Electrician License Requirements in Massachusetts
| Licensing Authority | Board of State Examiners of Electricians (BSEE) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 600 hours of Board-approved education plus 8,000 hours (at least 4 years) of work under a licensed Massachusetts journeyman. Master: hold a MA Journeyman license, plus 1 year of experience and 150 hours of education. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Electrician Exam + Master Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 21 hours 3 years |
| Processing Time | ~2-4 weeks after passing the exam; renewal card 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $226 |
| Est. Initial Total | $226 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master Electrician total application/exam fee | $276 |
| Master Electrician renewal | $117 |
| Systems Technician total application/exam fee | $226 |
| Systems Contractor total application/exam fee | $276 |
| Re-examination fee (both portions) | $135 |
Renewal: $78 every 3 years (expires July 31)
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 Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts. 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
600 hours of Board-approved education plus 8,000 hours (at least 4 years) of work under a licensed MA journeyman
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
Hold a MA Journeyman license, plus 1 year of experience and 150 hours of Board-approved education
Exam: Required
Systems Technician / Systems Contractor
Systems Technician: 300 hours education + 4,000 hours (2+ years) under a licensed Systems Tech or Journeyman. Systems Contractor: MA Systems Tech license + 1 year experience + 75 hours education.
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 1 state. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- The $226 Journeyman figure is the all-in application + exam total (PSI processing + trade and business/practical exam administration + MA application processing).
- Continuing education: 21 hours per 3-year renewal cycle (237 CMR 17.00) -- 15 hours must be Massachusetts Electrical Code updates, 6 hours electives.
- As of June 1, 2025, all license applications must be submitted online to PSI.
- Reciprocity: Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with New Hampshire for electrician licensure.
- Military/veteran/spouse fee waivers under the Valor Act reduce the totals to $195 (Journeyman/Systems Tech) and $210 (Master/Systems Contractor).
You're licensed in Massachusetts 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 Board of State Examiners of Electricians issues the Journeyman / Master Electrician; the business that invoices Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Massachusetts requires general liability insurance for this license. M.G.L. c.141 sec. 8: no municipality may issue an electrical permit unless the licensee provides proof of liability insurance (including 'completed operations' coverage) or an equivalent bond. The statute states no specific dollar minimum. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. 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 3 years (expires July 31) at $78. Continuing education: 21 hours every 3 years.
Other licenses in Massachusetts
- General Contractor license in Massachusetts
Statewide license required · $238 in initial government fees · BBRS
- Plumber license in Massachusetts
Statewide license required · $83 in initial government fees · BSEPGF
- HVAC Technician license in Massachusetts
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Roofing Contractor license in Massachusetts
Statewide registration, not a license · OCABR
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts requires a statewide electrician license through the Board of State Examiners of Electricians.
How much does an electrician license cost in Massachusetts?
The estimated initial cost is $226, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Massachusetts?
Journeyman: 600 hours of Board-approved education plus 8,000 hours (at least 4 years) of work under a licensed Massachusetts journeyman. Master: hold a MA Journeyman license, plus 1 year of experience and 150 hours of education.
What exams are required for an electrician license in Massachusetts?
You must pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam and Master Electrician Exam exams. Exams are administered by PSI.
Does Massachusetts have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes, Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with 1 state 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 Massachusetts?
Processing time is typically ~2-4 weeks after passing the exam; renewal card 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Massachusetts?
Yes, 21 hours per 3 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Massachusetts— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-07-05 | Source: BSEE