To become an electrical contractor in Alabama, an applicant must prove a minimum of 8,000 hours of electrical supervisory experience in design, planning, layout, and direct supervision of electrical contracting activities and the installation of electrical components, as well as pass the electrical contractor’s exam.   

An electrical contractor license is required to work on high-value, high-voltage projects, and supervise teams of electricians. These licenses allow you to install, design, lay out, develop plans, and directly supervise electrical construction. It also allows you to maintain, alter, or repair electrical power/control systems, electrical wiring devices and electrical equipment.    

A minimum of four (4) years or 8,000 hours of supervisory electrical construction experience showing design, planning, and supervisory experience installing electrical components is required. One year of education from an approved electrical curriculum or apprenticeship program can substitute for a half year of work experience for a maximum of 2,000 hours of the 8,000 hours of required experience. A diploma, certificate, or transcripts are required if using educational hours.   

Once you meet the experience requirements, you can apply to take the Alabama Electrical Contractor Exam or the NASCLA Master/Unlimited Contractor Exam through the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board. Once approved, you can pay the exam fee and schedule your exam. 

Journeyman electrician licenses are ideal for those who want to perform electrical work under the supervision of a licensed contractor and for those with an eye toward becoming an electrical contractor themselves. The process includes a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience.   

To qualify for the license, applicants must document at least 8,000 hours of relevant work experience through affidavits. This experience must demonstrate your proficiency in installing electrical wiring, apparatus, equipment, and systems for light, heat, or power. 

Alternatively, one year of approved electrical education or apprenticeship training can be substituted for 1,000 hours of experience, up to a maximum of 2,000 hours, towards the 8,000-hour requirement. Candidates must then pass an approved licensing exam, such as the Alabama Electrical Journeyman Exam or the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Journeyman Electricians.