- To get licensed in Ohio, you need 5 years of electrical experience.
- You must complete 40 hours of code-specific education & pass two PSI exams with at least 70% scores.
- The Ohio electrical contractor license allows you to legally bid & pull permits statewide.
- Ohio’s license is reciprocated by six states, including Kentucky & North Carolina.
- Electricians in Ohio earn an average of $64,360/year.
The demand for licensed electricians in Ohio is at an all-time high. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of electricians is expected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Honestly, the rapid growth in residential, commercial, and industrial development in Ohio is fuelling this demand, and with it, the opportunity for electricians to build a long-term career.
But you can’t legally perform electrical work in Ohio without a proper state license. Whether you are performing electrical wiring in new construction, upgrading panels in commercial buildings, or bidding on large commercial projects and running your own electrical contracting business, Ohio law requires electricians and electrical contractors to follow a strict licensing process.
So, becoming a licensed electrician in Ohio involves state licensing requirements, passing exams, and navigating both state and local regulations. In Ohio, the primary electrical license is issued by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) under the Department of Commerce. It is also important to note that Ohio does not have a statewide journeyman license for residential electricians like other cities. That’s why the path to becoming a licensed electrician might become overwhelming because of the multiple steps and requirements involved.
In this blog, we are going to break it all down for you, from the step-by-step process on how to become a licensed electrician in Ohio, how much electricians make in Ohio, what’s on the Ohio electrician license test, which states recognize an Ohio license through reciprocity, the fastest way to get licensed, and what electrical work you can do with and without a license.
Table of Contents
What Are The Ohio Electrical License Requirements And Application Process?
Ohio’s licensing requirements are set by law (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4740) and OCILB rules. Some of the key requirements are that you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and you must have a minimum of five years of experience in the electrical trade or three years of experience if you are a licensed professional engineer.
Traditionally, apprentice electricians complete a formal approved apprenticeship program or trade school programs (IEC or IBEW), which is about 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of classroom training, to fulfill the experience requirements and work under a licensed contractor. As of 2024, Ohio now also requires 40 hours of electrical code continuing education for applicants (to be aware of electrical code changes). Overall, this can substitute for part of the experience requirement if needed. Additionally, you must maintain the contractor’s general liability insurance (minimum $5,00,000) because proof of insurance will be needed when the license is issued.
Once you have met all the requirements, submit the OCILB application with all the supporting documents like W-2s, invoices, tax returns, or letters verifying your work on permitted jobs. You also have to submit the $25 application fee (Make the fee payable to OCILB), after which the board’s electrical division will review your application. Only after the approval can you sit for the exam. You must pass the Ohio Electrical Contractor Trade and the Business and Law Exam by scoring 70% or higher.
Ohio does not issue statewide “Journeyman Electrician License” or “Master Electrician License” except via cities. Working as an electrician does not require a state license. However, working without a license means you cannot contract or pull permits.
How To Become A Licensed Electrician In Ohio
In order to get an Ohio electrical contractor license, you must accumulate qualified experience, apply to the OCILB, pass the required exams, and meet the legal prerequisites. Here is a step-by-step process to become a licensed electrician in Ohio:
Gain 4-5 Years Of Work Experience
Ohio law requires a minimum of 5 years of documented work in the electrical trade under a licensed electrical contractor or master electrician. If you are registered as a professional engineer in Ohio, you may qualify with 3 years of electrical construction experience. It is important to know that experience counts only when it is paid, continuous on jobs requiring permits, and verified by payroll records, W-2s, or job permits.
Meet The Basic Requirements
To become a licensed electrician, you must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.
You Need To Go Through Pre-Licensing Education
Going through a pre-licensing education became effective from Sept. 6, 2024, and applicants must complete 40 hours of OCILB-approved electrical code continuing education as part of qualifying experience. This new pre-licensing requirement helps ensure familiarity with the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). Alternatively, a licensed journeyman electrician can fulfill the experience requirements.
Fill The Application Form
You need to fill out the OCILB application form and pay the $25 application fee. You need to submit proof of your work history, like payroll records, permit copies, and apprenticeship certificates, that show at least five years of trade experience. You will also have to submit documentation of your 40 hours of code CE or other qualifying credentials.
Go Through The Background Check
The OCILB will conduct state and federal criminal background checks. You need to have a clean record, and you must also complete a Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) check before sitting for the exam.
Schedule And Pass The Licensing Exam
Once your application is approved, you need to schedule your exam, and you will receive an exam bulletin from PSI. You must pass both a business and law exam and the Ohio Electrical Contractor exam. These exams are open-book and cover Ohio law, codes, and trade knowledge.
Insurance And Final License
After passing the exam, you have to send your test results, proof of $5,00,000 contractor liability insurance, and the $25 licensing fee to the OCILB. This liability insurance is required by law to protect customers. Upon approval, you will receive your Ohio Electrical Contractor License, which is valid for one year and renewable annually.
The fastest route to licensure is about 3 years for registered engineers, or 5 years of electrical work experience for others. Most electricians follow a 4-5 year apprenticeship or on-the-job training program, which is typically 8,000 hours of experience before applying.
What Is The Electrician License Test In Ohio?
Ohio electrical licensing exams are administered by PSI at testing centers across Ohio from Monday through Saturday. The exam is computer-based, open-book, and pre-approved. Each portion has 100 questions, 4 hours, and requires a 70% score to pass. In practice, candidates take two parts:
An Electrical Trade Exam that has 100 questions and covers the National Electrical Code and practical electrical systems knowledge, such as circuit design, conductors, transformers, motors, and special occupancies.
A Business and Law Exam that also has 100 questions on Ohio construction law, insurance, contracts, safety rules, and Ohio-specific building codes. Both exams reference the latest Ohio Electrical Code (2020/2023 editions) and Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4740.
Once your application is approved, you will receive an exam notice from PSI. You have to schedule the exam online or by phone. As of 2025, PSI charges about $65 per exam, and you have to pay PSI directly when scheduling. The State will no longer collect exam fees directly.
You may bring codebooks and reference materials. Many people use guides like the NEC and Ohio Building Code Books.
What Are The Types Of Electrical Contractor Licenses In Ohio?
State-Wide License
Ohio’s primary electrical license is the Electrical Contractor License issued by the OCILB. This license is often simply called Electrical License or Electrical Contractor license, and it authorizes the license holder to obtain permits and bid on commercial or industrial electrical jobs anywhere in Ohio. It does not distinguish between a journeyman and a master electrician at the state level. One license covers all electrical contracting work.
Local License
Ohio’s major cities govern the journeyman and master licensing. For example, Hamilton and Middletown require electricians to obtain city-issued Journeyman Electrician licenses before working independently. In Hamilton, you must also be a licensed master electrician (city-level) to pull permits. These municipal licenses have their own exams and fees, but they are separate from the state OCILB license. Importantly, outside those cities, Ohio has no statewide journeyman or master program. An unlicensed electrician can legally perform electrical work only under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
Some Ohio cities even have specialized categories. For instance, Sandusky’s ordinances mention a “Residential Electrician’s License, Class C,” allowing someone to work on 1- to 3-family dwellings under supervision. These local licenses typically require 3-4 years of experience and a city exam.
Most electricians in Ohio pursue the OCILB Electrical Contractor license if they plan to work as independent electrical contractors. If you live in a city like Hamilton or Middletown, you will also need to meet any local journeyman or master licensing requirements.
What States Reciprocate With An Ohio Electrical License?
Traditionally, Ohio has reciprocity agreements for electrical contractors with a handful of states. As of 2025, electricians licensed in Ohio may apply for an Ohio license by reciprocity from these six states and vice versa, without retaking the Ohio exams: Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. For example, an Ohio electrician moving to Kentucky can get licensed there, and a Kentucky electrician can more easily obtain an Ohio license.
No other states, apart from these, currently have formal reciprocity with Ohio’s Board. Michigan, for example, has no reciprocity agreements at all. Likewise, Ohio’s license does not automatically transfer to most other states; you would generally need to meet each state’s requirements if it isn’t on the list.
However, in 2023, Ohio enacted Senate Bill 131, which requires licensing boards to recognize out-of-state licenses that are substantially similar to Ohio’s. Starting in 2024, this law may ease interstate mobility. If you hold an electrical license from another state, Ohio can issue you an Ohio license without an exam, provided the other state’s requirements match Ohio’s. In effect, SB131 could broaden reciprocity beyond the six states above. But as of early 2025, practical reciprocity still centers on the traditional list.
What Is The Cost Involved In Ohio Electrical Licensing?
To obtain an Ohio electrical license, you need at least $25 for the application, $138 for the exams upfront, plus any costs for study materials or CE. After licensing, you also need to budget for insurance and renewals. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the key costs involved in electrical licensing:
Application Fee: $ 25 to OCILB, which is one-time.
Exam Fees: Approximately $69 for each exam (Electrical Trade and Business/Law), which you will pay to PSI.
Licensing Fee: After passing, you send $25 with your exam results
Insurance: You must obtain and maintain contractor’s liability insurance (minimum $5,00,000, which has its own premium cost (typically some thousand dollars per year for that level of coverage). This is an ongoing expense, but it is required to activate your license.
Renewal: The OCILB license is renewed annually. The renewal fee is $60 yearly. Licensees must also complete 40 hours of continuing education each renewal period.
How Long Is Electrician School In Ohio?
Most electricians in Ohio train through apprenticeships or trade programs. An apprenticeship is typically 4 to 5 years long, combining about 2,000 hours per year of paid on-the-job training and at least 576 hours per year of classroom instruction. For example, to become a journeyman, Ohio requires 8,000 hours of work and 576 hours of schooling. Similarly, union or trade associations usually operate 4-year programs.
Some aspiring electricians pursue a technical college certificate or an Associate’s degree first. These programs range from 1-year certificates (often 30-40 credit hours) to 2-year Associate’s degrees in Electrical Engineering. Such programs provide a foundation such as math, blueprint reading, electrical theory, etc, and may shorten apprenticeship times slightly. However, Ohoo law still requires five years of practical experience, so electrical schooling alone won’t replace the on-the-job time requirement.
Honestly, the fastest route is through an apprenticeship which is usually 4-5 years on the job. If you already have related work, you may need slightly less. If you are a registered engineer in Ohio, you may qualify after 3 years of electrical construction experience.
Realistically, expect at least 4 years of training before sitting for the OCILB exams. There is no overnight shortcut: the law sets a minimum.
Can You Get An Ohio Electrician License Online?
No, Ohio does not allow you to get fully licensed online. You may apply online or via email, but you still must satisfy in-person requirements. In particular, the licensing exams are in-person computer-based tests administered by PSI. After approval, PSI will schedule you at a testing center. There is no remote or online proctoring option. Additionally, you must submit physical documents like W-2s and obtain physical insurance policies.
In summary, while you can prepare for the exams online or attend virtual training, the license itself requires an on-site exam and paper-based licensing procedures. Ohio does allow online continuing education and has an eLicense portal for renewals, but the initial licensing process remains primarily in-person.
How Much Does A Certified Electrician Make In Ohio?
Electricians in Ohio actually earn competitive wages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ohio electricians have a mean wage of $64,360 annually. The median was roughly $30.94 per hour. However, the pay varies by experience, region, and specialization. According to May 2025 salary data, Ohio electrician averages about $27.03 per hour, which is $56,000 annually. Certified journeymen have the potential to earn over $30 per hour. Master electricians and contractors typically earn more (over $80,000 per year), reflecting their higher responsibilities. Here is a clearer view of average base salaries for apprentices, journeymen, master electricians, and contractors:
Apprentices usually earn an average of $19.07 per hour in Ohio, which is the same as the national average.
The average base salary of journeyman electricians is $27.03 per hour in Ohio, which is 7% below the national average. You will get $9348 per year for overtime.
Master electricians earn an average of $59.69 per hour, which is 57% above the national average. Cincinnati and Cleveland are the highest-paying cities in Ohio, paying approximately $77 per hour to master electricians.
Are Electricians In High Demand In Ohio?
Yes, electricians are in high demand nationwide and in Ohio. This demand is fueled by new construction, infrastructure upgrades, and retiring workers. Ohio is seeing continued growth in manufacturing, data centers, and green energy projects, all requiring skilled electricians. Anecdotally, many parts of Ohio report more job openings than candidates.
Your Path To Becoming a Licensed Electrical Contractor In Ohio
Becoming a licensed electrician in Ohio is a strategic investment in your future. Getting an Ohio electrical license opens the door to higher-paying projects, better job stability, and long-term opportunities in both residential and commercial sectors.
From completing the required 5 years of hands-on experience to passing the OCILB licensing exam, the process is structured. Whether you are starting as an apprentice or transitioning from an industrial electrician to a contractor, every step is rewarding. And licensing is just the beginning. To start an electrical business and thrive in the competitive industry, an electrical contractor software platform like ZenElectrical helps you with scheduling, compliance, estimates, invoicing, and more. Especially in a regulated state like Ohio, software like this can be the difference between running a job and running a business.
Schedule a free demo with ZenElectrical today, because there has never been a better time to start your own business and thrive in this growing and competitive industry with a perfect digital solution.
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