Quick Reference Table
Label | Value |
|---|---|
License Type(s) | Apprentice, Journeyman (63), Master (62), Contractor (61), Fire Alarm Specialty Apprentice/Technician/Contractor, Sign Specialist/Contractor |
Agency | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs – Bureau of Construction Codes (LARA–BCC) |
Experience Required | Journeyman: 8,000 hours/4 years; Master: Journeyman + 2 years, 12,000 hours; Contractor: must employ Master Electrician |
Exam Required | Journeyman, Master, Fire Alarm/Sign Specialist: PSI, 75% to pass; Contractor: No exam |
Renewal Cycle | Apprentice: Annually (by 8/31); Journeyman/Master: Annually (by 12/31); Contractor: Every 3 years (by 12/31) |
Continuing Education | Journeyman/Master: Michigan code update within 1 year of new code adoption; no CE for Apprentice or Contractor |
Fees | Apprentice: $15/year; Journeyman: $40/year; Master: $50/year; Contractor: $300/3 years; Exam: ~$60 (as of 2026; confirm at BCC fee schedule) |
Official Links |
Who Needs a License in Michigan?
In Michigan, you need a license from LARA-BCC to perform or contract nearly any electrical work for pay outside your own single-family or two-family dwelling. Unlicensed businesses or individuals may not pull permits, bid or contract for electrical work, or supervise others doing the work.
If you run a business offering electrical services, you must hold an Electrical Contractor license, which is issued to the company or individual acting as the business entity. Every electrical contractor must employ or designate a Michigan-resident Master Electrician, who takes responsibility for the company's electrical work, ensures code compliance, and pulls permits through the state system.
The law requires apprentices, journeymen, and masters to register or be licensed if they are performing electrical wiring. Only owner-occupants can legally perform electrical work on their own homes (single- or two-family dwellings) without a license, but even then, state permits are usually required. Minor tasks like replacing a light bulb or resetting a circuit breaker may not require a license or permit, but all professional wiring and installations for compensation do.
Importantly, city-level requirements may differ. The City of Detroit, for example, issues its own licenses. Always check jurisdictional requirements before bidding or performing work.
Electrical License Types in Michigan
Michigan offers several classes of electrical licenses, each with distinct scopes and rules. Understanding the electrical license requirements in Michigan for each classification helps avoid unlicensed practice violations or business interruptions.
Electrical Apprentice: Entry-level, must register within 30 days of employment. Always works under the supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician. Continual enrollment in a Related Technical Instruction (RTI) program is required.
Journeyman Electrician (Code 63): Performs electrical installations and repairs under the supervision of a Master Electrician. Requires proven experience and successful examination.
Master Electrician (Code 62): May supervise electrical work, design installations, and is the only person who can qualify a Contractor license. Holds responsibility for all code compliance on behalf of the Contractor.
Electrical Contractor (Code 61): Business entity license, allowing the bidding, contracting, and permitting for electrical work. Cannot operate unless associated with a Michigan-resident Master Electrician. No direct examination, but must demonstrate business structure and employ/associate the qualifying Master.
Fire Alarm Specialty Apprentice Technician (Code 50): Registered apprentice path focusing on fire alarm systems, under technician supervision.
Fire Alarm Specialty Technician (Code 52): Licensed for installation and maintenance of fire alarm systems, under the code.
Fire Alarm Contractor (Code 51): Business/service contracting for fire alarm projects, must have qualifying technician associated.
Sign Specialist (Code 54): Licensed to perform work limited to sign installations and maintenance.
Sign Specialty Contractor (Code 53): Business category for sign contracting, must employ licensed Sign Specialist.
Each level or specialty has its own application, renewal, and experience/exam requirements. You can't skip steps. For example, you must be a licensed Journeyman before applying for Master, and a Master is needed to qualify any new Electrical Contractor license.
How to Get Licensed in Michigan
To meet the electrical license requirements in Michigan, you must follow the correct application and exam steps for your license level. Here's what to do for the main license paths:
Determine the Correct License Path
Decide whether you need to register as an apprentice, apply as a journeyman, advance to master, or apply as a contractor. This depends on your experience and your career or business plans.
Apprentice Registration
Begin work for a licensed contractor and master electrician. Register as an apprentice with LARA-BCC within 30 days, using the appropriate online form or mail. Enroll in a Related Technical Instruction (RTI) program and pay the $15 annual registration fee.
Journeyman Electrician Application
Complete at least 8,000 hours (4 years) as a registered apprentice. Document your time through detailed logs or affidavits. Veterans can use military electrician experience with LARA’s required affidavit. Submit the BCC-341 application with proof of age (20+), your hours/experience, and $40 application fee. LARA-BCC reviews and notifies PSI to invite you for the exam if qualified.
Pass the Journeyman Exam
Schedule and pass the PSI exam within one year of eligibility. Score at least 75% to pass. Two failures within two years require a one-year wait and approved retraining. If you pass, renew annually by December 31 for $40.
Master Electrician Application
Hold a Michigan Journeyman license at least two years, be at least 22, and accumulate 12,000 hours total experience. Apply on BCC-341 with evidence and pay $50. On approval, take and pass the Master exam at PSI. Renew annually by December 31 for $50.
Electrical Contractor Application
Designate a Michigan-resident Master Electrician for your business. Apply as an entity (contractor, using the correct form), pay $300 for a three-year license. No exam is required, but you must keep your qualifying Master in good standing.
Specialty Licenses
Specialty paths for Fire Alarm and Sign Specialists use similar apprentice → specialist → contractor steps. Use the correct forms and check BCC requirements for each specialty.
If you fail to meet a step or deadline, you may need to reapply and pay new fees. You must ensure every application is fully complete and correct for fast processing.
Application Requirements
Applicants must meet several requirements detailed in the electrical license requirements in Michigan. These include age, experience, enrollment or completion of technical training, and accurate documentation.
Experience and Age
For a Journeyman license, you must be at least 20 years old and serve at least 8,000 hours (4 years) as a registered apprentice with documentation. For Master Electrician, you must hold a Michigan Journeyman for at least two years, be at least 22, and log at least 12,000 total hours of hands-on experience in the electrical trade.
Military veterans can substitute equivalent experience for apprenticeship, provided it is documented with an affidavit and verified by LARA-BCC. Out-of-state experience may be considered, but you need to provide proof and the state’s license requirements for review.
Education / RTI
All apprentices must be enrolled and continue in Related Technical Instruction (RTI). While certain classroom hour targets (like 576) may appear in third-party apprenticeship programs, Michigan does not require a state minimum unless the standard falls below code expectations.
Forms and Fees
Submit the proper form for your license. For Journeyman, Master, Fire Alarm Specialty Technician, and Sign Specialist (Form BCC-341). Contractors must file business entity forms, such as BCC-974. Pay the fee upon submitting your application. Exam fees are paid to PSI; check their scheduling page for current rates.
Bond and Insurance
Michigan does not require a state-issued surety bond for electrical license holders. Electrical Contractors may need liability coverage for work projects, but such insurance is not checked by LARA at the licensing stage.
Background Check
LARA does not require a statewide criminal background check or fingerprinting for electrical license applicants. However, some local jurisdictions or employers may require background checks as part of sponsorship or employment.
Veteran/Military Considerations
Veterans and certain dependents can apply for application and exam fee waivers. If you gained your experience in the military as an interior electrician or similar, submit the required affidavit (see LARA veterans’ page for details) to substitute for apprenticeship hours.
Exams
Journeyman and Master Electrician candidates must pass rigorous exams as part of electrical license requirements in Michigan. The exams are administered by PSI Services LLC at test centers throughout the state.
Application and Scheduling
First, submit your license application to LARA-BCC. After approval, you will receive instructions from PSI (typically within 10 business days) about setting up your test time. You have one year from initial approval to schedule and pass the exam. Applications expire after this window.
Exam Format, Content, and Attempts
The Journeyman and Master exams are both computer-based and delivered at PSI sites. You must pass with a minimum score of 75%. If you fail twice within two years, you must wait one full year and complete an approved instructional course before reapplying.
Exam content generally covers national and Michigan electrical codes, installation standards, and for Master candidates, business and law knowledge applicable to electrical contracting. You can access Candidate Information Bulletins (CIBs) from PSI detailing allowed references and exam structure. Exam content and format is always governed by current LARA-BCC rule and PSI policy, so verify details before testing.
There is currently no option for remote (online) testing for electrician licenses in Michigan. Only certain other contractor trades allow this. Physical attendance is required for all electrical license exams. Find instructions and Bulletins at the PSI Examinations page (PSI Examinations).
Fees
Electrical license requirements in Michigan are paired with set fees for each license type, exam, and renewal. They are confirmed as of 2026 on the Bureau of Construction Codes fee schedule.
Electrical Apprentice: $15 initial and annual renewal; late renewal fee is $100 (as of 2026, confirm at BCC fee schedule).
Journeyman: $40 initial/license and renewal fee annually; late fee $50 (2026).
Master Electrician: $50 initial/application and annual renewal; late fee presumed $50 (2026; verify at fee schedule).
Electrical Contractor: $300 initial and three-year renewal; late fee $50.
Fire Alarm Specialty Technician: $50 each year.
Sign Specialist: $40 annually; Sign Specialty Contractor $200 every three years.
Fire Alarm Contractor: $300 every three years.
Exam fee: Paid to PSI, approximately $60 per attempt (2026; always verify on PSI/LARA websites).
No surety bond or insurance is required for application to any license type. Application and renewal fees are subject to change; always check the Bureau's official schedule before submitting forms.
Veterans and eligible dependents may qualify for application/exam fee waivers. See recent legislative reports and BCC publications (Veteran Fees Exemption Report).
Renewal and Continuing Education
Renewal deadlines and requirements are part of the electrical license requirements in Michigan. Each license type has unique renewal timelines and obligations.
Renewal Cycles
Apprentice: Annual renewal by August 31; $15 fee; $100 late fee. You must continue in RTI each year to renew.
Journeyman: Annual by December 31; $40 fee; $50 late fee. Failing to renew on time may result in the need to reapply, and you cannot work legally until the renewal is complete.
Master Electrician: Annual by December 31; $50 fee. Late fees likely match Journeyman, but verify if not clear from BCC’s schedule.
Electrical Contractor (as well as Fire Alarm and Sign Specialty Contractors): Every three years by December 31; $300 fee; $50 late fee. Contractors who lose their qualifying master will be suspended until a replacement is named and LARA notified.
Continuing Education (CE)
Journeyman and Master Electricians must complete a Michigan electrical code update within one year after adoption of the latest code cycle. You only need to submit documentation if audited by LARA-BCC during renewal.
Apprentices and Contractor licensees have no mandatory continuing education for renewal. However, apprentices must maintain RTI enrollment.
Renewals can be processed using Express Pay or via your Accela account on the LARA-BCC portal (Renewals Page).
Reciprocity
No formal reciprocity agreements exist for Michigan electrical licenses. This is a key point of the electrical license requirements in Michigan: out-of-state electricians must apply as original applicants rather than exchanging licenses.
If you hold a license in another state, you may submit it to LARA with the application, along with detailed information about that state’s licensing standards. LARA reviews your credentials and may credit experience or exam results if they meet Michigan’s standards, but you will not receive a direct transfer. Expect to provide extensive documentation and possibly sit for the Michigan exam regardless of your previous status.
The City of Detroit issues its own independent licenses. Work inside Detroit city limits requires local application and approval.
Official Links
For forms, renewal, and up-to-date codes, always reference the BCC’s official documentation and notices.
