How to Get a Michigan Electrical License: 2024 Requirements

Whether you’re finishing an electrician school program or you’re a seasoned journeyman aiming to become a master, understanding the specific state requirements is your first step. This guide breaks down the pathways, clarifies the roles of the Michigan Electrical Administrative Board and LARA, and details what you need to know for success in 2024 and beyond.

Understanding Michigan’s Electrical Licensing Tiers

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), through its Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), oversees electrical licensing under the authority of the Skilled Trades Regulation Act (Public Act 407 of 2016). Your career progression is marked by distinct license tiers, each with increasing responsibility and earning potential. It’s a journey that starts with learning the fundamentals and can lead to owning your own business.

Step 1: The Michigan Electrical Apprenticeship

Your career begins as an apprentice electrician. To legally work on a job site, you must be registered with the state. This requires being employed by a licensed electrical contractor and enrolled in a recognized Related Technical Instruction (RTI) program. According to LARA’s electrical division, an apprentice learns the trade through direct, on-site supervision from a licensed journeyman or master electrician. A Michigan electrical apprenticeship combines thousands of hours of on-the-job training with structured classroom learning, covering everything from electrical theory to the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Step 2: The Journeyman Electrician Michigan License

This is the foundational professional license and the first major milestone for every apprentice. A licensed journeyman can perform electrical installations and alterations under the general supervision of a master electrician. To qualify to take the journeyman electrician exam, LARA requires you to be at least 20 years old and have documented 8,000 hours of practical experience over a minimum of four years. This hands-on experience is critical, proving you have the core skills to work safely and effectively. Reaching this stage significantly boosts your career opportunities and earning power. For more details on what that looks like, see our analysis of the Michigan electrician salary and job market.

Step 3: The Master Electrician License Michigan

For those with ambitions to lead projects and supervise others, the master electrician license is the ultimate goal. A master electrician has the authority to plan, lay out, and supervise the installation of wiring and equipment. To be eligible for the master exam, you must have held a journeyman electrician Michigan license for at least two years and have accumulated 12,000 hours of on-the-job experience over a minimum of six years. This license demonstrates a deep understanding of code, theory, and project management.

Step 4: The Electrical Contractor License Michigan

If you aim to run your own business, the electrical contractor license Michigan is what you’ll need. This license authorizes you to enter into contracts, pull permits, and hire other electricians. According to the Skilled Trades Regulation Act, obtaining a contractor license does not require an exam. Instead, you must either hold a master electrician license Michigan yourself or employ a full-time, state-resident master electrician who is actively in charge of all code compliance and supervision. This is the final step in starting an electrical business in Michigan and taking full control of your professional destiny.

Specialty Electrical Licenses in Michigan

Beyond the primary licensing path, Michigan offers several specialty licenses for specific types of work. These allow professionals to focus their expertise in niche, in-demand fields:

• Fire Alarm Specialty Technician: This license requires 4,000 hours of experience over two years focused on fire alarm system installation, maintenance, and repair. This is a critical role for ensuring life safety systems are compliant and functional.
• Sign Specialist License Michigan: To qualify, applicants need 4,000 hours of experience over two years in the manufacture, installation, connection, and repair of electric signs and related wiring.

Both fire alarm and sign specialists can also obtain contractor-level licenses under similar rules as electrical contractors, requiring a licensed individual to qualify the business.

Navigating the Michigan Electrical Exam and Code

Once your application is approved by LARA, you will schedule your exam through a third-party testing service. According to LARA, all electrical examinations are based on several key documents: the 2023 National Electrical Code, Michigan’s Part 8 Rules, Public Act 230 (the state construction code act), and Public Act 407 (the Skilled Trades Regulation Act). Investing in a solid Michigan electrical exam prep course can be invaluable for success.

The Michigan Electrical Code 2024

Staying current with the code is non-negotiable. Michigan adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), which became effective on February 8, 2024, as the Michigan Electrical Code (Part 8 Rules). While this is the primary code, the interaction between state codes can be complex for residential work. Michigan did amend the language in the 2023 NEC Section 230.85 concerning emergency disconnects for one- and two-family homes. Furthermore, for any electrical systems or components not specifically addressed in the 2015 Michigan Residential Code’s electrical chapters (34-43), compliance with the new Michigan Electrical Code is required. This makes it crucial for any residential electrician to be familiar with both the 2023 NEC with state amendments and the existing residential code. Understanding recent NEC changes, such as those related to grounding and bonding in NEC 2023, is essential for compliance.

Electrical License Renewal and Continuing Education in Michigan

Understanding the electrical license renewal Michigan process is key to maintaining your professional standing. The requirements can be confusing because continuing education is not tied to every renewal cycle.

Individual licenses for Journeyman, Master, and specialty technicians expire on December 31st annually, with a renewal grace period extending to March 1st. In contrast, an Electrical Contractor license renews annually by August 31st. You should always verify these dates directly with the LARA electrical license division.

The requirement for continuing education for electricians Michigan is triggered only when the state adopts a new code. As per the Skilled Trades Regulation Act (339.5715), licensees must complete a board-approved code update course within 12 months of a new code taking effect. The required hours are:

• 15 Hours: For Master and Journeyman Electricians, and Fire Alarm Specialty Technicians.
• 8 Hours: For Sign Specialists.

Since Michigan adopted the 2023 NEC in 2024, licensees are required to complete these online electrical courses to be compliant. You can find LARA-approved providers and track your credits through CE Broker.

ExpertCE offers state-approved courses to meet all your LARA electrical license renewal needs. Browse our courses to stay compliant and up-to-date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get a Michigan electrical license if I am licensed in another state?

Michigan has provisions for an out-of-state electrical license Michigan review, but it does not have direct reciprocity with any state. LARA may approve you to take the Michigan exam based on your experience and licensure in another state. In some cases, a temporary 90-day journeyman license may be issued to an out-of-state applicant who has been approved to take the exam.

What is the difference between a builder’s license and an electrical license in Michigan?

These are completely separate licenses governed by different acts and boards. A builder’s license allows for general contracting and construction, but it does not permit you to perform electrical work. Only an individual holding a valid electrical license can legally install, alter, or repair electrical systems. We explore this topic in-depth in our article on Michigan builders vs. electrical licenses.