RHODE-ISLAND · electrician
Electrical Journeyperson (Class B)
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Examiners of Electricians →Scope of Work
A Rhode Island Electrical Journeyperson (Class B) is authorized to perform electrical installations under the supervision and direction of an Electrical Contractor (Class A). The credential does not authorize contracting for electrical work in the Journeyperson's own name; that requires an Electrical Contractor (Master) license. The Board of Examiners of Electricians sits within the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT), Division of Professional Regulation, under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-6. Source: RI DLT Electricians Licensing (https://www.ri.gov/Licensing/renewal/license.php?lic_id=65) and RI DLT Professional Regulation (https://dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/professional-regulation).
Experience and Training
Standard pathway: 4 years (approximately 8,000 hours) of documented on-the-job experience in the electrical trade, plus 576 hours of related classroom instruction approved by the Department of Labor and Training. Apprentice registration through the DLT Apprenticeship Program is a prerequisite to counting hours. Source: RI DLT Apprenticeship (https://dlt.ri.gov/workforce-development-services/apprenticeship).
Exam
Administered by the Board's designated exam provider. A score of 70% is required to pass. Content covers the National Electrical Code edition currently adopted in Rhode Island (State Building Code SBC-5 Electrical Code), R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-6, and Board rules. Source: Rhode Island State Building Code Commission (https://www.sbc.ri.gov/).
Fees
Journeyperson license fee is $72 with a $72 renewal fee every 2 years, as published on the RI DLT renewal page. Verify current fees before applying. Source: RI DLT Electricians License Renewal (https://www.ri.gov/Licensing/renewal/license.php?lic_id=65).
Renewal and CE
2-year renewal cycle. Licensees must complete 15 hours of Board-approved continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle, per R.I. DLT rules on Mandatory Continuing Education for Electricians. CE must be obtained from an approved provider and documented at renewal. Source: RI DLT Electricians License Renewal (https://www.ri.gov/Licensing/renewal/license.php?lic_id=65).
Reciprocity
The Board maintains limited reciprocity on a case-by-case basis. Applicants licensed in another state by examination should submit a license-verification letter from the originating board and confirm current terms with the Division of Professional Regulation. Source: RI DLT Professional Regulation (https://dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/professional-regulation).
Union and Non-Union Pathway
Rhode Island apprenticeship is registered through the RI DLT Apprenticeship Division. IBEW Local 99 (Providence) operates a joint apprenticeship with the Greater Rhode Island Chapter of NECA; non-union pathways run through ABC Rhode Island and IEC of New England programs. Community College of Rhode Island provides related-instruction hours. Presented neutrally; verify current intake with each program.
Scope Limitations
A Journeyperson may not contract for electrical work in the Journeyperson's own name, pull electrical permits as the responsible party, or supervise electricians outside the employer's Class A Contractor of record. An Electrical Contractor (Class A) license requires 6 years of experience, at least 2 years holding a valid Rhode Island Journeyperson license, passage of the Class A exam, and Board approval. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws §5-6.