MARYLAND · electrician
Master Electrician
Maryland Department of Labor — State Board of Master Electricians, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing →Scope of Work
A Maryland Master Electrician is authorized to contract for and perform electrical services for all types of electrical equipment and to pull electrical permits statewide. Maryland licenses Master Electricians at the state level under Md. Code Ann., Business Occupations and Professions §6-301 et seq.; lower tiers (Journeyman, Apprentice) are typically regulated at the county or municipal level rather than by the State Board. Source: Maryland State Board of Master Electricians (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/elec/) and License Requirements (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/elec/elecreq.shtml).
Experience and Training
Applicants must have been engaged or employed regularly and principally in providing electrical services for all types of electrical equipment and apparatus for at least 7 years under the direction and supervision of a Master Electrician or similarly qualified employee of a governmental unit (approximately 14,000 hours at 2,000 hours per year). The State Board may allow up to 3 years of credit toward the experience requirement for completion of a formal electrical course of study or professional training comparable to the required experience. Source: Maryland State Board License Requirements (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/elec/elecreq.shtml).
Exam
Administered by the Board's designated exam vendor. A score of at least 70% is required to pass. Content covers the National Electrical Code edition currently adopted in Maryland, Maryland electrical statutes, and Board rules at COMAR 09.12.29. Source: Maryland State Board of Master Electricians (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/elec/).
Fees and Renewal
Application fee is $20. License is valid for 2 years; renewal requires 10 hours of continuing education (up to 5 of which may be taken online). Source: Maryland OneStop Master Electrician's License (https://onestop.md.gov/licenses/master-electricians-license-5d15409c54f24d03e9997b3f).
Reciprocity
Maryland maintains reciprocal licensing agreements with Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia. Applicants licensed as Master Electrician in those states, who meet Maryland's other minimum qualifications, are not required to take the Maryland exam. Source: Maryland State Board License Requirements (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/elec/elecreq.shtml).
Union and Non-Union Pathway
Maryland apprenticeships are registered through the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, Maryland Department of Labor. IBEW Local 24 (Baltimore/Washington area), Local 26 (DC metro), and Local 70 (Eastern Shore) operate joint apprenticeships with NECA; non-union pathways run through ABC Greater Baltimore, ABC Chesapeake Shores, and IEC Chesapeake. Baltimore City Community College, Community College of Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel Community College provide related instruction. Presented neutrally; verify current intake with each program.
County and Municipal Lower Tiers
While Maryland licenses Master Electricians at the state level, Journeyman and Apprentice electricians are typically regulated at the county or municipal level. Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and many other jurisdictions operate local electrician licensing boards. Before working, verify whether the county or municipality where the job is located requires additional local licensing.
Scope Limitations
Only a licensed Maryland Master Electrician (or a firm employing one as Master of record) may contract for electrical work and pull electrical permits for state-level work. Local Journeyman licensing is in addition to and not a replacement for the Master license.
Reciprocity
Accepts from: delaware, virginia, west_virginia