Getting Your Electrical Contractors License

An electrical contractor’s license is a requirement for any individual to be eligible to do work on the internal circuitry of new buildings, or for those who are to repair and rework the wirings of existing or older buildings. A license to do electrical contractor work makes one legally qualified to enter business deals and contracts, as well as coordinate with the other members of the construction team.

Legal Requirements

The most important thing to consider in this type of licensing is the legal requirements. Working as an electrical contractor without the appropriate license or eligibility often carries a misdemeanor offense, and can be liable for fraud, especially if one works under the pretense of being a licensed electrical contractor. Any contracts entered by a contractor who was not licensed at the time of signing might also be voided and ruled as invalid. Aside from this, unlicensed electrical contractors might be liable for damages, and face fines for failure to comply with state regulations.

Apart from the legal aspects, being licensed enables you to market your services to more prospective clients. Most states would allow unlicensed contract work, but only limited to a certain maximum amount. Therefore, before you can do significant contract work, a license is required. Being a licensed electrical contractor makes you more likely to get hired by a project’s general contractor.

The requirements for applying for an electrical contractor’s license are quite straightforward. One must be at least eighteen years old, and hold a high school diploma or any equivalent. One also needs to be an American citizen or at least a legal resident. In the case of migrant workers who have non-American citizenship, these would have to present a working permit or working visa to be able to qualify for the licensing examination.

The Examination

The licensing examination itself tests a candidate’s knowledge about the procedures in wiring and installation in various buildings and construction projects. This would include theoretical questions, such as how to get the current off the main grid through the main transformers, as well as the proper way of lining up the connections within the building, such that the structure would have a sufficient amount of electricity coursing through it.

In particular, most state boards test an applicant’s knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• System evaluation and design
• Rough wiring
• Finish wiring and trim
• Troubleshooting and repair
• Safety

Aside from theoretical knowledge, practical and applied knowledge would be helpful in successfully passing this exam, since many questions involve situations that you would face as an electrical contractor, and how you would address these. Also, some test questions might not necessarily be multiple choice type questions. Some will require mathematical computations.

Aside from technical knowledge, the examination also touches on the state regulations that govern the safety considerations when it comes to laying down electrical wiring. This involves knowledge of safety regulations, the fire code, and also the other necessary precautions to prevent untoward electrical incidents.

Licensing bolsters your professional credibility and also assures your clients of your skill and aptitude as an electrical contractor. Being a licensed electrical contractor also ensures that you are working within the legal system. These improve your marketability and your potential for attracting contracts and clients.