The requirements for an electrical license might vary depending on the local city or county, but here is a step-by-step formal licensing process if you are entering into this trade:

Step 1: Enroll Yourself Into An Apprenticeship Program

If you are just starting out, having a high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum first step. Most electricians enter the trade through a 4-5 year apprenticeship program, which combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. And by the Kansas law, each year of apprenticeship includes about 2,000 hours of paid work training plus technical classes. These hours then add up to the required 4,000 total hours to qualify for the journeyman exam. Alternatively, Kansas law also allows a shortened path. You can complete a 2-year post-secondary electrical program and earn 240 classroom hours, and this can substitute for one year of work experience. Here are the two paths explained comprehensively:

• You can apply to a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) or an electrical contractor program. You have to work full-time under a master electrician and attend night or day trade classes. After 4 years, you will be qualified to take the journeyman exam. 

• You can enroll in a technical school or trade school electrical program, and after graduation, you can work as an electrician’s helper or apprentice. The one year of schooling will count as one year of the required two years for the journeyman exam. After that, you will only need one additional year of supervised work experience to sit for the exam. 

Kansas community colleges and technical schools offer electrician programs, such as Johnson County Community College (Overland Park), Kansas City Kansas CC, Hutchinson CC, Northwest Kansas Tech (Goodland), Salina Area Tech, Coffeyville CC, and North Central Kansas Tech (Beloit). Completing one of these programs not only provides needed classroom hours, but you might also get credit for the apprenticeship hours.  

You must be at least 18 years old, physically able to climb ladders and lift, and often must pass drug screenings and aptitude tests. The Department of Commerce and local unions like IBEW 271 in Kansas City or the Wichita Electrical JATC publish application details. Kansas also offers a Registered Apprenticeship system via Kansas Commerce for non-union apprenticeships.

Step 2: Apply For The Journeyman Electrician Exam

After you have met the experience requirements, submit a license application in your city or county. This typically requires proof of hours, ID, and a fee. For example, Sedgwick County requires a $75 exam application fee. 

Kansas jurisdictions use a standard National Electrical Code exam (ICC’s 558 Kansas Standard Journeyman Electrician). The test is 80 multiple-choice questions, open-book, and you will usually have 3-4 hours to complete it. You usually need to score 75% to pass the exam. 

Once you pass, the local agency will issue your journeyman license or certificate. As a licensed journeyman electrician, you will be able to work independently on most projects and supervise apprentices. The license usually must be renewed every 1-2 years with continuing education. For example, Wichita requires a 2-year renewal with 6-12 hours of code CE. 

Step 3: Gain Your Experience As A Journeyman

According to the Kansas law, you must work for an additional two years (4,000 hours) as a journeyman before applying for master electrician status. This will give you a total of about 6 years (12,000 hours) from start.

Step 4: Apply For The Master Electrician Exam

Once you have met the licensing requirement, apply and take the Master Electrician exam. The exam is often a 100-question, open-book exam and has similar content to the journeyman exam. You need to have a minimum score of at least 75% to pass. 

After passing the master exam, you will be licensed to supervise other electricians, pull permits, and perform work on complex and commercial electrical systems. Masters in Kansas often run electrical contracting businesses. 

Step 5: Obtain An Electrical Contractor License

Some counties or cities require a separate “electrical contractor” or business license to offer electrical services to the public. For example, Johnson County (Overland Park area) issues a “Class DE Electrical Contractor” license. Typically, you must have a master electrician and show the general liability insurance, which includes $3,00,000 liability and workers’ compensation. 

Most Kansas electricians follow the union or trade-school apprenticeship track, but even if you are someone with no experience, you can easily start. You can contact a local electrician, a JATC, or a community college and enroll in training and on-the-job learning within months.