Electrical Contractors in the Commonwealth of Kentucky are required to hold a license before performing work on electrical projects. Licenses are issued by the Electrical Division of the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. The Electrical Division protects the safety and well-being of the public in Kentucky by ensuring that all electrical work is provided by licensed, qualified individuals and businesses.
As part of the licensing process, contractors are required to prove a number of years of work experience and/or training, and pass a qualifying exam.
License Classifications for Electrical Contractors in Kentucky
The Electrical Division of the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction offers the following license classifications to electrical contractors:
- Electrical Contractor License- for anyone owning or operating a business that offers to contract with the public to perform work on electrical projects. All electrical contractors must hire at least one Master Electrician for their business to oversee all work.
- Master Electrician License- allows contractors to oversee, supervise and perform work on electrical projects. Master Electricians act as the responsible party to oversee the work of all licensed Electrical Contractors.
- Electrician License- allows contractors to work independently and unsupervised to perform work on electrical projects. Electricians are also able to supervise electrical projects.
*Only licensed Electrical Contractors may work on projects that require electrical permits. Sole Proprietors who want to work independently are required to obtain both an Electrician License and Electrical Contractor License.
For more information about the license classifications offered, please visit the Department’s website.
Process to Obtain an Electrical Contractor License in Kentucky
- Contractors are required to meet the minimum work experience/training requirement for their chosen license classification.
- Contractors are required to take and pass an exam through the International Code Council (ICC) or an equivalent testing provider/agency or national code group.
- Contracting businesses are required to obtain the proper forms of insurance, including general liability and worker’s compensation.
- Contractors are required to complete and submit an application to the Electrical Division along with all the required documents and fees.
- Upon renewal all contractors must attend continuing education courses.
Work Experience Requirement
Contractors must meet the Division’s requirement for work experience/training, based on the license classification that they choose. The following license classes have a work experience requirement:
- Master Electrician License- must prove at least 8 years of work experience in the electrical industry. The Division also accepts 6 years of work experience with the completion of a 576-hour approved electrical-related training course.
- Electrician License- must prove at least 6 years of work experience in the electrical industry. The Division also accepts 4 years of work experience with the completion of a 576-hour approved electrical-related training course.
*There is no minimum work experience requirement for those applying for an Electrical Contractor License.
In order to count toward to the requirement, 1 year of experience must be equal to 1600 hours. All work experiences must be continual over a 12-month period to count.
Contractors are required to provide verifiable proof of all work experiences and training. This includes providing a list of all work experiences in the electrical industry along with the following information:
- Job Title
- Name of Supervisor
- Business Name and Address
Contractors will also need to provide further verification of work experience, including:
- Tax Returns
- Official Tax Documents
- Sworn Affidavit on official letterhead, stating that the contractor worked as an electrician or master electrician for the following entities:
- electrical workers union
- certified electrical inspector
- employer- such as an electrician or master electrician
- armed forces
- If the contractor is reporting training as part of their work experience requirement, they must list the name of all approved training and apprenticeship programs they completed.
For more information about the work experience/training requirement, please see Sections 2 and 4 of the Administrative Regulations for Licensing.OR
Call the Electrical Division at:
502-573-2002
The Examination
In order to obtain a license, all classifications are required to take and pass an examination. The Division accepts proof that contractors have taken and passed the exam administered by the International Code Council (ICC).
For more information about the ICC exam, please visit their website.
The Division also accepts passing exam scores from other accepted testing providers, agencies and national codes groups as long as the test is the equivalent to that offered by ICC, covering the same knowledge and material.
Businesses applying for an Electrical Contractor license may choose someone within their company to take and pass the exam on the business’ behalf. Acceptable persons include:
- Owner of the company
- Officer within the company
- Director within the company
- Full-time employee within the company
Passing exam, scores are valid for a period of 3 years.
For more information about the examination process, please contact the Electrical Division at:
502-573-2002
Preparing and Submitting an Application
Contractors may download a copy of the Electrical Contractor License application or the Master Electrician and Electrician License application from the Department’s website.
Along with the application, contractors are required to complete the following steps and provide the following documents:
- All applicants must submit their exam results, proving that they have passed the ICC examination, or an equivalent test.
- Contractors must prove that they are in good standing, and not in default for any educational loans guaranteed by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority.
- All applicants are required to submit a current, passport-sized photo of themselves from the past 6 months.
- Contractors must pay the appropriate licensing fee, based on their license classification. Fees are between $50 and $383 depending on the month in which the contractor is applying for a license. All licensing fees are non-refundable. Contractors may view a schedule of fees online.
Those applying for an Electrical Contractor License are also required to submit the following:
- Proof of general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $500,000. Insurance must be obtained through an insurer that is authorized to conduct business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
- Proof of worker’s compensation insurance. If the contractor does not plan to employ workers, they must submit a notarized statement explaining why they do not need worker’s compensation coverage.
- Contractors must provide the name and license number of the Master Electrician who they choose to oversee their work. Electrical Contractors are responsible for maintaining a Master Electrician to supervise their work at all times while licensed.
Submit the completed application along with all the required documents and fees to:
Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
Electrical Licensing Section
101 Sea Hero Road
Suite 100
Frankfort, KY 40601-5405*To avoid delays in the licensing process, be sure that all required documents are submitted along with the completed application.
Once the Division receives and approves the contractor’s application, license cards are typically issued via mail, within 4 to 5 business days.
Direct all questions about the application, or the licensing process to the Electrical Division at:
502-573-2002
OR
Visit:
Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction website or the state’s Administrative Regulations.
How Long is a Kentucky Electrical Contractor License Valid?
All electrical license classifications are valid for a period of 1 year in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Master Electrician and Electrician licenses expire on the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Businesses with an Electrical Contractor license must renew their license on the last day of the month that their license was originally issued.
The cost to renew a license is:
- Electrical Contractor- $200
- Master Electrician- $100
- Electrician- $50
*Renewal fees are non-refundable
At renewal time, all license classifications are required to attend continuing education courses to ensure that they have the most up-to-date information concerning their profession.
The Division is responsible for monitoring the continuing education program, requiring that all contractors complete a minimum of 6 hours of courses from an approved provider.
For more information, please visit the continuing education page of the Department’s website.
*Online continuing education courses are also available.
At renewal time, all licensed Electrical Contractors are required to provide the license number and name of the Master Electrician who will be overseeing their work for the upcoming license cycle, as well as current insurance information.
For more information about the renewal process, contact the Electrical Division at:
502-573-2002
Table of Fees
Fee What it is For? When is it Due? $50-$383 Licensing Fee range for contractors, depending on their classification and the month in which they are applying Upon submitting the license application $200 Renewal Fee for Electrical Contractor License Upon submitting the renewal application $100 Renewal Fee for Master Electrician License Upon submitting the renewal application $50 Renewal Fee for Electrician License Upon submitting the renewal application.