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Electrician License Requirements in Maine

Licensing AuthorityElectricians' Examining Board, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (EEB/OPOR)
License TypeJourneyman Electrician / Master Electrician
Experience Required8,000 hours of service as a licensed apprentice or helper plus 576 hours of approved classroom instruction for Journeyman; 4,000 hours as licensed Journeyman for Master
Education Substitute576-hour program from accredited institution or approved by the Examining Board satisfies classroom requirement
Exam RequiredYes — Journeyman Electrician Exam + Master Electrician Exam
Bond RequiredNo
InsuranceGeneral liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees
Continuing Education15 hours 2 years
Processing Time4-6 weeks

Fee Breakdown

Application Fee$96
Exam Fee$75
Initial License Fee$80
Fingerprinting$21
Est. Initial Total$272

Related & additional fees

Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.

Master initial license$150
Master renewal$150

Renewal: $80 every 2 years

Exam Requirements

Journeyman Electrician Exam

Pass: 70%
National Electrical Code (NEC)Electrical theorySafety practices

Master Electrician Exam

Pass: 70%
National Electrical Code (NEC)Advanced electrical systemsMaine electrical rulesBusiness practices

Exam provider: Prometric

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.

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Set up the business before you apply in Maine

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 Maine. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Form an LLC with Northwest→

License Tiers

Apprentice Electrician

Entry level — registered with the Examining Board

Exam: Not required

Helper Electrician

Limited scope — must work under Journeyman or Master

Exam: Not required

Journeyman Electrician

8,000 hours as apprentice/helper plus 576 hours classroom

Exam: Required

Master Electrician

4,000 hours as licensed Journeyman

Exam: Required

License Reciprocity

This state has reciprocity agreements with 2 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.

new hampshireReciprocal recognition for licensed electricians through NERA
vermontReciprocal recognition for licensed electricians through NERA

Notes

  • Maine participates in the National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance (NERA)
  • 15 hours of NEC code-based CE required per renewal cycle
  • Senior discount available for electricians over age 70

You're licensed in Maine 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.

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

  1. Form the business and get an EIN.

    The Electricians' Examining Board, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation issues the Journeyman Electrician / Master Electrician; the business that invoices Maine 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.

  2. Carry general liability insurance.

    Maine does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→

  3. 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→

  4. Keep the license.

    Renewal is every 2 years at $80. Continuing education: 15 hours every 2 years.

Other licenses in Maine

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an electrician license in Maine?

Yes, Maine requires a statewide electrician license through the Electricians' Examining Board, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

How much does an electrician license cost in Maine?

The estimated initial cost is $272, including application, exam, and license fees.

What experience do I need for an electrician license in Maine?

8,000 hours of service as a licensed apprentice or helper plus 576 hours of approved classroom instruction for Journeyman; 4,000 hours as licensed Journeyman for Master Education substitute: 576-hour program from accredited institution or approved by the Examining Board satisfies classroom requirement

What exams are required for an electrician license in Maine?

You must pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam and Master Electrician Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by Prometric.

Does Maine have electrician license reciprocity?

Yes, Maine has reciprocity agreements with 2 states that may apply to electricians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.

How long does it take to get an electrician license in Maine?

Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.

Is continuing education required for electricians in Maine?

Yes, 15 hours per 2 years is required for license renewal.

Data last verified: 2026-07-08 | Source: EEB/OPOR