Electrician License Requirements in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes (LARA/BCC) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Electrician / Electrical Contractor |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 8,000 hours over at least 4 years of electrical wiring experience under direct supervision of a Michigan-licensed journey or master electrician. Must be enrolled in an approved Related Technical Instruction (RTI) program. Master: 12,000 hours over at least 6 years, including 4,000 hours and 2 years as a licensed journeyman. |
| Education Substitute | Related Technical Instruction (RTI) program enrollment required during apprenticeship |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Electrician Exam + Master Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 0 hours Code update course required within 12 months of Michigan adopting a new National Electrical Code edition |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Exam Fee | $100 |
| Est. Initial Total | $140 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master Electrician application | $50 |
| Electrical Contractor application | $300 |
Renewal: $50 every 1 year (December 31 deadline)
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 Michigan
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 Michigan. 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
Apprentice
Entry level — must work under direct supervision of licensed journey or master electrician
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Electrician
8,000 hours over minimum 4 years under licensed journey/master electrician; must be at least 20 years old
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
12,000 hours over minimum 6 years; must hold journeyman license for 2+ years with 4,000 hours as journeyman; must be at least 22 years old
Exam: Required
Electrical Contractor
Must employ a full-time licensed master electrician; no separate exam required
Exam: Not required
Notes
- Michigan adopted the 2023 NEC on March 12, 2024
- Electrical Contractor license does not require a separate exam but requires employing a full-time master electrician
- Out-of-state applicants must submit a copy of their current license and that jurisdiction's licensing requirements for review
You're licensed in Michigan 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.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes issues the Journeyman / Master Electrician / Electrical Contractor; the business that invoices Michigan 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.
Michigan does not require a surety bond for this license — No state-level surety bond required for electricians.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Michigan requires general liability insurance for this license. Electrical contractors must provide evidence of public liability insurance (minimum $100,000). Workers comp required if you have 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 year (December 31 deadline) at $50. Continuing education is required (Code update course required within 12 months of Michigan adopting a new National Electrical Code edition)
Other licenses in Michigan
- General Contractor license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $312 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
- Plumber license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $140 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
- HVAC Technician license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $325 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
- Roofing Contractor license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $302 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan requires a statewide electrician license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes.
How much does an electrician license cost in Michigan?
The estimated initial cost is $140, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Michigan?
Journeyman: 8,000 hours over at least 4 years of electrical wiring experience under direct supervision of a Michigan-licensed journey or master electrician. Must be enrolled in an approved Related Technical Instruction (RTI) program. Master: 12,000 hours over at least 6 years, including 4,000 hours and 2 years as a licensed journeyman. Education substitute: Related Technical Instruction (RTI) program enrollment required during apprenticeship
What exams are required for an electrician license in Michigan?
You must pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam and Master Electrician Exam exams. A passing score of 75% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Michigan?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Michigan?
Yes, continuing education per Code update course required within 12 months of Michigan adopting a new National Electrical Code edition is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Michigan— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: LARA/BCC