How much experience do you need?

By class (GS 87-43.3): Limited =2,000 primary); Intermediate =5,000 primary); Unlimited =8,000 primary)

How to get a Electrician license in North Carolina

Yes — North Carolina requires a Electrician license, issued by NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC). You must pass the state exam, document your qualifying experience. The license fee is $125, and it renews every 1 year.

North Carolina Electrician license requirements at a glance

License required	Yes (state)
Issuing board	NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)
Exam	Yes — PSI-administered open-book exam; 100 questions, 6 hours; minimum grade 70
Experience	By class (GS 87-43.3): Limited <=3,000 hrs (>=2,000 primary); Intermediate <=5,750 hrs (>=5,000 primary); Unlimited <=9,000 hrs (>=8,000 primary)
Bond	No
License fee	$125
Renewal	Every 1 year(s)
Reciprocity	Reciprocal agreements (no written exam): AL, FL, GA, MS, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV

License required

Yes (state)

Issuing board

NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)

Exam

Yes — PSI-administered open-book exam; 100 questions, 6 hours; minimum grade 70

Experience

By class (GS 87-43.3): Limited <=3,000 hrs (>=2,000 primary); Intermediate <=5,750 hrs (>=5,000 primary); Unlimited <=9,000 hrs (>=8,000 primary)

Bond

License fee

$125

Renewal

Every 1 year(s)

Reciprocity

Reciprocal agreements (no written exam): AL, FL, GA, MS, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV

Step by step

Meet the experience requirement. By class (GS 87-43.3): Limited <=3,000 hrs (>=2,000 primary); Intermediate <=5,750 hrs (>=5,000 primary); Unlimited <=9,000 hrs (>=8,000 primary)
Pass the required exam. PSI-administered open-book exam; 100 questions, 6 hours; minimum grade 70
Pay the license fee and apply. Submit your application to NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) with the $125 fee.
Keep the license current. Renew every 1 year to stay eligible to pull permits.

Fee detail and fine print

Application & exam fee $125 (all classifications); annual license fee $100 Limited / $150 Intermediate / $200 Unlimited. No bond requirement published by the board. Annual renewal (GS 87-44).

Already licensed in another state?

Reciprocal agreements (no written exam): AL, FL, GA, MS, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV

North Carolina Electrician reciprocity in detail →

Official source: NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) →

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a license to work as a electrician in North Carolina?: Yes. North Carolina requires a Electrician license issued by NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC).
How much does a Electrician license cost in North Carolina?: The license fee is $125. Application & exam fee $125 (all classifications); annual license fee $100 Limited / $150 Intermediate / $200 Unlimited. No bond requirement published by the board. Annual renewal (GS 87-44). Exam, fingerprinting, bond premium and insurance are billed separately where they apply.
How much experience do you need?: By class (GS 87-43.3): Limited <=3,000 hrs (>=2,000 primary); Intermediate <=5,750 hrs (>=5,000 primary); Unlimited <=9,000 hrs (>=8,000 primary)
What exam do you have to pass?: PSI-administered open-book exam; 100 questions, 6 hours; minimum grade 70
Is a surety bond required in North Carolina?: No surety bond is required for this license by NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC). Application & exam fee $125 (all classifications); annual license fee $100 Limited / $150 Intermediate / $200 Unlimited. No bond requirement published by the board. Annual renewal (GS 87-44).
Does North Carolina have reciprocity with other states?: Reciprocal agreements (no written exam): AL, FL, GA, MS, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
How often do you renew?: Every 1 year.