Licensing Guides
North Dakota Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in North Dakota
Electrical, ND
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in North Dakota
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in North Dakota
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in North Dakota?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in North Dakota?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in North Dakota?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in North Dakota?
Does My North Dakota Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in North Dakota?
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in North Dakota?
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in North Dakota?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in North Dakota?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in North Dakota.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide, and 3,570 work in North Dakota.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. That growth rate in North Dakota is projected at 16%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in North Dakota in July 2025 totaled 29,700, a decrease of 700 (-2.3%) from July 2024 and an increase of 1,600 or 6% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in North Dakota
Is a license required for electricians in North Dakota? Yes.
The North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB), located in Bismarck, is responsible for issuing electrician licenses.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in North Dakota
There are different requirements for each level of licensing in the electrical field in North Dakota. However, at every level, a license is required by law. For each you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Complete the classroom training and work experience necessary to apply for licensure.
Pass the licensing exam.
Gain additional experience to move up to a higher level of licensure.
Pay applicable license fees.
Submit the license application form to the NDSEB.
How to Become an Electrician in North Dakota
According to the state website, to become a licensed electrician in North Dakota, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the educational/experience requirements and submit the Employment Verification form.
Pass the NDSEB examination.
Pay all applicable fees.
Obtain liability insurance coverage (for contractors).
Below are the specifics for each license.
APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Apprentice must complete 576 hours of training classes recognized by the board and complete 8,000 hours of practical experience, which may not be obtained in less than three years.
Apply for license: Apprentices must submit the Apprentice Registration Application within six months of gaining employment.
Pay Fee: $10 registration fee.
Limitations: Must work under direct supervision of a licensed Master, Class B, or Power-Limited Electrician.
CLASS B ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must obtain 3,000 hours of experience in farmstead or residential wiring, in one-family or two-family dwellings. One-thousand hours credit will be granted for a graduate of a two-year electrical school approved by the board.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the NDSEB. You must gain approval to sit for the exam.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $40 application fee.
Limitations: A Class B licensee may only perform electrical work for farmstead and residential wiring located in a city with a population of 2,500 or fewer.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must obtain 8,000 hours of experience as a registered apprentice electrician. Two-thousand hours credit will be granted for a graduate of a two-year electrical school approved by the board. Additionally, up to 2,000 hours of electrical construction experience gained in the armed forces may apply toward licensure.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the NDSEB. You must gain approval to sit for the exam.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay Fee: $25 application fee.
Limitations: Must work under a licensed Contracting Master Electrician.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must obtain 2,000 hours of experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the NDSEB. You must gain approval to sit for the exam.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $50 application fee.
Limitations: Must work under a licensed Contracting Master Electrician or Master of Record.
POWER-LIMITED ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must obtain 6,000 hours of experience as a registered Power Limited Apprentice.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the NDSEB. You must gain approval to sit for the exam.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $50 application fee.
Limitations: Must work under a licensed Contracting Master Electrician or Power Limited Electrician.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Work experience: Must hold a valid Master Electrician license or Power-Limited Electrician license. Licensed electrical contractors must also comply with the North Dakota Secretary of State business requirements, which include registering your business and obtaining liability insurance.
Pass licensing exam: No exam.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay Fee: $50 annual license fee.
Limitations: No limitations. Can enter into contracts for electrical work.
Types of Electrical Licenses in North Dakota
What are the different types of electrician licenses in North Dakota?
There are several electrical licenses available in North Dakota, and some license types include multiple classifications.
Apprentice Electrician means a person learning the trade under the personal supervision of a state-licensed electrician.
A Class B Electrician may only perform electrical work for farmstead and residential wiring located in a city with a population of 2,500 or fewer.
A Journeyman Electrician must complete 8,000 hours of experience in no less than three years. Training must be under the supervision of a licensed Contracting Master or Master of Record Electrician.
A Master Electrician needs at least 2,000 hours of experience working as a licensed Journeyman Electrician and under the supervision of a Contracting Master Electrician or Master of Record Electrician.
There are three classifications of Master Electricians:
Contracting Master Electrician: A Contracting Master Electrician must adhere to all laws and rules of the North Dakota electrical wiring standards and demonstrate proof of liability insurance.
Master of Record Electrician: A Master of Record Electrician must adhere to all laws and rules of the North Dakota wiring standards for the partnership, company, corporation, limited liability company, or association and demonstrate proof of liability insurance. The Master of Record Electrician can work only on property owned or leased by the organization.
Non-Contracting Master Electrician: A Non-Contracting Master Electrician must adhere to all laws and rules of the North Dakota wiring standards. Electrical work needs to be under the supervision of a Contracting Master or Master of Record Electrician.
A Power-Limited Electrician must complete 6,000 hours of experience under the supervision of a Contracting Master, Master of Record, Contracting Power-Limited, or a Power-Limited Electrician of Record. The apprentice must gain the necessary experience in no less than 2.5 years.
There are three classifications of Power-Limited Electrician:
Contracting Power-Limited Electrician: A Contracting Power-Limited Electrician must adhere to all laws and rules of the North Dakota wiring standards and demonstrate proof of liability insurance.
Power-Limited Electrician of Record: A Power-Limited Electrician of Record must adhere to all laws and rules of the North Dakota wiring standards for the partnership, company, corporation, limited liability company, or association and demonstrate proof of liability insurance showing the Power-Limited Electrician of Record holds coverage by the organization. The Power-Limited Electrician of Record can work only on property owned or leased by the organization.
Non-Contracting Power-Limited Electrician: A Non-Contracting Power-Limited Electrician must adhere to all laws and rules of the North Dakota wiring standards. Power-limited electrical work requires the supervision of a Contracting Master, Master of Record, Contracting Power-Limited Electrician, or a Power-Limited Electrician of Record.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in North Dakota
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in North Dakota.
First and most important, it is required by law in North Dakota to be licensed through the state to legally perform any electrical work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the very first day you begin the process of becoming an electrician.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in North Dakota?
The annual mean salary for electricians in North Dakota is $70,460 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In North Dakota those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $57,500
Intermediate (2-4 years): $67,400
Senior (4-7 years): $72,600
Salaries can vary widely, depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in North Dakota?
The cost of a license varies in North Dakota depending on the level. The exam fee is included in the license fee. The following fees apply:
Electrical Contractor: $50
Master Electrician: $50
Journeyman Electrician: $25
Class B Electrician: $40
Power-Limited License: $50
Apprentice Registration: $10
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Nebraska?
It will take a minimum of 18 months to qualify for a Class B license, three years for a Power-Limited license, and four years for a Journeyman license. It will take an additional one year as a licensed Journeyman to qualify for a Master Electrician license. After obtaining a master license, you become eligible for a contractor license.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed at the journeyperson level. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license.
As a licensed contractor you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
North Dakota Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in North Dakota.
You can complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the United States Department of Labor.
You can seek out a union apprenticeship available through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. JATCs have been established through the combined efforts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) who have come together to form the National Training Alliance.
Or you can complete a technical program at a trade school or community college. An AAS degree can count toward part of your training experience requirements.
There are a number of local community colleges that offer approved programs that lead to an associate of applied science in electrical technology or similar degrees. A few are:
The University of North Dakota, located in Grand Forks, offers a four-year bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
Tuition: The cost of tuition depends on the program you choose. According to Community College Review, the average tuition is approximately $4,431 per year for in-state students and $7,084 for out-of-state students.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 16 to qualify for an apprenticeship. Many training programs require you to have a high school diploma or a GED high school equivalent degree.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in North Dakota, check out our post — Electrician Schools in North Dakota: The Ultimate Guide.
North Dakota Electrician Licensing Exam Details
North Dakota requires an examination for a Class B Electrician license, Journeyman license, and Master license. You must gain approval from the NDSEB before you can sit for an exam.
Class B Electricians must:
Obtain 3,000 hours of experience.
Journeyman Electricians must:
Obtain 8,000 hours of experience.
Power-Limited Electricians must:
Obtain 8,000 hours of experience.
Master Electricians must:
Obtain at least 2,000 hours of experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
Power-Limited Electricians must:
Obtain 6,000 hours of experience as a registered Power Limited Apprentice.
All exams require a passing score of at least 70%, and you must pass the exam within six months of gaining approval from the NDSEB.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in North Dakota?
At each level you must complete a certain amount of training before sitting for the exam.
According to the NDSEB, all exams cover “fundamental electricity, Laws, Rules, and Wiring Standards of North Dakota, and the current edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC).”
Most exams include an open and closed section. You can use study materials during the open portion of each test.
Length of examination:
Master closed: 1 hour
Master open: 3.5 hours
Journeyman closed: 1 hour
Journeyman open: 3.5 hours
Class B closed: 1 hour
Class B open: 3.5 hours
Power-Limited open: 4.5 hours
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in North Dakota?
The North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB) is responsible for issuing electrician licenses.
Does My North Dakota Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, your North Dakota electrical license will allow you to become licensed in several other states. North Dakota has Master Electrician reciprocity with Minnesota and South Dakota, and Journeyman Electrician reciprocity with Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Utah, and Wyoming.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in North Dakota?
To qualify for reciprocity, you must have passed an exam from the state you are reciprocating from, possess a valid license for at least one year, and meet identical training and work experience requirements. The reciprocity fee for Journeymen is $50 and $100 for Master Electricians.
National Electrician Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in North Dakota?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in North Dakota. Options include:
North Dakota Dollars for Scholars: Awards funding for students enrolled in the electrical trades.
Merit Shop Construction Scholarship Program: The Minnesota/North Dakota chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors awards funding for students pursuing a career in the trades.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative: Offers $1,000 annual scholarships for students enrolled in an electrical trade program.
Both the University of North Dakota and Bismarck State College offer multiple scholarships for undergraduate students.
There are several scholarships offered through trade organizations in North Dakota as well. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in North Dakota offers several scholarships, including the IBEW Founders' Scholarship and other scholarships for members and their dependents via local chapters, including Local 714 in Minot and Local 1426 in Grand Forks.
Every scholarship has slightly different requirements and application processes but in general you will need to:
Visit the organization's website.
Fill out an application.
Include a letter or letters of recommendation.
Wait for scholarships to be awarded.
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in North Dakota?
Your electrical license can be verified by potential clients or employees in North Dakota through the NDSEB’s electrician license lookup tool. Users can search by name or license number.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in North Dakota?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that North Dakota electrician licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud in obtaining a license
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Unethical conduct or practice harmful to the public
Habitual intoxication or addiction to drugs
Client fraud
Code violations
Electrical permit abuse
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information, refer to the official Laws, Rules, and Wiring Standards of North Dakota.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in North Dakota?
Performing electrical work in North Dakota, or even advertising services, without a license can lead to a Class B misdemeanor and a fine of up to $100. A second conviction can lead to a Class misdemeanor and a fine up to $1,000. A third offense can lead to 30 days in jail.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information, refer to the official Laws, Rules, and Wiring Standards of North Dakota.
Continuing Education
Master, Journeyman, Power-Limited, or Class B Electricians must complete eight hours of continuing education to qualify for license renewal. At least 50% of those hours must focus on the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code. The remaining credits must cover topics related to the electrical industry, and the board must approve the continuing education curriculum.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
