Electrician License Renewal: CE Hours & Fees by State
LicenseMap Team··10 min read
Keeping your electrician license current is not just a legal requirement — it ensures you stay up to date with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) updates and safety standards. Most states require continuing education as part of the renewal process, with CE hours ranging from 3 to 34 hours per renewal cycle.
This guide covers electrician license renewal requirements for all 51 states in our database — renewal periods, CE hours, required CE topics, and fees. All data is pulled from our verified state databases.
Renewal Overview
51
States Tracked
39
Require CE
$113
Avg. Renewal Fee
3–34
CE Hour Range
Complete Renewal Comparison Table
The table below shows renewal requirements for all 51 states, sorted alphabetically.
| State | Renewal Period | Renewal Fee | CE Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Annual (by December 31) | $25 | 14 |
| Alaska | 2 years | $200 | 16 |
| Arizona | 2 years (biennial) | $480 | — |
| Arkansas | 2 years | $50 | 8 |
| California | 3 years | $100 | 32 |
| Colorado | 3 years | $120 | 24 |
| Connecticut | 1 year (annual, all licenses expire September 30th) | $120 | 4 |
| Delaware | 2 years (biennial, all licenses expire June 30th of even-numbered years) | N/A | 10 |
| District of Columbia | 2 years | $100 | 16 |
| Florida | 2 years | $100 | 14 |
| Georgia | 2 years (biennial, expires June 30 of even years) | $75 | 8 |
| Hawaii | 3 years (triennial, all licenses expire June 30) | $306 | 4 |
| Idaho | 3 years (triennial) for Journeyman and Master; annual for Apprentice and Contractor | $45 | — |
| Illinois | Varies by municipality | N/A | — |
| Indiana | Varies | N/A | — |
| Iowa | 3 years for Journeyman, Master, Residential, Special, and Contractor licenses (expire December 31). 1 year for Apprentice and Unclassified Person licenses. | $75 | 18 |
| Kansas | Varies | N/A | — |
| Kentucky | 1 year | $50 | 12 |
| Louisiana | 2 years | $75 | 16 |
| Maine | 2 years | $150 | 15 |
| Maryland | 2 years (biennial) from date of issuance | $25 | 10 |
| Massachusetts | 3 years | $78 | 21 |
| Michigan | Annual (expires December 31). 60-day grace period until March 1 for late renewal. After March 1, license becomes void and must reapply and retest. | $40 | 15 |
| Minnesota | 2 years | $53 | 16 |
| Mississippi | 2 years | $50 | — |
| Missouri | Varies by local jurisdiction. Kansas City: every 4 years. St. Louis County: annually. | N/A | — |
| Montana | 2 years | $200 | 16 |
| Nebraska | 2 years | $50 | 12 |
| Nevada | 2 years (biennial) for contractor; 3 years for local journeyman | $600 | — |
| New Hampshire | 2 years | $270 | 15 |
| New Jersey | 3 years (triennial), renewal deadline March 31st | $160 | 34 |
| New Mexico | 3 years | $75-$200 | 16 |
| New York | Varies by local jurisdiction. NYC: annually (expires on licensee's birthday each year). | N/A | — |
| North Carolina | 1 year (annual, renews on anniversary of issue date) | $100-$200 | 8 |
| North Dakota | 1 year | $40 | 8 |
| Ohio | Varies by local jurisdiction. OCILB commercial contractor license: annual (1-year) or triennial (3-year) renewal options. | N/A | — |
| Oklahoma | 1 year | $75 | 12 |
| Oregon | 3 years, on October 1. Specific renewal year depends on license type. | $100 | 24 |
| Pennsylvania | N/A | N/A | — |
| Rhode Island | 3 years | $50 | 10 |
| South Carolina | 2 years (biennial, expires June 30 of odd years) | $50 - $100 | — |
| South Dakota | 2 years | $60 | 16 |
| Tennessee | 2 years | $50 | 8 |
| Texas | 1 year | $50 | 4 |
| Utah | 2 years | $72-$84 | 16 |
| Vermont | 3 years | $150 | 15 |
| Virginia | 2 years | $40 | 3 |
| Washington | 3 years (triennial), expires on licensee's date of birth | $137.90 | 24 |
| West Virginia | 2 years | $50 | 16 |
| Wisconsin | 4 years (Master and Journeyman, expire June 30). 1 year for Registered Electricians. | $100 | 24 |
| Wyoming | 3 years | $50 | 16 |
Renewal Periods by State
Here is how states group by renewal period length:
Varies by municipality Cycle (1 state)
Varies by local jurisdiction. NYC: annually (expires on licensee's birthday each year). Cycle (1 state)
N/A Cycle (1 state)
1 year (annual, all licenses expire September 30th) Cycle (1 state)
1 year Cycle (4 states)
1 year (annual, renews on anniversary of issue date) Cycle (1 state)
Varies by local jurisdiction. OCILB commercial contractor license: annual (1-year) or triennial (3-year) renewal options. Cycle (1 state)
2 years Cycle (16 states)
2 years (biennial) Cycle (1 state)
2 years (biennial, all licenses expire June 30th of even-numbered years) Cycle (1 state)
2 years (biennial, expires June 30 of even years) Cycle (1 state)
2 years (biennial) from date of issuance Cycle (1 state)
2 years (biennial) for contractor; 3 years for local journeyman Cycle (1 state)
2 years (biennial, expires June 30 of odd years) Cycle (1 state)
3 years Cycle (7 states)
3 years (triennial, all licenses expire June 30) Cycle (1 state)
3 years (triennial) for Journeyman and Master; annual for Apprentice and Contractor Cycle (1 state)
3 years for Journeyman, Master, Residential, Special, and Contractor licenses (expire December 31). 1 year for Apprentice and Unclassified Person licenses. Cycle (1 state)
3 years (triennial), renewal deadline March 31st Cycle (1 state)
3 years, on October 1. Specific renewal year depends on license type. Cycle (1 state)
3 years (triennial), expires on licensee's date of birth Cycle (1 state)
Varies by local jurisdiction. Kansas City: every 4 years. St. Louis County: annually. Cycle (1 state)
4 years (Master and Journeyman, expire June 30). 1 year for Registered Electricians. Cycle (1 state)
Annual (by December 31) Cycle (1 state)
Annual (expires December 31). 60-day grace period until March 1 for late renewal. After March 1, license becomes void and must reapply and retest. Cycle (1 state)
Continuing Education Requirements
39 of 51 states require continuing education for electrician license renewal. CE is especially critical for electricians because the NEC is updated on a three-year cycle, and states adopt new code editions at different times. Staying current with code changes is essential for safe, compliant work.
States with CE Requirements (39)
New Jersey(3 years (triennial), renewal deadline March 31st cycle)
34 hours
NEC Code updates (9 hours for contractors)NJ state statutes, laws, and rules (1 hour required)General electrical continuing education (24 hours for contractors)
California(3 years cycle)
32 hours
NEC code updates relevant to certification type heldInstallation practicesElectrical safetySolar PV systemsCommercial/industrial electrical requirements
Colorado(3 years cycle)
24 hours
NEC Code Changes (minimum 4 hours required)Safety courses (up to 4 hours accepted)Grounding and BondingWiring MethodsTheory and Calculations
Oregon(3 years, on October 1. Specific renewal year depends on license type. cycle)
24 hours
4 hours ORL (Oregon Rules and Laws)8 hours CC (Code Change) for General Journeyman; 12 hours CC for General Supervising12 hours CR (Code Related) for General Journeyman; 8 hours CR for General Supervising
Washington(3 years (triennial), expires on licensee's date of birth cycle)
24 hours
8 hours on currently adopted NEC changes4 hours on RCW 19.28 and related WAC 296-46B12 hours on any approved course
Wisconsin(4 years (Master and Journeyman, expire June 30). 1 year for Registered Electricians. cycle)
24 hours
Branch circuits, feeders, overcurrent protectionGrounding and bondingWiring methods and materialsSwitchboards and panelboardsMotors, generators, transformersIndustrial machinery
Massachusetts(3 years cycle)
21 hours
15 hours must cover the current Massachusetts Electrical Code6 hours of additional approved continuing educationDeadline for 2026 code cycle: July 31, 2028
Iowa(3 years for Journeyman, Master, Residential, Special, and Contractor licenses (expire December 31). 1 year for Apprentice and Unclassified Person licenses. cycle)
18 hours
At least 6 hours must be on the NECRemaining hours on approved electrical topics
Alaska(2 years cycle)
16 hours
Minimum 8 hours covering the NECRemaining 8 hours may be industry-related or additional code hours
District of Columbia(2 years cycle)
16 hours
National Electrical Code (NEC) updatesElectrical safetyGrounding and bondingCode changes and amendmentsRenewable energy systemsState-specific electrical codes and regulations
Louisiana(2 years cycle)
16 hours
National Electrical Code (NEC) updatesElectrical safetyGrounding and bondingCode changes and amendmentsRenewable energy systemsState-specific electrical codes and regulations
Minnesota(2 years cycle)
16 hours
12 hours on the National Electrical CodeUp to 4 hours on related technical subjects or MN Electrical Act and MN Rules Chapter 3800
Montana(2 years cycle)
16 hours
NEC code updates (minimum 8 hours)Other Board-approved topics (remaining 8 hours)
New Mexico(3 years cycle)
16 hours
8 hours of NEC code change instruction8 hours of other industry-related instruction
South Dakota(2 years cycle)
16 hours
NEC code updates (minimum 8 hours)Electrical industry-related subjectsMinimum 8 hours must be in-person; maximum 8 hours online/correspondenceCannot complete all 16 hours online
Utah(2 years cycle)
16 hours
NEC code updates (8 hours required, part of 12-hour Core requirement)NFPA 70E electrical safety (4 hours required, part of 12-hour Core requirement)Professional development topics (4 hours Professional requirement)Apprentice Electricians exempt from CE per Utah Administrative Code R156-55b
West Virginia(2 years cycle)
16 hours
National Electrical Code (NEC) updatesElectrical safetyGrounding and bondingCode changes and amendmentsRenewable energy systemsState-specific electrical codes and regulations
Wyoming(3 years cycle)
16 hours
National Electrical Code (NEC) updates (minimum 8 hours)Other approved electrical industry topics (remaining 8 hours)
Maine(2 years cycle)
15 hours
Current National Electrical Code as adopted by the Board (15-hour Maine-approved update course)
Michigan(Annual (expires December 31). 60-day grace period until March 1 for late renewal. After March 1, license becomes void and must reapply and retest. cycle)
15 hours
State-approved NEC code update course (15 hours)Required only within the 12-month period following the state's adoption of a new NEC editionMost recent trigger: 2023 NEC adopted effective March 12, 2024 -- 15-hour code update required by March 11, 2025
New Hampshire(2 years cycle)
15 hours
Changes to latest published edition of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)At least 1 hour on changes to RSA 319-C, administrative rules, and installation concerns
Vermont(3 years cycle)
15 hours
National Electrical Code updatesVermont Electrical Safety RulesVermont Energy Goals Education Module (required per S.220 legislation)
Alabama(Annual (by December 31) cycle)
14 hours
Journeymen: No CE required (explicitly exempt).Electrical Contractors (Master): 14 hours every 2 years, minimum 7 hours on NEC.
Florida(2 years cycle)
14 hours
National Electrical Code (NEC) updatesElectrical safetyGrounding and bondingCode changes and amendmentsRenewable energy systemsState-specific electrical codes and regulations
Kentucky(1 year cycle)
12 hours
National Electrical Code (NEC) updatesElectrical safetyGrounding and bondingCode changes and amendmentsRenewable energy systemsState-specific electrical codes and regulations
Nebraska(2 years cycle)
12 hours
NEC code updatesElectrical industry-related subjectsPassing the licensing exam grants 6 CE hours credit
Oklahoma(1 year cycle)
12 hours
Code Update (6 hours per 3-year period)Other electrical-related topics (6 hours per 3-year period)Effective January 1, 2026: Apprentices must complete 3 hours CE annually (HB 3215)
Delaware(2 years (biennial, all licenses expire June 30th of even-numbered years) cycle)
10 hours
National Electrical Code (NEC) updates (at least 5 of 10 hours must cover NEC)Electrical safety and installation practicesState code amendments
Maryland(2 years (biennial) from date of issuance cycle)
10 hours
NEC code updatesOther state-adopted codes and NFPA rulesRequirements in the Annotated Code of MarylandAt least 5 of 10 hours must be in-classroom (maximum 5 online)
Rhode Island(3 years cycle)
10 hours
National Electrical Code (NEC) updatesElectrical safetyGrounding and bondingCode changes and amendmentsRenewable energy systemsState-specific electrical codes and regulations
Arkansas(2 years cycle)
8 hours
National Electrical Code (NEC) updatesElectrical safetyGrounding and bondingCode changes and amendmentsRenewable energy systemsState-specific electrical codes and regulations
Georgia(2 years (biennial, expires June 30 of even years) cycle)
8 hours
NEC updatesTechnological advancements in the electrical industryRegulatory changes
North Carolina(1 year (annual, renews on anniversary of issue date) cycle)
8 hours
NEC code updatesElectrical safetyBusiness and law (new qualifier Laws and Rules Course)At least half of CE hours must be obtained via in-person classroom or seminar (remainder may be online)
North Dakota(1 year cycle)
8 hours
NEC code-related (minimum 4 hours per year)Electrical industry-related subjects (remaining hours)May reference 2020 or 2023 NEC editions
Tennessee(2 years cycle)
8 hours
National Electrical Code (NEC) updatesElectrical safetyGrounding and bondingCode changes and amendmentsRenewable energy systemsState-specific electrical codes and regulations
Connecticut(1 year (annual, all licenses expire September 30th) cycle)
4 hours
NEC code changesElectrical safety
Hawaii(3 years (triennial, all licenses expire June 30) cycle)
4 hours
NEC code updates course (offered through Honolulu Community College or Hawaii Electricians Training Fund)Alternatively, pass a continued competency exam administered by PrometricMaintenance Electricians (EM) are exempt from CE requirements
Texas(1 year cycle)
4 hours
National Electrical Code (NEC) updatesElectrical safetyGrounding and bondingCode changes and amendmentsRenewable energy systemsState-specific electrical codes and regulations
Virginia(2 years cycle)
3 hours
National Electrical Code (NEC) updatesNEC code changes relevant to licensure
States with No CE Requirement (12)
CE Topics Analysis
44 of 51 states specify required CE topics for electrician renewal. The most common topics reflect the profession's focus on code compliance and workplace safety.
| CE Topic | States Requiring | % of States |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical safety | 13 | 25% |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) updates | 11 | 22% |
| Grounding and bonding | 11 | 22% |
| Code changes and amendments | 10 | 20% |
| Renewable energy systems | 10 | 20% |
| State-specific electrical codes and regulations | 10 | 20% |
| NEC code updates | 3 | 6% |
| NEC code updates (minimum 8 hours) | 2 | 4% |
| Electrical industry-related subjects | 2 | 4% |
| Journeymen: No CE required (explicitly exempt). | 1 | 2% |
| Electrical Contractors (Master): 14 hours every 2 years, minimum 7 hours on NEC. | 1 | 2% |
| Minimum 8 hours covering the NEC | 1 | 2% |
| Remaining 8 hours may be industry-related or additional code hours | 1 | 2% |
| NEC code updates relevant to certification type held | 1 | 2% |
| Installation practices | 1 | 2% |
| Solar PV systems | 1 | 2% |
| Commercial/industrial electrical requirements | 1 | 2% |
| NEC Code Changes (minimum 4 hours required) | 1 | 2% |
| Safety courses (up to 4 hours accepted) | 1 | 2% |
| Grounding and Bonding | 1 | 2% |
| Wiring Methods | 1 | 2% |
| Theory and Calculations | 1 | 2% |
| NEC code changes | 1 | 2% |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) updates (at least 5 of 10 hours must cover NEC) | 1 | 2% |
| Electrical safety and installation practices | 1 | 2% |
| State code amendments | 1 | 2% |
| NEC updates | 1 | 2% |
| Technological advancements in the electrical industry | 1 | 2% |
| Regulatory changes | 1 | 2% |
| NEC code updates course (offered through Honolulu Community College or Hawaii Electricians Training Fund) | 1 | 2% |
| Alternatively, pass a continued competency exam administered by Prometric | 1 | 2% |
| Maintenance Electricians (EM) are exempt from CE requirements | 1 | 2% |
| At least 6 hours must be on the NEC | 1 | 2% |
| Remaining hours on approved electrical topics | 1 | 2% |
| No state-level CE requirement. CE varies by local jurisdiction. Sedgwick County: 12 hours per 2-year cycle (6 trade-specific + 6 general). Topeka: 6 hours per year (3 trade-specific + 3 general). | 1 | 2% |
| Current National Electrical Code as adopted by the Board (15-hour Maine-approved update course) | 1 | 2% |
| Other state-adopted codes and NFPA rules | 1 | 2% |
| Requirements in the Annotated Code of Maryland | 1 | 2% |
| At least 5 of 10 hours must be in-classroom (maximum 5 online) | 1 | 2% |
| 15 hours must cover the current Massachusetts Electrical Code | 1 | 2% |
| 6 hours of additional approved continuing education | 1 | 2% |
| Deadline for 2026 code cycle: July 31, 2028 | 1 | 2% |
| State-approved NEC code update course (15 hours) | 1 | 2% |
| Required only within the 12-month period following the state's adoption of a new NEC edition | 1 | 2% |
| Most recent trigger: 2023 NEC adopted effective March 12, 2024 -- 15-hour code update required by March 11, 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 12 hours on the National Electrical Code | 1 | 2% |
| Up to 4 hours on related technical subjects or MN Electrical Act and MN Rules Chapter 3800 | 1 | 2% |
| No state-level CE requirement. Local jurisdictions set their own CE requirements. | 1 | 2% |
| Other Board-approved topics (remaining 8 hours) | 1 | 2% |
| Passing the licensing exam grants 6 CE hours credit | 1 | 2% |
| Changes to latest published edition of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) | 1 | 2% |
| At least 1 hour on changes to RSA 319-C, administrative rules, and installation concerns | 1 | 2% |
| NEC Code updates (9 hours for contractors) | 1 | 2% |
| NJ state statutes, laws, and rules (1 hour required) | 1 | 2% |
| General electrical continuing education (24 hours for contractors) | 1 | 2% |
| 8 hours of NEC code change instruction | 1 | 2% |
| 8 hours of other industry-related instruction | 1 | 2% |
| No state-level CE. NYC requires 8 hours annually from a DOB-approved provider, with at least 4 hours on NYC Electrical Code. | 1 | 2% |
| Business and law (new qualifier Laws and Rules Course) | 1 | 2% |
| At least half of CE hours must be obtained via in-person classroom or seminar (remainder may be online) | 1 | 2% |
| NEC code-related (minimum 4 hours per year) | 1 | 2% |
| Electrical industry-related subjects (remaining hours) | 1 | 2% |
| May reference 2020 or 2023 NEC editions | 1 | 2% |
| No state-level CE for individual electricians. OCILB commercial contractor CE: at least half of hours must be in electrical code content. Online CE limited to 4 hours/year for annual renewals or 12 hours for 3-year renewals. | 1 | 2% |
| Code Update (6 hours per 3-year period) | 1 | 2% |
| Other electrical-related topics (6 hours per 3-year period) | 1 | 2% |
| Effective January 1, 2026: Apprentices must complete 3 hours CE annually (HB 3215) | 1 | 2% |
| 4 hours ORL (Oregon Rules and Laws) | 1 | 2% |
| 8 hours CC (Code Change) for General Journeyman; 12 hours CC for General Supervising | 1 | 2% |
| 12 hours CR (Code Related) for General Journeyman; 8 hours CR for General Supervising | 1 | 2% |
| Minimum 8 hours must be in-person; maximum 8 hours online/correspondence | 1 | 2% |
| Cannot complete all 16 hours online | 1 | 2% |
| NEC code updates (8 hours required, part of 12-hour Core requirement) | 1 | 2% |
| NFPA 70E electrical safety (4 hours required, part of 12-hour Core requirement) | 1 | 2% |
| Professional development topics (4 hours Professional requirement) | 1 | 2% |
| Apprentice Electricians exempt from CE per Utah Administrative Code R156-55b | 1 | 2% |
| National Electrical Code updates | 1 | 2% |
| Vermont Electrical Safety Rules | 1 | 2% |
| Vermont Energy Goals Education Module (required per S.220 legislation) | 1 | 2% |
| NEC code changes relevant to licensure | 1 | 2% |
| 8 hours on currently adopted NEC changes | 1 | 2% |
| 4 hours on RCW 19.28 and related WAC 296-46B | 1 | 2% |
| 12 hours on any approved course | 1 | 2% |
| Branch circuits, feeders, overcurrent protection | 1 | 2% |
| Wiring methods and materials | 1 | 2% |
| Switchboards and panelboards | 1 | 2% |
| Motors, generators, transformers | 1 | 2% |
| Industrial machinery | 1 | 2% |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) updates (minimum 8 hours) | 1 | 2% |
| Other approved electrical industry topics (remaining 8 hours) | 1 | 2% |
Tips for Staying Current
- Stay ahead of NEC code cycle updates. The NEC is updated every three years. When your state adopts a new edition, CE courses and exam content will shift to the new code. Start familiarizing yourself with upcoming changes before your state formally adopts them.
- Track your CE deadlines. Set calendar reminders at least 90 days before your license expires. Letting your license lapse can mean paying late fees, retaking exams, or losing the ability to legally perform electrical work.
- Check state reciprocity if you work in multiple states. If you hold licenses across state lines, each state may have its own CE requirements and renewal schedule. Some states accept CE completed in other jurisdictions, but many do not — confirm with each state's licensing board.
- Use online CE when available. Many states now accept online continuing education courses for electricians. This makes it easier to fit CE hours around job schedules. Verify that your provider is approved by your state board before enrolling.
- Keep all completion certificates. Save your CE certificates for at least two full renewal cycles. States may audit your CE compliance, and you will need documentation to prove you met the requirements.
- Do not wait until the last minute. Spreading CE hours throughout the renewal period keeps the workload manageable and ensures you stay current on code changes and safety practices as they happen.
Next Steps
Find your state in the table above and click through for full renewal details, including links to your state's licensing board. Also explore:
- How to Get an Electrician License in 2026: Complete Guide
- Electrician Licensing Requirements by State
Sources
Renewal data is sourced from official state electrical licensing board websites and verified against published fee schedules, CE requirements, and NEC adoption records.
- Individual state electrical licensing board websites (cited on each state page).
- NFPA — National Electrical Code (NEC) adoption status by state.
Data was last verified in February 2026. Renewal fees, CE requirements, and NEC code adoption can change as states update their regulations. Always confirm current renewal requirements with your state's electrical licensing board before your renewal deadline.
Continuing Education Resources
Study materials to help you meet your electrician CE requirements.
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