Rhode Island Electrician License Requirements
Official classification: Electrician License · Issued by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Board of Examiners of Electricians.
⚡ ElectricianRI ✔ Verified 2026-07-11
In Rhode Island, electricians must hold the Electrician License, issued by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Board of Examiners of Electricians. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed electrician in Rhode Island
Follow these steps to earn your Electrician License. Every figure is verified against the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Board of Examiners of Electricians; full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. Certificate B (Journeyperson): 8,000 hours (4 years) as registered apprentice; Certificate A (Electrical Contractor): 12,000 hours (6 years) plus 2 years holding Journeyperson license; Limited licenses (Certificates C, D, E, F, etc.): 4,000 hours over 2 years minimum
- Pass the Electrician License Examination exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. Rhode Island requires —.
- Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—).
- Clear the background check. —
- Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Board of Examiners of Electricians — — application fee, plus a — license fee. Processing time: —.
- Keep the license active. Renew 2 years, completing 15 hours every 2 years (required for Certificate A and B holders).
Rhode Island electrician license lookup
There is no single statewide search database for this license — to confirm an electrician is properly licensed in Rhode Island, verify license status directly with the issuing authority: dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/professional-regulation/board-of-examiners-electricians.
License types
- Certificate A - Electrical Contractor — Master electrician/contractor license; requires 12,000 hours (6 years) experience plus 2 years holding Certificate B
- Certificate B - Journeyperson Electrician — Journeyperson electrician license; requires 8,000 hours (4 years) as registered apprentice
- Certificate C - Limited-Premises Electrician — Electrician for specific premises
- Certificate D - Limited-Maintenance Electrician — Limited maintenance electrician; requires 4,000 hours over 2 years
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Certificate B (Journeyperson): 8,000 hours (4 years) as registered apprentice; Certificate A (Electrical Contractor): 12,000 hours (6 years) plus 2 years holding Journeyperson license; Limited licenses (Certificates C, D, E, F, etc.): 4,000 hours over 2 years minimum |
|---|---|
| Application fee | — |
| License fee | — |
| Renewal fee | $72 (journeyman-level licenses); $240 (master/contractor-level and Limited Electrician licenses); $200 (corporate certificates); plus $6 processing fee — every 2 years |
| Renewal period | 2 years |
| Continuing education | 15 hours every 2 years (required for Certificate A and B holders) |
| Bond required | — |
| Liability insurance | — |
| Property damage | — |
| Workers' comp | — |
| Background check | — |
| Credit requirement | — |
| Reciprocity | None |
| Processing time | — |
Exams
| Electrician License Examination | Provider: Board of Examiners of Electricians · Passing: 70% · Fee: Not published by the board |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Rhode Island electrician license cost?
Application: —. License: —. Renewal: $72 (journeyman-level licenses); $240 (master/contractor-level and Limited Electrician licenses); $200 (corporate certificates); plus $6 processing fee — every 2 years.
Do electricians in Rhode Island need a surety bond?
—
What experience is required for a Rhode Island electrician license?
Certificate B (Journeyperson): 8,000 hours (4 years) as registered apprentice; Certificate A (Electrical Contractor): 12,000 hours (6 years) plus 2 years holding Journeyperson license; Limited licenses (Certificates C, D, E, F, etc.): 4,000 hours over 2 years minimum
Is insurance required for electricians in Rhode Island?
Liability: — Workers' compensation: —
How often must a Rhode Island electrician license be renewed?
2 years. Continuing education: 15 hours every 2 years (required for Certificate A and B holders)
Official sources
rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/260-30-15-7
ri.gov/Licensing/renewal/license.php?lic_id=65
dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/professional-regulation/board-of-examiners-electricians
rocketcert.com/construction/rhode-island