New Jersey Contractor License
Electricians Information

The electrical New Jersey contractor license has specific requirements for the amount of education and experience needed in order to sit for the licensing examination.

When all requirements are met and the license is issued, it is good for a period of three years. The state does not offer reciprocity for electrician licenses. In addition to an electrical contractor license, the state also has an option for a journeyman license that has its own specific requirements.

The electrical New Jersey contractor license requires five years of experience in installation, repair, and alteration of wiring for heat, light, and power. This work experience must be done in compliance with the National Electrical Code and does not include supervisory or managerial duties.

Successful completion of an approved four year electrician apprenticeship program, one year working as a licensed journeyman, five years experience as an electrical contractor, or a BS in electrical engineering along with two years of practical experience will also qualify you for the New Jersey electrical contractor license exam.

The electrical New Jersey contractor license exam is given by Prometric and is based upon the 2008 National Electrical Code. The contractor license requires two exams. One tests electrical knowledge and the other has questions about business and law. The business examination has 50 questions and takes two hours to complete. The trade part of the examination has 100 questions and takes four hours. Part of those questions are on alarm systems.

The test and application fee for the electrical New Jersey contractor examination is $100. The license itself costs $150 and must be renewed every three years. Thirty-four continuing education credits are required for renewal. Nine of those credits must be on the most recent National Electrical Codes, one credit must be on state regulations, and the other 24 are to cover installation, alteration, or repair of electrical equipment and electrical contracting practices.

A journeyman electrician license may be the first step to obtaining a New Jersey electrical contractor license. The journeyman license requires 8000 hours of practical experience working with tools and wiring of power, heat, and light systems along with 576 hours of classroom instruction. Practical experience hours cannot include supervisory or managerial duties.

The experience must be obtained within five years of applying for a journeyman license. No examination is required but an application fee of $60 is needed.

The cost of the New Jersey electrician license is $60 and must be renewed every three years. Ten continuing education credit hours are needed for renewal; nine of those must be on the most recent National Electrical Code and one hour must be on New Jersey statutes and rules.

Applications for the examination and New Jersey electrical contractor license can be downloaded from the New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors website. This site also allows you to change your address online and download other forms that may be needed to maintain your license.