KENTUCKY · electrician
Master Electrician
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Electrical Licensing Division →Scope of work
Kentucky issues three statewide electrical credentials under KRS 227A and 815 KAR Chapter 35: Master Electrician, Electrical Contractor (a Master who holds a business license and insurance), and Journeyman Electrician. Apprentices work under a licensed electrician. The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) Electrical Division administers the licenses. Source: KY DHBC (https://dhbc.ky.gov/); 815 KAR 35 (https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/815/).
Experience and training
A Master Electrician must have a minimum of 8 years (96 months, approximately 16,640 hours) of full-time electrical work experience. The applicant must hold a valid Kentucky Journeyman Electrician license for at least 2 years before sitting for the Master exam. Applicants document experience on DHBC affidavits signed by supervising electricians or employers. Source: KY DHBC Application Checklists (https://dhbc.ky.gov/Documents/KHBC_%20Application%20Checklists.pdf); 815 KAR 35 (https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/815/).
Exam
Administered by PSI Services (computer-based; the DHBC has historically used multiple providers, so verify current provider before scheduling). The Master Electrician exam is scored against a cut score of 75 percent. Exam fee is $80. Source: KY DHBC Testing (https://dhbc.ky.gov/Documents/KHBC_PROV_Testing.pdf).
Fees
Annual master renewal fee is $100. Verify current application and exam fees on the DHBC page before remitting. Source: KY DHBC (https://dhbc.ky.gov/).
Renewal and CE
Annual renewal by the last day of the licensee's birth month. Each category requires 6 hours of continuing education per year. The current CE requirement applies to masters and journeymen. Source: KY DHBC (https://dhbc.ky.gov/); 815 KAR 35.
Reciprocity
Kentucky has historically recognized reciprocity with certain neighboring states on a case-by-case basis. Out-of-state applicants submit documentation of licensure and experience to DHBC for review. Verify current reciprocity list with DHBC before applying. Source: KY DHBC (https://dhbc.ky.gov/).
Municipal layer
Some Kentucky cities and counties maintain additional registration or permit-pull rules. The state license is the underlying authorization to perform work; local permits are still required.