NEW-JERSEY · electrician
Electrical Contractor
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors →Scope of Work
New Jersey's electrical licensing framework differs from most states. There is no separate state Journeyman Electrician license for purposes of contracting; New Jersey licenses Electrical Contractors (the credential that authorizes contracting and permitting) and registers Journeyman Electricians through a related registration process. The Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, within the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, administers licensure under N.J.S.A. 45:5A-1 et seq. Source: NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/elec).
Experience and Training
Standard pathway: at least 5 years (approximately 10,000 hours at 2,000 hours per year) of practical electrical-construction and installation experience immediately preceding application, under the supervision of a licensed New Jersey Electrical Contractor. One year of practical hands-on experience is defined as 2,000 hours. Alternative pathways include: completion of a U.S. Department of Labor-registered 4-year electrical apprenticeship plus at least 1 year (2,000 hours) of practical journeyman experience; or a Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering plus 2 years of practical experience in electrical construction. Source: NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors — Application Process Overview (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Documents/licenseprocess/Electrical-Application-Process-Overview.pdf).
Exam
Administered by the Board's designated exam vendor. Content covers the National Electrical Code edition currently adopted in New Jersey, N.J.S.A. 45:5A, and Board rules at N.J.A.C. 13:31. A passing score is published in the current Candidate Information Bulletin. Source: NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/elec).
Journeyman Electrician Registration
Under 2018 revisions to New Jersey electrical licensing law, journeyman electricians must register with the Board if they work for a licensed New Jersey Electrical Contractor. Registration is separate from the Electrical Contractor license and does not authorize independent contracting or permitting. Source: NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors FAQ (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/elec/Pages/FAQ.aspx).
Fees and Renewal
Verify current application, examination, initial license, and renewal fees on the Board's licensing page. Renewal cycle is set by Board rule.
Reciprocity
New Jersey reviews reciprocal Electrical Contractor licensure on a case-by-case basis. Applicants licensed in another state should submit a license-verification letter from the originating board and confirm current terms with the Board. Source: NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/elec).
Union and Non-Union Pathway
New Jersey apprenticeships are registered through the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. IBEW Local 102 (Paramus), Local 269 (Trenton), Local 351 (Folsom), and Local 456 (New Brunswick) operate joint apprenticeships with NECA; non-union pathways run through ABC New Jersey, IEC of the Atlantic Region, and the New Jersey Independent Electrical Contractors programs. New Jersey county vocational and technical schools provide related instruction. Presented neutrally; verify current intake with each program.
Scope Limitations
Only a licensed Electrical Contractor may pull electrical permits and contract for electrical work in New Jersey. A registered journeyman works under a licensed Electrical Contractor. Out-of-state licensees have no automatic authority in New Jersey; they must qualify and test through the Board.