Electrician License Requirements in Rhode Island
| Licensing Authority | Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Board of Examiners of Electricians (DLT) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Electrical Contractor (Certificate A/B) |
| Experience Required | Certificate B (Journeyman): 8,000 hours (4 years) of on-the-job experience plus 576 hours of classroom training. Certificate A (Contractor): 12,000 hours (6 years) total experience and must have held Certificate B for at least 2 years. |
| Exam Required | Yes — RI Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 15 hours every 2 years |
| Processing Time | 3-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Exam Fee | $75 |
| Initial License Fee | $72 |
| Certificate A (Contractor) license fee | $240 |
| Certificate A renewal | $240 |
| CRLB registration (required separately) | $150 |
| Est. Initial Total | $852 |
Renewal: $72 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
RI Electrician Exam
License Tiers
Certificate B (Journeyman)
8,000 hours (4 years) on-the-job plus 576 hours classroom
Exam: Required
Certificate A (Contractor/Master)
12,000 hours (6 years) total, plus 2 years holding Certificate B
Exam: Required
Notes
- Must also register with CRLB in addition to holding DLT trade license
How to get a Rhode Island electrician license: step-by-step
- Start logging hours under a licensed electrician. RI requires 8,000 hours (4 years) of on-the-job work plus 576 classroom hours for Certificate B (Journeyman). Certificate A (Contractor) requires 12,000 hours total plus 2 years holding Certificate B.
- Complete the classroom hours. These typically come through an approved apprenticeship program — RI does not accept self-study.
- Apply for Certificate B through the DLT Board of Examiners of Electricians. Application is $75. Exam ($75) covers NEC, electrical systems, and RI-specific regulations.
- Pass at 70%. Schedule through DLT.
- Pay the initial license fee ($72). License is good for 2 years.
- Register with the CRLB separately. This is a $150 additional registration — the DLT trade license does not let you operate as a business. CRLB requires $500K general liability naming the Board as certificate holder, plus a 5-hour pre-registration course.
- If progressing to Certificate A: hold B for at least 2 years, log to 12,000 total hours, then sit the contractor exam. Certificate A is $240 application + $240 biennial renewal.
Certificate B vs. Certificate A: which path applies
Certificate B (Journeyman) lets you work as an employed electrician — you can perform electrical work, but the company you work for must be operated by a Certificate A holder. Certificate A (Contractor) lets you own and operate the business itself, and is required if you plan to bid on your own work or hire other journeymen. Most electricians work multiple years as a B before stepping up to A — Rhode Island's 2-year minimum at the B level is non-negotiable.
Common reasons RI electrician applications fail
- Hours not signed by a licensed electrician — every hour must be verified by a Certificate A or B holder with an active license number
- Missing 576 classroom hours — DLT will not waive this for additional field hours
- Showing up to the exam with a non-approved NEC edition
- Operating after passing the DLT exam without CRLB registration — this is the most common compliance gap; passing your trade exam doesn't make you legal to do business
- Photo ID gap (2025 change) — RI now requires a government photo ID for every CRLB registration and renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Rhode Island?
Yes, Rhode Island requires a statewide electrician license through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Board of Examiners of Electricians.
How much does an electrician license cost in Rhode Island?
The estimated initial cost is $222, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Rhode Island?
Certificate B (Journeyman): 8,000 hours (4 years) of on-the-job experience plus 576 hours of classroom training. Certificate A (Contractor): 12,000 hours (6 years) total experience and must have held Certificate B for at least 2 years.
What exams are required for an electrician license in Rhode Island?
You must pass the RI Electrician Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Rhode Island?
Processing time is typically 3-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Rhode Island?
Yes, 15 hours per every 2 years is required for license renewal.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DLT