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 |
| 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 |
| Est. Initial Total | $1,256 |
Renewal: $78 every 3 years (expires July 31)
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Electrician Exam
Master Electrician Exam
Exam provider: PSI
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).
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