The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not license Electrical Contractors at the state-level. Licensing is handled at the local-level, by the city or municipality in which the contractor chooses to work.
Before beginning work on an electrical project, it is important that contractors check local laws to determine what is required. Some cities and municipalities require contractors to obtain a local license, registration or pass an exam.
Below is a brief explanation of the licensing and registration process for some of the larger cities in Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia, PA
Electrical Contractors working in the City of Philadelphia, PA are required to obtain a license from the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections. Contractors are also required to take and pass the International Code Council (ICC) exam.
For a copy of the application, please visit:
City of Philadelphia- Electrical Contractor Licensing
The application asks for basic information about the contractor’s business. It also asks that contractors provide information about their work experiences and education, relevant to electrical contracting.
There is a $50 application fee, in addition to a $150 licensing fee.
Direct all questions about the application process to:
Department of Licenses and Inspections- License Issuance Unit- PSC
1401 John F Kennedy Boulevard
Concourse Level
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours are from 8am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. The office closes at noon on the last Wednesday of the month.
OR
Call: 215-686-8686
For questions about the examination process, call the Department of Labor and Industry at:
717-772-3396
In addition to obtaining a license, all contractors are also required to obtain the proper permits for electrical work. Contractors are required to submit the following along with their permit application:
- Tax Clearance from the Revenue Department
- Proof of comprehensive general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $500,000 per occurrence
- Proof of automobile liability insurance and workers compensation insurance
For more information about permits, please visit:
City of Philadelphia- Electrical Permit
Once licensed, all contractors are required to display their license number in the following places:
- Primary Place of Business (Office)
- At the Job Site
- On company vehicles
- On all Contracts and Proposals
- On all ads and promotional materials associated with the contractor’s business
Pittsburgh, PA
A license is required for all contractors performing electrical work within the City of Pittsburgh, PA.
In order to qualify for a license, contractors must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid form of identification
- Take and pass the PA Standard Master Electrician exam through the International Code Council (ICC) and obtain an ICC certificate
- Meet one of the following requirements for work experience/ education:
- Hold a certificate of attainment in electrical wiring from an accredited school and have 2 years’ experience working as an electrician
- Have 10 years of experience working as a registered electrician in another city/state with proof of a license/registration
- Have 10 years of experience working with a licensed electrician in the City of Pittsburgh
- Hold general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $300,000
- Register for city taxes and obtain a tax ID certificate from the city’s Finance Department
For a copy of the license application or to view the current fee schedule, please click the link below:
Pittsburgh- Electrical Contractor License
Submit the application and licensing fee to the PLI Cashier Counter on the 3rd floor of 200 Ross Street.
OR
Mail the application to:
City of Pittsburgh
Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections
200 Ross Street, Room 320
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
All licenses expire on April 30th of each year, regardless of the issuance date.
For more information about the licensing process, please call:
412-255-2175
Allentown, PA
Electrical Contractors in the City of Allentown, PA are required to apply for a license and pass the International Code Council (ICC) standard exam. Contractors must submit an application, pay the $50 application fee, and wait for approval to take the exam.
In order to qualify to take the exam, contractors must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Provide proof of practical work experience related to the contractor’s license classification. Contractors have the option of choosing from:
- Master Electrician License- 4 years practical experience required
- Residential Electrician License- 2 years practical experience required
- Journeyman Electrician License- 4 years practical experience required
- Installer/ Special Electrician License- 2 years practical experience required
- Telecommunication Electrician License- 1 year practical experience required
*In some cases, education may count toward the practical experience requirement
For a copy of the license application, please visit:
City of Allentown- Electrical License Application
Applications are submitted to the Building Office of City Hall at:
435 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor
Allentown, PA 18101
Once the contractor’s application is approved, they will receive instructions for registering for the exam. For questions about the exam, please call:
1-877-234-6082
For questions about the application or licensing process, contact Nancy Hicks at:
610-437-7592
Erie, PA
Contractors must have a license, as well as the proper permits to perform electrical work within the city limits of Erie, PA. All electrical work is subject to inspection and must be within compliance with International Electric Code.
For more information about licensing, please call or visit:
814-870-1234
City of Erie
626 State Street
Erie, PA 16501
For more information about the examination, please contact the International Code Council at:
1-888-422-7233 ext. 5524
OR
Visit: International Code Council- Certification and Testing
For more information about electrical permits, please visit the Code Enforcement Office in room 407 of City Hall. All permit applicants must pay a fee and undergo a plan-review.
*Electrical permits must be displayed at the job site.
For more information about electrical inspections, please contact Steve Giewont, the city’s Electrical Inspector at:
814-870-1472
OR
Reading, PA
In order to perform work on electrical projects in the City of Reading, PA, an electrical trade license is needed. Contractors are also required to pass an exam. The city offers the following license classifications to electricians:
- Master Electrician License
- Journeyman Electrician License
- AIE Electrician License
For a copy of the license and exam application, please visit:
City of Reading Community Development- Trade License & Examination Application
The application asks for basic information about the contractor’s business, as well as information about the contractor’s previous employment related to the electrical trade.
Applications must be on file with the Codes Office at least 30 days before the contractor’s exam date.
For more information about the licensing and examination process, contact the City of Reading Community Development at:
1-877-727-3234
OR
Visit: