Massachusetts Electrician License: How to Get Licensed in MA

Do you need a license to be an electrician in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts requires anyone performing electrical work to hold a valid state license. The only exception is registered apprentices, who can do electrical work under the direct supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician. Working without a license or proper supervision is illegal and can result in fines and stop-work orders.

The Board of State Examiners of Electricians oversees all electrical licensing in Massachusetts. The Board issues four license classes:

• Journeyman Electrician (Class B). Perform electrical work under a Master Electrician’s general supervision.
• Master Electrician (Class A). Pull permits, supervise journeymen and apprentices, and run an electrical business.
• Systems Technician (Class D). Install and maintain low-voltage systems (fire alarms, security, communications).
• Systems Contractor (Class C). Pull permits and run a low-voltage systems business.

If you’re planning to start your own electrical business, you’ll need either a Master Electrician or Systems Contractor license.

How to become a licensed electrician in Massachusetts

The path to becoming a licensed electrician in Massachusetts follows a structured apprenticeship model. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Register as an electrical apprentice

Your first step is enrolling in a state-approved electrical apprenticeship. You’ll need to sign an Apprentice Agreement with a sponsoring employer and file it with the Division of Apprentice Standards.

Most apprentices are at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Some programs have additional requirements like math aptitude tests or a valid driver’s license.

To find open apprenticeship positions, check the state’s apprenticeship finder or contact a local JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) directly. Union programs like the Greater Boston JATC and Springfield Electrical JATC typically accept applications once or twice per year, so plan ahead.

2. Complete your work hours and education

Follow the state’s Work Process Schedule throughout your apprenticeship. For a Journeyman license, you’ll need 8,000 hours of supervised electrical work and 600 hours of classroom education. This takes a minimum of four years.

During your apprenticeship, you’ll work under the direct supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician. Your on-the-job training covers residential, commercial, and industrial wiring, plus specialties like motor controls and fire alarm systems. Classroom hours run in parallel and cover electrical theory, the NEC, blueprint reading, and safety practices.

Keep detailed records of your hours. Your sponsoring employer will need to verify them when you apply for the exam, and any gaps in documentation can delay your application.

3. Complete a code update class

Before you can sit for the exam, you must finish a 15-hour code update class covering the most recent National Electrical Code (NEC) edition.

4. Apply and pass the state licensing exam

Once you’ve met the hour requirements, submit your exam application through the PSI online portal. As of June 1, 2025, all applications must go through the PSI online system. After your application is approved, you’ll schedule your exam at a PSI testing center.

The exam has two parts: one on general electrical theory and the NEC, and one on Massachusetts electrical code (527 CMR). Both sections are multiple-choice. You must pass each part. If you fail one section, you can retake just that portion after paying the $135 re-examination fee.

5. Apply for your license

Pass the exam, and you can apply for your license through the state’s ePLACE portal. Once approved, you’re ready to work as a licensed Journeyman Electrician in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts electrician license requirements

Each license class has different requirements for work experience, education, and prerequisites. Here’s a side-by-side comparison, followed by a detailed breakdown.

Requirement	Journeyman (B)	Master (A)	Systems Tech (D)	Systems Contractor (C)
Work hours	8,000 (4 yr min)	1 yr as Journeyman	4,000 (2 yr min)	1 yr as Systems Tech
Education hours	600	150	300	75
Code update class	15 hours	N/A	15 hours	N/A
Prerequisite license	None	Journeyman (B)	None	Systems Tech (D)
Exam	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Journeyman Electrician (Class B)

The Journeyman license is where most electricians start. It allows you to perform electrical installations, maintenance, and repairs under the general supervision of a Master Electrician.

• Work experience: 8,000 hours of supervised electrical work (minimum four years)
• Education: 600 hours of Board-approved classroom instruction
• Code update: 15-hour NEC code update class
• Exam: Two-part written exam through PSI

All education hours must come from a Board-approved provider. Make sure your program is on the approved list before you start.

Master Electrician (Class A)

The Master license is the highest credential for general electrical work in Massachusetts. It lets you pull permits, supervise Journeymen and apprentices, and operate your own electrical contracting business.

• Prerequisite: Active Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician license
• Work experience: One year of work experience as a licensed Journeyman
• Education: 150 hours of Board-approved education
• Exam: Two-part written exam through PSI

If you’re planning to run your own shop, the Master license is the one you need. It’s also required to serve as the license holder for an electrical contracting company.

Systems Technician (Class D)

The Systems Technician license covers low-voltage work like fire alarms, security systems, voice and data cabling, and communication systems. This is a separate track from the Journeyman path.

• Work experience: 4,000 hours of supervised low-voltage systems work (minimum two years)
• Education: 300 hours of Board-approved classroom instruction
• Code update: 15-hour NEC code update class
• Exam: Two-part written exam through PSI

Systems Contractor (Class C)

The Systems Contractor license is the low-voltage equivalent of a Master Electrician license. It lets you pull permits, supervise Systems Technicians, and run a low-voltage contracting business.

• Prerequisite: Active Massachusetts Systems Technician license
• Work experience: One year of experience as a licensed Systems Technician
• Education: 75 hours of Board-approved education
• Exam: Two-part written exam through PSI

Massachusetts electrician license exams

All Massachusetts electrician exams are administered by PSI Services. As of June 1, 2025, every exam application must be submitted online through the PSI exam portal.

What to expect on the exam

The exam has two parts:

1. General electrical theory and the National Electrical Code (NEC)
2. Massachusetts electrical code (527 CMR)

Both portions are multiple-choice. You must pass each part to earn your license. If you fail one or both portions, you can retake the failed section(s) after paying the re-examination fee.

Exam fees

License type	Exam fee	Military waiver fee
Journeyman (Class B)	$226	$195
Master (Class A)	$276	$210
Systems Technician (Class D)	$226	N/A
Systems Contractor (Class C)	$276	N/A
Re-examination (both portions)	$135	N/A

Military fee waivers

Under the VALOR Act, Massachusetts waives the exam application processing fee for veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses. You’ll still pay a reduced exam fee (listed above), but the savings can help offset the cost of getting licensed after your service.

How much does a Massachusetts electrician license cost?

Between exam fees, license fees, and renewal costs, here’s what you can expect to pay at each stage.

Exam fees

• Journeyman: $226
• Master: $276
• Systems Technician: $226
• Systems Contractor: $276
• Re-examination: $135

License fees

• Journeyman: $104
• Master: $155

Renewal fees (every three years)

• Journeyman: $78
• Master: $117
• Late renewal fee: $57

These are state fees only. You’ll also pay for education courses, code update classes, and study materials along the way. Budget for those costs separately, especially the 600 hours of classroom instruction required for a Journeyman license.

Total estimated cost to become a Journeyman

When you add up exam fees, license fees, and education costs, most aspiring Journeyman Electricians in Massachusetts spend between $1,500 and $5,000 out of pocket over the course of their apprenticeship. 

The range depends on whether you attend a union JATC program (where education is often included at no cost to the apprentice) or a private trade school (where tuition applies). Either way, you’re earning a paycheck while you learn, which offsets much of the investment.

How long does it take to get an electrician license in Massachusetts?

The timeline depends on which license level you’re pursuing. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

• Journeyman Electrician: Minimum four years. You’ll need 8,000 work hours and 600 education hours, which most apprentices complete in four to five years.
• Master Electrician: Minimum five years total. After earning your Journeyman license (minimum of 4 years), you need at least 1 more year of experience and 150 hours of additional education.
• Systems Technician: Minimum two years. You’ll need 4,000 work hours and 300 education hours.
• Systems Contractor: Minimum three years total. After earning your Systems Technician license (minimum 2 years), you need at least 1 more year of experience and 75 additional hours of education.

These are minimums. The actual timeline depends on how quickly you accumulate hours and complete your education. If you’re working full-time, the Journeyman path typically takes four to five years from day one as an apprentice.

Keep in mind that exam scheduling adds time, too. Once you submit your application through the PSI portal, you’ll need to wait for approval before booking a test date. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, the re-exam process adds weeks or months to your timeline.

The fastest route is to stay consistent: work full-time hours, attend every class session, and complete your code update class before your apprenticeship ends so you can apply for the exam immediately.

Benefits of getting an electrician license in Massachusetts

Licensed electricians in Massachusetts earn roughly 20% above the national median, and demand is growing at 9% per year. Here’s the full picture of what your license unlocks:

1. Legal compliance. You can’t legally perform electrical work in Massachusetts without a license. Getting licensed means you can work without worrying about fines, stop-work orders, or legal liability.
2. Higher pay. Licensed electricians in Massachusetts earn well above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median salary of $62,350 per year for electricians, while Massachusetts electricians average $75,500 to $75,870 per year.
3. Credibility with customers. Homeowners and businesses want to hire licensed professionals. Your license number on estimates and invoices builds trust before you even show up to the job site. When you’re ready to start quoting jobs, having a professional system for estimating electrical work helps you win more of those opportunities.
4. Insurance eligibility. Most general liability and professional insurance carriers require a valid license. Without one, you may not qualify for the coverage you need to protect your business.
5. Consumer trust. Customers can verify your license through the state’s public lookup portal, which gives them confidence that you meet the state’s standards.
6. Career growth. The BLS projects 81,000 electrician job openings per year through 2034, with a 9% growth rate. Demand is strong, and a Massachusetts license positions you to take advantage of it.
7. Business ownership. A Master Electrician or Systems Contractor license lets you start your own contracting business, pull permits in your name, and take on jobs independently. If you’re thinking about going out on your own, that license is your ticket to starting an electrical business and building something of your own.

Does my Massachusetts electrician license work in other states?

Massachusetts only has a reciprocity agreement with New Hampshire. If you earned your Journeyman or Master Electrician license by passing a New Hampshire exam, you can apply for a Massachusetts license without retaking the exam.

Here’s what the reciprocal process looks like:

• Journeyman reciprocity fee: $208
• Master reciprocity fee: $310
• Application method: Apply through the ePLACE portal

The reciprocity only applies to licenses obtained by exam in New Hampshire. Licenses obtained through reciprocity in other states don’t qualify.

If you hold a license from any other state, you’ll need to meet Massachusetts’ full requirements and pass the state exam to get licensed here.

This is more restrictive than many other states. Some states have multi-state compacts or broader reciprocity agreements, but Massachusetts keeps its bar high. If you’re moving to the state from outside New Hampshire, plan for the full licensing process, including the exam.

Massachusetts electrician training programs and schools

Choosing the right training program is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your electrical career. Here are several well-known options in Massachusetts:

Apprenticeship programs (JATC)

• Greater Boston JATC. The largest electrical apprenticeship program in the Boston area. Combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction through a five-year program.
• Springfield Electrical JATC (IBEW Local 7). Serves Western Massachusetts with a comprehensive apprenticeship program for aspiring electricians.

Trade schools

• Wentworth Institute of Technology. Offers a Journeyman Electrician preparation program through its Workforce Development division in Boston.
• The Peterson School. Provides electrical courses and exam preparation for apprentices working toward their license.

Full list of approved providers

The Board of State Examiners maintains an official list of approved initial education providers. Check this list before enrolling to make sure your coursework counts toward your license requirements.

How to choose a program

Make sure any program you choose is Board-approved, since only hours from approved providers count toward your license. Beyond that, here’s what else to weigh:

• Cost: Union JATC programs are typically free for accepted apprentices. Private trade schools charge tuition, which varies widely.
• Schedule: Some programs offer evening and weekend classes for apprentices working full-time. Others require daytime attendance.
• Location: Programs in the Boston metro area are plentiful, but options thin out in Western and Central Massachusetts. Springfield JATC covers the western part of the state.
• Job placement: JATC programs connect you directly with union contractors who provide your on-the-job hours. Private schools may require you to find your own sponsoring employer.
• Board approval: The most important factor. Only hours from approved providers count toward your license. Always verify before enrolling.

Who issues electrician licenses in Massachusetts?

The Board of State Examiners of Electricians is the licensing authority for all electricians in Massachusetts. The Board operates under the Division of Occupational Licensure.

Contact information:

• Address: One Federal Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02110-2012
• Phone: (617) 701-8786
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Board of State Examiners of Electricians

The Board handles license applications, exam approvals, renewals, and disciplinary actions. For exam scheduling and registration, use the PSI online portal.

Do I need to renew my Massachusetts electrician license?

Yes. Every Massachusetts electrician license must be renewed every three years. Here’s what you need to know about the renewal process:

Continuing education requirements

You must complete 21 hours of approved continuing education (CE) before you can renew. This includes updates on the National Electrical Code and Massachusetts-specific regulations. Find approved CE providers on the state’s continuing education provider list.

Renewal window

The renewal period opens on April 12 and closes on July 31. Renew before the deadline to avoid late fees.

How to renew

Renew your license online through the ePLACE portal. The state has step-by-step renewal instructions if you need help navigating the system.

You can also find full details on the license renewal page.

Renewal fees

• Journeyman: $78
• Master: $117

What happens if my Massachusetts electrician license expires?

Missing your renewal deadline comes with consequences. Here’s what to expect:

• Late renewal (within three years of expiration). You can still renew, but you’ll pay a $57 late fee in addition to your standard renewal fee. You must also have completed your 21 CE hours.
• Lapsed for more than three years. If your license has expired for more than three years, you can’t simply renew it. Under state regulations, you’ll need to retake and pass the state licensing exam before the Board will reissue your license.

The bottom line: don’t let your license lapse. Mark your renewal window (April 12 through July 31) on your calendar, complete your CE hours early, and renew on time.

Electrician salary in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of the highest-paying states for electricians. Here’s how the numbers break down:

• National median salary: $62,350 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Massachusetts average salary: $75,500 to $75,870 per year

That puts Massachusetts electricians roughly 20% above the national median.

Apprentice wages

Apprentice electricians earn a percentage of the local journeyman wage rate, increasing as they gain experience:

Apprentice year	Percentage of journeyman rate
Year 1	40%
Year 2	50%
Year 3	55%
Year 4	65%
Year 5	70%

Source: ElectricianSchoolEDU

Job outlook

The BLS projects 81,000 electrician job openings per year from 2024 through 2034, driven by a 9% growth rate. Infrastructure spending, renewable energy projects, and an aging workforce are all fueling demand.

Massachusetts electricians benefit from strong union representation, high construction activity in the Boston metro area, and growing demand for EV charging infrastructure and solar installations. These factors contribute to pay that consistently outpaces the national median.

For a deeper look at electrician pay by state and experience level, check out the Jobber Electrician Salary Guide.

Massachusetts electrician license lookup

You can verify any electrician’s license status in Massachusetts through the state’s public lookup tool.

Search the ePLACE license lookup portal

The lookup tool lets you search by name or license number. You’ll see the license type, status, and expiration date. This is useful for:

• Verifying your own license before it shows up on a customer’s search
• Checking a subcontractor’s credentials before hiring them for a job
• Confirming competitors’ licenses when bidding against other electricians
• Proving your license status to customers, insurers, or general contractors who ask

If you’re running an electrical business, keeping your license visible and up to date in the lookup portal is part of building credibility. And beyond your license, having the right electrician tools means you’re prepared for any job that comes your way.

Originally published November 2022. Last updated May 2026.