Electrician License Requirements in Montana
| Licensing Authority | Montana State Electrical Board (MSEB) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 8,000 hours of practical electrical work. Master: 5 years as journeyman with planning, layout, and supervisory experience, OR electrical engineering degree plus 1 year, OR trade school graduation plus 4 years. |
| Education Substitute | Electrical engineering degree substitutes for all but 1 year; post-secondary trade school reduces master requirement to 4 years practical experience |
| Exam Required | Yes — Montana Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 16 hours every 2 years |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $240 |
| Exam Fee | $70 |
| Est. Initial Total | $310 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master electrician exam fee | $80 |
| Electrical contractor application | $300 |
Renewal: $200 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Montana Electrician Exam
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 Montana
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 Montana. 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
Residential Electrician
4,000 hours residential electrical work
Exam: Required
Journeyman Electrician
8,000 hours (approx. 4 years) practical electrical work
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
5 years as journeyman with supervisory experience, OR electrical engineering degree plus 1 year, OR trade school plus 4 years
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 2 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
You're licensed in Montana 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 Montana State Electrical Board issues the Journeyman / Master Electrician; the business that invoices Montana 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.
Montana does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry general liability insurance.
Montana does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. 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 2 years at $200. Continuing education: 16 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Montana
- General Contractor license in Montana
Statewide license required · $70 in initial government fees · DLI CCL
- Plumber license in Montana
Statewide license required · $270 in initial government fees · MBP
- HVAC Technician license in Montana
Statewide license required · $70 in initial government fees · DLI CCL
- Roofing Contractor license in Montana
Statewide license required · $70 in initial government fees · DLI CCL
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Montana?
Yes, Montana requires a statewide electrician license through the Montana State Electrical Board.
How much does an electrician license cost in Montana?
The estimated initial cost is $310, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Montana?
Journeyman: 8,000 hours of practical electrical work. Master: 5 years as journeyman with planning, layout, and supervisory experience, OR electrical engineering degree plus 1 year, OR trade school graduation plus 4 years. Education substitute: Electrical engineering degree substitutes for all but 1 year; post-secondary trade school reduces master requirement to 4 years practical experience
What exams are required for an electrician license in Montana?
You must pass the Montana Electrician Exam exam. A passing score of 75% is required.
Does Montana have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes, Montana has reciprocity agreements with 2 states 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 Montana?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Montana?
Yes, 16 hours per every 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Montana— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: MSEB