Limited Electrical Contractor

To be licensed as a limited electrical contractor, candidates must either be a journeyman electrician or employ a journeyman electrician in a full-time capacity. The candidate also must submit proof that he or she carries Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Individuals applying for an Unlimited Electrical Contractor License must either be master electricians themselves or employ a master electrician full time. They also need to submit proof that they carry Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Should I join an electrician union in Montana?

Montana’s electricians’ union is the International Brotherhood of Electricians (IBEW.) IBEW is very proactive in the provision of apprentice training programs throughout Big Sky Country. It’s also true that on average union electricians earn higher wages and qualify for better benefits, including retirement pensions. However, joining a union means abiding by the union’s many rules, and this condition may not work well for every electrician.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

IOrganizations, like the IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and the Independent Electrical Contractors Association, offer networking opportunities to help with employment. Positive referrals also can spur employment. Prospective employers are likely to ask questions about your previous work experience and how you solve work challenges.

Electrician insurance in Montana

Montana law requires individuals who hold Limited Contractor Licenses and Unlimited Contractor licenses to carry Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance. Given the many types of professional risks, it’s also advisable for electrical contractors to carry general and professional liability insurance as well as commercial property insurance to protect business belongings against theft or damage. Employees will be covered by their employers’ insurance.

Electrician industry trends

Electricians and other construction professionals can expect the demand for energy-efficient buildings to increase over the next decade. Understanding how to design circuits that reduce the amount of energy a structure uses will give electricians a competitive edge in the job market. 

Smart grids also are becoming increasingly popular, and electricians who understand this technology should see a greater interest in their services. You can attend major trade shows outside the state to further your education.

Is my license only valid in Montana?

Montana has reciprocity agreements for Journeyman Electrical Licenses with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. The State Electrical Board does not reciprocate Master Electrician Licenses. The only way to obtain this Montana electrical license is through examination.

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

All electricians’ licenses are good for a two-year period. The license renewal fee for Residential, Journeyman, and Master Electrician Licenses is $135; the license renewal fee for Limited and Unlimited Electrical Contractors is $275.

The master electrician test consists of 80 questions. It’s an open-book exam. Test topics include electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, electrical circuit layouts, cost estimates, procurement, and handling.

Limited Electrical Contractor

To be licensed as a limited electrical contractor, candidates must either be a journeyman electrician or employ a journeyman electrician in a full-time capacity. The candidate also must submit proof that he or she carries Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Individuals applying for an Unlimited Electrical Contractor License must either be master electricians themselves or employ a master electrician full time. They also need to submit proof that they carry Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Should I join an electrician union in Montana?

Montana’s electricians’ union is the International Brotherhood of Electricians (IBEW.) IBEW is very proactive in the provision of apprentice training programs throughout Big Sky Country. It’s also true that on average union electricians earn higher wages and qualify for better benefits, including retirement pensions. However, joining a union means abiding by the union’s many rules, and this condition may not work well for every electrician.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

IOrganizations, like the IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and the Independent Electrical Contractors Association, offer networking opportunities to help with employment. Positive referrals also can spur employment. Prospective employers are likely to ask questions about your previous work experience and how you solve work challenges.

Electrician insurance in Montana

Montana law requires individuals who hold Limited Contractor Licenses and Unlimited Contractor licenses to carry Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance. Given the many types of professional risks, it’s also advisable for electrical contractors to carry general and professional liability insurance as well as commercial property insurance to protect business belongings against theft or damage. Employees will be covered by their employers’ insurance.

Electrician industry trends

Electricians and other construction professionals can expect the demand for energy-efficient buildings to increase over the next decade. Understanding how to design circuits that reduce the amount of energy a structure uses will give electricians a competitive edge in the job market. 

Smart grids also are becoming increasingly popular, and electricians who understand this technology should see a greater interest in their services. You can attend major trade shows outside the state to further your education.

Is my license only valid in Montana?

Montana has reciprocity agreements for Journeyman Electrical Licenses with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. The State Electrical Board does not reciprocate Master Electrician Licenses. The only way to obtain this Montana electrical license is through examination.

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

All electricians’ licenses are good for a two-year period. The license renewal fee for Residential, Journeyman, and Master Electrician Licenses is $135; the license renewal fee for Limited and Unlimited Electrical Contractors is $275.

The fee for the 60-question exam is $60. The exam focuses on the National Electrical Code, Ohm’s Law, and the layout and installation of electrical circuits. You’ll have three hours to take the exam, and a passing score is 75%.

Applying for a temporary journeyman electrical permit will allow you to work while you wait to take the journeyman exam.

Master Electrician License

Master electricians must pass an examination. Your examination application must be approved by the State Electrical Board. In addition, you must have one of the following types of experience:

• An electrical engineering degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 2,000 hours of practical experience; or
• 8,000 hours of journeyman practice installing, maintaining. and repairing electrical wiring and heating, lighting, and power equipment, of which 20 to 50% must be spent working on residences.

The master electrician test consists of 80 questions. It’s an open-book exam. Test topics include electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, electrical circuit layouts, cost estimates, procurement, and handling.

Limited Electrical Contractor

To be licensed as a limited electrical contractor, candidates must either be a journeyman electrician or employ a journeyman electrician in a full-time capacity. The candidate also must submit proof that he or she carries Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Individuals applying for an Unlimited Electrical Contractor License must either be master electricians themselves or employ a master electrician full time. They also need to submit proof that they carry Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Should I join an electrician union in Montana?

Montana’s electricians’ union is the International Brotherhood of Electricians (IBEW.) IBEW is very proactive in the provision of apprentice training programs throughout Big Sky Country. It’s also true that on average union electricians earn higher wages and qualify for better benefits, including retirement pensions. However, joining a union means abiding by the union’s many rules, and this condition may not work well for every electrician.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

IOrganizations, like the IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and the Independent Electrical Contractors Association, offer networking opportunities to help with employment. Positive referrals also can spur employment. Prospective employers are likely to ask questions about your previous work experience and how you solve work challenges.

Electrician insurance in Montana

Montana law requires individuals who hold Limited Contractor Licenses and Unlimited Contractor licenses to carry Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance. Given the many types of professional risks, it’s also advisable for electrical contractors to carry general and professional liability insurance as well as commercial property insurance to protect business belongings against theft or damage. Employees will be covered by their employers’ insurance.

Electrician industry trends

Electricians and other construction professionals can expect the demand for energy-efficient buildings to increase over the next decade. Understanding how to design circuits that reduce the amount of energy a structure uses will give electricians a competitive edge in the job market. 

Smart grids also are becoming increasingly popular, and electricians who understand this technology should see a greater interest in their services. You can attend major trade shows outside the state to further your education.

Is my license only valid in Montana?

Montana has reciprocity agreements for Journeyman Electrical Licenses with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. The State Electrical Board does not reciprocate Master Electrician Licenses. The only way to obtain this Montana electrical license is through examination.

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

All electricians’ licenses are good for a two-year period. The license renewal fee for Residential, Journeyman, and Master Electrician Licenses is $135; the license renewal fee for Limited and Unlimited Electrical Contractors is $275.

The exam is an open-book test that consists of 50 questions on the National Electrical Code, Ohm’s Law, and the layout and installation of electrical circuits. A passing grade is 75%. You’ll have two and a half hours to take the test. The exam fee is $50. If you pass the exam, the license application fee is $240.

Once you’ve successfully registered for the exam, you can obtain a temporary residential electrician permit that will allow you to work while you wait to take your exam.

Journeyman Electrician License

To obtain a Journeyman Electrician License, you’ll have to pass an examination based on the National Electrical Code. The State Electrical Board must approve your exam application. You must meet one of the following experience qualifications:

• Completion of an electrical trade apprenticeship program or equivalent training program approved by the State Electrical Board;
• 8,000 hours of practice installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring and heating, lighting, and power equipment; or
• 20,000 hours of employment in the electrical maintenance field with a minimum of 8,000 hours practical experience.

The fee for the 60-question exam is $60. The exam focuses on the National Electrical Code, Ohm’s Law, and the layout and installation of electrical circuits. You’ll have three hours to take the exam, and a passing score is 75%.

Applying for a temporary journeyman electrical permit will allow you to work while you wait to take the journeyman exam.

Master Electrician License

Master electricians must pass an examination. Your examination application must be approved by the State Electrical Board. In addition, you must have one of the following types of experience:

• An electrical engineering degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 2,000 hours of practical experience; or
• 8,000 hours of journeyman practice installing, maintaining. and repairing electrical wiring and heating, lighting, and power equipment, of which 20 to 50% must be spent working on residences.

The master electrician test consists of 80 questions. It’s an open-book exam. Test topics include electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, electrical circuit layouts, cost estimates, procurement, and handling.

Limited Electrical Contractor

To be licensed as a limited electrical contractor, candidates must either be a journeyman electrician or employ a journeyman electrician in a full-time capacity. The candidate also must submit proof that he or she carries Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Individuals applying for an Unlimited Electrical Contractor License must either be master electricians themselves or employ a master electrician full time. They also need to submit proof that they carry Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Should I join an electrician union in Montana?

Montana’s electricians’ union is the International Brotherhood of Electricians (IBEW.) IBEW is very proactive in the provision of apprentice training programs throughout Big Sky Country. It’s also true that on average union electricians earn higher wages and qualify for better benefits, including retirement pensions. However, joining a union means abiding by the union’s many rules, and this condition may not work well for every electrician.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

IOrganizations, like the IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and the Independent Electrical Contractors Association, offer networking opportunities to help with employment. Positive referrals also can spur employment. Prospective employers are likely to ask questions about your previous work experience and how you solve work challenges.

Electrician insurance in Montana

Montana law requires individuals who hold Limited Contractor Licenses and Unlimited Contractor licenses to carry Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance. Given the many types of professional risks, it’s also advisable for electrical contractors to carry general and professional liability insurance as well as commercial property insurance to protect business belongings against theft or damage. Employees will be covered by their employers’ insurance.

Electrician industry trends

Electricians and other construction professionals can expect the demand for energy-efficient buildings to increase over the next decade. Understanding how to design circuits that reduce the amount of energy a structure uses will give electricians a competitive edge in the job market. 

Smart grids also are becoming increasingly popular, and electricians who understand this technology should see a greater interest in their services. You can attend major trade shows outside the state to further your education.

Is my license only valid in Montana?

Montana has reciprocity agreements for Journeyman Electrical Licenses with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. The State Electrical Board does not reciprocate Master Electrician Licenses. The only way to obtain this Montana electrical license is through examination.

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

All electricians’ licenses are good for a two-year period. The license renewal fee for Residential, Journeyman, and Master Electrician Licenses is $135; the license renewal fee for Limited and Unlimited Electrical Contractors is $275.

Apprenticeships

Most candidates for a Montana electrical license participate in an apprenticeship program. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers coordinate with unionized electrical contracting businesses to facilitate apprentice training programs. Non-union apprenticeships are available through the Independent Electrical Contractors Association, too. Individuals also may enroll in an electrical technology course at a Montana community college affiliated with the Montana Registered Apprenticeship program, or they can approach a non-union electrical contractor independently.

Coursework is incorporated into apprenticeship programs. You’ll learn the basics of electrical theory and how to program electrical circuits. You’ll also study the National Electrical Code and many types of wiring systems as well as how to bend conduits and read blueprints. As an electrical apprentice, you’ll be expected to own your own tools.

Residential Electrician License

To attain a Montana Residential Electrician License, you must pass an examination and meet one of the following three requirements for experience:

• Completion of an electrical trade apprenticeship program or equivalent training program approved by the State Electrical Board;
• 8,000 hours of practice installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring and heating, lighting, and power equipment; or
• 20,000 hours of employment in the electrical maintenance field with a minimum of 8,000 hours practical experience.

The exam is an open-book test that consists of 50 questions on the National Electrical Code, Ohm’s Law, and the layout and installation of electrical circuits. A passing grade is 75%. You’ll have two and a half hours to take the test. The exam fee is $50. If you pass the exam, the license application fee is $240.

Once you’ve successfully registered for the exam, you can obtain a temporary residential electrician permit that will allow you to work while you wait to take your exam.

Journeyman Electrician License

To obtain a Journeyman Electrician License, you’ll have to pass an examination based on the National Electrical Code. The State Electrical Board must approve your exam application. You must meet one of the following experience qualifications:

• Completion of an electrical trade apprenticeship program or equivalent training program approved by the State Electrical Board;
• 8,000 hours of practice installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring and heating, lighting, and power equipment; or
• 20,000 hours of employment in the electrical maintenance field with a minimum of 8,000 hours practical experience.

The fee for the 60-question exam is $60. The exam focuses on the National Electrical Code, Ohm’s Law, and the layout and installation of electrical circuits. You’ll have three hours to take the exam, and a passing score is 75%.

Applying for a temporary journeyman electrical permit will allow you to work while you wait to take the journeyman exam.

Master Electrician License

Master electricians must pass an examination. Your examination application must be approved by the State Electrical Board. In addition, you must have one of the following types of experience:

• An electrical engineering degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 2,000 hours of practical experience; or
• 8,000 hours of journeyman practice installing, maintaining. and repairing electrical wiring and heating, lighting, and power equipment, of which 20 to 50% must be spent working on residences.

The master electrician test consists of 80 questions. It’s an open-book exam. Test topics include electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, electrical circuit layouts, cost estimates, procurement, and handling.

Limited Electrical Contractor

To be licensed as a limited electrical contractor, candidates must either be a journeyman electrician or employ a journeyman electrician in a full-time capacity. The candidate also must submit proof that he or she carries Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Individuals applying for an Unlimited Electrical Contractor License must either be master electricians themselves or employ a master electrician full time. They also need to submit proof that they carry Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Should I join an electrician union in Montana?

Montana’s electricians’ union is the International Brotherhood of Electricians (IBEW.) IBEW is very proactive in the provision of apprentice training programs throughout Big Sky Country. It’s also true that on average union electricians earn higher wages and qualify for better benefits, including retirement pensions. However, joining a union means abiding by the union’s many rules, and this condition may not work well for every electrician.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

IOrganizations, like the IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and the Independent Electrical Contractors Association, offer networking opportunities to help with employment. Positive referrals also can spur employment. Prospective employers are likely to ask questions about your previous work experience and how you solve work challenges.

Electrician insurance in Montana

Montana law requires individuals who hold Limited Contractor Licenses and Unlimited Contractor licenses to carry Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance. Given the many types of professional risks, it’s also advisable for electrical contractors to carry general and professional liability insurance as well as commercial property insurance to protect business belongings against theft or damage. Employees will be covered by their employers’ insurance.

Electrician industry trends

Electricians and other construction professionals can expect the demand for energy-efficient buildings to increase over the next decade. Understanding how to design circuits that reduce the amount of energy a structure uses will give electricians a competitive edge in the job market. 

Smart grids also are becoming increasingly popular, and electricians who understand this technology should see a greater interest in their services. You can attend major trade shows outside the state to further your education.

Is my license only valid in Montana?

Montana has reciprocity agreements for Journeyman Electrical Licenses with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. The State Electrical Board does not reciprocate Master Electrician Licenses. The only way to obtain this Montana electrical license is through examination.

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

All electricians’ licenses are good for a two-year period. The license renewal fee for Residential, Journeyman, and Master Electrician Licenses is $135; the license renewal fee for Limited and Unlimited Electrical Contractors is $275.

Electrical licensing promotes a uniform set of qualifications for tradesmen providing electrical services, which helps ensure high performance standards across the profession. This guide looks at the requirements to attain a Montana electrical license. Plus, it examines the different types of electrical licenses, Montana electricians’ unions, and electrician insurance.

Does Montana require an electrical license?

Yes, you must have a Montana electrical license. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry, State Electrical Board oversees the licensing process. 

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Montana?

Montana issues five types of electrical licenses: Residential, Journeyman, Master, Limited Electrical Contractor, and Unlimited Electrical Contractor. Apprentices are not licensed, but they do have to register with the State Electrical Board.

Limited electrical contractors are either licensed journeyman electricians or employ journeymen electricians; they can only work on residential construction consisting of five or fewer units. Unlimited electrical contractors can work on all residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional structures.

On average, apprentice electricians in Montana earn $35,919 per year. An electrical journeyman makes $55,612 per year, and master electricians make $67,579 per year.

How to get an electrician license in Montana

Apprenticeships

Most candidates for a Montana electrical license participate in an apprenticeship program. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers coordinate with unionized electrical contracting businesses to facilitate apprentice training programs. Non-union apprenticeships are available through the Independent Electrical Contractors Association, too. Individuals also may enroll in an electrical technology course at a Montana community college affiliated with the Montana Registered Apprenticeship program, or they can approach a non-union electrical contractor independently.

Coursework is incorporated into apprenticeship programs. You’ll learn the basics of electrical theory and how to program electrical circuits. You’ll also study the National Electrical Code and many types of wiring systems as well as how to bend conduits and read blueprints. As an electrical apprentice, you’ll be expected to own your own tools.

Residential Electrician License

To attain a Montana Residential Electrician License, you must pass an examination and meet one of the following three requirements for experience:

• Completion of an electrical trade apprenticeship program or equivalent training program approved by the State Electrical Board;
• 8,000 hours of practice installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring and heating, lighting, and power equipment; or
• 20,000 hours of employment in the electrical maintenance field with a minimum of 8,000 hours practical experience.

The exam is an open-book test that consists of 50 questions on the National Electrical Code, Ohm’s Law, and the layout and installation of electrical circuits. A passing grade is 75%. You’ll have two and a half hours to take the test. The exam fee is $50. If you pass the exam, the license application fee is $240.

Once you’ve successfully registered for the exam, you can obtain a temporary residential electrician permit that will allow you to work while you wait to take your exam.

Journeyman Electrician License

To obtain a Journeyman Electrician License, you’ll have to pass an examination based on the National Electrical Code. The State Electrical Board must approve your exam application. You must meet one of the following experience qualifications:

• Completion of an electrical trade apprenticeship program or equivalent training program approved by the State Electrical Board;
• 8,000 hours of practice installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring and heating, lighting, and power equipment; or
• 20,000 hours of employment in the electrical maintenance field with a minimum of 8,000 hours practical experience.

The fee for the 60-question exam is $60. The exam focuses on the National Electrical Code, Ohm’s Law, and the layout and installation of electrical circuits. You’ll have three hours to take the exam, and a passing score is 75%.

Applying for a temporary journeyman electrical permit will allow you to work while you wait to take the journeyman exam.

Master Electrician License

Master electricians must pass an examination. Your examination application must be approved by the State Electrical Board. In addition, you must have one of the following types of experience:

• An electrical engineering degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 2,000 hours of practical experience; or
• 8,000 hours of journeyman practice installing, maintaining. and repairing electrical wiring and heating, lighting, and power equipment, of which 20 to 50% must be spent working on residences.

The master electrician test consists of 80 questions. It’s an open-book exam. Test topics include electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, electrical circuit layouts, cost estimates, procurement, and handling.

Limited Electrical Contractor

To be licensed as a limited electrical contractor, candidates must either be a journeyman electrician or employ a journeyman electrician in a full-time capacity. The candidate also must submit proof that he or she carries Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Individuals applying for an Unlimited Electrical Contractor License must either be master electricians themselves or employ a master electrician full time. They also need to submit proof that they carry Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Should I join an electrician union in Montana?

Montana’s electricians’ union is the International Brotherhood of Electricians (IBEW.) IBEW is very proactive in the provision of apprentice training programs throughout Big Sky Country. It’s also true that on average union electricians earn higher wages and qualify for better benefits, including retirement pensions. However, joining a union means abiding by the union’s many rules, and this condition may not work well for every electrician.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

IOrganizations, like the IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and the Independent Electrical Contractors Association, offer networking opportunities to help with employment. Positive referrals also can spur employment. Prospective employers are likely to ask questions about your previous work experience and how you solve work challenges.

Electrician insurance in Montana

Montana law requires individuals who hold Limited Contractor Licenses and Unlimited Contractor licenses to carry Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance. Given the many types of professional risks, it’s also advisable for electrical contractors to carry general and professional liability insurance as well as commercial property insurance to protect business belongings against theft or damage. Employees will be covered by their employers’ insurance.

Electrician industry trends

Electricians and other construction professionals can expect the demand for energy-efficient buildings to increase over the next decade. Understanding how to design circuits that reduce the amount of energy a structure uses will give electricians a competitive edge in the job market. 

Smart grids also are becoming increasingly popular, and electricians who understand this technology should see a greater interest in their services. You can attend major trade shows outside the state to further your education.

Is my license only valid in Montana?

Montana has reciprocity agreements for Journeyman Electrical Licenses with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. The State Electrical Board does not reciprocate Master Electrician Licenses. The only way to obtain this Montana electrical license is through examination.

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

All electricians’ licenses are good for a two-year period. The license renewal fee for Residential, Journeyman, and Master Electrician Licenses is $135; the license renewal fee for Limited and Unlimited Electrical Contractors is $275.