North Dakota Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

North Dakota is rich in spacious landscapes and history, but finding a steady job in a rural state can be tough. Thankfully, there is always plenty of work for electricians, especially in areas of development like the oil fields and other natural resource development areas. Electricians are necessary for every aspect of life in NoDak, from cities like Fargo and Bismarck to the rural prairie.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, electrician job growth is expected to increase by 11% across the country. In North Dakota, the outlook for electricians is even brighter: Over the next decade, job growth is estimated to increase by around 16%.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know to get your North Dakota electrical license, and includes the links you need for electrician training, licensing, and job searches. Let’s explore the licensing requirements and industry trends.

Does North Dakota require an electrical license?

To work in the state, you need a North Dakota electrical license issued by the North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB).

What are the different types of electrical licenses in North Dakota?

North Dakota issues several types of electrician licenses, and within those license types, there are a few sub-types:

• Class B Electrician: Must have at least 3,000 hours of experience under the supervision of a Class B or Master electrician. Only residential experience can fulfill this requirement; commercial wiring experience does not apply toward your Class B license requirements. You can also complete a two-year electrical school program (trade school, apprenticeship, associates’ degree from community college).
• Journeyman Electrician: Requires at least 8,00 hours of experience as a registered apprentice electrician, which must be completed in less than three years and completed under the supervision of a Master of Record or Licensed Contracting Master electrician.
• Master Electrician: This position requires at least 2,000 hours of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician, completed under the supervision of a Master of Record or a Contracting Master electrician.

North Dakota issues three types of Master Electrician licenses:

• Master of Record Electrician: Only permitted to work on property owned or leased by the organization for which they’re employed.
• Contracting Master Electrician: Permitted to work on any commercial or residential property
• Non-Contracting Master Electrician: This person may only complete work under the supervision of a licensed Master of Record or Contracting Master electrician.

If you’re interested in owning your own electrician business, then a contractor license is required. An Independent Electrical Contractor must meet all the criteria of a licensed Master Electrician. Once their application is approved, they can open their own contracting business and bud on government jobs.

• Power-Limited Electrician: Power-limited electricians must first register as an apprentice, then complete 6,000 hours of field experience supervised by a Master of Record, Contracting Master, Power Limited Electrician or Record, or Contracting Power-Limited Electrician. This experience must be completed within 2.5 years.

There are three license classifications for power-limited electricians in North Dakota:

• Power-Limited Electrician of Record: These electricians may only work on the property leased or owned by the organization that employs them.
• Contracting Power-Limited Electrician: Permitted to work on any property in North Dakota.
• Non-Contracting Power-Limited Electrician: May work on commercial or residential properties under the supervision of a licensed Master of Record, Contracting Master, Power-Limited Electrician of Record, or Contracting Power-Limited Electrician.

How to get an electrician license in North Dakota

The first step to becoming a North Dakota electrician is gaining the necessary experience to become a journeyman. To qualify for a journeyman license, you must accrue 8,000 hours of work experience as a registered apprentice in no less than three years. A two-year degree from a technical college or trade school can count towards 2,000 hours of this requirement.

Apprenticeships are available at unions throughout the state, including those offered by the International Brotherhood of Electrician Workers (IBEW). As an apprentice, you will learn electrical code, electrical theory, wiring, motor controls, and OSHA regulations. You will gain massive hands-on experience in the field. In fact, most apprentices do exactly the same work as journeyman electricians, just with more supervision. You will need to renew your apprentice registration each year.

Trade schools help you network in the industry and familiarize yourself with electrical concepts in a safe, controlled environment. Some of the best schools for electricians in the state are:

• North Dakota State College of Science
• Bismarck State College
• University of North Dakota

Contact the schools to learn about financial aid opportunities. After completing your apprenticeship, complete this journeyman license exam application form and take the journeyman licensure exam.

The Electrical Board will help you schedule the exam. You must answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass. You can find study materials and practice tests here and here.

To qualify for any master electrician license, you must accrue 2,000 hours of work experience as a journeyman and pass the appropriate exam. Practice exams and study materials can be found here and here.

Professional certifications for North Dakota electricians

An electrician’s license is required to work independently, handle government projects, or start a business. However, additional certifications can enhance your career and open new doors. While optional, these nationally recognized credentials showcase your expertise in specialized electrical work. They help you stand out, strengthen your professional reputation, and create new advancement opportunities in a competitive industry.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides certifications for electricians specializing in fire suppression, security alarms, and related systems. These credentials validate your expertise and strengthen your professional reputation. With multiple certification options available, the NFPA supports electricians at different career stages and experience levels.

In addition to certifications, the NFPA offers continuing education to keep electricians updated on industry standards, new technologies, and safety regulations. The organization also plays a crucial role in developing, maintaining, and updating the National Electric Code (NEC), ensuring it aligns with evolving industry needs and regulatory requirements.

NECA professional certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the top organization for professional electricians in the U.S. Open to all electricians, NECA offers networking, continuing education, and certifications for different career stages. These credentials validate your expertise, making you more appealing to employers and clients while strengthening your credibility. As a trusted industry leader, NECA provides essential resources to help electricians advance their careers and remain competitive in the ever-evolving electrical industry.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is a national trade association representing merit shop electricians and contractors. It provides education, training, and certifications to help electricians grow in their careers.

The IEC Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation recognizes top electricians nationwide and is accepted in every state. For those not yet ready for CPE, IEC offers various other certifications, including specialized options for niche fields.

As a leading merit shop association, IEC supports electricians with continuing education and apprenticeships to stay current with industry advancements. IEC is a strong alternative for foundational electrical training if you’re not pursuing a union apprenticeship or trade school.

Average wages for electrical professionals in North Dakota

How much do electricians earn? Your salary is influenced by experience, training, and education. Wages vary by role, with different positions offering different pay. In North Dakota, salaries for commonly advertised electrician jobs reflect these factors, ranging based on skill level and job type.

Here are some of the most frequently advertised electrician jobs in North Dakota, covering all experience levels, along with their average wages.

• Apprentice electrician: $26.52 per hour
• Electrical technician: $31.75 per hour
• General electrician: $68,367 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $42.41 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $30.83 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $88,269 per year

North Dakota electrician salaries, when compared to the national average for different positions, can vary widely. Entry-level electricians, like an apprentice or electrical tech, make $26.52 per hour and $31.75 per hour in ND, compared to the national averages of $22.05 per hour and $29.09 per hour, respectively. However, electrical project managers in ND make significantly less than the national average for this position, $109,923 per year.

Should I join an electrician’s union in North Dakota?

Unions offer benefits to their members to improve their careers. The Dakotas Area Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Fund offers apprenticeships and entry-level jobs to journeyman electricians with competitive pay, safe working conditions, and medical coverage. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offers the same benefits to all levels of electricians.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

To find a job using your North Dakota electrical license, review job boards at your local union or your alma mater. These organizations keep track of all of the contractors in the area. Most trade schools, community colleges, and universities have a career training department to help electricians.

You can also check out online postings for electrician jobs on sites like Indeed or Career Builder. If you’re interested in government work, the state of North Dakota posts open electrical jobs on its website.

At an interview, your interviewers may ask about your level of licensure, the depth of your training, and your areas of expertise. They will want to know examples of your work ethic and skill level, and some employers may even ask for a demonstration of your practical abilities, so be sure to bring your tools.

Electrician insurance in North Dakota

All contracting master electricians and class B electricians in North Dakota must carry general liability insurance. Contracting master electricians need to maintain at least $500,000 of coverage, and class B electricians need to maintain at least $250,000 of coverage.

If you are a contractor with more employees than just yourself, then you must also have proper North Dakota Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage.

Electrician industry trends

North Dakota’s net interstate flow of electricity is equal to its natural gas and distillate fuel oil consumption combined. Plus, wind-generated energy makes up 27% of the state’s renewable energy production, creating many jobs for electricians skilled in alternative forms of energy. With the entire nation shifting towards alternative energy, tradesmen have more opportunities to earn better job security. You can keep up with all of the new industry trends by attending the nation’s many electrical trade shows.

FAQ

Is my license only valid in North Dakota?

• Class B licenses are only valid in North Dakota.
• Master electrician licenses have reciprocity in South Dakota and Minnesota.
• Journeyman electrician licenses have reciprocity in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Utah, and Wyoming.

How can I get a duplicate electrician license?

If you misplace your license and need a duplicate, contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in North Dakota?

Your North Dakota electrical license must be renewed every year. You must renew your license every year by January 31 and pay a $10 renewal fee. Please see the requirements for licensing renewals here. The renewal fee costs $25, and your license must be renewed by March 31 of each year.

Class B electrician licenses can be renewed either with the contracting master renewal form or the non-contracting master renewal form. For these classifications, renewal is due by April 30 of each year. There is a $40 renewal fee for class B electrician licenses, and there is a $50 renewal fee for both contracting and non-contracting master electrician licenses.