How to Become an Electrician in Pennsylvania, PA


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The state of Pennsylvania has no requirements regarding the registration, certification or licensure of contractors that are engaged in the construction industry. Consequently, it is one of the relatively small number of states that does not require a state license for work as an electrician or electrical contractor.

However, each local area, such as counties and cities, usually has some kind of building department. This is a local agency that has the right to set up licensing and registration schemes for all sorts of businesses. So, before conducting any electrician or electrical contracting work in Pennsylvania, you might have to consult the department and get a local license.

Unfortunately, there is no record concerning municipalities that have established licensure or certification requirements. As a result, you will have to contact the municipality where construction work will occur in order to acquire the necessary information.

You should keep in mind that, effective Dec 10, 2009 Pennsylvania adopted the 2009 International Building Code and 2009 International Residential Code which reference the 2008 NEC.

Pennsylvania Electrician and Electrical Contractor License Requirements

First of all, you should check in each Pennsylvania county and city where you think you might be performing electrical work to see what the electrician license requirements are for that local area.

Each area might have different requirements, so it is not possible to cover all angles here. Having said that, there are some general rules of thumb that you should be aware of.

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Here are the main things that are typically required by licensing agencies:

– A degree in Electrical engineering or certification from a technical electrician school.
– Experience working under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
– Passing an electrician exam.
– A bond that can be used to protect the public in case there are problems with your electrical work.
– General liability insurance to further protect the public in the event damage occurs due to your work.

Under those guidelines, here are some rough steps that you could follow in order to become an electrician in Pennsylvania

– Finish high school and take classes related to wiring, electrical design etc. Find out if there are vocational classes in your school district that you qualify for to add these courses to your transcript.

– Attend classes at a community college or career training institute for electrical design and wiring. Attend all classes and secure as many class credits as possible in the areas of electrical work. Typically, an electrician training program lasts four years and those usually partner with the National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee.

– Take an apprenticeship position at an electrician firm of your area. During that period, check for any program that will allow you to continue your training to become a registered electrician in the state of Pennsylvania.

– Continue working in electrical firms and keep gaining job experience. Take any additional classes related to the apprenticeship program. Complete the course and pass any exams.

– Fulfill any application requirements that apply to each city and apply for a license.

As you understand, you will not be able to simply start working as an electrician or electrical contractor right after school or after self-study. You will need to acquire hands-on experience via some kind of apprenticeship program and finish relevant courses.

Think of any requirements you have to meet to get an electrician license in Pennsylvania as a way to advance your career. Education should remain a top priority of yours, so make sure to take as many electrician and electrical engineering classes as possible. After a short time period, you will be able to work as an independent Pennsylvania electrician.

Finally, don’t forget to check Electrician Jobs in Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Electrical Contractor License

As an example of the process that might be needed, we will briefly describe the license requirements for the city of Philadelphia.

Before being approved for a license in Philadelphia, you will have to pass the relevant examination. The test is administered by the International Code Council. The exam fee is $100.

There is also a $50 application fee and a $150 license fee.

You may find the electrical license application here.

For more information, please contact:

Department of Licenses and Inspections
License Issuance Unit – PSC
1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Concourse Level
Philadelphia, PA 19102
https://business.phila.gov/
[email protected]
Phone: 311 or (215) 686-8686
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am- 3:30pm

Additionally to your electrical license, a Commercial Activity License is required for all businesses operating in Philadelphia. This applies also to businesses that are located outside the city area but perform business activity in the City.

The fee for a Commercial Activity License is $300, made payable to the City of Philadelphia.

The requirements for that license are as follows:

In addition, the Pennsylvania State Sales and Use Tax Number is a prerequisite if your business collects sales tax from your customers.

For more information on the Commercial Activity License, use the following contact:

Department of Licenses and Inspections
License Issuance Unit – PSC
1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Concourse Level
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 311
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am- 3:30pm
[email protected]

Finally, don’t forget to check Electrician Jobs in Pennsylvania.