Oregon Electrician License: How to Get an Electrician’s License in OR

Do you need an electrician’s license in Oregon?

Yes. Oregon law requires a license for nearly all electrical work, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) issues and manages all electrician licenses in the state.

The only exemptions are for minor tasks, such as replacing a light switch or outlet cover, in your own home. If you’re doing electrical work for hire, you need a license.

Benefits of getting an electrician license in Oregon

Getting licensed opens the door to higher pay, more job options, and a legitimate business you can grow:

• Legal compliance. Oregon enforces licensing laws strictly. Working without a license can result in fines, stop-work orders, and criminal penalties.
• Higher earning potential. Licensed electricians in Oregon earn significantly more than unlicensed helpers. The average licensed electrician in Oregon earns approximately $64,908 per year.
• Access to better contracts. General contractors, property managers, and commercial clients require proof of licensing before they’ll hire you. No license means no bid.
• Insurance eligibility. Most liability and workers’ compensation insurers require a valid license before issuing a policy. Without insurance, you can’t legally take on most jobs.
• Consumer trust. Homeowners and businesses check licenses before hiring. A valid license listed in the Oregon license lookup system signals that you’ve met the state’s training and exam standards.
• Career advancement. A journeyman license opens the door to supervising electrician status, which lets you pull permits, supervise apprentices, and run your own electrical contracting business.

Types of electrician licenses in Oregon

Oregon offers 12 individual electrician license types through the Building Codes Division. These are either general (broader scope of work) or limited (focused on specific areas).

Oregon electrician license requirements

Each license type has different experience and education requirements. Here are the requirements for the most common licenses:

License type	Experience required
General journeyman electrician	8,000 hours (approx. four years) of supervised apprenticeship
General supervising electrician	Must hold a journeyman license + two additional years of experience (at least 2,000 hours supervising)
Limited residential electrician	4,000 hours of residential electrical experience
Limited residential supervising electrician	Must hold a limited residential license + one year of experience
Limited energy electrician (Class A)	6,000 hours of low-voltage experience
Limited energy electrician (Class B)	2,000 hours of low-voltage experience
Limited maintenance electrician	4,000 hours of electrical maintenance experience
Limited pump installation electrician	2,000 hours of pump electrical experience

For all license types:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must complete an exam
• You must complete your apprenticeship hours under a licensed supervising electrician
• All apprenticeship hours must be registered through the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) or through an approved out-of-state program

How long does it take to get an electrician’s license in Oregon?

For a general journeyman license, plan on about four to five years from start to finish:

• Apprenticeship: 8,000 hours, which takes roughly four years of full-time work
• Exam preparation: Most apprentices study for two to four weeks before taking the exam
• Exam scheduling and results: The BCD processes applications within a few weeks of receiving them, and you can schedule your exam once approved
• License issuance: After passing, the BCD typically issues your license within two to four weeks

For limited licenses, the timeline is shorter:

• Limited residential: 4,000 hours (about two years)
• Limited energy Class B: 2,000 hours (about one year)
• Limited energy Class A: 6,000 hours (about three years)
• Limited maintenance: 4,000 hours (about two years)

Keep in mind that these timelines assume full-time work. Part-time apprentices will take longer to accumulate the required hours.

How to get an Oregon electrician license

Follow these steps to get your electrician license in Oregon:

1. Register as an apprentice

Before you can log hours toward any license, you need to register your apprenticeship with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). Your employer (a licensed electrical contractor) sponsors your apprenticeship, and BOLI tracks your hours.

You can also enter a formal apprenticeship program through a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). These programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and are the most structured path to licensing.

2. Complete your required hours

Work under a licensed supervising electrician to accumulate the hours required for your license type. For a general journeyman license, that means 8,000 hours of hands-on electrical work.

Your supervising electrician must sign off on your hours, and your employer must report them to BOLI. Keep your own records too — it makes the application process smoother if there are any discrepancies.

3. Apply and pass the exam

Once you’ve completed your hours, apply for your exam through the Oregon Building Codes Division. You’ll need to submit:

• A completed exam application
• Proof of your apprenticeship hours
• The exam fee (see the cost section below)

After your application is approved, you’ll receive instructions to schedule your exam at a PSI Exams testing center (PSI is a national third-party testing provider).

 4. Get your license

After you pass the exam, the BCD will issue your license. You’ll receive a license card, and your information will appear in the Oregon online license lookup system.

Your license is valid for three years from the date of issue. Mark your renewal date on your calendar — more on renewals below.

Electrician training programs and schools in Oregon

Oregon offers several paths to get the education and hands-on training you need.

Apprenticeship programs

The most common route is a registered apprenticeship through BOLI. These programs pair on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically take four years for a general journeyman track.

• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers/National Electrical Contractors Association (IBEW/NECA) Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (Portland area): A well-known union apprenticeship program that combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576+ hours of classroom instruction.
• Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries apprenticeship directory: Search for registered electrical apprenticeship programs across the state on the Bureau of Labor and Industries website.

Community college programs

Several Oregon community colleges offer pre-apprenticeship or electrical technology programs that can give you a head start:

• Portland Community College (PCC): Offers an Electrical Trades pre-apprenticeship certificate that prepares you for entry into a registered apprenticeship program.
• Clackamas Community College: Offers electrical and industrial maintenance technology programs that count toward your apprenticeship training hours.

These programs don’t replace a registered apprenticeship, but they can make you a stronger candidate when applying and help you build foundational knowledge before you start logging hours on the job.

How much does an Oregon electrician license cost?

Here’s what you can expect to pay at each stage:

General licenses:

• General Supervising Electrician (S): $100
• General Journeyman Electrician (J): $100

Limited licenses:

• Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME): $100
• Limited Residential Electrician (LR): $100
• Limited Supervising Electrician (PS): $100
• Limited Journeyman Manufacturing Plant (PJ): $100
• Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician (SIG): $50
• Limited Journeyman Stage Electrician (ST): $50
• Limited Energy Technician Class A (LEA): $50
• Limited Energy Technician Class B (LEB): $50
• Limited Building Maintenance Electrician (BME): $50
• Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT): $50

You may also pay for apprenticeship program tuition ($4,000–$15,000 depending on the program), tools and safety gear ($500–$1,000), and study materials ($200–$500).Check the BCD licensing page for the most current fees, as they can change.

Oregon electrician license exam

The BCD uses PSI testing centers for all electrician exams. Here’s what to expect:

• All exams require a passing score of 75% or better. 
• Exams are open-book with approved reference materials only. 

Here are the details for each license exam:

License type	# of questions	Time to complete
General Supervising Electrician (S)	64	4 hours
General Journeyman Electrician (J)	52	3 hours
Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME)	28	2 hours
Limited Residential Electrician (LR)	52	3 hours
Limited Supervising Electrician (PS)	64	4 hours
Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician (SIG)	28	2 hours
Limited Journeyman Manufacturing Plant (PJ)	52	3 hours
Limited Journeyman Stage Electrician (ST)	52	3 hours
Limited Energy Technician Class A (LEA)	52	3 hours
Limited Building Maintenance Electrician (BME)	28	2 hours
Limited Energy Technician Class B (LEB)	28	2 hours
Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT)	28	2 hours

The BCD sends approved applicants an authorization letter and exam instructions. You can take the exam at testing locations across the state, and you’ll receive your results within two weeks.

Approved study materials

You can bring approved reference books into the exam. The specific materials allowed depend on your license type. Check the BCD exam information page for the approved list, which typically includes:

• National Electrical Code (NEC) — current edition (required for all electrical exams)
• Oregon Electrical Specialty Code — current edition
• Ugly’s Electrical References — pocket reference guide
• Tom Henry’s Electrical Study Guides — study guides keyed to specific license exams

The BCD updates its approved materials list when new code editions are adopted. Always verify you’re using the current approved edition before your exam date.

Exam tips

A little preparation can make a big difference. Follow these tips to help you on exam day:

• Tab your code books. The exam is open-book, but you need to find the answers quickly. Use adhesive tabs to mark key sections of the NEC and Oregon code.
• Take a practice exam. Several study guide publishers offer practice tests that match the format and difficulty of the real exam.
• Don’t rush. You have several hours. Read each question carefully and double-check your code references.

What happens if your license expires?

Your Oregon electrician license expires every three years. The BCD sends renewal notices, but it’s your responsibility to renew on time.

• If you renew before it expires: Submit your renewal application and fee to the BCD. You may also need to complete continuing education hours, depending on your license type. Check the BCD renewal page for current requirements.
• If you let it lapse: You have a grace period after expiration, but you’ll pay a late fee on top of your renewal fee. During the lapse, you cannot legally perform electrical work.
• If it’s been expired for more than three years: You may need to retake the licensing exam to reinstate your license. Contact the BCD directly at 503-373-1268 to discuss your specific situation.

Oregon has a strict enforcement policy for working without a license or violating license conditions. Penalties include:

• First offense: $1,000–$4,000 fine
• Second offense: $2,000–$4,500 fine
• Third offense: $3,000–$5,000 fine

All violations carry the risk of license suspension and revocation.

Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder for 60 days before your expiration date. That gives you enough time to complete any continuing education requirements and submit your renewal without stress.

Oregon electrician license lookup

You can verify any Oregon electrician’s license status for free using the Oregon online license lookup tool. Search by name, license number, or business name to confirm:

• License type and number
• Current status (active, expired, suspended)
• Expiration date
• Any disciplinary actions

This tool is useful whether you’re a homeowner checking a contractor’s credentials or an electrician verifying your own license is showing correctly in the system.

Does your Oregon electrician license work in other states?

Oregon has reciprocity agreements with several states, which means you may be able to get licensed in another state without retaking an exam. The Oregon BCD reciprocity page has full details.

Journeyman electrician reciprocity

Oregon has reciprocal agreements for journeyman electricians with these states:

• Arkansas
• Idaho
• Maine
• Montana
• Utah
• Washington
• Wyoming

Washington note: Washington applicants must have completed an apprenticeship program in Oregon or Washington and passed the Washington licensing exam.

Supervising electrician reciprocity

Oregon has reciprocal agreements for supervising electricians with:

• Arkansas
• Utah

Each state has its own application process, fees, and documentation requirements. Contact the licensing board in the state you’re interested in to confirm what you’ll need.

If you’re moving to a state that doesn’t have a reciprocity agreement with Oregon, you’ll likely need to apply for that state’s license and pass their exam. Your Oregon experience and training will still count toward their requirements in most cases.

How to start an electrician business in Oregon

Once you’re licensed, starting your own electrical contracting business takes a few more steps beyond the license itself.

1. Get your supervising electrician license. You need a supervising electrician license (or employ someone who has one) to pull electrical permits and supervise work in Oregon.
2. Register your business. Register your business name with the Oregon Secretary of State and get an Oregon business license through the state.
3. Get an electrical contractor license. In addition to your individual electrician license, your business needs a separate electrical contractor license from the BCD. This requires a surety bond and proof of liability insurance.
4. Get insurance. At a minimum, you’ll need general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance (required if you have employees). Many clients and general contractors won’t hire you without proof of insurance.
5. Set up your business operations. Invest in field service software like Jobber to manage quotes, schedule jobs, send invoices, and collect payments. 
6. Build your reputation. Get listed on Google Business Profile, ask satisfied clients for reviews, and network with general contractors and property managers in your area.

Running your own electrical business means you’re handling the work and the back office. The sooner you get your systems in place, the more time you’ll spend doing billable work instead of chasing paperwork.

Does getting an electrician’s license increase your earning potential?

Yes. Master electricians in Oregon earn an average of $84,515 a year.

Your actual pay depends on your license level, experience, location within Oregon, and whether you work for someone else or run your own business. Supervising electricians and business owners typically earn more than journeymen, and Portland-area electricians generally out-earn those in rural parts of the state.

A license also opens up higher-paying specializations like industrial controls, solar panel installation, and data center electrical work. The more credentials you hold, the more doors open to you.

Originally published August 2025. Last updated June 5th, 2026