How to Become an Electrician in North Carolina

North Carolina was #3 in population growth from 2022 to 2023, behind Texas and Florida (U.S. Census Bureau). This increasing demand for housing creates an equal demand for electricians, making it a great time to  become an electrician in North Carolina, as this steady growth rate means job security and better pay.  

This article will walk you through the steps to becoming a licensed electrician in North Carolina. 

Steps to Obtain an Electrical Contractor’s License in North Carolina  

Succinctly put, here are the steps to take to become a North Carolina electrician:

1. Gain the required education and hands-on training. Most electricians complete a formal apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with several thousand hours of supervised on-the-job experience.
2. Obtain a local Journeyman Electrician license. In North Carolina, journeyman licensing is issued at the city or county level, so requirements vary by jurisdiction.
3. Meet your local experience requirements and apply to your local licensing authority.
4. Pass the required journeyman electrician exam administered by your local jurisdiction.
5. Gain additional experience as a licensed journeyman electrician if you plan to become an electrical contractor.
6. Apply for an electrical contractor license through the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
7. Choose the appropriate contractor classification (Limited, Intermediate, or Unlimited), based on your experience and the scope of work you plan to perform.
8. Submit your contractor license application and pay the required fees.
9. Pass the required contractor examination, which includes trade knowledge and business-related topics.
10. Provide proof of liability insurance (and bonding, if required for your classification).
11. Once approved, receive your electrical contractor license and begin operating legally in North Carolina.
12. Renew your license as required and complete any continuing education necessary to remain in good standing.

You’re required to have a license to work as an electrician in North Carolina. Licensees must meet minimum education and experience requirements before taking the electrical contractor’s licensing exam.  

Learn the general requirements for North Carolina contractor licenses in our blog!

Step 1: Work Experience 

All license types require experience in the field under a licensed electrician. The state classifies experience as Primary and Secondary. Primary experience is any work governed by the National Electrical Code (NEC), such as installation of electrical wiring or use of special equipment mandated by code. All license types require a minimum number of years of primary experience.  

Some examples of primary experience include:  

Secondary experience includes any work or training related to the installation of electrical wiring and equipment pursuant to the NEC. A few examples of secondary work experience include:  

Not all experience carries the same weight. For example, one year of vocational school equates to 1,000 hours of secondary experience compared to one year in an apprenticeship program, which counts for 2,000 hours or one year of secondary experience.  

Step 2: Apprenticeship and Education 

There are distinct differences between attending an apprenticeship program versus a technical college or university. Electrical apprenticeship programs carry more weight; thus, you are able to complete your secondary experience requirements more quickly than if you attend a vocational or technical college.  

How to Find Apprenticeship Programs

Union apprenticeships are offered throughout the state including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), and the Carolina’s Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.

Apprenticeships programs include classroom hours and paid work experience.  Here you will learn needed job skills including, electrical installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

Local colleges, technical colleges, and vocational programs are another way to get started in the industry. Certificate programs take between three and six months to complete, junior colleges take two years, and a bachelor’s program will take four to five years. 

After your apprenticeship program, you will be able to apply for your North Carolina journeyman electrician license.

Step 3: Pass the Electrical Contractor’s License Examination 

To obtain your journeyman license, you will need to take and pass your exams which will test your understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical theory, and practical electrical skills.

For limited, intermediate, and unlimited license types, you’re required to pass a 100-question multiple choice exam. You need 70% to pass and you have six hours to complete the open book test.  

References can be softbound, spiral, or hardbound. No loose-leaf materials are permitted in the exam room. All references must be pre-marked, highlighted, and tabbed, using permanent tabs.  

Specialty-restricted examinations for SP-SFD, SP-PH, SP-ES, EP-EL, and SP-WP contain 40 questions with a three-hour time limit. The fire alarm/low voltage specialty exam has 50 questions and a three-hour time limit, and the swimming pool restricted exam has 25 questions and a one-hour time limit. 

The exam covers the following topics:  

Exam preparation courses are designed to help you pass the exam—the lessons cover the topics you will find on the test and simulated practice exams. Test prep centers like Contractor Training Center (CTC) teach you how to take a timed exam. CTC also provides pre-tabbed, highlighted, and bound material you can take with you on exam day.  

Some states offer reciprocity with North Carolina, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Licensed electrical contractors in these states may request a waiver of examination. 

Step 4: Apply for Your NC Electrical Contractor License 

Once you pass your exam, you can apply for your electrical contractor’s license. A $60,001 bond or line of credit is required for an intermediate license and a $150,001 bond or line of credit is required for an unlimited license. All licensees are required to complete a background check and pay the required licensing fee.  

If you employ at least 3 other persons, state law mandates that you will need to obtain workers' compensation insurance to defray the costs tied to medical expenses, workplace injuries, and lost wages tied to injury or illness.

NC Master Electrician License

To advance your electrician career, you may choose to pursue a master electrician license, which would permit you to work on more complicated electrical projects on your own. You need to meet the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors and pass a master electrician license exam.

Types of Electrical Licenses in North Carolina   

The type of license stipulates the type of work you can perform as an electrician in the state. North Carolina has three broad categories: limited, intermediate, and unlimited. Each of these allows the licensees to work on residential, commercial, or industrial electrical projects.

Contractors are only restricted by the value of the project and experience in the field.  

North Carolina has seven restricted licenses. An electrician who holds a restricted license is only permitted to work within the scope of that license.  

Here are more details about the different license types and the scope of work permitted under each.

North Carolina Limited Electrical License

In addition to these licenses, contractors who own or work exclusively for elevator, plumbing and HVAC, groundwater pump, electric sign, and swimming pool businesses can earn restricted electrical licenses to perform the electrical work related to their specialty.  

Each of these requires two years of work experience with one of those specifically working with the electrical systems in their business. 

How long does it take to earn your electrician license in North Carolina? 

The length of time required varies but usually takes between 2 and 4 years to complete your journeyman education and training. Your limited license alone will require two years of experience.

Continuing Education and License Renewal   

Continuing education (CE) is an excellent way to remain current with industry trends, and it’s required to renew your electrical contractor’s license in North Carolina each year.

Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited license holders must complete eight hours of CE; four of those can be completed online. Restricted license holders much complete four hours of CE, two of those hours can include online courses. 

You should get a renewal notice 60 days prior to your license expiring. A late fee of $25 is charged for late renewals.

Contractor Training Center offers several courses to fulfill North Carolina’s electrical contractor CE requirements, including the mandatory two-hour course produced by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. 

Soft Skills for NC Electrical Contractors to Have

It takes more than just technical know-how to be a great electrician in North Carolina. Soft skills are essential to running a successful business and earning positive customer reviews.

Communication Skills

Electricians regularly deal with clients and co-workers, meaning the ability to communicate well is indispensable. You will need to ask the right questions when investigating an electrical problem and be able to listen effectively to answers.

You could easily find yourself interacting with other tradespeople or subcontractors such as drywall installers and plumbers on a jobsite, especially when it comes to new builds. Proper communication with these parties will be crucial so that you can coordinate all the different aspects of the project and stay on schedule.

Safety-First Mindset

There are certain risks that come with working as an electrician; namely, risk of electrocution. Failing to properly install wiring can also lead to risks in the long-term including house fires. You will need to prioritize your safety and that of whoever will be occupying the structure you're working on.

This means following proper procedures learned during your training to the letter to make sure you finish jobs safely and correctly.

Physical Conditioning

A certain level of physical fitness is necessary to be an electrician, especially the ability to crouch and bend frequently to reach difficult areas. This could also include finessing your way into tight spaces to access electrical components. You may need to climb ladders, work on scaffolding, or carry heavy equipment frequently.

Manual dexterity is also a consideration, as you will need to often work with small wires, connectors, and tools.

Critical Thinking

Many times the solution to a problem is more complex than one or two causes. Multiple problems can be involved in an electrical system. Critical thinking and strong problem-solving skills are needed to properly diagnose an issue and come up with the best solution. 

During your training, you will work directly with a seasoned electrician who can guide you--once you're certified, however, you need to be able to make those calls on your own.

Business Acumen

A firm knowledge of how to run a business is needed to perform well for your employer, even if you have no desire to operate an electrical business of your own one day. Business skills such as strong customer satisfaction is a great way to please both your customers and your boss, for example.

If you do decide to start your own business or work as an independent electrical contractor you will have to keep accurate records of your work which could also include invoicing, tax preparation, and other financial tasks.

The Career Outlook for Electricians in North Carolina   

Electricians are in demand in every state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an 11% job growth through 2033 nationwide, which is five percentage points higher than other construction trades. According to the BLS, electricians earn an annual median wage of $50,950 in North Carolina, and Indeed reports a salary range between $34,132 and $93,820. 

There are many benefits to becoming an electrical contractor, including financial stability and job opportunities. Emerging technologies, such as smart homes and renewable energy, offer niche markets, and specializations offer job variety and growth. For those that want to run their own show, becoming an electrical contractor is the first step to opening your own business. 

Why Choose Our Electrician Licensing Exam Prep School?   

Becoming an electrician is a rewarding and exciting career choice. The steps to get licensed in North Carolina include a minimum of two years of work experience and passing the electrical contractor’s exam. When it comes to preparing for your exam,  should be at the top of your list.  

We offer professional preparation, confidence building and test-taking skills, comprehensive study materials, and pre-tabbed and highlighted materials you can bring with you to the open book exam. With consistently higher pass rates, CTC offers accredited NASCLA Master Electrical Exam Prep and NASCLA Exam Prep for Residential Electrical Contractors.  

We’re here to help you every step of the way, so reach out with any questions you have about our program or the licensing process in North Carolina, or schedule a 30-minute start-up consultation with one of our experts who can help walk you through the application process.