Kentuckians have four options when it comes to electrical licensure in the state. With Provisional, Electrician, Master, and Contractor Licenses up for grabs, you may be wondering what steps you have to take to get licensed in KY this year. Not to worry – below we will analyze each KY electrical license type, its requirements, and how you can obtain it.
Do You Need an Electrical License in Kentucky?
You must hold an electrical license to perform electrical work in residences and/or businesses in the state. According to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, no unlicensed electrician can engage in electrical work in KY for more than 30 calendar days annually without applying for an electrical license.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Kentucky
Kentucky offers four electrical licenses depending on your electrical work experience.
- Provisional Electrical License: This nonrenewable license type is only good for 1 year. It is solicited by an electrician who may be employed and in the process of studying for or sitting for the official Journeyman Electrician Exam. It allows the individual to perform electrical work under supervision before taking the official exam to receive the KY Electrician’s License.
- Electrician’s License: This license type is similar to journeyman electrical licenses offered in neighboring states. It allows the individual to work as an electrician on the premises under a master electrician and/or electrical contractor. General electricians in KY make an average of $57,222 per year plus overtime, which is about the national average.
- Master Electrician License: The master electrician is defined as an individual who engages, supervises, or directs other electricians while working with electrical systems used for heat, light, or power. Master electricians make about $54,900 per year plus over $10,000 in overtime.
- Electrical Contractor License: Electrical contractors in Kentucky are defined as an individual, partnership, or corporation that is qualified to design, plan, superintend, or contract electrical system work. Electrical contractors must be or employ at least one master electrician. The average electrical contractor in Lexington, KY makes a competitive $97,500 annually.
Provisional Electrical Licenses in KY
To qualify for a KY Provisional Electrical License, you must:
- Be a KY resident who is at least 18 years old
- Have completed 6+ years of experience (at least 2,080 hours per year) in the electrical trade since your 16th birthday
- Not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor*
- Not be in default of student loans backed by the KY Higher Education Assistance Authority*
If you have been convicted of a crime or are in default of student loans, you may be able to have your application reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Licensing Branch for more information.
Obtaining Your KY Provisional Electrical License
If you meet the requirements, you can send in your application with:
- A passport-sized color photo
- A non-refundable $50 application fee
Electrician’s Licenses in KY
If you plan to be a general or journeyman electrician in KY, you’ll need to:
- Pay for, take, and pass the Journeyman’s Electrical Exam No. 703
- Have at least 2 years of electrical trade experience since your 16th birthday
- Complete one of the following:
- An electrical training course
- 2 years or a 4-year training course, with the remaining 2 years to be completed within 4 years of receiving the said license
- An additional 2 years’ experience
Obtaining Your KY Electrician’s License
If you meet the requirements above, you can send in your application with:
- A copy of your passing test results
- A notarized letter(s) from previous employers confirming your work experience OR
- The last page of your 1040 tax document from the last 6 years OR
- Proof of 4 years of work experience through an apprenticeship program that includes at least 576 hours of class time OR
- Proof of 3 years of experience plus your associate’s degree or diploma
- A passport-sized photo in color
- A copy of your driver’s license or birth certificate
- The $50 application fee
KY Master Electrician Licenses
To qualify for a Master Electrician License, you must:
- Complete one of the following options:
- 6 years of electrical trade experience since your 16th birthday AND an electrical training course or 2 additional years of experience
- 5 years of electrical trade experience since your 16th birthday AND an associate’s degree or diploma in electrical technology within the KY college system
- Pay for and pass all portions of the Master Electrician’s Exam No. 701
Obtaining Your KY Master Electrician License
If you meet these requirements, you can submit your application, which will include:
- A copy of your passing test results
- A notarized letter(s) from previous employers confirming your work experience OR
- The last page of your 1040 tax document from the last 8 years OR
- Proof of 6 years of work experience through an apprenticeship program that includes at least 576 hours of class time OR
- Proof of 5 years of experience plus your associate’s degree or diploma
- A passport-sized photo in color
- A copy of your driver’s license or birth certificate
- The $100 application fee
KY Electrical Contractor Licenses
Electrical contractors must meet the following requirements:
- Pay for, take, and pass the Business and Law Exam No. 231
- Hold Liability and Worker’s Comp Insurance, if you have employees
Obtaining Your KY Electrical Contractor License
If you meet the requirements, you can complete your application and attach the following:
- The $200 application fee
- A copy of your passing test results
- A Certificate of Liability Insurance, with the certificate holders reading:
Dept of Housing, Buildings & Construction
Electrical Licensing
101 Sea Hero Rd Suite 100
Frankfort KY 40601
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- If you don’t have employees, you must send a notarized Worker’s Comp waiver stating you are the sole proprietor with no employees
- A passport-sized photo in color
- A copy of your driver’s license or birth certificate
Kentucky Electrician License Reciprocity
Kentucky has reciprocity agreements with these states:
- Louisiana
- Ohio
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Renewing Your Kentucky Electrical License
All electrical license renewals can be done on the same application form as those linked above. Provisional licenses cannot be renewed.
Be sure to read about Continuing Education requirements for renewals.
