Becoming an electrician in Massachusetts could be a great career choice! The Bay State is home to many talented tradespeople and contractors—in fact, the Boston metro area has one the highest employment rates for electricians in the country.
But before you can help others turn on their lights, you’ll need to get a Massachusetts electrical license.
Learn how to get an electrician license in Massachusetts, including licensing requirements and why many tradespeople consider electrical contractor insurance for their small businesses.
Is an electrician’s license required to work in Massachusetts?
Yes, all electricians must have a license to work in Massachusetts. Licenses are granted by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians.
There are four types of licenses that you can apply for:
- Journeyman Electrician (Class B license)
- Master Electrician (Class A license)
- Systems Contractor (Class C license)
- Systems Technician (Class D license)
An electrical license shows that you are properly trained and experienced in working with electricity. It allows you to obtain building permits (when needed) and means your work can pass inspections.
Electrician certification in Massachusetts could help you attract customers and potentially earn more money.
How to become an electrician in Massachusetts
There are Massachusetts electrical license requirements that you must meet to work in the state.
1. Complete your education
Before you can apply for a Mass. electrical license, you must complete a board-approved electrical program. Journeyman (entry-level) electricians study for a minimum of 600 hours. During your time in the classroom, you will learn basic skills and theory for working with electricity, as well as general safety.
The other license classes require additional education hours and cover more advanced or specialized topics.
2. Complete your training hours
Journeyman electricians must also complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training to become licensed.
Work experience is usually gained through an apprenticeship, where you will be supervised by a licensed electrician while getting paid. Apprentices typically work while they are completing their educational requirements.
3. Submit an application
Next, submit an electrician license application. You’ll need to pay a licensing fee and submit evidence that you have met the education and training requirements. A criminal background check (Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)) is also required.
4. Pass the electrical exam
It typically takes 30-90 days to review your application. Once approved, you can sit the qualifying exam and receive your license after you pass. The exam will test your electrical knowledge to ensure you have the skills necessary to work safely with electricity.
5. Renew your license
Mass. electrical licenses must be renewed every three years. Before you can renew your license, you’ll need to complete 21 hours of continuing education to refresh your knowledge and keep you up-to-date on the current Massachusetts electrical code.
Do Massachusetts electricians need electrical contractor insurance?
Business insurance is not required to get an electrician’s license in Massachusetts. However, some coverage may be necessary to work in the state. You might also consider policies to help protect your electrical business from unplanned expenses.
- General Liability – Coverage for third-party injuries and property damage may be required to work with specific clients or lease commercial space for your business.
- Workers’ Compensation – Massachusetts law requires most businesses with one or more employees to have Workers’ Compensation insurance.
- Business Owners’ Policy (BOP) – A BOP is an insurance package that can be customized to include coverage for your tools and equipment, unplanned interruptions to business, and other risks your business might face.
BizInsure helps Massachusetts electricians find electrical contractor insurance that suits the unique needs of their businesses.
Learn more about insurance for electricians and request your free, no-obligation quote today!
