Quick Reference Table
Label | Value |
|---|---|
License Types | Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Systems Technician, Systems Contractor |
Regulating Agency | Board of State Examiners of Electricians (official board) |
Experience Required | Journeyman: 8,000 hrs/4 yrs; Master: 1+ yr as Journeyman; Systems Tech: 4,000 hrs/2 yrs; Systems Contractor: 1+ yr as Systems Tech |
Exam | All types: 2-part exam (trade and business/practical), vendor: PSI |
Continuing Education | 15-hr Code Update (issuance), ongoing CE required (see board regs) |
Renewal | Every 3 years; Journeyman/Tech $78; Master/Contractor $117; Late $57 (as of 2026) |
Initial Application Fees | Journeyman/Tech $226; Master/Contractor $276 (as of 2026) |
Official Links |
Who Needs a License in Massachusetts?
You need a license from the Board of State Examiners of Electricians to perform almost any electrical work in Massachusetts. There are no dollar thresholds, any installation, maintenance, alteration, or repair of electrical wiring or systems must be done by a license holder.
According to Massachusetts law, "electrical work" covers a wide range of activities. This includes (but is not limited to) power wiring, service upgrades, PV/solar component installation, grounding, bonding, and low-voltage system work such as alarms or communications. If you install, connect, or troubleshoot electrical equipment for hire, you operate under the licensing requirements in Massachusetts (see board policies).
Most importantly, these requirements also apply regardless of whether you are an employee, subcontractor, or general contractor, except in very limited exemption cases. While some municipalities allow homeowners or owner-occupants to pull permits for their own properties, there is no clearly articulated statewide owner-builder exemption. Verify permit and licensing requirements with each local official before starting work (see board guidelines).
Electrical License Types
There are four main electrical license types in Massachusetts. Each allows you to perform different scopes of electrical work and has its own experience and exam requirements.
Journeyman Electrician (EL B / EL E): This license allows you to perform all types of electrical work, including both residential and commercial, but only while employed or supervised by a Master Electrician. Journeymen may not operate independently as contractors.
Master Electrician (EL A / EL AA / EL MR / EL RA): The Master license enables you to work independently, contract with the public, pull permits, and supervise Journeyman electricians. This is the main classification for those wishing to operate their own electrical businesses or act as responsible managing employees for electrical companies.
Systems Technician (FA D): This license type is for low-voltage or specialized electrical work, such as alarm, security, or communications systems. Work must be supervised by a Systems Contractor or higher.
Systems Contractor (FA C): This is the contracting license for those performing or overseeing systems and low-voltage work. You may contract with clients directly and supervise Systems Technicians.
To qualify for a Master Electrician or Systems Contractor license, you must first hold the respective Journeyman or Systems Technician license, then fulfill additional experience and educational requirements.
How to Get Licensed in Massachusetts: Electrical license requirements in Massachusetts
To meet Electrical license requirements in Massachusetts, you must complete a series of education, experience, and exam steps. Every license applicant must follow these steps in order and submit all documentation online.
Complete required education (hours vary by license) at a Board-approved school. For example, Journeyman requires 600 hours; Master requires 150 hours; Systems Technician 300; Systems Contractor 75.
Accumulate hands-on work experience under supervision of a properly licensed electrician: 8,000 hours (4 years) for Journeyman, 1 year for Master; 4,000 hours for Systems Technician, another year for Systems Contractor.
Gather and complete documentation: education transcripts/certificates, employment verification, Board forms, and the CORI background check forms.
Apply online through PSI, the Board’s official exam provider. As of June 1, 2025, all applications must be online; mailed applications are no longer accepted.
Schedule your two-part licensing exam once the Board and PSI approve your application. You must take both the trade section and business/practical section.
Receive your license after passing both exams and paying the required licensing fees. Your license is then valid until the July 31 renewal date of the next 3-year cycle.
Experience and Education Requirements
The Board requires detailed proof of both classroom and on-the-job experience for all license levels. All credentials must be from Board-approved programs and signed off by supervisors or school officials. Typical forms include a Massachusetts Vocational Trade School Form, in-house training verification, or an employment certification form, depending on your background.
Online Application Only
All applications must be submitted online through the PSI portal. As of June 2025, the Board rejects paper or email applications. If your submission is incomplete, the Board will hold your application for up to 180 days before marking it abandoned. Always submit all required documents, forms, and recent photos.
Background Check Process
A criminal background check (CORI form) is required as part of every application for an Electrical license in Massachusetts. However, fingerprinting and in-person document verification are not described in the main license process sources.
Application Requirements
You must meet specific documentation, background, and experience requirements to qualify for an Electrical license in Massachusetts. These criteria ensure the Board can verify your education, work history, and good moral character.
Minimum Age and Citizenship
There are no minimum age or citizenship requirements specified on the official Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians application pages. Applicants should confirm current rules directly with the Board if under 18 or if a foreign national (see board application page).
Documenting Education and Experience
You must provide official documents proving that you completed the required number of classroom hours and all supervised work experience. Acceptable forms are:
MA Public-Private Day-Evening School Form
MA Vocational Trade School Form
Employment Certification for the state of Massachusetts
15-hour Code Update Certificate
Recent photo and CORI background check form
If you are claiming credit for military training or experience, you must include DD-214/215 forms plus a record of military training and duties.
Bond and Insurance
No bond requirement is specified for individual license applicants on official state Board pages. If you apply as a business (LLC or LLP), there may be insurance requirements under 237 CMR 23.00. However, the regulations do not specify these insurance minimums on the main Board licensing site. Verify any bond or insurance steps with the Board and your business attorney (see regulations).
Background Check
All applicants, regardless of license type, must complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) form. The Board will review your background for any offenses that could disqualify you, such as crimes involving fraud, violence, or significant safety violations. No additional federal certifications (such as EPA 608) are required for electrical work.
Exams
Every applicant for an Electrical license in Massachusetts must pass a two-part examination, regardless of license level. The exams are developed by the state Board and administered by PSI, the approved vendor.
Exam Types and Structure
Each license examination includes:
Trade Portion (covers technical electrical code, safety, wiring, installations, troubleshooting)
Business/Practical Portion (covers contracts, Massachusetts business law, jobsite management)
For exam registration, review the Candidate Information Bulletin linked on the official site: Candidate Information Bulletin.
Exam Format, Passing Score, and Retake Policy
The specific number of questions, exam format (computer-based or paper), and passing scores are not published directly on the main Board website. Confirm these details in the current Candidate Information Bulletin or by contacting PSI before you schedule your test. Retake fees are $135 if you need to re-examine both portions (see bulletin).
Fees for Electrical license requirements in Massachusetts
Below are the Electrical license requirements in Massachusetts fee amounts, verified from Massachusetts official fee schedules (as of 2026):
Exam Application (to PSI): Journeyman & Systems Technician $60; Master & Systems Contractor $75 (as of 2026)
Trade Portion Exam: $80 all types (as of 2026)
Business/Practical Exam: $55 all types (as of 2026)
State Application Fee: Journeyman/Systems Tech $31; Master/Systems Contractor $66 (as of 2026)
Total Exam & Application: Journeyman/Technician $226; Master/Contractor $276 (as of 2026)
Total with VA fee waiver: Journeyman/Tech $195; Master/Contractor $210
Renewal Fee (every 3 years, due July 31): Journeyman & Systems Tech $78; Master & Systems Contractor $117 (as of 2026)
Late Renewal Fee: $57 additional (as of 2026)
Duplicate license: $17; name change: $27; wall certificate: $27; certified statement: $15; returned check/EPAY return: $23; CD-ROM: $30
Bond: Not specified on official pages. Verify any required bond directly with the Board.
Renewal and Continuing Education for Electrical license requirements in Massachusetts
Electrical license requirements in Massachusetts include a triennial (three-year) renewal for every classification. The renewal due date for all licenses is July 31 of the expiration year.
Renewal Process & Fees
You must renew your license every three years. Renewal fees are $78 for Journeyman and Systems Technician and $117 for Master and Systems Contractor (as of 2026). If you renew after the deadline, a $57 late fee applies. Renewal applications are available through the Board homepage, and instructions are provided for online renewal (fee details).
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
Electrical license renewal in Massachusetts requires ongoing continuing education. At minimum, you must complete a 15-hour Code Update class through a Board-approved provider before your initial exam. Additional CE hours and required topics may apply, per 237 CMR 17.00, but are not detailed on primary Board web pages. Always verify current CE requirements before each renewal cycle (see provider list).
Failure to Renew and Reinstatement
If you fail to submit your renewal and fee by the deadline, your license may lapse. The official policies state that incomplete applications are held for 180 days before being abandoned. After that, you may need to reapply as a new applicant. Details on reinstatement after longer lapses are not specified. Contact the Board if you fall behind on your renewal (Board link).
Reciprocity
Electrical license requirements in Massachusetts provide very limited reciprocity. The Board has a formal reciprocity agreement only with New Hampshire.
Out-of-state Master Electricians (from New Hampshire) can use these reciprocal privileges. If you hold an equivalent Master’s license from New Hampshire, you may apply directly for a Massachusetts license by submitting your proof of licensure and experience. For all other states, Massachusetts does not recognize or endorse current licenses. Other out-of-state Masters must apply for a MA Journeyman license (with a waiver for the usual one-year requirement), document their education and experience, and then pass both exams and a Code-Update class (see Board FAQ).
