Electrician License Requirements in New Jersey
Last reviewed July 2026
To work as a licensed electrician in New Jersey, you'll apply through the licensing authority, meet an experience requirement, and pass a licensing exam based on the National Electrical Code. Here's how it breaks down.
New Jersey issues apprentice, journeyman, and electrical contractor licenses. Only a licensed electrical contractor may run a business and pull permits.
Licensing authority
New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs)
Website: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/elec
License types & experience
| License | Experience required | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Electrician Journeyman |
8,000 hours of documented on-the-job training (at least 4,000 within the 5 years before applying) plus 576 classroom hours | Written exam |
| Electrical Contractor Contractor (business license) |
5 years of experience, or a journeyman license plus 1 year | Three-part PSI exam — trade + NJ business & law + alarm systems ($180) |
The exam & fees
Testing vendor
PSI
Fees
$100 application; contractor 3-exam set $180 (PSI)
Renewal & continuing education
License renews every 3 years ($150) with 34 hours of continuing education.
Studying for the New Jersey electrician exam?
The exam is NEC-based — practice with 1,394 questions and worked solutions in the Electrical Exam Prep app.
⚠ Licensing requirements and fees change. This page is a summary, not legal advice — always confirm current requirements directly with New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs) before applying.
Sources: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs — Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (official)