Start your career and apply for a Kentucky electrical license. This guide discusses state electrical licensing requirements, examination information, and electrician job tips.

Does Kentucky require an electrical license?

The state of Kentucky requires all electricians to be licensed to perform residential and commercial work.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Kentucky?

Electrical contractor license, master electrician license, and electrician license are the three types of electrical licenses in Kentucky.

Kentucky electrical contractors maintain, install, and repair electrical systems for residential and commercial properties. The electrical contractor license fee is $80.00. Electrical contractor license requirements:

• Pass a computer-based exam
• Possess at least $500,000 of general liability insurance
• Have worker’s compensation
• Submit an application and color photo
• Pay application fee

Kentucky master electricians install, repair, and maintain electrical systems for commercial and residential properties. They supervise electricians. The master electrician license fee is $80.00. Master electrician license requirements:

• Pass an examination
• Work a minimum of 8 years as an electrician
• Take a minimum of 576 hours of classroom training
• Submit an application and color photo
• Pay the licensing fee

Kentucky electricians repair, maintain, and install electrical systems for residential properties. The electrician license fee is $80.000. Electrician license requirements:

• Pass licensing examination
• Work a minimum of 6 years as an electrician trainee
• Submit an application and color photo
• Complete a minimum of 576 hours of classroom training

The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction issues electrical licenses. The average hourly pay rate for Kentucky electricians is $22.50.

How to get an electrician license in Kentucky

Apply for an electrician apprenticeship program in your area. After you have completed a minimum of four years in the program, apply for an electrician license. Work as an electrician for at least two years and submit an application for a master electrician license.

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs:

• Louisville Electrical JATC
• IEC Electrical Apprenticeship
• IBEW 369 Apprenticeship Training

Kentucky apprenticeship programs are sponsored by unions, government agencies, and businesses. In some instances, sponsors pay the entire cost of the apprenticeship program. The fees and costs for each program varies.

If you take courses from a trade school or community college, you are required to pay tuition and fees. Expect to pay as much as $10,000 for the courses. Accredited trade schools and community colleges offer financial aid to students.

Apprenticeship Program Prerequisites:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Be physically capable of performing electrician duties

On-the-Job Experience:

• Work under the direct supervision of a master electrician
• Repair and maintain electrical systems
• Assist with wire installation
• Inspect electrical systems

Kentucky Electrical License Information:

 Kentucky electrical exams are administered by Pearson VUE. Applicants must score a minimum of 70%  on each test to pass.

Kentucky Electrician Examination Content:

• Estimating and Bidding
• Special Occupancies, Conditions and Equipment
• Motors and Generators
• Wiring Methods and Materials
• OSHA Compliance and Safety
• Project Management and Planning
• Financing and Recordkeeping
• Tax, Lien Laws and Dispute Resolution

Examination Study Resources:

• Tests.com

Should I join an electrician union in Kentucky?

Kentucky electrician unions offer benefits to their members. Benefits include a pension, vacation pay, and sick pay. As a union member, you do not have to handle disputes with your employer. Your union handles all disputes and negotiates raises on your behalf. Electrician union members earn at least 20% more money than electricians who are not enrolled in a union.

How to use your electrician license to get a Job

An electrician license opens the door to career opportunities including a competitive salary and job security. Below are a few tips to help you find an electrician job.

Where to Find Electrician Jobs:

• CareerBuilder
• Get Electrician Jobs
• Electrical Agent

Electrician Job Search Tips:

• Attend career fairs
• Set up a LinkedIn account
• Build relationships with people who work in the electrical industry

Helpful Electrician Job Interview Tips:

• Wear professional clothing to your interview
• Resist the urge to have a negative conversation about an employer
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early to the interview

Electrician insurance in Kentucky

From electrical shocks to fires, Kentucky electricians face a variety of dangers. Before you take on your first electrical job, get insurance coverage.

Electrical companies provide insurance for employees. Business owners and self-employed electricians must pay for their own electrical insurance.

Electrician industry trends

Companies hire electricians to rewire outdated electrical systems and grid lines. Updating electrical systems gives companies the ability to use modern technology with ease.

Electrical companies use automated billing and scheduling systems. Automation in the electrical industry expedites customer transactions. Electricians attend electrical trade shows to keep up with the latest technology in the industry.

Is my license only valid in Kentucky?

Kentucky has reciprocal licensing agreements with Virginia and Ohio. You must submit reciprocal applications to each state’s licensing board before you begin any residential and commercial electrical work.

I already have a license but:

• I changed my name – Submit a name change request to the licensing division.
• I misplaced the card – Request a replacement card via email.
• I changed my address – Submit an address change request to the licensing division.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Kentucky?

Renew your Kentucky electrical license every year. Renewal fees are electrical contractor license ($100.00), master electrician license ($100.00) and electrician license ($50.00).