Electrician License Requirements in Iowa
| Licensing Authority | Iowa Electrical Examining Board (EEB) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Residential Electrician: 4,000 hours. Master Electrician: must hold journeyman license plus 2 additional years, or 12,000 total hours. Apprentice registration requires enrollment in a US DOL Apprenticeship Program. |
| Education Substitute | Completion of an accredited electrical technology program may substitute for a portion of the apprenticeship hours at the Board's discretion. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Electrician Exam + Master Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 18 hours every 3 years (minimum 6 hours NEC code, 12 hours installation techniques) |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Initial License Fee | $75 |
| Apprentice registration | $20 |
| Master Electrician license | $375 |
| Electrical Contractor license | $375 |
| Residential Master license | $375 |
| Journeyman license | $75 |
| Est. Initial Total | $1,370 |
Renewal: $75 every 3 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Electrician Exam
Pass: 70%
NEC 2023Iowa electrical codeElectrical theory
Master Electrician Exam
Pass: 70%
NEC 2023Iowa electrical codeBusiness and lawAdvanced electrical theory
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Apprentice Electrician
Entry level — must register, enrolled in DOL apprenticeship program
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Electrician (Class A)
8,000 hours of on-the-job training as a registered apprentice
Exam: Required
Residential Electrician
4,000 hours of residential electrical experience
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
Journeyman license plus 2 years of experience, or 12,000 hours total
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 7 states. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
coloradoJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA (National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance). Must hold current, active journeyman or master certificate obtained via state-administered exam for at least 1 year.
minnesotaJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
montanaJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
nebraskaJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
north dakotaJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
south dakotaJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
wyomingJourneyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
Notes
- Exams based on NEC 2023 edition
- License renewal cycle is 3 years, with late fees of 10% per month after expiration
- Licenses expired more than 3 months require reapplication as a new license
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a electrician license in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa requires a statewide electrician license through the Iowa Electrical Examining Board.
How much does a electrician license cost in Iowa?
The estimated initial cost is $150, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: EEB