Are you looking to know about the licensing requirements to be an electrical contractor in the keystone state of Pennsylvania? Well, you’ve landed on the right page!
From job security, competitive pay to being your own boss, running your own electrician business or being an independent contractor has a lot to offer. Starting your own business is part of the American dream, but standing way is a bunch of complicated licensing criteria.
Fear not! This electrician licensing guide will unpack the requirements and set you on your way to being an electrician in the state of Pennsylvania.
Do I really need a license?
The first question you may ask is , do you really need to get your license? Well, it depends. Pennsylvania has no state license for electrical work and thus has left it to counties and cities to preside over the licensing and certification process.
While the rules and regulations are mostly similar throughout Pennsylvania, aspiring electricians will need to contact their local building departments to confirm the specific fees, application instructions and requirements.
There are also specific requirements that depend on the type of electrical work you conduct. While you could start off as an apprentice or become a journeyman, the following licensing requirements are for those wishing to become an electrical contractor, which allows them to own their own small business and hire employees.
License requirements for major cities
While electricians will need to reach out through their local network to find out the requirements depending on where they are in Pennsylvania, it’s worth mentioning the specific criteria needed to be an electrical contractor in the state’s biggest city and home to more than 5.5 million people – Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Electrical Contractor License
You need an Electrical Contractor license to do electrical work including low voltage wiring in the city of Philadelphia. You must have at least four years employment doing electrical work for a company licensed through a local or state jurisdiction to qualify.
Two years of formal education equates to one year of practical experience, so it’s worth mixing both your practical and theoretical skills when you are developing your craft.
You must also have proof of successful completion of the Philadelphia Electrical Contractor Examination. This exam is run by the International Code Council, a not-for-profit safety organisation.
You must also provide photo ID, proof of employment tax information and proof of you completing at least eight hours of the current coursework by the National Fire Protection Association.
This license will need to be renewed annually.
Sorting out your electrical contractor insurance in Pennsylvania
Your electrician’s insurance in Pennsylvania is another integral part of getting and maintaining the right licensing in. Below is a continuation of the criteria needed to obtain your Electrical Contractor license in Philadelphia.
In Philadelphia you must provide a Certificate of Insurance to obtain your Electrical Contractor license that includes these minimum amounts of electrical company insurance:
- General Liability: $500,000 per occurrence
- Automobile Liability Insurance: $300,000
- Worker’s Compensation:
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- $100,000 each accident
- $100,000 each employee
- $500,000 policy limit
That’s a confusing amount of insurance for electricians so let’s break it down and see where you can get it.
Automobile Liability insurance protects you against financial loss if you are in an accident during work. Since you are constantly driving to different places (and because it’s a legal requirement), it’s an essential form of coverage as an electrical contractor. Visit one of the many local auto insurance providers to get the best quote.
Another form of electrical liability in Pennsylvania is General Liability insurance. Sometimes called “slip and fall coverage ”, General Liability insurance* can protect your business against bodily injury or property damage lawsuits from outside parties . Your policy will typically cover your legal expenses, as well as the cost of compensating the person who made the claim against you (up to the limits of liability).
Workers’ Compensation insurance* protects you against workplace injuries and illnesses. This may include paying medical expenses and lost wages to an injured employee or lawsuits that might arise in these situations.
Both General Liability and Worker’s Compensation coverage are available through BizInsure. With just a few clicks or a single phone call, you can get electrical company insurance that fits your business’ needs.
Find your preferred policy and get coverage instantly.
