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 |
| Master Electrician application | $50 |
| Electrical Contractor application | $300 |
| Est. Initial Total | $490 |
Renewal: $50 every 1 year (December 31 deadline)
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Electrician Exam
Master Electrician Exam
Exam provider: PSI
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
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.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: LARA/BCC