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Electrician · Local (city/county) licenses

How to become a licensed electrician in New York

State law and licensing-board sources · Last reviewed October 10, 2026

Journeyman level Licensed by cities or counties, not the state What's a journeyman?

In New York, electricians are licensed by local governments such as New York City and Westchester County. In New York City, the Department of Buildings (DOB) licenses master and special electricians. There's no DOB journeyman license. To get a master license, you need about seven years of hands-on experience under a licensed electrician, at least two of them in New York City, and you must pass a written and a practical exam. Westchester County runs its own trade license and exam. [1][2][3][4][5]

New to the trade?

Starting from zero in New York

New York City's Department of Buildings (DOB) licenses only master and special electricians, so there's no apprentice or journeyman card to get first. Your first step is to get hired by a licensed electrical contractor, or to apply to a registered apprenticeship posted on the New York State Department of Labor's recruitment page. In NYC, the years you work with your tools under a licensed master or special electrician are what count toward a license later. [2][3][13][14]

  • High school diploma or GED

    Set by the programs, not by a license rule. The NYS Department of Labor says most registered apprenticeship sponsors require a high school diploma or its equivalent. IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 3's 2026 NYC recruitment lists one year of high school algebra (with an official transcript) but no diploma. IBEW Local 41 in Buffalo requires a diploma or equivalency such as the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) or GED (General Educational Development test) plus a year of algebra An associate degree, or 2,400 hours (residential) or 4,000 hours of documented electrical experience, can replace the education requirement. NYC's master license qualifications are age, English, fitness, character and experience. [2][13][15][16]

  • Minimum age

    Registered apprentices in New York must be 18, or 16 to 17 with parental approval (NYS Department of Labor). Local 3 and Local 41 require 18, as does NYC's master license. [2][13][15][16]

  • Register before you start work

    NYC DOB has no apprentice or helper electrician license Its electrician licenses are master and special. In a registered apprenticeship, you and the sponsor sign a written apprenticeship agreement that the NYS Department of Labor approves and registers. [3][13]

  • Helper jobs

    In NYC, experience counts toward the master license only when you work with your tools on electrical installations under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master or special electrician. [2]

  • NYC Site Safety Training (SST) card

    On NYC job sites that need a Site Safety Plan and a designated superintendent or site safety coordinator or manager, workers need an SST card showing at least 40 hours of DOB-defined safety training. The city's Department of Small Business Services offers free SST training and cards. [17]

  • Aptitude test

    Local 3 requires a score of 3 or above on the NJATC (National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee)/AIR aptitude test Local 41 requires passing the Electrical Trades' aptitude test. [15][16]

  • Application windows

    Union programs recruit only in set periods posted by the NYS Department of Labor. Local 3's recruitment for 300 apprentices, as posted in October 2026, runs October 19 to October 30, 2026: you request an application by Registered Mail only (Certified Mail isn't accepted), postmarked no earlier than October 19 Requests are accepted for 10 business days or until 2,000 letters arrive (all letters postmarked October 19 are honored), and completed applications must be postmarked by October 30. The application fee is $25 and can be waived for verifiable financial need. Local 3 also requires two years' residence within 60 miles of Columbus Circle. Local 41 hands out applications in person on Wednesday afternoons from October 7, 2026 to September 29, 2027. [14][15][16]

  • Physical

    Local 3 requires a physical exam by a physician the program selects and pays for, after selection Local 41 asks you to attest that you can safely do the work. [15][16]

  • Pre-apprenticeship (Direct Entry)

    NYS DOL-approved Direct Entry programs teach basic workplace math and work skills, help with a high school equivalency diploma, can't charge tuition, and give successful participants a direct chance to interview with a registered apprenticeship sponsor. You still have to meet the sponsor's minimum qualifications. [18]

  • Credit for prior school or experience

    NYS DOL (U.S. Department of Labor) says your employer may give you credit toward your apprenticeship for prior work experience or coursework in the trade. For NYC's master license, a completed NYS DOL-registered electrical apprenticeship cuts the experience requirement from 7 years to 5. [2][13]

  • Pay while you learn

    Registered apprentices have a job from day one, with salary steps over time. Related classroom training is usually offered by the sponsor at no cost to you, and classes are usually in the evenings. [13][19]

  • Still in high school?

    The NYS Department of Labor says registered apprenticeship programs are open to people as young as 16 while they're still in high school (16- and 17-year-olds need parental approval), though the union electrical programs listed here start at 18. In school, look for a NYSED-approved career and technical education (CTE) program (NYSED CTE program approval): approved programs lead to an industry-recognized credential, certificate or degree, can give you college credit or advanced standing while still in high school, and let you use the CTE "4+1" graduation pathway. Take algebra: Local 3 and Local 41 both ask for a year of it. NYC's master-license experience options count work, degrees and registered apprenticeships High school courses aren't on the list. [2][13][15][16][19][20]

Where to apply in New YorkHow to get an apprenticeshipHelper jobs

New York electrician license at a glance

Who issues licenses
Local governments In New York City, the Department of Buildings (DOB) [1][4][5]
NYC license types
Master electrician and special electrician No journeyman license [3][4]
NYC master experience
7 years within the last 10 under a licensed master or special electrician, at least 2 in NYC [2]
NYC exams
Written (multiple choice, no reference materials, 70% to pass) and practical [2]
NYC exam fees
$585 written, $530 practical [2][4]
NYC license fees
$310 license + $50 seal Renewal $60 + $30 seal each year [4][7]
NYC renewal and CE
Every year A DOB-approved course of at least 8 hours [4][7]
Minimum age (NYC)
18 [2]
On this page
  1. At a glance
  2. Starting from zero
  3. The license pathway
  4. Who licenses electricians in New York
  5. No journeyman license in NYC: how you get started
  6. NYC master and special electrician requirements
  7. The NYC exams
  8. NYC fees and renewal
  9. Union and open-shop apprenticeships
  10. If you're licensed in another state
  11. Steps to get licensed
  12. Where to get the hours
  13. Licensed in another state?
  14. Questions people ask

The license pathway in New York

  1. 1

    Apprentice or electrician's helper (no license)

    NYC's DOB issues no apprentice or journeyman electrician license. Experience that counts toward the master license must be gained working with your tools under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master or special electrician. [2][3][4]

  2. 2

    Special Electrician (NYC)

    • 7 years of experience
    • Yes: written ($585) and practical ($530)
    • $310 license + $50 seal
    • Yearly; $60 + $30 seal; 8-hour approved course

    Licensed to do electrical work in or on specific buildings or lots in NYC. Same qualifications and exams as the master license. [2][4][7]

  3. 3

    Master Electrician (NYC)

    • 7 years of experience
    • Yes: written ($585) and practical ($530)
    • $310 license + $50 seal
    • Yearly; $60 + $30 seal; 8-hour approved course

    Licensed to do electrical work as an independent contractor anywhere in NYC. You need 7 years of experience within 10 years (shorter with an engineering degree or a completed state-registered apprenticeship), and you must run a business with a place of business in the city. [2][4][7]

Who licenses electricians in New York

In New York, electricians are licensed locally. The New York Department of State describes master electricians as "licensed by a municipality" and working within "their local jurisdiction(s)." The biggest licensing body is the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). Its two electrician licenses are master electrician and special electrician, both with one-year terms.

Outside the city, some counties run their own systems. Westchester County says plumbers and electricians "must obtain a trade license from Westchester County in order to work in the county," starting with a county licensing exam. Suffolk County's Licensing Division requires master electricians and restricted electricians to complete continuing education before renewal.

If you'll work somewhere else in New York, ask that city's, town's or county's building department whether it requires a license. A license from one place doesn't automatically let you work in another. [1][4][5][6]

No journeyman license in NYC: how you get started

Many states license apprentices and journeymen. NYC's DOB doesn't. Its license list has a master and journeyman license for plumbers, but only master and special licenses for electricians.

In practice, you start by working for a licensed master or special electrician. NYC's experience rules only count time "working with their tools on the installation, alteration, and repair of wiring and appliances for light, heat, and power" under "the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master or special electrician." Keep records of every employer and supervisor; they'll need to sign your Experience Verification Forms later. [2][3][4]

NYC master and special electrician requirements

You must be at least 18, able to read and write English, fit to do the work and of good moral character. You must also meet one of these experience options:

In every option, at least 2 years must be in New York City.

A license applicant must be an officer, partner or sole proprietor of a business with a place of business in NYC in a properly zoned location. The business needs general liability, workers' compensation and disability insurance, and its name must include "Electric" or "Electrical." [2]

The NYC exams

You pass two exams before the background review.

Pay exam fees through the License Exam Application/Payment function on the DOB NOW public portal. The exam administrator emails scheduling instructions within 2 to 3 weeks, and exams are given at several locations around New York State.

The 2025 New York City Electrical Code took full effect on December 21, 2025. It's based on the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) with NYC amendments. [2][4]

NYC fees and renewal

Every renewal requires a DOB-approved course of at least 8 hours and a physical exam form completed by a physician within 90 days. DOB won't issue or renew a license if you owe penalties to the city's Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH/ECB).

Questions go to the DOB Licensing & Exams Unit at (212) 393-2259. [2][4][7][8]

Union and open-shop apprenticeships

In NYC, the union route is the IBEW Local 3 apprentice program, run through the Joint Industry Board of the Electrical Industry. Apprentices work at least 35 hours a week for four years. They also attend 4 hours a week of related instruction and 3 hours a week of college courses toward an associate degree, followed by a fifth period. Applicants must be 18, have one year of algebra and have lived in the Greater New York area for two years.

Elsewhere in the state, find your local IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) with the Electrical Training Alliance locator.

The New York State Department of Labor registers apprenticeship programs. Completing a state-registered electrical apprenticeship cuts NYC's master-license experience requirement from 7 years to 5. Compare routes in union vs. non-union and electrician apprenticeships. [2][9][10][11][12]

If you're licensed in another state

New York's Department of State describes master electricians as "licensed by a municipality," so what matters is the rules of the city or county where you'll work. In NYC, every candidate must pass both the written and practical exams (DOB can waive them only for applications on behalf of a City agency), so an out-of-state license doesn't replace them. Your out-of-state experience can count, because NYC accepts experience "in the United States" under a licensed master or special electrician. At least 2 years of it must be in New York City.

See our license reciprocity guide and reciprocity map. [1][2][4]

Steps to get licensed in New York

  1. Get hired under a licensed electrician

    Work with your tools on electrical installations under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master or special electrician. A registered apprenticeship (union or open shop) is one structured way in. [2][12]

  2. Build the experience NYC requires

    You need 7 years within the last 10, or 5 years after a NYS DOL-registered electrical apprenticeship, or 3 years with an electrical engineering bachelor's degree. At least 2 years must be in New York City. [2]

  3. Pass the written exam

    Apply and pay $585 through the License Exam Application/Payment function on the DOB NOW public portal. The exam is multiple choice on NYC electrical codes and rules, with no reference materials, and you need 70%. [2]

  4. Pass the practical exam

    Apply separately and pay $530. You have 24 months from your written exam result to pass it. [2]

  5. File the background application in DOB NOW: Licensing

    Within one year of passing the practical, upload your score report, a physician's exam form (LIC62), experience verification forms signed by your supervisors, a Social Security earnings history, ID and business documents. [2]

  6. Renew every year

    Renew in DOB NOW: Licensing with a new LIC62 physical exam form and a certificate from an approved course of at least 8 hours. Renewal is $90 ($60 license, $30 seal). [7]

Where to get the hours

Programs that train electricians in or for New York, from their own official pages. Listed by type, not ranked.

Licensed in another state?

We didn't find a reciprocity agreement published by the licensing office for this license. Ask the office how it treats an out-of-state license or experience before you apply.

Open the reciprocity map · How reciprocity works

AlaskaAK MaineME VermontVT New HampshireNH WashingtonWA IdahoID MontanaMT North DakotaND MinnesotaMN IllinoisIL WisconsinWI MichiganMI New YorkNY Rhode IslandRI MassachusettsMA OregonOR NevadaNV WyomingWY South DakotaSD IowaIA IndianaIN OhioOH PennsylvaniaPA New JerseyNJ ConnecticutCT CaliforniaCA UtahUT ColoradoCO NebraskaNE MissouriMO KentuckyKY West VirginiaWV VirginiaVA MarylandMD DelawareDE ArizonaAZ New MexicoNM KansasKS ArkansasAR TennesseeTN North CarolinaNC South CarolinaSC District of ColumbiaDC OklahomaOK LouisianaLA MississippiMS AlabamaAL GeorgiaGA HawaiiHI TexasTX FloridaFL
NY Listed here (agreement or endorsement)

Questions people ask

Who issues electrician licenses in New York?

Local governments. New York City's Department of Buildings licenses master and special electricians, Westchester County requires its own trade license to work in the county, and Suffolk County requires its master and restricted electricians to complete continuing education before renewing. [4][5][6]

Is there a journeyman electrician license in New York City?

No. DOB's electrician licenses are master electrician and special electrician. You build experience working under a licensed master or special electrician. [2][3][4]

How many years does it take to get a master electrician license in NYC?

Usually 7 years of hands-on experience within the last 10 years, at least 2 of them in NYC. It's 5 years if you completed a NYS DOL-registered electrical apprenticeship, or 3 years with an electrical engineering bachelor's degree. [2]

How much does the NYC master electrician exam cost?

$585 for the written exam and $530 for the practical exam. After you pass, the license costs $310 plus $50 for the seal. [2][4]

Can I use reference books on the NYC master electrician written exam?

No. DOB says the written exam is multiple choice on NYC electrical codes and rules, reference materials aren't permitted, and the passing score is 70%. [2]

Sources (20)
  1. Master Electrician Waiver, New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Accessed October 10, 2026.
  2. Obtain a: Master & Special Electrician License, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 10, 2026.
  3. License Types, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 10, 2026.
  4. Master Electricians & Special Electricians, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 10, 2026.
  5. Plumbing and Electrical Licenses, Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection. Accessed October 10, 2026.
  6. Licensing Division, Suffolk County Government. Accessed October 10, 2026.
  7. License Renewal: Master & Special Electrician, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 10, 2026.
  8. Licensing Frequently Asked Questions, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 10, 2026.
  9. Apprentice Program, Joint Industry Board of the Electrical Industry (IBEW Local 3). Accessed October 10, 2026.
  10. Apprenticeship Training, electrical training ALLIANCE (IBEW/NECA). Accessed October 10, 2026.
  11. Locate a Training Center, electrical training ALLIANCE (IBEW/NECA). Accessed October 10, 2026.
  12. New York State Registered Apprenticeship, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 10, 2026.
  13. Become an Apprentice, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  14. Apprenticeship Announcements, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  15. JAC IBEW Electrical Local # 3: Electricians Recruit Apprentices, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  16. Electricians JAC Buffalo LU #41: Electricians Recruit Apprentices, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  17. SST Information, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  18. Apprenticeship Direct Entry, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  19. The Registered Apprenticeship Program for Apprentices, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  20. CTE Program Approval, New York State Education Department. Accessed October 11, 2026.

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