and workers' compensation
Applicants for both elevator contractor and mechanic licenses must provide proof of adequate insurance coverage. Per the Elevator Contractor and Mechanic Licensure Act, this includes "satisfactory evidence that the applicant is or will be covered by general liability, personal injury and property damage insurance."
Elevator contractor applicants must also submit proof that their employees are covered by workers' compensation insurance.
Reciprocity and out-of-state applicants
Pennsylvania allows for reciprocity for elevator mechanics. According to the Act, a license may be issued without an exam to an individual who holds "a valid license from a state having standards substantially equal to those of this act, upon application." Applicants seeking reciprocity must submit an application to the DLI with proof of their current, valid license from the other state for review.
Renewal and continuing education
Elevator licenses in Pennsylvania must be renewed biennially (every two years). The renewal fee is set by the Department of Labor and Industry.
Renewal is contingent upon completing continuing education (CE). All license holders must complete "at least eight hours of instruction that shall be attended and completed within one year immediately preceding any such license renewal." These courses must be taught by providers approved by the department, which can include association seminars and labor training programs.
Common mistakes that delay Pennsylvania elevator license applications
Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your application is processed smoothly:
- Incomplete Experience Verification: Failing to provide signed verification from all previous and current employers licensed to do business in the Commonwealth.
- Missing Insurance Proof: Submitting an application without the required certificate of insurance for general liability, personal injury, and property damage.
- No Workers' Comp Evidence (Contractors): Contractor applicants forgetting to include proof of workers' compensation coverage for their employees.
- Assuming the Exam is Universal: Not realizing that completing a registered apprenticeship or holding a qualifying out-of-state license may waive the exam requirement.
- Confusing Fees: Mistaking the equipment permit fee schedule for the license application/renewal fee. They are separate payments for separate purposes.
- Missing the CE Window: Completing the required eight hours of CE outside the "one year immediately preceding" the license renewal date.
2026 ASME code update — what it means for PA elevator license holders
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry periodically adopts updated versions of the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. The state exam is based on the most recent applicable code adopted by the department. As new code editions are adopted, such as the upcoming changes for 2026, both the exam content and the standards for maintenance and testing will change. License holders and new applicants should stay informed through the Elevator Safety Board to ensure they are prepared for current testing standards and compliance requirements.
Official sources and next steps
For official forms, fee schedules, and announcements, refer to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the Elevator Safety Board.