Delaware Electrician License: Everything You Need to Know

The electrical industry offers a path to career success. As a licensed Delaware electrician, you have the opportunity to work for private companies and federal/state government agencies. Or, you could go the entrepreneurial route and own your own electrical contractor business.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrician job growth over the next decade is expected to increase at an average of 6%. In Delaware, the outlook is even more promising; the BLS estimates that job growth will increase about 17% over the next 10 years.

Our Delaware electrical license guide contains everything you need to know about applying for a license and getting hired as an electrician. We include links to government websites, testing information, and other helpful information.

Does Delaware require an electrical license?

A Delaware electrical license is required to perform any type of electrical work on commercial and residential properties. Any person, from apprentice to Master Electrician, who performs electrical work must have a valid license issued by the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Delaware?

Delaware offers multiple levels of electrician licensure:

• Master Electrician
• Master special electrician
• Limited electrician
• Journeyperson electrician
• Residential electrician
• Apprentice electrician

All licenses are issued through the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners.

Master electrician requirements

Master electricians maintain, repair, and install electrical systems in businesses, houses, factories, and other types of properties. Master electricians are authorized to supervise other electricians. Master electrician applicants must:

• Pass a master electrician test
• Submit a signed and notarized application
• Pay the application processing fee ($187)
• Have a minimum general liability coverage of $300,000
• Provide copies of licenses in other states if you are licensed in another state and have moved to Delaware
• Have at least 6 years of full-time employment as an electrician OR
• Have at least four years of experience under a licensed electrician AND a two-year degree in applied electrical technology

Master special electrician requirements

Master special electricians are authorized to install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in specialty areas. These areas include elevators, HVAC, pools, refrigeration, electric signs and primary distribution centers.

• Pass a master special electrician examination
• Submit a signed and notarized application
• Have at least $300,000 of general liability insurance
• Pay the application processing fee ($187)
• Complete an electrician apprenticeship program
• Have at least 6 years of employment as an electrician

Limited electrician requirements

Limited electricians are authorized to repair, install, and maintain electrical systems under the direction of a master electrician. Applicants must:

• Pass an electrician examination
• Have at least three years of employment as an electrician
• Submit a signed and notarized application
• Have at least $300,000 of general liability insurance
• Pay the application fee ($114)

Limited special electrician requirements

Limited special electricians are authorized to repair, install, and maintain specialty electrical systems under the direction of a licensed master special electrician. This license is a step toward the Master Special Electrician job path. Applicants must:

• Pass an electrician examination
• Have at least three years of full-time employment as an electrician
• Submit a signed and notarized application
• Pay the application fee ($109)

Residential electrician requirements

Residential electricians perform electrical work on residential properties without supervision. Applicants must:

• Complete at least 4,000 hours of electrical work
• Pass a residential electrician examination
• Submit a notarized and signed application
• Pay an application fee ($99)
• Complete a residential apprenticeship program

Journeyperson electrician requirements

Journeyperson electricians perform a variety of electrical work under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician. Applicants must:

• Pass an examination
• Submit a signed and notarized application
• Complete an 8,000-hour internship program approved by the state of Delaware
• Pay the application fee ($99)

Apprenticeship electrician requirements

Apprentice electricians work on electrical systems under the direction of a master electrician. Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an apprenticeship program
• Submit a form from your employer verifying your employment
• Pay an application fee ($79)

You must renew your apprenticeship license every two years as long as you are in your apprenticeship program.

You are required to have a license to perform electrical work in Delaware, even as an apprentice. However, you can also earn certifications that indicate your ability to perform niche or specialty work or to verify your skill level and expertise. The following certifications are optional, but they can help you secure better employment and command a higher wage than someone of similar experience and skill level who does not have certifications.

NECA certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the largest association of professional electricians in the country. You don’t have to be a contractor—any professional electrician can join. NECA offers online courses for specific skills and continuing education.

Not only does NECA offer professional electricians opportunities to develop their skills and learn more about niche areas of the industry, but it also offers networking opportunities. You can meet and connect with other professionals who can help you on the job hunt if you move to a different state or are a contractor looking for qualified employees.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) is a designation that recognizes the most accomplished electricians in the country. CPE certifications are recognized in all 50 states and indicate that you have reached a certain level of ability and experience.

The IEC also offers apprenticeships and resources for continuing education and niche training, which can be useful when you need to provide proof of continuing education to renew your license.

National Fire Protection Association certification

If you plan to work in commercial electrical jobs, bid on government work, or apply for a Master Electrician Special license, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certifications can help you achieve your goals. The NFPA issues multiple certifications, such as for working on building safety systems or fire alarm wiring.

How much does an electrician make in Delaware?

There are many job options for professional electricians in Delaware, from entry-level to specialist contractors. The average wages for some of the most common electrician jobs in Delaware are as follows:

• Apprentice electrician: $19.49 per hour
• Electrician helper: $24.10 per hour
• Electrician: $68,827 per year
• Electrician journeyman: $63,587 per year
• Electrical foreman: $36.75 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $103,437 per year

Delaware salaries are noticeably higher than the national average. For example, the U.S. average wage for an electrician is $28.79 per hour, compared to Delaware’s $31.15 per hour. However, the gap narrows when you consider an electrical project manager position; the U.S. average of $103,074 per year is slightly below Delaware’s average of $ 102,437 per year.

Depending on your employer, you could make more money as an hourly employee if you work overtime or if you get paid more to work nights and weekends answering emergency calls. Hourly and salary workers both tend to make more money in higher-cost-of-living or dense urban areas than in lower-cost-of-living locations.

The more education, training, and specialty credentials you have, often the more you can make. And, contractors who own their own business can easily make double or triple the annual electrician salary.

How to get an electrician license in Delaware

First, apply for a Delaware apprenticeship to begin your electrician career. After enrolling in an apprenticeship program, apply for an apprentice license. Once you have completed your apprenticeship training (4 – 6 years), apply for a residential or journeyperson license.

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Delaware

Electrician unions and state agencies sponsor apprenticeship programs. Costs for apprenticeships vary depending on the program. If you enroll in a trade school or community college, expect to pay up to $10,000 for electrician training. Accredited schools generally offer financial aid.

Not all electrician apprenticeships you see online are approved by the state or offered by an accredited institution. Be wary of scams where you pay a lot of money only to realize that you didn’t receive the training or that your apprenticeship doesn’t qualify you for a license.

You can find more information about state-approved apprenticeship programs through the Delaware Department of Labor. If you choose to go the trade school or community college route to becoming an electrician, check out:

• Polytech Adult Education in Woodside
• New Castle County Vocational Technical School District in Wilmington
• Delaware Skills Center in New Castle

Or, consider joining a union, like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and getting an internship through the union. For example, IBEW Local 313 offers an Inside Wireman (Construction Electrician) Apprenticeship Program.

Other state-accredited apprenticeship programs include:

• Delaware Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program
• Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake (IEC)

Electrician apprenticeship program prerequisites

Although the specific requirements of each apprenticeship program differ, in general, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be able to perform electrician duties
• On-the-Job Experience
• Attend training courses
• Assist with the maintenance and installation of electrical systems
• Inspect conductors, lighting, and cables

Delaware Electrical License information

Prometric administers Delaware electrician exams. Each exam costs $100. Applicants must score at least 75% to pass. You can find practice exams and more information to help you study here.

Delaware Electrician Examination Content:

• Motors and Generators
• Wiring Methods and Materials
• OSHA Compliance and Safety
• Project Management and Planning
• Examination Study Resources
• Delaware Electrician License Exam
• Jade Learning

Electrician insurance in Delaware

Delaware electricians face many dangers, including building fires, electrical shocks, and burns. After you pass your electrician exam, you must provide proof of insurance coverage. Electrician licensees are required to have a minimum of $300,000 of general liability coverage.

In addition, you may be required to have a surety bond if a client requires it for a high-value job or additional liability insurance. Some government bids may also require more insurance. If you are a contractor with employees, you must carry Delaware Worker’s Compensation coverage.

Electrician industry trends

New electrical technology gives electricians the ability to service their customers efficiently. Electricians attend electrical industry trade shows to learn about best practices and tools.

Solar power and wind farm power are two hot electrical trends right now. Garden State Offshore Energy, for example, recently installed a new wind farm off the coast of Delaware. Electricians who have the skills to install and maintain these facilities or manage moving the harvested wind energy into the nearby electrical grids will be in very high demand over the next decade.

Frequently Asked Questions about Delaware Electrician Licensure

Is my license only valid in Delaware?

Delaware has reciprocal license agreements with Michigan and Wyoming. Any other state licenses must be submitted to the Board of Electrical Examiners for consideration.

How do I change the information on my electrician license?

To change information on your Delaware electrician license, log in to the DELPROS online portal, access your license tile, and use the “Manage Profile” option to update your details, such as address, phone number, or name change; for significant changes like a name change, you might need to submit a service request through the DELPROS platform as well.

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

A Delaware electrical license expires on June 30 of even years. You must renew the license by the due date or pay a late renewal fee. Renewal fees are based on the date you received your license.