Electrician License Requirements in Alabama
| Licensing Authority | Alabama Electrical Contractors Board (AECB) |
| License Type | Journeyman Electrician / Electrical Contractor |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 8,000 hours of experience + 576 hours of classroom technical instruction, OR 2-year accredited technical school program + 6,000 hours apprenticeship. Electrical Contractor: 4 years / 8,000 hours in a supervisory or managerial electrical role. |
| Education Substitute | 2-year accredited electrical technology program reduces apprenticeship hours from 8,000 to 6,000 for journeyman. Electrical engineering degree may further reduce at Board discretion. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Electrician Exam + Electrical Contractor Exam + Business and Law Exam (Contractor only) |
| Bond Required | Yes — $1,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: not required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 14 hours every 2 years — 7 hours must be on NEC/NFPA courses. Remaining 7 hours are elective approved topics. |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks after exam passage and complete application submission |
Fee Breakdown
| Exam Fee | $115 |
| Initial License Fee | $35 |
| Electrical Contractor exam fee | $165 |
| Electrical Contractor license fee | $150 |
| Electrical Contractor renewal fee | $150 |
| Reciprocal license fee (eff. Feb 2026) | $315 |
| Est. Initial Total | $930 |
Renewal: $35 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Electrician Exam
80 questions4 hoursPass: 75% (Journeyman) / 70% (Contractor)
2023 NEC (NFPA 70)Electrical theoryWiring methodsGrounding and bondingMotors and transformers
Electrical Contractor Exam
110 questions5 hoursPass: 75% (Journeyman) / 70% (Contractor)
2023 NEC (NFPA 70)Commercial wiringService sizingOvercurrent protection
Business and Law Exam (Contractor only)
50 questions2.5 hoursPass: 75% (Journeyman) / 70% (Contractor)
Alabama electrical contractor lawBusiness managementSafety regulations
Exam provider: Prov / NASCLA
License Tiers
Journeyman Electrician
8,000 hours (approx. 4-5 years) of electrical work experience + 576 hours classroom instruction. OR 2-year technical school + 6,000 hours (3 years) apprenticeship.
Exam: Required
Electrical Contractor
4 years or 8,000 hours in a supervisory electrical role. Must pass both trade exam and business & law exam.
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 8 states. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
mississippiTrade exam waiver for comparable classification. Must pass AL Business & Law exam. License must be held 1+ year with no disciplinary actions. 30-day processing.
louisianaTrade exam waiver for comparable classification. Must pass AL Business & Law exam. License must be held 1+ year with no disciplinary actions. 30-day processing.
tennesseeTrade exam waiver for comparable classification. Must pass AL Business & Law exam. License must be held 1+ year with no disciplinary actions. 30-day processing.
north carolinaTrade exam waiver for comparable classification. Must pass AL Business & Law exam. License must be held 1+ year with no disciplinary actions. 30-day processing.
south carolinaElectrical contractor trade exam waiver. Must pass AL Business & Law exam. Current valid license required.
virginiaElectrical contractor trade exam waiver. Must pass AL Business & Law exam. Current valid license required.
ohioElectrical contractor trade exam waiver. Must pass AL Business & Law exam. Current valid license required.
georgiaElectrical contractor reciprocity TERMINATES May 25, 2026. Trade exam waiver until that date. Must pass AL Business & Law exam.
Notes
- Fees shown are for Journeyman tier — Contractor tier costs significantly more
- All exams reference the 2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
- Open-book exams with authorized reference materials
- Exam results provided immediately upon completion
- Georgia reciprocity agreement terminates May 25, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a electrician license in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama requires a statewide electrician license through the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board.
How much does a electrician license cost in Alabama?
The estimated initial cost is $150, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: AECB