Maryland is home to the Baltimore Ravens, our national anthem, and famous blue crab. With so many attractions, you may be considering joining forces with over 13,600 electricians already thriving in MD. Luckily, Maryland has a straightforward electrical licensing process, offering state licensure options for apprentices, journeypersons, and master electricians.
Do You Need an Electrician License in Maryland?
Maryland requires you to have a permit and work under the supervision of a licensed electrician (master, limited master) to perform electrical work. The exception to this rule is if you are replacing 5 or fewer receptacles, switches, or lighting fixtures, in which case no permit or supervision is required (Sec. 18-102).
Types of Electrician Licenses in Maryland
Maryland offers three types of electrical licenses:
- Apprentice License: Apprentices can assist in providing electrical services if working under a licensed master electrician and/or electrical contractor. Apprentices are training to become journeyperson electricians.
- Journeyperson Electrician’s License: Journeyperson electricians can assist or provide electrical services while under the supervision of a licensed master electrician. These electricians are in training to become master electricians themselves.
- Master License: Master electricians can provide all major electrical services, as well as supervise journeyperson electricians and apprentices.
Some jurisdictions may also offer a limited electrician or low-voltage electrical license. To see if these are available in your area, contact the jurisdiction where you hope to work.
Maryland Electrician License Requirements
As we’ve seen above, each electrical license type above leads into the next. Apprentices are supervised by and trained to become journeyperson electricians. Journeyperson electricians, in turn, are supervised by and trained to become master electricians.
Master electricians reach the peak of the electrical field and have full reign on electrical work in Maryland. They can undertake larger projects by holding the appropriate liability and property damage insurance.
Each license type has distinct requirements, outlined below.
MD Apprentice License Requirements
Maryland electrical apprentices must have their high school diploma or the GED equivalent. Some apprenticeship programs require a passing grade in specific math and/or English classes. Electrical apprenticeships last between 3-4 years. Most apprenticeships pay a salary while you learn the trade, and many electricians start out making $50,000+ after they complete their apprenticeship.
Registered apprenticeships can be found through the Maryland Department of Labor. To speak with an apprenticeship navigator, call 410-767-2246 or email info@mdapprenticeship.com.
Once you find an apprenticeship and are registered, you can apply for your MD Apprentice License. You’ll need to complete the online application and pay a non-refundable application fee.
MD Journeyperson Electrician’s License Requirements
To apply for your Journeyperson Electrician’s License in MD, you’ll first need to pass the journeyperson electrician exam. The requirements for this exam include:
- 4 years of experience providing electrical services in training to become a master electrician while under the supervision of a master electrician or a similarly-qualified employee in a government unit
This examination requirement can be waived by the Board if, instead, the applicant:
- Applies for a license before December 31, 2022, AND
- Proves 3 years of work experience under a master electrician OR proves completion of an approved apprenticeship program including 576 class hours and 8,000 hours of experience.
Once you meet the exam application requirements, you can contact PSI Exams to fill out the appropriate exam application. PSI has locations in Salisbury, Lanham, Hagerstown, College Park, and Baltimore.
After passing the exam, you’ll be able to apply for your license online.
MD Master License Requirements
To apply for a Master License, you must have passed the Master Electrician PSI Exam. To apply for the exam, you’ll need to prove:
- 7+ years of experience providing electrical services under a master electrician while under the supervision of a master electrician or a similarly-qualified employee in a government unit
- Up to 3 years of experience can be replaced with education if the applicant has completed a comparable formal course of study/training
Once you’ve taken and passed the PSI Exam, you’ll be able to apply online for your state license. You will need to provide a Certificate of Insurance during this process.
Master electricians coming from Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Delaware may be able to take advantage of reciprocity agreements with Maryland.
Renewing Your Maryland Electrician License
All electrical licenses expire two years after issuance. The Board will automatically mail you renewal instructions about two months before expiration.
If your name, address, or status changes during the year, it’s important to advise the Board in writing. If your address is up to date and you haven’t received a renewal form one month before your license’s expiration date, call 410-230-6231 as soon as possible to request a renewal form.
Your mailed renewal documents will have your assigned Personal Identification Number (PIN), which you will need to start your renewal online.
Master License renewals require 10 hours of qualifying Continuing Education, of which 5 must be in a classroom setting. Journeyperson License renewals require 5 hours of qualifying Continuing Education.
How to Obtain Your Electrician License in Maryland
To obtain your license, you’ll first need to meet the requirements for your license discussed above. Master and journeyperson electricians must pay for and pass the appropriate exam.
All applicants must pay the licensing fee before completing their application. All licenses are applied for online and linked in the appropriate sections above.
First-time users of the online application system will need to click “Create My Password” to start the process. For more assistance and details about the electronic licensing system, see here. You can also call 410-230-6231 or 1-888-218-5925 with questions during EST business hours Monday-Friday.
Electrical License Fees in MD
Below are all fees associated with electrical licensing in MD. These fees do not include the additional apprenticeship tuition costs, tools, and/or study materials you may need.
- PSI Journeyperson or Master exam: $65
- Apprentice License fee: $10
- Journeyperson License fee: $15
- Master License fee: $20
- License renewal: $25
- Status change on active license: $50
- Reinstatement after expiration:
- 1-30 days after expiration: $25
- 31-60 days after expiration: $50
- 61+ days after expiration: $100