Licensing Guides
Rhode Island Electrical License: How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Rhode Island
Electrical, RI
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Rhode Island
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Rhode Island
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Rhode Island?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Rhode Island?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Rhode Island?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Rhode Island?
Does My Rhode Island Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Rhode Island?
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Rhode Island?
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Rhode Island?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 2,420 in Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island is projected at 15%, 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 Rhode Island in July 2025 totaled 22,400, an increase of 100 (0.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 2,000 or 10% 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 Rhode Island
Is a license required to work in the electrical trade in Rhode Island? Yes.
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Division of Professional Regulations Unit, located in Cranston, is responsible for issuing electrician licenses. Electricians must comply with local building codes and follow the National Electric Code (NEC).
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Rhode Island
There are different requirements for each level of licensing in the electrical field in Rhode Island. However, at every level, a license is required by law. For each you must:
Be at least 18 years old. Some license types require you to be 21.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Acquire the required education and work experience.
Pass the required exam.
Pay all applicable fees.
Apply for your license through the RI Department of Labor and Training Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit.
How to Become an Electrician in Rhode Island
To become a licensed electrician in Rhode Island, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age, and 21 for certain licenses.
Meet the educational/experience requirements
Pass the required exams.
Pay all applicable fees.
Submit completed application.
Below are the specifics for each license.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR (Class A)/ MASTER ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Requires at least 12,000 hours (six years) experience and to have held a Rhode Island Certificate B for two years.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the Board of Examiners of Electricians.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience and educational record. Must be notarized.
Pay fee: $240.
Limitations: Allows for contracting and supervising other electricians.
JOURNEYPERSON ELECTRICIAN (Class B)
Work experience: Journeyperson license requires four years of experience as a registered apprentice.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the Board of Examiners of Electricians.
Apply for license: Journeyman electrician license application includes questions about work experience and educational record. Must be notarized.
Pay fee: $72.
Limitations: Must work under a licensed contractor.
OIL BURNER CONTRACTOR (E)
Work experience: Requires applicant to have held Class F license for two years.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the Board of Examiners of Electricians.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience and educational record. Must be notarized.
Pay fee: $240.
Limitations: Contracts for burner electrical work; does not cover general electrician duties.
OIL BURNER JOURNEYPERSON (F)
Work experience: Requires four years of experience as a registered apprentice.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the Board of Examiners of Electricians.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience and educational record. Must be notarized.
Pay fee: $72.
Limitations: Must work under a licensed Oil Burner Contractor.
FIRE ALARM CONTRACTOR (AF)
Work experience: Must have two years of experience as a fire alarm installer.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the Board of Examiners of Electricians.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience and educational record. Must be notarized.
Pay fee: $240.
Limitations: Can contract and supervise fire alarm installers.
FIRE ALARM INSTALLER (BF)
Work experience: Requires four years of experience as a registered apprentice.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the Board of Examiners of Electricians.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience and educational record. Must be notarized.
Pay fee: $72.
Limitations: Work limited to fire alarm installation/maintenance. Must be supervised by a Fire Alarm Contractor.
ELECTRICAL SIGN CONTRACTOR (SCF)
Work experience: Must have two years of experience as an Electrical Sign Installer.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the Board of Examiners of Electricians.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience and educational record. Must be notarized.
Pay fee: $240.
Limitations: Contracts electrical sign work and can supervise sign installers.
ELECTRICAL SIGN INSTALLER (CF)
Work experience: Requires four years of experience as a registered apprentice.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the Board of Examiners of Electricians.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience and educational record. Must be notarized.
Pay fee: $72.
Limitations: Must be supervised by an Electrical Sign Contractor.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers several classifications of electrician licenses based on training and experience. They include:
Electrical Contractor (A)/ Master Electrician
An Electrical Contractor (A) is a Master Electrician who operates or represents a business and is legally authorized to contract for electrical work. This license allows the holder to employ and supervise journeypersons and apprentices and take full responsibility for electrical installations.
Journeyperson Electrician (B)
A Journeyperson Electrician is qualified to install, alter, and repair electrical wiring, systems, and equipment under the supervision of a licensed Electrical Contractor or Master Electrician. This license demonstrates competency in electrical work, but does not allow the holder to contract independently or run an electrical business.
Oil Burner Contractor (E)
An Oil Burner Contractor is authorized to contract for and supervise electrical work related specifically to oil-burning equipment and systems, such as burners and related controls. This license is limited in scope and does not permit general electrical contracting outside of oil burner systems.
Oil Burner Journeyperson (F)
An Oil Burner Journeyperson is qualified to install, service, and maintain the electrical components of oil-burning equipment while working under an Oil Burner Contractor. This license is restricted to burner-related electrical work only.
Fire Alarm Contractor (AF)
A Fire Alarm Contractor is authorized to contract for, install, alter, and maintain fire alarm systems. This license allows the holder to operate a business that specializes in fire alarm work and to supervise Fire Alarm Installers. It does not cover general electrical work beyond fire alarm systems.
Fire Alarm Installer (BF)
A Fire Alarm Installer is qualified to install, service, and maintain fire alarm systems while working under a licensed Fire Alarm Contractor. This license is limited to fire alarm systems and does not permit independent contracting.
Electrical Sign Contractor (SCF)
An Electrical Sign Contractor is authorized to contract for and supervise the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrically powered signs and related wiring. This license is limited to sign work and does not include general electrical contracting.
Electrical Sign Installer (CF)
An Electrical Sign Installer is qualified to install and maintain electrical signs and their wiring under the supervision of an Electrical Sign Contractor. This license is restricted solely to electrical sign systems and related components.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Rhode Island
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Rhode Island.
First and most important, it is required by law in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Rhode Island is $74,150 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 Rhode Island, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $60,900
Intermediate (2-4 years): $71,500
Senior (4-7 years): $77,000
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 Rhode Island?
The cost of a license in Rhode Island varies depending on the level. The fees for each are listed on the Division of Professional Regulation’s website.
Electrical Contractor (A)/ Master Electrician: $240 license fee | $75 application fee
Journeyperson Electrician (B): $72 license fee | $75 application fee
Oil Burner Contractor (E): $240 license fee | $75 application fee
Oil Burner Journeyperson (F): $72 license fee | $75 application fee
Fire Alarm Contractor (AF): $240 license fee | $75 application fee
Fire Alarm Installer (BF): $72 license fee | $75 application fee
Electrical Sign Contractor (SCF): $240 license fee | $75 application fee
Electrical Sign Installer (CF): $72 license fee | $75 application fee
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Rhode Island?
Obtaining an electrician license in Rhode Island takes a minimum of four years of hands-on experience combined with at least 576 hours of classroom instruction. Electrical contractors in Rhode Island need six years of experience, with at least two years serving as a licensed journeyman electrician.
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.
Rhode Island Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Rhode Island.
Electrician Apprenticeship Programs
Aspiring electrical apprentices are responsible for securing employment as an apprentice on their own, but may find resources through the Rhode Island Apprenticeship Program and their partnership with Apprenticeship Rhode Island. Becoming a registered apprentice is a proven path to gaining the paid training you need to increase your skill levels and wages.
In Rhode Island, local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union chapters partner with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to offer apprenticeships through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) offices.
Trade associations like the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC) and Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) provide non-union apprenticeships. The Rhode Island Construction Training Academy also places apprentices with local non-unionized employers.
Rhode Island Trade Schools
Many community colleges, trade schools, and technical and vocational schools offer the necessary training to become an electrical professional in Rhode Island. You can find training opportunities all over the state, including in bigger cities and smaller communities. Options include:
New England Institute of Technology, East Greenwich
Providence Career & Technical Academy, Providence
Community College of Rhode Island, Pawtucket
Tuition: If you decide to attend a community college or trade school, you can expect to pay $3,950 per year for in-state tuition or $10,582 for out-of-state tuition, according to Community College Review.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
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 Rhode Island, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Rhode Island: The Ultimate Guide.
Rhode Island Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Rhode Island requires an examination for most electrician license classifications. All exams are administered by the Rhode Island Board of Examiners of Electricians, and applicants must be approved by the Board before they are allowed to sit for an exam. Approval is based on meeting the required education and work experience for the specific license type.
Journeyperson Electrician (B) Exam candidates must:
Have completed an approved apprenticeship program, typically including about 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and related classroom instruction, OR
Provide documented electrical work experience that the Board finds equivalent to an apprenticeship. Applicants must submit notarized proof of experience before being approved to test.
Electrical Contractor (A) / Master Electrician Exam candidates must:
Hold a valid Rhode Island Journeyperson (B) license, and
Have at least two years of experience working as a licensed Journeyperson, and
Document a total of approximately 12,000 hours (six years) of electrical experience.
This exam focuses on advanced electrical theory, code knowledge, supervision, and contracting responsibilities.
Specialty License Exam candidates (Oil Burner, Fire Alarm, Electrical Sign, etc.) must:
Demonstrate experience related specifically to the specialty field, and
Receive board approval to take the appropriate specialty examination.
These include:
Oil Burner Contractor (E)
Oil Burner Journeyperson (F)
Fire Alarm Contractor (AF)
Fire Alarm Installer (BF)
Electrical Sign Contractor (SCF)
Electrical Sign Installer (CF)
Each specialty exam is limited in scope to the work authorized by that license type.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Rhode Island?
All Rhode Island electrician exams are based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) and applicable state regulations. A passing score is typically 70% or higher. Exams increase in difficulty and length as license level increases. Topics generally include:
General electrical knowledge
Wiring and protection
Wiring methods and materials
Electrical system equipment for general use
Special occupancies
Special equipment
Special conditions
Fire alarm systems (for AF/BF)
Sign systems (for SCF/CF)
Burner systems (for E/F)
Photovoltaics
Exact question counts and time limits vary by license type, but higher-level exams contain more questions and longer testing periods.
At every level, applicants must complete the required training and experience before being approved to sit for the exam. For Journeyperson and Master Electrician licenses, this usually means completing a formal apprenticeship and gaining several years of documented field experience. Your training will prepare you for the exams.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Division of Professional Regulations Unit (DLT) issues electrician licenses.
Does My Rhode Island Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Some states may allow you to skip the examination if the training you received in Rhode Island is equal to or greater than the training requirements in the other state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island does not offer reciprocity with any other states. However, you may submit an active out-of-state license with a notarized letter from your previous employer to take the place of Rhode Island's educational requirements.
There is a “Request Reciprocal Recognition” process for apprentices registered in other states to perform on-the-job learning in Rhode Island, but this is specific to apprenticeship registration rather than full licensing reciprocity.
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 Rhode Island?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Rhode Island. Options include:
Roger Williams University (RWU) Extension School: Offers the Don P. and Elaine M. Hayden Scholarships, which provide financial support for students in the Electrical Apprenticeship Program (EAP). This program is backed by a recent $150,000 grant.
ACEC-RI Academic Scholarships: The American Council of Engineering Companies of Rhode Island offers scholarships up to $2,500 for students in engineering or related technical fields.
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 Rhode Island?
Your electrician license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Rhode Island through the Division of Professional Regulation’s online search. Users can search by license number, company name, first name, last name, city, state, and phone number.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Rhode Island?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island electrician and electrical contractor license regulations, you can refer to the Board of Examiners of Electricians Rules and Regulations.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Rhode Island?
Unlicensed electrical work in Rhode Island carries penalties including up to $5,000 in fines, potential imprisonment for up to two years for violating contractor registration laws, and potential misdemeanor charges for violating Contractor Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) orders. Substandard work can result in significant court-ordered restitution.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Rhode Island electrician and electrical contractor license regulations, you can refer to the Board of Examiners of Electricians Rules and Regulations.
Continuing Education
Rhode Island requires 15 hours of continuing education for every two-year cycle of licensing for both journeyman and contractor (master) electricians. You must receive that continuing education from an approved provider prior to license renewal.
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.
