Licensing Guides
Oklahoma Electrical License: How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Oklahoma
Electrical, OK
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Oklahoma
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Oklahoma?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Oklahoma?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Oklahoma?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Oklahoma?
Does My Oklahoma Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Oklahoma?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Oklahoma?
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 Oklahoma.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 8,510 work in Oklahoma.
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 Oklahoma is projected at 9%, 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 Oklahoma in July 2025 totaled 88,400, an increase of 2,700 (3.2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 7,000 or 9% 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 Oklahoma
Is a license required for electricians in Oklahoma? Yes.
The Oklahoma Construction and Industries Board (CIB) issues electrician licenses.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Oklahoma
There are different requirements for each level of licensing in the electrical field in Oklahoma. However, at every level, a license is required by law. For each you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Register as an Electrical Apprentice.
Acquire work experience (progressively more for journeyman, master, and contractor status).
Pass a licensing exam administered by PSI.
Pay all applicable fees.
Obtain bonding and general liability insurance (for contractors).
How to Become an Electrician in Oklahoma
According to the state website, to become a licensed electrician in Oklahoma, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the educational/experience requirements.
Pass the required licensing examination.
Pay all applicable fees.
Obtain insurance coverage.
Below are the specifics for each license.
APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: All applicants must complete a registered apprenticeship program and work under the direct supervision of a licensed Electrical Contractor or Journeyman Electrician.
Apply for license: Apprentices must register with the CIB.
Pay fee: $20 registration fee, $5 application fee.
Limitations: Must work under direct supervision of a licensed contractor.
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL JOURNEYMAN
Work experience: Must obtain 4,000 verifiable hours on-the-job experience in the electrical construction trade as a Registered Apprentice under the direct supervision of a licensed Journeyman or licensed Contractor (1,000 hours may be satisfied by formal electrical education).
Pass licensing exam: Administered by PSI.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $75 license fee, $25 processing fee.
Limitations: Limited to wiring one- and two-family dwellings.
UNLIMITED ELECTRICAL JOURNEYMAN
Work experience: Must obtain 8,000 verifiable hours on-the-job experience in the electrical construction trade as a Registered Apprentice under the direct supervision of a licensed Journeyman or licensed Contractor with 4,000 hours being commercial/industrial work. Formal electrical education may substitute for 2,000 hours of experience requirements.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by PSI.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $75 license fee, $25 processing fee.
Limitations: Must work under direct supervision of a licensed contractor.
LIMITED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Work experience: Must obtain a degree in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university and 8,000 hours of electrical experience in field construction, electrical estimating, electrical project management in commercial/industrial electrical work, or show verification of 16,000 hours of experience in the electrical trade performing electrical work, estimating, or project management in commercial/industrial work.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by PSI.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $300 license fee, $30 processing fee.
Limitations: Must be an owner, partner, or officer in the electrical firm after obtaining and activating license.
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Work experience: Must obtain 8,000 verifiable hours total in electrical construction work under the employment and supervision of an Electrical Contractor or 4,000 hours of experience as a Residential or Unlimited Journeyman Electrician and under the employment and supervision of an electrical contractor.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by PSI.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $300 license fee, $30 processing fee.
Limitations: Residential electrical licenses are limited to wiring one- and two-family dwellings.
UNLIMITED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Work experience: Must obtain 12,000 hours of on-the-job experience in electrical construction work while employed by a licensed Electrical Contractor, or obtain 4,000 hours of experience as a licensed Unlimited Electrical Journeyman.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by PSI.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $300 license fee, $30 processing fee.
Limitations: Must be an owner, partner, or officer in the electrical firm after obtaining and activating license.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Oklahoma
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Oklahoma?
There are 6 electrical licenses available in Oklahoma. Each level of licensing requires more experience and course work and allows you to work on a wider variety of systems and perform work that grows in complexity or assume responsibility for other’s work.
Apprentice Electrician
An apprentice is limited to working for a contractor and is directly supervised by a licensed contractor or journeyman with the appropriate license classification for the work being performed.
Residential Journeyman Electrician
A Residential Journeyman is limited to performing residential electrical wiring on one- and two-family dwellings.
Unlimited Journeyman Electrician
A Journeyman Electrician is an electrician other than a contractor or apprentice who engages in the installation, repair, maintenance, or renovation of electrical facilities.
Limited Electrical Contractor
Performs electrical contracting work only within the scope and limitations tied to the license (i.e., limited electrical installations and services), ensuring all work meets applicable codes and permitting requirements.
Unlimited Electrical Contractor
Contracts for and performs electrical work of any type and scope, including planning, installing, altering, and repairing electrical systems for residential, commercial, and industrial projects in compliance with code and permitting rules.
Residential Electrical Contractor
Contracts for and performs electrical work specifically on residential properties, including installation, maintenance, and repair of wiring and electrical systems in compliance with residential code and permitting requirements.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Oklahoma
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Oklahoma.
First and most important, it is required by law in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma?
The annual mean salary for electricians in Oklahoma is $63,410 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 Oklahoma those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $57,300
Intermediate (2-4 years): $67,200
Senior (4-7 years): $72,400
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 Oklahoma?
The cost of a license varies in Oklahoma, depending on the level. The fees for each are listed in the license applications.
Apprentice Registration: $20 registration fee, $5 application fee.
Residential Journeyman license: $75 license fee, $25 processing fee.
Unlimited Journeyman Electrician license: $75 license fee, $25 processing fee.
Limited Electrical Contractor license: $300 license fee, $30 processing fee.
Residential Electrical Contractor license: $300 license fee, $30 processing fee.
Unlimited Electrical Contractor license: $300 license fee, $30 processing fee.
Testing fee: All exams incur a $92 exam fee.
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Oklahoma?
It will take a minimum of two years to complete a registered apprenticeship and then become licensed as a Residential Journeyman. It takes a minimum of four years to qualify for an Unlimited Journeyman license. Oklahoma doesn’t offer a Master Electrician license. If you choose to become a contractor, the application process will take additional time.
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.
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.
Oklahoma Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Oklahoma.
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 school program approved by the Oklahoma CIB and deemed equivalent to the Department of Labor apprenticeship 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 Oklahoma in Norman is a four-year public university that offers a 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 $3,475 per year for in-state students and $7,963 for out-of-state students.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and 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 Oklahoma, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Oklahoma: The Ultimate Guide.
Oklahoma Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Oklahoma requires an examination for each level of licensure. There are State of Oklahoma testing sponsorship requirements to apply to sit for each exam.
Residential Journeyman exam candidates must:
Obtain two years of work experience as a registered apprentice.
Unlimited Journeyman Electrician exam candidates must:
Obtain four years of work experience as a registered apprentice.
Limited Electrical Contractor exam candidates must:
Obtain a degree in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university and 8,000 hours of electrical experience.
Residential Electrical Contractor exam candidates must:
Obtain 8,000 verifiable hours total in electrical construction work or 4,000 hours of experience as a Residential or Unlimited Journeyman Electrician.
Unlimited Electrical Contractor exam candidates must:
Obtain 12,000 hours of on-the-job experience in electrical construction work experience or obtain 4,000 hours of experience as a licensed Unlimited Electrical Journeyman.
A 70% is required to pass all exams. The exam fee is $92. Topics on the examinations include general electrical knowledge, wiring and protection, wiring methods and materials, equipment for general use, special occupancies, special equipment, special conditions, and communication systems.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Oklahoma?
At each level you must complete a certain amount of training before being permitted to sit for the exam. Your apprenticeship training will help prepare you for the examination.
All exams are open book, and the following references are permitted:
National Electrical Code (NEC), 2023 Edition
Ugly's Electrical References
Code of Federal Regulations
The Residential Electrical Journeyman exam consists of 80 questions, and you have 3.5 hours to score at least 70% to pass. Exam topics include:
General Electrical Knowledge
Electrical Installation Requirements
Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
Overcurrent Protection
Grounding and Bonding
Conductors and Cables
Raceways and Boxes
Special Occupancies and Equipment
Low Voltage, Alarms, Signaling Systems, and Communications
Lighting and Signs
Safety
The Unlimited Electrical Journeyman exam consists of 100 questions, and you have four hours to score at least 70% to pass. Exam topics include:
General Electrical Knowledge
Electrical Installation Requirements
Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
Overcurrent Protection
Grounding and Bonding
Conductors and Cables
Raceways and Boxes
Special Occupancies and Equipment
Low Voltage, Alarms, Signaling Systems, and Communications
Lighting and Signs
Safety
Motors and Transformers
The Residential Electrical Contractor exam consists of 80 questions, and you have 3.5 hours to score at least 70% to pass. Exam topics include:
General Electrical Knowledge
Electrical Installation Requirements
Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
Overcurrent Protection
Grounding and Bonding
Conductors and Cables
Raceways and Boxes
Special Occupancies and Equipment
Low Voltage, Alarms, Signaling Systems, and Communications
Lighting and Signs
Safety
The Limited Electrical Contractor exam consists of 100 questions, and you have four hours to score at least 70% to pass. Exam topics include:
General Electrical Knowledge
Electrical Installation Requirements
Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
Overcurrent Protection
Grounding and Bonding
Conductors and Cables
Raceways and Boxes
Special Occupancies and Equipment
Low Voltage, Alarms, Signaling Systems, and Communications
Lighting and Signs
Safety
Motors and Transformers
The Unlimited Electrical Contractor exam consists of 100 questions, and you have four hours to score at least 70% to pass. Exam topics include:
General Electrical Knowledge
Electrical Installation Requirements
Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
Overcurrent Protection
Grounding and Bonding
Conductors and Cables
Raceways and Boxes
Special Occupancies and Equipment
Low Voltage, Alarms, Signaling Systems, and Communications
Lighting and Signs
Safety
Motors and Transformers
For more information on electrician exams, check out the Candidate Bulletin from PSI.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Construction and Industries Board (CIB) issues all electrician licenses in the state of Oklahoma.
Does My Oklahoma Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. Oklahoma maintains reciprocity agreements with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma allows license reciprocity for Journeyman licenses only. You must have had a license for a minimum of one year to reciprocate, provide detailed work history, and complete an application. The reciprocal fee is $75.
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 Oklahoma?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Oklahoma. Options include:
Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (NOEC): Covers the tuition of an electrical trade school for students whose parents are cooperative members.
Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC): Provides one $10,000 scholarship and four $1,000 scholarships for students entering the electrical industry.
East Central Electric Association (EEA): Provides a $500 scholarship for vocational/technical certificates in an electrical-related trade to students who are dependents of an EEA member.
The University of Oklahoma offers scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students. Check out the scholarship portal to learn more.
There are several scholarships offered through trade organizations in Oklahoma as well. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in Oklahoma offers several scholarships, including the IBEW Founders' Scholarship and other scholarships for members and their dependents from the local chapters, including Local 1141 in Oklahoma City and Local 1002 in Tulsa.
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 Oklahoma?
Your electrical license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Oklahoma through the CIB’s license verification tool. Users can search by name, business name, and license number.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Oklahoma?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Oklahoma 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 about Oklahoma electrician and electrical contractor license regulations, refer to the CIB’s Electrical Industry Regulations.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, performing electrical work without the required license is treated as a misdemeanor. In addition, the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board can issue administrative fines for violations, commonly $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense. State law authorizes fines up to $1,000.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Oklahoma electrician and electrical contractor license regulations, refer to the CIB’s Electrical Industry Regulations.
Continuing Education
Oklahoma electrician licensees must complete six hours of continuing education every three years to keep their licenses current. Click here for a list of approved CE courses.
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.
