Alaska CE Requirements for Journeyman Electricians

The Two Worlds of Alaska Electrical Licensing: DOLWD vs. DCCED

Before diving into CE hours, it’s crucial to understand a distinction that often trips up even seasoned professionals: who issues your license? In Alaska, electrical credentials are not handled by a single entity. Knowing which department oversees your certification is the first step to a smooth renewal.

• Certificate of Fitness (Journeyman & Residential): If you are a journeyman electrician or a residential wireman, your credential is a “Certificate of Fitness” issued by the Alaska DOLWD electrical division, specifically the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection Section. These requirements are outlined in Title 8 of the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC).
• Electrical Administrator License: The Alaska electrical administrator license is a supervisory credential for those who plan, lay out, and take legal responsibility for electrical projects. This license is issued by a completely different body: the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), under the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. Its rules are in Title 12 of the AAC.

This article focuses primarily on the requirements for the Journeyman Certificate of Fitness, but we’ll compare the other license types below.

Journeyman Electrician Continuing Education Requirements

For journeyman electricians, the renewal process is a biennial event, meaning it occurs every two years. The cornerstone of your certificate of fitness renewal Alaska is completing the state-mandated continuing education hours.

The 16-Hour Mandate for Your Biennial License Renewal

According to the Alaska Administrative Code (8 AAC 90.192), an applicant for renewal of an electrician journeyman certificate of fitness must complete 16 hours of approved continuing education within the 24-month period before their renewal date. This 16-hour CE package is split into two distinct categories:

• 8 Hours of National Electrical Code CEUs: At least half of your required training must focus on the National Electrical Code (NEC). These hours are intended to cover significant electrical code changes and updates, ensuring your knowledge remains current with the latest safety standards.
• 8 Hours of Industry-Related Electrical Training: The remaining eight hours are more flexible and can cover a wide range of topics relevant to the trade. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your skillset with online electrical courses on subjects like electrical safety NFPA 70E, advanced troubleshooting techniques, or new technologies in the field.

Understanding Alaska’s Current NEC: The 2020 Edition

A critical point for Alaska electricians is understanding which version of the NEC applies. Under Alaska Administrative Code 13 AAC 50.025, the State Fire Marshal adopted the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) as the minimum electrical standard for the state, effective February 16, 2023. While the 2020 NEC is the mandatory statewide minimum for all electrical work, it’s important to note that Alaska does not have a uniform statewide building code for all private construction. Some local jurisdictions, like Anchorage or Fairbanks, may adopt and enforce their own codes, which could include more stringent or recent standards.

For your CE, while your work must comply with the 2020 NEC, courses covering the 2023 NEC update are highly valuable as they prepare you for the most current national standards and potential future state adoptions. Being knowledgeable about the latest updates is crucial, from understanding how NEC 2023 equipment marking requirements have changed to grasping new rules for GFCI protection. Staying ahead of these changes positions you as an expert and ensures you’re prepared for work in any jurisdiction. For instance, knowing how the 2023 NEC changes standard circuit breaker amp ratings can directly impact your day-to-day installations. Similarly, being familiar with updated lighting and switch requirements is essential for modern residential and commercial projects.

How Do Other Alaska Electrical Licenses Compare?

To avoid confusion, it’s helpful to see the requirements side-by-side. The “Zero Assumption” rule is critical here—never assume the rules for one license apply to another.

The Renewal Process: Staying Compliant

Completing your Alaska electrical license renewal is a straightforward process once your CE is done. First, ensure you choose from approved CE providers Alaska offers. Reputable providers will issue a certificate of completion for each course.

You will then submit your renewal application, fee, and proof of CE completion to the DOLWD. The renewal fee for a 2-year Journeyman certificate is $200. While an Electrical Administrator’s license expires on a fixed date (December 31st of odd-numbered years), a Journeyman’s Certificate of Fitness has an individualized deadline that expires exactly two years from its date of issuance or last renewal. Always check the expiration date printed on your personal certificate or contact the DOLWD Mechanical Inspection section to confirm your specific deadline for the biennial license renewal.

Whether you’re coming from an electrician school or you’re a seasoned pro, our courses are designed to meet your needs. Fulfill your requirements with our state-approved 16-hour CE package. Browse our courses today to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main difference between a Journeyman and an Electrical Administrator in Alaska?

A Journeyman Electrician holds a Certificate of Fitness from the DOLWD to perform hands-on electrical work. An Electrical Administrator holds a license from the DCCED to supervise, plan, and be the responsible party for an electrical contractor, ensuring all work is code-compliant. They are two separate credentials with different governing bodies and purposes.

What happens if I miss my renewal deadline?

If your Journeyman Certificate of Fitness expires, you cannot legally work. According to 8 AAC 90.180, you may renew a lapsed certificate within two years of its expiration by completing the required CE and paying any applicable late fees. If your certificate has been lapsed for more than two years, it is considered permanently lapsed, and you will likely need to re-apply and re-test.

Are online electrical courses valid for my Alaska renewal?

Yes, as long as the course and the provider are approved by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development for journeyman electricians. Online courses offer a flexible and convenient way to meet your 16-hour requirement, allowing you to study at your own pace from anywhere in the state.