SOUTH-DAKOTA · electrician
Journeyman Electrician
South Dakota Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation)Scope
South Dakota licenses electricians at the state level through the South Dakota Electrical Commission, within the Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR), under South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) Chapter 36-16 (Electricians). The commission issues Apprentice, Residential Electrician, Journeyman, Master, Contractor, Inactive, and Electrical Inspector licenses. Source: SD Electrical Commission (https://dlr.sd.gov/bdcomm/electrical/default.aspx) and SD Electrical Commission Licensing (https://dlr.sd.gov/bdcomm/electrical/licensing.aspx).
Experience
A Journeyman Electrician applicant must document 8,000 hours (approximately four years) of practical electrical experience as a registered apprentice under the supervision of a licensed South Dakota Master or Journeyman Electrician. Hours are counted through the commission's apprentice registration program. Source: SDCL 36-16-10.
Education
Applicants must complete the classroom instruction in electrical theory and code required by the commission's apprentice program, typically delivered through a South Dakota-approved apprenticeship such as IEC Dakotas, the IBEW-NECA JATC, or a South Dakota technical college electrical program (for example, Lake Area Technical College or Mitchell Technical College).
Exam
Administered by the commission or a contracted vendor listed on the commission's licensing page. The exam is based on the National Electrical Code edition currently adopted by South Dakota plus South Dakota-specific law and rule under SDCL 36-16 and the Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) 20:43. Verify current passing score and exam fees on the commission's licensing page before applying.
Reciprocity
South Dakota has electrical reciprocity agreements with several neighboring states under SDCL 36-16-22 and commission rule. Historical reciprocal states have included North Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming, Minnesota, and Iowa, subject to current commission policy and equivalent licensing. Verify the current reciprocity list on the commission's licensing page before relying.
Renewal and CE
South Dakota electrician licenses renew annually under SDCL 36-16-21. Journeyman and Master Electricians must complete approved continuing education each renewal, including a National Electrical Code update course, per ARSD 20:43. Verify the current CE structure on the SD Electrical Commission Continuing Education page (https://dlr.sd.gov/bdcomm/electrical/continuing_education.aspx) before each renewal.
Background Check
The commission may require background checks for new applicants under SDCL 36-16 and rule.
Scope Limits
A Journeyman Electrician performs installation, maintenance, and repair under the supervision of a Master Electrician. The journeyman cannot pull permits in the journeyman's own name; permits are pulled by a licensed Electrical Contractor.
Reciprocity
Accepts from: north-dakota, montana, nebraska, wyoming, minnesota, iowa
Verified Apr 25, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with South Dakota Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation) before acting