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; Maintenance electrician apprentices (toward Certificate M): 6,000 hours over at least 3 years; lightning-protection installer apprentices: 4,000 hours over at least 2 years (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-24). Apprentices complete 144 hours of related instruction per year.
- Pass the Electrician License Examination exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Board of Examiners of Electricians — $75 examination application fee (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-17) application fee, plus a $240 (Class A contractor), $72 (Class B journeyperson), $240 (Class C limited premises) (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-16(b)) license fee.
- Keep the license active. Renewal: 2 years. Continuing education: 15 hours every 2 years (required for Certificate A and B holders).
For the general path in every state, see the Electrician guide →
Rhode Island electrician license lookup
To confirm an electrician is properly licensed in Rhode Island — 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.
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 — Issued to the RI Department of Transportation, the RI Airport Corporation, or manufacturing and industrial firms that regularly employ licensed journeypersons (Class B or M); an entity license, not an individual credential
- Certificate D - Limited-Maintenance Electrician — Issued to municipalities, schools, hospitals, colleges and other non-manufacturing establishments that regularly employ licensed journeypersons (Class B or M) (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-10.1); the individual maintenance credential is Certificate M
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; Maintenance electrician apprentices (toward Certificate M): 6,000 hours over at least 3 years; lightning-protection installer apprentices: 4,000 hours over at least 2 years (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-24). Apprentices complete 144 hours of related instruction per year. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $75 examination application fee (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-17) |
| License fee | $240 (Class A contractor), $72 (Class B journeyperson), $240 (Class C limited premises) (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-16(b)) |
| 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 | No full reciprocity. The journeyperson exam is open to an applicant holding another state's license based on training equal to Rhode Island's (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-24(b)). · other states' agreements |
| Processing time | — |
What a Rhode Island electrician license costs
| Application fee | $75 examination application fee (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-17). |
|---|---|
| License fee | $240 (Class A contractor), $72 (Class B journeyperson), $240 (Class C limited premises) (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-16(b)). |
| Electrician License Examination | $75 (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-17). |
| 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. |
Exams
| Electrician License Examination | Provider: Board of Examiners of Electricians · Passing: 70% · Fee: $75 (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-17) |
|---|
Renewing a Rhode Island electrician license
The Electrician License renews on a fixed cycle set by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Board of Examiners of Electricians. 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 | $72 (journeyman-level licenses); $240 (master/contractor-level and Limited Electrician licenses); $200 (corporate certificates); plus $6 processing fee — every 2 years |
| Continuing education | 15 hours every 2 years (required for Certificate A and B holders) |
| Where to renew | Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Board of Examiners of Electricians |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Rhode Island electrician license cost?
Application: $75 examination application fee (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-17). License: $240 (Class A contractor), $72 (Class B journeyperson), $240 (Class C limited premises) (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-16(b)). Renewal: $72 (journeyman-level licenses); $240 (master/contractor-level and Limited Electrician licenses); $200 (corporate certificates); plus $6 processing fee — every 2 years.
How do I look up a electrician license in Rhode Island?
Search the official license database at dltweb.dlt.ri.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do electricians in Rhode Island need a surety bond?
Not stated by the board.
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; Maintenance electrician apprentices (toward Certificate M): 6,000 hours over at least 3 years; lightning-protection installer apprentices: 4,000 hours over at least 2 years (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-6-24). Apprentices complete 144 hours of related instruction per year.
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
webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE5/5-6/5-6-16.htm
webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE5/5-6/5-6-17.htm
webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE5/5-6/5-6-10.1.htm
webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE5/5-6/5-6-24.htm
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