Electrician Licensing

Pennsylvania electrician license:
Everything you need to know

Pennsylvania has a lot to offer to a budding electrician. The state is constantly expanding, and with every new construction project, there is a need for skilled electricians to perform custom wiring projects.

 

Licensed electricians in Pennsylvania benefit from the growing electrical industry. Not only do they earn generous salaries, they provide services that are valued in their communities. If you would like to be a part of this industry, apply for a Pennsylvania electrical license.

You can  perform electrical work for school systems, large corporations, churches, small businesses, and residential properties. Read this Pennsylvania electrical license guide to learn about licensing and job requirements.

Does Pennsylvania require an electrical license?

Pennsylvania requires all electricians to have a license to perform commercial and residential electrical work.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Pennsylvania?

The different types of electrical licenses in Pennsylvania are electrician apprentice license, journeyman electrician, and electrical contractor.

Pennsylvania electrician apprentices install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in commercial and residential properties. Electrician apprentices are supervised by journeyman electricians and electrical contractors. Applicants for the electrician apprentice license must:

  • Enroll in a Pennsylvania apprenticeship program
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Pass a high school algebra course
  • Register as an apprentice electrician
  • Pass a general aptitude test

Pennsylvania journeyman electricians alter, repair, and install any equipment that uses electrical energy. They supervise the work of electrician apprentices. Applicants for the journeyman electrician license must:

  • Have at least 4 years of experience as an electrician apprentice
  • Complete a Pennsylvania apprenticeship program
  • Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED
  • Take a journeyman examination
  • Submit an application

Pennsylvania electrical contractors supervise journeyman and apprentice electricians. They maintain, install, repair, and alter wires, fixtures, conduits, and electrical equipment. Applicants must:

  • Have a valid journeyman electrician license
  • Work as a journeyman electrician for at least two years
  • Have general liability insurance and workers compensation
  • Pass the electrical contractor examination

Electrical licenses are not administered at the state level. License application fees may vary. Contact the electrical licensing board in your area to apply for a Pennsylvania electrical license. The average hourly pay for Pennsylvania electricians is $21.61.

How to get an electrician license in Pennsylvania

Enroll in a Pennsylvania apprenticeship program. Complete an application for an electrician apprentice license. Then, you will work as an apprentice for a minimum of four years. After your apprenticeship, take a journeyman examination and apply for a journeyman license. Work as a journeyman for two years, and then submit an application for an electrical contractor’s license.

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs

Pennsylvania apprenticeship programs provide training, electrical work experience, and the opportunity to earn a salary. Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by utility companies, government agencies, and electrician unions. Program costs depend on the guidelines of each program. Tuition costs for electrician trade schools can be as much as $10,000. Financial aid is available at accredited trade schools.

Apprenticeship Program Prerequisites

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Be physically capable of performing electrician work
  • Have a clean driving record

On-the-Job Experience:

  • Provide support to electrician supervisors
  • Operate a company vehicle
  • Assist with the installation and maintenance of electrical systems
  • Ensure electrical systems are working properly

Pennsylvania Electrical License Information: Each municipality has different exam requirements and fees. The passing score for electrician examinations is 70%. Exams are administered by local Pennsylvania licensing boards.

Pennsylvania Electrician Examination Content

  • General Knowledge
  • Feeders
  • Services and Service Equipment
  • Wiring Methods and Materials
  • Control Devices
  • Motors and Generators
  • Branch Circuits and Conductors

Examination Study Resources

Should I join an electrician union in Pennsylvania?

Union membership is costly. Expect to pay between $150 and $300 per month for union dues. This money is deducted from union members’ paychecks. However, union members receive more job benefits than non-union electricians. Benefits include paid vacations, pension plans, and health insurance.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

An effective job search requires you to take consistent action. From job searches to interviews, you must be prepared for each step. Here are a few tips to help you get an electrician job in Pennsylvania:

Where to Find Electrician Jobs

Job Search Tips

  • Send cold emails to electrical industry hiring managers
  • Sign up with a recruitment agency
  • Meet people in the electrical industry

Helpful Electrician Job Interview Tips

  • Speak up and listen carefully
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview
  • Wear professional clothing

Electrician insurance in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania electricians risk their safety when working with electricity. Job hazards include electrical fires, extreme weather conditions, and electrical shock.

Electrical companies and electricians must be insured at all times. They must have general liability insurance that protects against bodily harm and property damage.

The home remodeling industry is booming. Instead of building new homes, many homeowners opt to remodel their existing homes. They hire electricians to install new lighting fixtures and rewire their homes.

Power grid lines are vulnerable to cyber attacks. Companies count on electricians to reconfigure the grid lines to prevent cybersecurity threats.

Technology companies develop electrical tools to decrease the number of on-the-job injuries for electricians. Learn about the latest electrical tools and technology by attending electrical trade shows.

Is my license only valid in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania does not have reciprocity agreements with other states.

To change your name, replace your card, or change your address, contact your local Electrician Licensing board.

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

Pennsylvania licenses generally expire a year after they are issued. Renewal fees depend on the requirements of the local licensing boards.