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.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Required (criminal history disclosure on application; conviction does not automatically disqualify)
Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Montana State Electrical Board — $240 application fee, plus a $240 license fee. Processing time: 30 days for complete and routine applications.
Keep the license active. Renew 2 years, completing 16 hours per renewal cycle (every 2 years).

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 5 or fewer units; requires licensed journeyman 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	$240
License fee	$240
Renewal fee	$200 (ARM 24.141.405; the 2026 renewal cycle carries a temporary 50% fee abatement)
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	Alaska; Arkansas; Colorado; Minnesota; Nebraska; New Hampshire; New Mexico; North Dakota; Oklahoma; South Dakota; Texas; Utah; Wyoming
Processing time	30 days for complete and routine applications

Exams

Journeyman Electrician Exam	Provider: PSI · Passing: 75% (45 out of 60 questions) · Fee: $75

Preparing for the Electrician exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Montana electrician license cost?

Application: $240. License: $240. Renewal: $200 (ARM 24.141.405; the 2026 renewal cycle carries a temporary 50% fee abatement).

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?

Liability: — Workers' compensation: Required

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.