Electrician License Requirements in Kentucky

Licensing Authority	Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Electrical Division (DHBC)
License Type	Journeyman / Master Electrician
Experience Required	Journeyman: 4 years verifiable experience + approved training course, OR 6 years experience without training. Master: 6 years verifiable experience + approved training course, OR 8 years experience without training. An additional 2 years may substitute for the training course at each level.
Education Substitute	An approved electrical training course acceptable to the DHBC can reduce the experience requirement by 2 years. Technical school or college programs in electrical technology may qualify.
Exam Required	Yes — Journeyman Electrician Exam + Master Electrician Exam
Bond Required	No
Insurance	General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees
Continuing Education	6 hours every 2 years (per renewal cycle)
Processing Time	4-6 weeks

Fee Breakdown

Application Fee	$50
Exam Fee	$100
Journeyman application	$50
Master Electrician application	$100
Journeyman exam fee	$100
Master exam fee	$100
Journeyman renewal (biennial)	$100
Master renewal (biennial)	$200
Est. Initial Total	$800

Renewal: $100 every 2 years

Exam Requirements

Journeyman Electrician Exam

80 questions3 hoursPass: 70%

NECKentucky electrical codeElectrical theory

Master Electrician Exam

100 questions4 hoursPass: 70%

NECKentucky electrical codeBusiness and lawAdvanced electrical theory

Exam provider: PearsonVUE

License Tiers

Electrical Apprentice

Entry level — must register, work under licensed electrician supervision

Exam: Not required

Journeyman Electrician

4 years of verifiable electrical experience plus approved training course, OR 6 years of verifiable experience without training

Exam: Required

Master Electrician

6 years of verifiable electrical experience plus approved training course, OR 8 years of verifiable experience without training

Exam: Required

License Reciprocity

This state has reciprocity agreements with 4 states. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.

ohioElectrical license reciprocity — Kentucky accepts equivalent Ohio electrical licenses. HVAC license reciprocity — Kentucky accepts equivalent Ohio Master HVAC contractor license for exam waiver.

louisianaElectrical license reciprocity — equivalent Louisiana electrical licenses accepted.

virginiaElectrical license reciprocity — equivalent Virginia electrical licenses accepted.

west virginiaElectrical license reciprocity — equivalent West Virginia electrical licenses accepted.

Notes

Open-book exam format
Exams administered by PearsonVUE
6 hours CE must be from a DHBC-approved provider

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a electrician license in Kentucky?

Yes, Kentucky requires a statewide electrician license through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Electrical Division.

How much does a electrician license cost in Kentucky?

The estimated initial cost is $150, including application, exam, and license fees.

Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DHBC