Electrician License Requirements in Idaho
| Licensing Authority | Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Electrical Board (DOPL) |
| License Type | Electrical Contractor |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 4-year apprenticeship with 8,000 hours OJT and 576 hours classroom instruction while registered as an apprentice. Master: 2 additional years as a licensed journeyman. Contractor: Must hold or employ a licensed master electrician. |
| Education Substitute | Accredited electrical engineering degree may reduce apprenticeship duration |
| Exam Required | Yes — NASCLA Journeyman Electrician Exam + NASCLA Master Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $15 |
| Exam Fee | $75 |
| Initial License Fee | $55 |
| Est. Initial Total | $145 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master electrician license fee | $65 |
| Electrical contractor license fee | $125 |
Renewal: $55 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
NASCLA Journeyman Electrician Exam
NASCLA Master Electrician Exam
Exam provider: NASCLA
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredElectrician Exam Secrets Study GuideFull review of the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, and safety practices for the journeyman and master electrician exams — concept breakdowns and practice questions built for a first-try pass.See the study guide →Set up the business before you apply in Idaho
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Idaho. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
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Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Journeyman Electrician
4-year apprenticeship (8,000 hours OJT + 576 hours classroom)
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
2 years as a licensed journeyman
Exam: Required
Electrical Contractor
Must hold a master electrician license or employ a master
Exam: Not required
Notes
- 2024 change: NASCLA exams now required — applicants must pass the NASCLA exam before applying for licensure
- 2025 change: Continuing education is no longer required for electrical license renewal
- Exams proctored in Boise, Blackfoot, and Coeur d'Alene
You're licensed in Idaho as an electrician — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Electrical Board issues the Electrical Contractor; the business that invoices Idaho customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Idaho does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Idaho requires general liability insurance for this license. Electrical contractors must maintain general liability insurance. Workers comp required for all employers. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck electrician businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every year at $55.
Other licenses in Idaho
- General Contractor license in Idaho
Statewide registration, not a license · $50 in fees · DOPL
- Plumber license in Idaho
Statewide license required · $257 in initial government fees · DOPL
- HVAC Technician license in Idaho
Statewide license required · $135 in initial government fees · DOPL
- Roofing Contractor license in Idaho
Statewide registration, not a license · $50 in fees · DOPL
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Idaho?
Yes, Idaho requires a statewide electrician license through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Electrical Board.
How much does an electrician license cost in Idaho?
The estimated initial cost is $145, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Idaho?
Journeyman: 4-year apprenticeship with 8,000 hours OJT and 576 hours classroom instruction while registered as an apprentice. Master: 2 additional years as a licensed journeyman. Contractor: Must hold or employ a licensed master electrician. Education substitute: Accredited electrical engineering degree may reduce apprenticeship duration
What exams are required for an electrician license in Idaho?
You must pass the NASCLA Journeyman Electrician Exam and NASCLA Master Electrician Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by NASCLA.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Idaho?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Idaho?
No, Idaho does not currently require continuing education for electrician license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Idaho— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DOPL