Electrician License Requirements in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Master: 2 additional years beyond journeyman with supervisory experience. Class B: 4,000 hours residential/farm work. |
| Exam Required | Yes — ND Electrical Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours every year (minimum 4 hours on NEC) |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Initial License Fee | $50 |
| Est. Initial Total | $100 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master electrician license | $50 |
| Electrical contractor license | $50 |
Renewal: $25 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
ND Electrical 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.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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 North Dakota
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 North Dakota. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Journeyman Electrician
8,000 hours (approx. 4 years) of on-the-job training
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
2 years as licensed journeyman plus supervisory experience
Exam: Required
Class B Electrician
4,000 hours residential/farm electrical work
Exam: Required
Notes
- Effective May 1, 2026, all CE courses must cover the 2026 National Electrical Code
- Electrical contractors also need a Secretary of State contractor license for projects over $4,000
You're licensed in North Dakota 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 North Dakota State Electrical Board issues the Journeyman / Master Electrician; the business that invoices North Dakota 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.
North Dakota does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
North Dakota requires general liability insurance for this license. Electrical contractors must carry general liability insurance. Also need Secretary of State contractor license for projects over $4,000. 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 year at $25. Continuing education: 8 hours every year (minimum 4 hours on NEC)
Other licenses in North Dakota
- General Contractor license in North Dakota
Statewide license required · $450 in initial government fees · SOS
- Plumber license in North Dakota
Statewide license required · $150 in initial government fees · NDSPB
- HVAC Technician license in North Dakota
Statewide license required · $100 in initial government fees · SOS
- Roofing Contractor license in North Dakota
Statewide license required · $100 in initial government fees · SOS
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in North Dakota?
Yes, North Dakota requires a statewide electrician license through the North Dakota State Electrical Board.
How much does an electrician license cost in North Dakota?
The estimated initial cost is $100, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in North Dakota?
Journeyman: 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Master: 2 additional years beyond journeyman with supervisory experience. Class B: 4,000 hours residential/farm work.
What exams are required for an electrician license in North Dakota?
You must pass the ND Electrical Exam exam. A passing score of 75% is required.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in North Dakota?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in North Dakota?
Yes, 8 hours per every year (minimum 4 hours on NEC) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in North Dakota— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: NDSEB