Electrician License Requirements in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Maryland State Board of Master Electricians (SBME) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | Master: 7 years under a master electrician. Journeyman: 4 years (7,000 hours) under a master electrician, or completion of a Board-approved apprenticeship program. Experience must cover all types of electrical equipment and apparatuses. |
| Education Substitute | The Board may allow up to 3 years credit toward master electrician experience for completion of a formal course of study or professional training in electrical installation. A 4-year electrical apprenticeship program satisfies the journeyman requirement. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Electrician Exam + Master Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 10 hours every 2 years (minimum 5 hours classroom instruction) |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Exam Fee | $65 |
| Initial License Fee | $190 |
| Est. Initial Total | $280 |
Renewal: $25 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Electrician Exam
Master Electrician Exam
Exam provider: PSI
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 Maryland
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 Maryland. 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 — must work under master electrician supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Electrician
4 years (7,000 hours) of electrical work under a master electrician, OR completion of a Board-approved apprenticeship
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
7 years of electrical work under a master electrician, OR formal education credit up to 3 years + remaining experience
Exam: Required
Notes
- MHIC license also required if performing residential home improvement electrical work
- 10 CE hours per renewal cycle, at least 5 must be classroom-based
You're licensed in Maryland 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 Maryland State Board of Master Electricians issues the Journeyman / Master Electrician; the business that invoices Maryland 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.
Maryland does not require a surety bond for this license — No statewide bond requirement for electrician licenses.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Maryland requires general liability insurance for this license. Master electricians must maintain $300,000 general liability and $100,000 property damage insurance. Certificate of Insurance required with application. 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 2 years at $25. Continuing education: 10 hours every 2 years (minimum 5 hours classroom instruction)
Other licenses in Maryland
- General Contractor license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $466.75 in initial government fees · MHIC
- Plumber license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $153 in initial government fees · SBP
- HVAC Technician license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $225 in initial government fees · HVACR Board
- Roofing Contractor license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $466.75 in initial government fees · MHIC
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland requires a statewide electrician license through the Maryland State Board of Master Electricians.
How much does an electrician license cost in Maryland?
The estimated initial cost is $280, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Maryland?
Master: 7 years under a master electrician. Journeyman: 4 years (7,000 hours) under a master electrician, or completion of a Board-approved apprenticeship program. Experience must cover all types of electrical equipment and apparatuses. Education substitute: The Board may allow up to 3 years credit toward master electrician experience for completion of a formal course of study or professional training in electrical installation. A 4-year electrical apprenticeship program satisfies the journeyman requirement.
What exams are required for an electrician license in Maryland?
You must pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam and Master Electrician Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Maryland?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Maryland?
Yes, 10 hours per every 2 years (minimum 5 hours classroom instruction) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Maryland— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: SBME