Montana Electrician License Requirements

Official classification: Journeyman Electrician · Issued by the Montana State Electrical Board.

⚡ ElectricianMT ✔ Verified 2026-07-11

In Montana, electricians must hold the Journeyman Electrician, issued by the Montana State Electrical Board, and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed electrician in Montana

Follow these steps to earn your Journeyman Electrician. Every figure is verified against the Montana State Electrical Board; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. 8,000 hours of legally obtained practical experience in wiring for, installing, and repairing electrical apparatus and equipment for light, heat, and power; maximum 50% residential work. Alternatively, completion of an approved apprenticeship program in the electrical trade or appropriate union/trade association training program.
Pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Check the insurance rules. Workers' compensation: Required.
Clear the background check. Required (criminal history disclosure on application; conviction does not automatically disqualify)
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Montana State Electrical Board — $190, including the original license fee (ARM 24.141.405) application fee, plus a Included in the $190 application fee license fee. Processing time: 30 days for complete and routine applications.
Keep the license active. Renewal: 2 years. Continuing education: 16 hours per renewal cycle (every 2 years).

For the general path in every state, see the Electrician guide →

Montana electrician license lookup

To confirm an electrician is properly licensed in Montana — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov database →

License types

Residential Electrician — Residential electrical work for single-family homes and multi-unit dwellings under 5 units
Journeyman Electrician — Residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work
Master Electrician — Design and supervision of all electrical work; plans layout of electrical systems
Limited Electrical Contractor — Electrical contracting for residential construction of fewer than five living units in a single structure (MCA 37-68-102); requires a licensed journeyman as responsible electrician
Unlimited Electrical Contractor — All electrical contracting; requires full-time licensed master electrician as responsible electrician

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	8,000 hours of legally obtained practical experience in wiring for, installing, and repairing electrical apparatus and equipment for light, heat, and power; maximum 50% residential work. Alternatively, completion of an approved apprenticeship program in the electrical trade or appropriate union/trade association training program.
Application fee	$190, including the original license fee (ARM 24.141.405)
License fee	Included in the $190 application fee
Renewal fee	$140 every 2 years for master, journeyman or residential ($210 for contractors) (ARM 24.141.405); 2026 renewal fees are abated 50%
Renewal period	2 years
Continuing education	16 hours per renewal cycle (every 2 years)
Bond required	None required at state level
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required
Background check	Required (criminal history disclosure on application; conviction does not automatically disqualify)
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	Journeyman substantial equivalency (Board determinations, 2026): Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming · compare all states
Processing time	30 days for complete and routine applications

What a Montana electrician license costs

Application fee	$190, including the original license fee (ARM 24.141.405).
License fee	Included in the $190 application fee.
Journeyman Electrician Exam	$75.
Surety bond	None required at state level.
Renewal fee	$140 every 2 years for master, journeyman or residential ($210 for contractors) (ARM 24.141.405); 2026 renewal fees are abated 50%.
Renewal period	2 years.

Exams

Journeyman Electrician Exam	Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% (journeyman and residential; master-level exams need 75%) (ARM 24.141.503) · Fee: $75

Renewing a Montana electrician license

The Journeyman Electrician renews on a fixed cycle set by the Montana State Electrical Board. Finish the continuing-education requirement before you file — boards generally will not process a renewal without it. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	2 years
Renewal fee	$140 every 2 years for master, journeyman or residential ($210 for contractors) (ARM 24.141.405); 2026 renewal fees are abated 50%
Continuing education	16 hours per renewal cycle (every 2 years)
Where to renew	Montana State Electrical Board

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Montana electrician license cost?

Application: $190, including the original license fee (ARM 24.141.405). License: Included in the $190 application fee. Renewal: $140 every 2 years for master, journeyman or residential ($210 for contractors) (ARM 24.141.405); 2026 renewal fees are abated 50%.

How do I look up a electrician license in Montana?

Search the official license database at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do electricians in Montana need a surety bond?

None required at state level

What experience is required for a Montana electrician license?

8,000 hours of legally obtained practical experience in wiring for, installing, and repairing electrical apparatus and equipment for light, heat, and power; maximum 50% residential work. Alternatively, completion of an approved apprenticeship program in the electrical trade or appropriate union/trade association training program.

Is insurance required for electricians in Montana?

Workers' compensation: Required.

How long does it take to get a Montana electrician license?

Processing time: 30 days for complete and routine applications.

Is a background check required for electricians in Montana?

Background check: Required (criminal history disclosure on application; conviction does not automatically disqualify).

How often must a Montana electrician license be renewed?

2 years. Continuing education: 16 hours per renewal cycle (every 2 years).

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-11 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Montana State Electrical Board before applying. This is not legal advice.