Licensing Guides
Oregon Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Oregon
Electrical, OR
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Oregon?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Oregon?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Oregon?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Oregon?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Oregon?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Oregon?
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 Oregon.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 10,590 in Oregon.
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 is double that in Oregon — projected at 20%, 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 Oregon in July 2025 totaled 116,400, a decrease of 700 (-0.6%) from July 2024 and an increase of 4,100 or 4% 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 Oregon
Is a state license required to be an electrician in Oregon? Yes, licensure is required.
The Oregon Building Codes Division Office (BCD) issues non-contracting electrical licenses, while the Oregon Construction Contractors Board issues contracting electrical licenses. The state of Oregon issues several types of specialty and limited electrical licenses, each of which require their own levels of experience and classroom training.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Oregon
There are different requirements for each level of licensing in the electrical field in Oregon. However, at every level, a license is required by law. For each you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Meet education and experience requirements.
Pass the required exam.
Pay all applicable fees.
Apply for your license.
How to Become an Electrician in Oregon
To become a licensed electrician in Oregon, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the educational/experience requirements
Pass the required examination.
Pay all applicable fees.
Below are the specifics for each license.
LIMITED BUILDING MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN (BME)
Work experience: Meet one of the following requirements:
Completion of an approved one-year training program in Oregon.
Verification of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training or experience in maintenance, repair, and replacement of electrical appliances, light switches, light fixtures, fans, receptacles, and fluorescent ballasts.
Pass licensing exam: Pass an examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the division.
Apply for license: Required verification of work experience and proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Pay fee: $50.
Scope: Maintain, repair, and replace electrical appliances, light switches and fixtures, fans, receptacles, and fluorescent ballasts on the premises of commercial office buildings, buildings occupied by the state or a local government entity, and facilities designated by the Electrical and Elevator Board in electrical systems not exceeding 300 volts to ground.
LIMITED JOURNEYMAN STAGE ELECTRICIAN (ST)
Work experience: Meet one of the following requirements:
Official transcripts verifying 150 hours of required classroom training and verification of 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience obtained outside of Oregon.
Verification of 8,000 hours of on-the-job stage experience obtained outside of Oregon, broken down into specific work categories. Work categories per license type can be found here.
Pass licensing exam: Pass an examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the division.
Apply for license: Required verification of work experience and proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Pay fee: $50.
Scope: Install temporary feeders, branch circuits, and equipment used for the production of shows, exhibits, displays, festivals, conventions, stage, theater, film, or video productions; perform maintenance on temporary equipment. Must be employed by an electrical contractor.
LIMITED JOURNEYMAN SIGN ELECTRICIAN (SIG)
Work experience: Meet one of the following requirements:
Completion of an approved apprenticeship program in Oregon.
Official transcripts of required classroom training and verification of 4,000 hours of on-the-job sign electrical experience obtained outside of Oregon.
Verification of 8,000 hours of on-the-job sign experience obtained outside of Oregon, broken down into specific work categories.
Pass licensing exam: Pass an examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the division.
Apply for license: Required verification of work experience and proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Pay fee: $50.
Scope: Install and service electrical signs and outline lighting. Must be employed by a limited sign contractor.
LIMITED RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNICIAN (LRT)
Work experience: Completion of an approved apprenticeship program in Oregon.
Pass licensing exam: Pass an examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the division.
Apply for license: Required verification of work experience and proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Pay fee: $50.
Scope: Make renewable-energy system installations. Must be employed by a limited renewable energy contractor or electrical contractor.
LIMITED ENERGY TECHNICIAN, CLASS B (LEB)
Work experience: Meet one of the following requirements:
Completion of a board-approved apprenticeship program.
Provide verification of 4,000 hours of work experience equivalent to a board-approved apprenticeship program broken down into specific work categories and completion of a board-approved 32-hour training program.
Verification of 8,000 hours of work experience broken down into specific work categories.
Pass licensing exam: Pass an examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the division.
Apply for license: Required verification of work experience and proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Pay fee: $50.
Scope: Perform limited energy electrical activity that does not include protective signaling. An LEB must be licensed as an electrical contractor, or must work for an electrical contractor, limited energy contractor, or for one employer in an industrial plant.
LIMITED ENERGY TECHNICIAN, CLASS A (LEA)
Work experience: Meet one of the following requirements:
Completion of an approved apprenticeship in Oregon.
Official transcripts verifying 432 hours of required classroom training, and verification of 6,000 hours of on-the-job training broken down into specific work categories.
Verification of 12,000 hours of work experience obtained outside of Oregon, broken down into specific work categories. Requires trade-specific installation experience in protective signaling that includes fire alarm, nurse call, burglar alarm, and other systems that are part of a fire or life safety system.
Pass licensing exam: Pass an examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the division.
Apply for license: Required verification of work experience and proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Pay fee: $50.
Scope: Install, alter, and repair all limited energy systems. An LEA must be licensed as an electrical contractor or must work for an electrical contractor, limited energy contractor, or for one employer in an industrial plant.
LIMITED RESIDENTIAL TECHNICIAN (LR)
Work experience: Meet one of the following requirements:
Completion of an approved apprenticeship program in Oregon.
Official transcripts verifying 288 hours of classroom training and verification of 4,000 hours of on-the-job residential experience obtained outside of Oregon.
Verification of 8,000 hours of on-the-job residential experience obtained outside of Oregon.
Pass licensing exam: Pass an examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the division that covers residential wiring and electrical troubleshooting.
Apply for license: Required verification of work experience and proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Pay fee: $100.
Scope: Make electrical installations on one- and two-family or multifamily dwelling units, not exceeding three floors above grade. Must work under the supervision, direction, and control of a general supervising electrician.
LIMITED MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN (LME)
Work experience: Meet one of the following requirements:
Completion of an approved apprenticeship in Oregon.
Official transcripts verifying 288 hours of required classroom training and verification of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training or experience obtained outside of Oregon.
Verification of 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience obtained outside of Oregon, broken down into specific work categories.
Pass licensing exam: Pass an examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the division.
Apply for license: Required verification of work experience and proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Pay fee: $100.
Scope: Repair and maintain existing electrical installations on or in an existing operable plant, commercial building, or institution. An LME is not authorized to make new electrical installations or to perform work on services.
LIMITED JOURNEYMAN MANUFACTURING PLANT ELECTRICIAN (PJ)
Work experience: Meet one of the following requirements:
Completion of an approved apprenticeship program in Oregon.
Official transcripts verifying 576 hours of classroom training and verification of 8,000 hours of on-the-job commercial and industrial experience obtained outside of Oregon.
Verification of 16,000 hours of on-the-job commercial and industrial experience obtained outside of Oregon.
Pass licensing exam: Pass an examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the division.
Apply for license: Required verification of work experience and proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Pay fee: $100.
Scope: Install, maintain, replace, and repair electrical wiring and electrical products on or in an existing operable manufacturing plant or industrial plant owned or used by an employer. Must work under the supervision, direction, and control of a limited supervising electrician. If there is no supervising electrician, the licensee is limited to repair and maintenance work.
LIMITED SUPERVISING ELECTRICIAN (PS)
Work experience: Meet one of the following requirements:
Be currently licensed as an Oregon limited journeyman manufacturing plant electrician and provide verification of an additional 8,000 hours of on-the-job plant journeyman experience.
Meet the qualifications to be licensed as a limited journeyman manufacturing plant electrician and provide verification of an additional 8,000 hours of on-the-job plant journeyman experience obtained outside of Oregon.
Pass licensing exam: Pass an examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the division.
Apply for license: Required verification of work experience and proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Pay fee: $100.
Scope: Design, plan, and lay out work; sign all permits; licensee is the only individual authorized to direct, supervise, or control the installation, maintenance, replacement, and repair of electrical wiring and electrical products on or in an existing operable plant, hospital, commercial building, or institution.
GENERAL JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN (J)
Work experience: Meet one of the following requirements:
Completion of an approved apprenticeship program in Oregon.
Official transcripts verifying 576 hours of classroom training and verification of 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience obtained outside of Oregon. Experience must include a breakdown of hours, showing a minimum of 1,000 hours in each category: residential, commercial, and industrial.
Verification of 16,000 hours of work experience obtained outside of Oregon, broken down into specific work categories.
Pass licensing exam: Pass an examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the division.
Apply for license: Required verification of work experience and proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Pay fee: $100.
Scope: Make any electrical installation under the supervision, direction, and control of a general supervising electrician, unless doing work that requires the direction of a limited supervising electrician or doing work requiring no supervision.
GENERAL SUPERVISING ELECTRICIAN (S)
Work experience: Meet one of the following requirements:
Be a licensed Oregon journeyman electrician and provide verification of an additional 8,000 hours of on-the-job journeyman experience.
Meet the qualifications to be licensed as an Oregon journeyman electrician and provide verification of an additional 8,000 hours of on-the-job journeyman experience.
Pass licensing exam: Pass an examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the division.
Apply for license: Required verification of work experience and proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Pay fee: $100.
Scope: Design, plan, and lay out work and sign all permits. The only individual authorized to direct, supervise, or control the installation or alteration of an electrical service.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Work experience: Complete at least 16 hours of pre-license training from an approved pre-license education provider.
Pass licensing exam: Pass exam administered by PSI.
Apply for license: Submit license application online to CCB.
Pay fee: $400.
Scope: An electrical contractor license is a specialized license allowing a company to engage in the business of making electrical installations. This license is in addition to the licensing and bonding required by the Construction Contractors Board.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Oregon
In addition to an Electrical Contractor license, there are 12 electrical licenses available in Oregon. They include:
General Supervising Electrician (S)
A General Supervising Electrician is the only individual authorized to direct, supervise, or control the installation or alteration of an electrical service. They design, plan, and lay out work and sign all permits.
Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME)
Specializes in maintaining and repairing existing electrical systems in commercial buildings, institutions, and operable plants, but cannot install new systems or work on services.
General Journeyman (J)
A fully qualified electrician who can perform all types of electrical installations under the supervision of a general supervising electrician.
Limited Residential Electrician (LR)
Permits electrical installations in one-, two-, and certain multifamily residential buildings (up to three stories) under supervision of a general supervising electrician.
Limited Supervising Electrician (PS)
Authorizes the licensee to design, plan, permit, and supervise electrical work in existing plants, hospitals, commercial buildings, and institutions for limited manufacturing and plant operations.
Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician (SIG)
Authorizes installation and servicing of electrical signs and outline lighting while working for a limited sign contractor.
Limited Journeyman Manufacturing Plant (PJ)
Allows installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of electrical wiring and equipment within an existing manufacturing or industrial plant owned or used by the employer.
Limited Journeyman Stage Electrician (ST)
Allows installation and maintenance of temporary electrical systems used for entertainment and production events such as stages, theaters, film sets, and festivals.
Limited Energy Technician Class A (LEA)
The most comprehensive limited energy license, allowing installation, alteration, and repair of all limited energy systems, including fire alarms, life safety systems, and protective signaling.
Limited Building Maintenance Electrician (BME)
Permits maintenance, repair, and replacement of basic electrical components (like fixtures, switches, and receptacles) in commercial or government buildings on systems not exceeding 300 volts to ground.
Limited Energy Technician Class B (LEB)
Authorizes work on limited energy systems that do not include protective signaling, such as data, communications, and control wiring.
Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT)
Allows installation of renewable energy systems such as solar and other alternative-energy technologies when working for a licensed contractor.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Oregon
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Oregon.
First and most important, it is required by law in Oregon 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 Oregon?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Oregon is $99,750 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 Oregon, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $61,500
Intermediate (2-4 years): $72,200
Senior (4-7 years): $77,800
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 Oregon?
The cost of a license varies in Oregon depending on the level. Here’s a breakdown:
General supervising electrician license: $100
Limited maintenance electrician: $100
General journeyman: $100
Limited residential electrician: $100
Limited supervising electrician: $100
Limited journeyman sign electrician: $50
Limited journeyman manufacturing plant: $100
Limited journeyman stage electrician: $50
Limited energy technician Class A: $50
Limited building maintenance electrician: $50
Limited energy technician Class B: $50
Limited renewable energy technician: $50
Electrical contractor: $400
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Oregon?
Earning a general journeyman electrician license requires 8,000 hours (four years) of full-time work experience, in addition to 576 hours of classroom instruction.
However, the State of Oregon also offers many types of specialty and limited electrician licenses. The time needed to obtain those varies.
You must maintain a general journeyman electrician license for at least four years before you are eligible to obtain a higher-level electrician license, like that of a supervising electrician.
Oregon Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Oregon.
You can complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the U.S. 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.
There are many community colleges, trade schools, technical and vocational schools to get the training you need to become an electrical professional in Oregon. They are located all over the state, including in bigger cities and smaller communities.
Some Oregon electrical schools include:
Portland Community College in Portland offers both a certificate program and an associate degree program in electrical and computer engineering.
Lane Community College in Eugene offers both electrician certificate and associate degree programs.
Tuition: Community College Review shows tuition at Oregon community colleges on average is $4,172 per year for in-state students and $6,738 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 Oregon, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Oregon: The Ultimate Guide.
Oregon Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Once your application is approved, the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) will mail a letter of authorization with exam instructions. Oregon offers testing locations throughout the state, and you'll receive your exam results in the mail within two weeks of taking the exam. You must score at least 75% to pass.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Oregon?
At each level you must complete a certain amount of training before being permitted to sit for the exam. This mix of apprenticeship, education, and on-the-job training will help prepare you for the examination.
A candidate sitting for an electrical license examination may use the following publications and materials:
National Electrical Code/NFPA-70 and errata with Oregon amendments
National Electrical Code Handbook
Oregon Revised Statutes chapter 479
Oregon Administrative Rules division 918
American Electrician’s Handbook
Electrical Black Book
Ugly’s Electrical – References
Ferm’s Fast Finder Index
Tom Henry’s Key Word Index
A silent, non-printing, non-programmable calculator
The journeyman electrician exam contains 52 questions you must answer within three hours. Test topics include:
Administrative Rules and Laws
National Electrical Code (NEC)
Practical Applications
Theory Formulas
Calculations
The master electrician exam, also known as the supervising electrician exam, contains 64 questions you must answer within four hours. Test topics are the same as the journeyman exam.
The CCB electrical contractor exam contains 80 multiple-choice questions on business practices and law. The test is administered by PSI Services. Study guides are available, although the exam is open-book. A passing score is at least 70%.
According to the CCB, the test is based on the Oregon version of the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Oregon?
The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) issues non-contracting licenses, while the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) issues contracting licenses.
Does My Oregon Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. Oregon offers general journeyman electrician reciprocity agreements with the states of Arkansas, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Oregon maintains general supervising electrician reciprocity agreements with Arkansas and Utah.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Oregon?
To qualify for reciprocal licensing, you must have an equivalent or higher license from a reciprocal state that is current and active with no violations or conditions attached within the past three years.
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 Oregon?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Oregon. They include:
VOLTA Scholarship: West Oregon Electric Cooperative (WOEC) offers a $4,000 scholarship to support individuals pursuing a career in electrical linework through the Vocational Outside Line Training Academy (VOLTA).
Area 1 Inside Electrical JATC Scholarship: Provides a full-ride, four-year scholarship covering tuition and books for eligible high school seniors in Clackamas, Multnomah, Hood River, Wasco, Washington, and Yamhill counties.
Salem Electric: Offers 10 $1,500 college scholarships each year to applicants of all ages who meet eligibility requirements.
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 Oregon?
Your electrician license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Oregon via the Building Codes Division license search or the Construction Contractors Board license search.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Oregon?
Suspending an electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Oregon 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 the use of drugs
Client fraud
Code violations
Electrical permit abuse
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Oregon electrician and electrical contractor license regulations you can refer to the Electric Codes and Standards.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Oregon?
Advertising or bidding on a job without a license incurs a $600 penalty, and $700 for the second offense. If you perform unlicensed work, you face a $1,000 penalty for the first offense, and $5,000 if the work causes damage. Hiring an unlicensed subcontractor incurs a $1,000 penalty. View more information about penalties on the Oregon Secretary of State website.
Continuing Education
Continuing education credits are required for license renewal in Oregon. Depending on the license type, you must take a mix of Oregon Rule and Law, Code Change, and Code-related courses. The BCD provides a full breakdown of the requirements on its oregon.gov website.
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.
