Electrician License Requirements in South Dakota
| Licensing Authority | South Dakota Electrical Commission (SDEC) |
| License Type | Journeyman Electrician / Electrical Contractor |
| Experience Required | 8,000 hours of on-the-job electrical experience under a licensed electrician plus 576 hours of classroom instruction for Journeyman; Contractor requires 2 additional years as Journeyman |
| Education Substitute | Completion of an approved electrical apprenticeship program may satisfy experience requirements |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $10,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Exam Fee | $110 |
| Initial License Fee | $40 |
| Est. Initial Total | $190 |
Renewal: $40 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Electrician Exam
5 hoursPass: 70%
National Electrical Code (NEC)Electrical theorySafety practices
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Apprentice
Entry level — must register with the Electrical Commission ($20 fee)
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Electrician
8,000 hours (approx. 4 years) supervised work plus 576 hours classroom instruction
Exam: Required
Electrical Contractor
Must hold SD Journeyman license for at least 2 years (4,000 hours as journeyman)
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 1 state. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
north dakotaSD Electrical Commission has reciprocity with North Dakota for journeyman electricians
Notes
- Must take exam within 90 days of application approval
- Maintenance electrician license available for $80 fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a electrician license in South Dakota?
Yes, South Dakota requires a statewide electrician license through the South Dakota Electrical Commission.
How much does a electrician license cost in South Dakota?
The estimated initial cost is $190, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: SDEC