Electricians in Massachusetts can become licensed journeyman electricians, systems technicians, master electricians, or systems contractors. This article will discuss the differences between each license and how you can apply to get your MA electrical license today.
Do You Need an Electrical License in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts requires an electrical license to complete professional electrical work.
Types of MA Electrical Licenses
MA electricians can become licensed journeyman electricians, systems technicians, master electricians, or systems contractors. The educational and work requirements for each are listed below. Note that only work experience from the 20 years prior to applying can count towards the requirements.
MA Electrical Apprenticeships
Most licenses require or recommend the completion of an apprenticeship, especially if planning to become a master or journeyman electrician. This includes registering as an apprentice while completing your training before becoming licensed.
Licensed Journeyman Electricians Requirements
Journeyman electricians can complete electrical work on wiring, fixtures, electrical components, and outlets. They may also supervise other electricians or apprentices.
To become a licensed journeyman electrician in Massachusetts, you must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have 600 hours of completed Journeyman curriculum (often provided through a trade school or apprenticeship)
- Have 4 years of work experience totaling at least 8,000 hours
Systems Technicians Requirements
Systems technicians hold a Class D license. This allows them to install, repair, or maintain aires and other electrical apparatus used for systems.
To become a licensed systems technician in Massachusetts, you must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have 300 hours of completed Systems curriculum
- Have 2 years of work experience totaling at least 4,000 hours
Master Electricians Requirements
Master electricians in MA hold a Class A license. This allows them to employ journeymen or apprentices who complete electrical work for them.
To become a licensed master electrician in Massachusetts, you must:
- Only allow one apprentice under each journeyman you employ
- Have 150 hours of completed Masters curriculum
- Have 1 year of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician in MA
Systems Contractors Requirements
Systems contractors hold a Class C license. They employ system technicians or apprentices who complete electrical work for them.
To become a licensed systems contractor in Massachusetts, you must:
- Only allow one apprentice under each systems technician you employ
- Have 75 hours of completed Contractor curriculum
- Have 1 year of experience as a systems technician in MA
How to Get Your Massachusetts Electrical License
Each license above has a similar process when it comes to getting your license. If you meet the requirements above, you’ll next need to follow these steps:
- Complete the application for examination (typed or in ink)
- Be able to pass a CORI background check which is issued after applying
- Submit documentation of credentials
- Educational forms must have the school seal
- Submit a passport-sized photo
- Sign, notarize, and submit your application with documentation and a photo
- Take and pass the official examination once your application is approved
- You have 12 months from the date of your approval to sit for the exam
- Pay the appropriate fee
More information about the exam can be found on the application starting on page 6.
Renewing Your Massachusetts Electrical License
You can renew your electrical license online.
Journeyman licenses, master electrician licenses, and system technician licenses are renewed every three years. You’ll need to complete 21 hours of continuing education, with 15 of those hours discussing the MA Electrical Code.
Exam Information
Each licensing exam is unique, but each one has two parts. Applicants choose to take the parts either on the same day or on different days. They are all open-book and computer-generated. You must pass with a 70% or higher.
- Master Electrician Exam Part I: 80 questions, 240 minutes
- Systems Contractor Part I: 70 questions, 180 minutes
- Master Electrician and Systems Contractor Part II: 50 questions, 120 minutes
- Journeyman Part I: 70 questions, 180 minutes
- Journeyman Part II: 30 questions, 60 minutes
- Systems Technician Part I: 50 questions, 120 minutes
- Systems Technician Part II: 30 questions, 60 minutes
More information on the exam can be found on the application.
MA License Costs
Getting your MA electrical license is an investment into your future. Here are the costs associated with applying for and getting your electrical license.
- Journeyman exam: $226
- Journeyman license renewal: $78
- Master electrician exam: $276
- Master electrician renewal: $117
- Systems technician exam: $226
- Systems technician license renewal: $78
- Systems contractor exam: $210
Late fees of $57 are added to renewals posted after the expiration date.
MA Electrician Salaries
Becoming an electrician in Massachusetts is a lucrative deal. The average electrician in MA makes $82,273, which is a whopping 45% higher than the national average.
Here is a breakdown of average electrician salaries based on licensure:
- Systems technician: $54,186
- Systems contractor: $49,202
- Journeyman electrician: $59,497
- Master electrician: $99,809
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