How to Become an Electrician in Rhode Island, RI


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Electricians install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems for a number of uses, such as climate control, security, and communications. They also install and maintain the electronic controls for machines in business and industry.

As in the majority of the states, you will have to acquire a proper license before performing any electrical work in the state of Rhode Island. Electricians must follow the National Electric Code and comply with State and local building codes when performing electrical work.

The following thirteen types of licenses exist:

  • Electrical contractor
  • Journeyperson electrician
  • Limited premises
  • Oil burner contractor
  • Oil burnerperson
  • Fire alarm contractor
  • Fire alarm installer
  • Electrical sign contractor
  • Electrical sign installer
  • Limited maintenance
  • Limited maintenance journeyperson
  • Lightning protection contractor
  • Lightning protection installer
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Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training

The licensing process is governed and administered by the Department of Labor and Training.

Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Division of Professional Regulation
Building 70
1511 Pontiac Ave.
P.O. Box 20247
Cranston, RI 02920-0943
(401) 462-8580
Fax: (401) 462-8528
http://www.dlt.state.ri.us/profregs/

Rhode Island Electrician License Requirements

In order to apply for an examination, you will have to make a written application on the state approved form for the examination accompanied by a fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00).

There are certain requirements in order to qualify for some of the licenses.

– All Electrical Journeypersons exams require verification of at least four (4) years experience in their respective trade.

– All Electrical Contractor/Masters exams require verification of experience in their respective trade for at least six (6) years and must possess a journeypersons’ license. Electrical Journeyperson’s License must be valid for at least two (2) years prior to applying for a contractor’s examination.

The material for the exams includes, but is not limited to, the following:

All licenses issued for master electricians, all limited license electricians and all journeyperson electricians shall expire on the birthday of the individual qualifying for the license in odd or even years respectively, depending on whether the individual was born in an odd or even year.

You may find the application for an electrician’s license here.

You may find the application for a Limited Premise Electrical License here.

You may find the Electrical Contractor/Corporations application here.

Regarding reciprocity, if you have a master license in another state that you got by passing an exam, you can use it to qualify to take the Rhode Island exam.

The following application fees apply:

  • electrical contractor’s license Class A: $240
  • journeyperson electrician’s license Class B: $72.00
  • limited premises license Class C: $240
  • oil burner contractor’s license Class E: $240
  • oil burnerperson’s license Class F: $72.00
  • fire alarm contractor’s license Class AF: $240
  • fire alarm installer’s license Class BF: $72.00
  • electrical sign contractor’s license SCF: $240
  • sign installer’s license Class CF: $72.00
  • limited maintenance license Class D: $240
  • lightning protection contractor’s license Class LPC: $240
  • lightning protection installer’s license LPI: $72.00

You may find more information regarding the Laws, Rules and Regs for Electricians here.

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

Rhode Island Electrician Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is the oldest formal system of learning.

Here are some benefits of working as an apprentice:

  • Apprentices earn higher wages
  • Apprenticeship training is documented
  • Apprentices can earn college credits towards an Associates Degree
  • Apprenticeship has proven methods
  • Apprentices advance faster in their fields
  • Apprentices receive National Industry Certification
  • Apprenticeship programs provide equal opportunity to all interested individuals.

The board allows the employment of one properly limited registered apprentice electrician working with and under the direct personal supervision of a licensed journeyperson electrician. The same applies for an apprentice oil burnerperson, apprentice fire alarm installer, apprentice electrical sign installer, apprentice maintenance electrician, apprentice lightning protection installer, who will have to work with and under the supervision of the corresponding licensed tradesman.

In order to apply for an apprenticeship program, you will have to be at least 16 years old and meet the program sponsor’s qualifications.

In general, you will have to prove to the sponsor that you have the skills, ability, aptitude, and education to master the occupation and complete the related required program.

Note that some apprenticeship programs might have additional prerequisites, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Age: To join some programs you will have to be at least 18 years old. In some cases, apprenticeships may begin at age 16 or 17.
  • Education: In most case, you will have to have a high school diploma or GED certificate. You may need specific mathematical training to enter certain trades. Basic reading and writing skills are also expected.
  • Physical ability: The necessary strength or stamina to perform the required work might be required.
  • Aptitude: You may be asked to take an aptitude test to see whether you’re suited to the trade that interests you.

Apprentices will have to register with the division of professional regulation initially upon payment of a fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) per year. Apprentices are required to register with the division of professional regulation immediately upon employment with a properly licensed electrical contractor.

You may find more information about the electrical apprenticeship here.

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

Rhode Island Electrician License Renewal and Continuing Education

All licenses may be renewed on or before their expiration date after paying the appropriate biennial renewal fee.

If the license is not renewed within two (2) years of the date of its expiration, it shall be forfeited, and its holder will have to make another written application for an examination prior to the issuance of a new license.

The appropriate renewal fee is equal to the license fees mentioned above, plus outstanding license fees and a twelve dollar ($12.00) per month administrative assessment fee for the delinquency period.

There is a mandatory continuing education program for all licensed electricians and its purpose is to ensure competency in each licensee’s area of certification and/or licensing.

Thus, in order to renew your license, you will have to demonstrate, in a manner prescribed by the board of examiners of electricians, that you have successfully completed at least fifteen (15) hours of continuing education conforming to the continuing education program.

Course providers may include, but not be limited to, vocational schools, association seminars, labor training programs, employee training programs and private instructors or inspectors and must also be approved by the building commissioner’s office.

Note that the mandatory continuing education requirement is limited to class A and class B electricians.

After completing the necessary course hours, you will receive an approved uniform certificate of completion. You will then have to submit this verification of completion in order to renew your license. The continuing education credits shall be included in the currently adopted edition of the National Electrical Code and the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA) national codes.

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