North Dakota is rich in spacious landscapes and history, but it can be tough to find a steady job in a rural state. Thankfully, there is always plenty of work for electricians. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know to get your North Dakota electrical license. Let’s explore the licensing requirements and industry trends.

Does North Dakota require an electrical license?

You need a North Dakota electrical license to do electrical work in the state.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in North Dakota?

Apprentices in North Dakota must fill out a registration form within six months of their hire date. This registration allows them to install and repair electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment under the supervision of a master or class B electrician. Apprentice electricians in North Dakota earn an average of $22.09 per hour.

A journeyman electrician license allows you to work without supervision. Journeyman electricians can do any wiring or electrical work, but they must work for a master electrician.Journeyman electricians in North Dakota earn an average of $36.10 per hour.

You could apply for a class B electrician license in lieu of a journeyman license. Class B electricians can perform residential and farmstead wiring for one- and two-family dwellings. The class B license only requires 3,000 hours of experience, making it an excellent option for rural electricians seeking quick licensure. They earn roughly the same wage as journeyman electricians.

There are three types of master electrician licenses in North Dakota: a non-contracting master license, a master of record license and a contracting master license. A non-contracting master holds the same job duties as a journeyman, but the license shows a record of experience in electrical work. A master of record license allows you to work as a master electrician for one specific company. Finally, a contracting master license allows you to bid on contracted jobs and operate your own business. Master electricians in North Dakota make an average of $67,579 per year.

How to get an electrician license in North Dakota

The first step to becoming a North Dakota electrician is gaining the necessary experience to become a journeyman. To qualify for journeyman license, you must accrue 8,000 hours of work experience as a registered apprentice in no less than three years. A two-year degree from a technical college or trade school can count towards 2,000 hours of this requirement. Other ways to get credit towards your 8,000 hours can be found here.

Apprenticeships are available at unions throughout the state. At an apprenticeship, you will learn electrical code, electrical theory, wiring, motor controls, and OSHA regulations. You will gain massive hands-on experience in the field. In fact, most apprentices do exactly the same work as journeyman electricians, just with more supervision. You will need to renew your apprentice registration each year.

Trade schools help you network in the industry and familiarize yourself with electrical concepts in a safe, controlled environment.

North Dakota State College of Science and Bismarck State College are the two best schools for electricians in the state. Contact the schools to learn about the availability of financial aid.

After completing your apprenticeship, fill out this journeyman license exam application form and take the journeyman licensure exam. The Electrical Board will supply you with study materials and help you schedule the exam. You must answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.

To qualify for any master electrician license, you must accrue 2,000 hours of work experience as a journeyman. This process usually takes one year. You can find the application forms for each type of master electrician license here. Contracting master electricians must have $500,000 of liability coverage. You must pass a master electrician exam, too.

Should I join an electrician union in North Dakota?

Unions offer benefits to their members to improve their careers. The Dakotas Area Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Fund offer apprenticeships and entry-level jobs to journeyman electricians with competitive pay, safe working conditions, and medical coverage. These same benefits are offered to all levels of electricians through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

To find a job using your North Dakota electrical license, review job boards at your local union or your alma mater. These organizations keep track of all of the contractors in the area. They usually have a career training department to help electricians.

At an interview, your interviewers may ask about your level of licensure, the depth of your training, and your areas of expertise. They will want to know examples of your work ethic and skill level.

Electrician insurance in North Dakota

All contracting master electricians and class B electricians in North Dakota must carry general liability insurance. Contracting master electricians need to maintain at least $500,000 of coverage, and class B electricians need to maintain at least $250,000 of coverage.

Electrician industry trends

North Dakota’s net interstate flow of electricity is equal to its natural gas and distillate fuel oil consumption combined. Plus, wind-generated energy makes up 23% of the state’s renewable energy production, creating many jobs for electricians skilled in alternative forms of energy. With the entire nation shifting towards alternative energy, tradesmen have more opportunities to earn better job security. You can keep up with all of the new industry trends by attending the nation’s many electrical trade shows.

Is my license only valid in North Dakota?

Class B licenses are only valid in North Dakota. Master electrician licenses have reciprocity in South Dakota and Minnesota. Journeyman electrician licenses have reciprocity in South Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, Alaska, Iowa, Idaho, Montana, Maine, New Hampshire, Utah, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

If you misplace your license and need a duplicate, or if you need to change your name or address, you should contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board.

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

Your North Dakota electrical license must be renewed every year.

You must renew your license every year by January 31 and pay a $10 renewal fee.

Please see the requirements for licensing renewals here. The renewal fee costs $25, and your license must be renewed by March 31 of each year.

Class B electrician licenses can be renewed either with the contracting master renewal form or the non-contracting master renewal form. For these classifications, renewal is due by April 30 of each year. There is a $40 renewal fee for class B electrician licenses, and there is a $50 renewal fee for both contracting and non-contracting master electrician licenses.