OregonElectrician License Requirements

Oregon requires 576 hours of pre-licensing education for General Journeyman (J), one of the highest classroom requirements in the US. The state adopts NEC as the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC) with Oregon-specific amendments. License renewals follow a fixed October 1 triennial cycle (not based on issuance date). Oregon has a 75% passing score requirement, higher than the 70% standard in most states. Several limited license categories are exempt from continuing education. Oregon has reciprocity with seven states for General Journeyman licenses.

Oregon adopts the NEC as the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC) with state-specific amendments in OAR 918-305-0105 Table 1-E. The 2023 OESC took effect October 1, 2023; 2026 OESC anticipated October 1, 2026.

The General Supervising Electrician (S) license is Oregon's equivalent of a master electrician, required to serve as Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) for contractor businesses.

Oregon has an unusually high passing score requirement of 75% (vs. 70% in most states).

License renewals are on a fixed October 1 cycle, not based on issuance date. Different license types renew in different years.

Several limited license categories (BME, E, ST, LMM) are exempt from continuing education requirements.

Oregon requires 576 hours of pre-licensing education for General Journeyman, significantly more classroom time than many states.

Oregon has reciprocity with seven states: Arkansas, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Contractor businesses are licensed separately through both BCD (electrical) and CCB (general contractor). Bond amounts were increased by $5,000 per HB 2922 in 2024.