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How to get an electrician license in Maryland

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for Maryland, pulled from official MD sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Maryland State Board of Electricians (Maryland Department of Labor)
  • State journeyman license: Yes (Since July 1, 2021 the Board licenses apprentice, journeyperson and master electricians statewide. Counties and cities may also require a local registration to work or pull permits there.)
  • Journeyperson Electrician: At least 4 years holding a Maryland apprentice license and working under a licensed master electrician, then pass the PSI exam. Or complete a Maryland (MATC) or federal (USDOL) registered apprenticeship of at least 576 classroom hours and 8,000 work hours and apply within 2 years of the certificate, with no exam.
  • Exam: open book, via PSI
  • Code edition: The PSI master and journeyperson exams (bulletin updated 9/1/2024) use NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, 2020 edition. Local jurisdictions adopt the code they enforce.

Requirements by license

Journeyperson Electrician

ExperienceAt least 4 years holding a Maryland apprentice license and working under a licensed master electrician, then pass the PSI exam. Or complete a Maryland (MATC) or federal (USDOL) registered apprenticeship of at least 576 classroom hours and 8,000 work hours and apply within 2 years of the certificate, with no exam.Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of
ExamPSI. Open book. 70 questions, 210 minutes, 49 correct (70%) to pass. The 2020 NEC is the only reference allowed (bring your own; highlighting and permanent tabs are allowed). If you fail, wait 30 days to retest, then 60 days for later retests.Source: test-takers.psiexams.com · as of · Retest waits: labor.maryland.gov
Fees
  • Exam (paid to PSI): $65
  • Original license: $18.50
  • Apprentice license (first step): $12
Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of · COMAR 09.09.01.03, fees effective July 1, 2025. Exam fee: labor.maryland.gov
RenewalEvery 2 years. Valid 2 years from the date issued (staggered). The Board mails renewal instructions about 60 days before; call 410-230-6231 if you do not get one. $18.50 to renew. Reinstatement: $28 up to 30 days late, $63 at 31–60 days, $126 after 60 days.Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of · Fees: labor.maryland.gov
CE to renew5 hours per 2-year renewal
  • Courses based on the NEC (or local amendments) or another NFPA code or standard related to electrical services
Completed during the prior license term, within the 24 months before renewal. Hours from earlier terms do not count.
Source: regs.maryland.gov · as of · Topics: regs.maryland.gov

Master Electrician

ExperienceAt least 7 years of electrical work while holding a valid electrician license, under a licensed master electrician (or a similarly qualified government employee), and a current Maryland apprentice or journeyperson license. Masters and qualified agents need general liability insurance of at least $300,000 and property damage of at least $100,000.Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of · Insurance: labor.maryland.gov
ExamPSI. Open book. 90 questions (100 points), 240 minutes, 70% to pass. The 2020 NEC is the only reference allowed.Source: test-takers.psiexams.com · as of
Fees
  • Exam (paid to PSI): $65
  • Original license (Master or Qualified Agent): $25
  • Uninsured Master Electrician: $63
Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of · Exam fee: labor.maryland.gov
RenewalEvery 2 years. Valid 2 years from the date issued (staggered). $31.50 to renew a master license; uninsured status renewal is $63.Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of · Term: labor.maryland.gov
CE to renew10 hours per 2-year renewal
  • Courses based on the NEC (or local amendments) or another NFPA code or standard related to electrical services
Applies to master, qualified agent and uninsured master licenses, completed within the 24 months before renewal.
Source: regs.maryland.gov · as of · Topics: regs.maryland.gov

License types in Maryland

  • Apprentice Electrician
  • Journeyperson Electrician
  • Master Electrician (carries its own insurance)
  • Qualified Agent (master license assigned to one company that provides the insurance)
  • Uninsured Master Electrician (works at journeyperson level under a master)
Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Maryland has reciprocal agreements with Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Masters: the out-of-state license must have been obtained by exam (West Virginia: held 2+ years; Delaware: held 5+ years in good standing). Journeypersons: Virginia (by apprenticeship or exam), Delaware and DC (by exam only); other states are not eligible.Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of · Details: labor.maryland.gov

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Does Maryland have a state journeyman electrician license?

Yes. Since July 1, 2021 the Maryland State Board of Electricians licenses journeyperson electricians; you need 4 years as a licensed apprentice under a master and a passing PSI exam, or a registered apprenticeship.

Is the Maryland journeyperson electrician exam open book?

Yes. The PSI journeyperson exam allows only the 2020 NEC and has 70 questions in 210 minutes, with 49 correct needed to pass.

How do you become a master electrician in Maryland?

You need at least 7 years of electrical experience while licensed, under a master electrician, and must pass the 90-question PSI master exam. Insured masters also need liability insurance of at least $300,000.

Does Maryland have electrician license reciprocity?

Maryland has reciprocal agreements with Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia and the District of Columbia, generally for licenses obtained by exam.

Already licensed? See Maryland electrician license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.