Electrician license requirements in Michigan.
Michigan licenses electricians through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the Electrical Administrative Board. Individuals move from journeyman to master on documented hours, and the contractor license is a separate business credential that requires no exam — but does require a master electrician.
What Michigan requires.
Journeyman Electrician
At least 20 years old with 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training over a minimum of four years, plus the state journeyman exam.
Master Electrician
At least 22 years old, holding a journeyman license for at least two years, with 12,000 hours of supervised experience over a minimum of six years, plus the master exam.
Electrical Contractor
The business license. No exam — but you must be, or employ, a licensed Master Electrician, and post a surety bond.
Getting the Journeyman Electrician
- Journeyman: be at least 20, complete 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training across at least four years, and pass the journeyman exam
- Master: be at least 22, hold a journeyman license for at least two years, complete 12,000 hours of supervised experience across at least six years, and pass the master exam
- Contractor: employ or be a licensed Master Electrician — no separate experience period or exam — and post the $1,000 surety bond required by the Electrical Administrative Board
Renewal: Master electrician licenses renew annually. Electrical contractor licenses run three years, expiring December 31, and the contractor surety bond expires December 31 annually.
The official board
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Electrical Division / Electrical Administrative Board
Visit the boardVerified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
Michigan electrical licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do electrical work in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan licenses electricians through LARA — journeyman and master licenses for individuals, and a separate electrical contractor license for the business.
How many hours do you need for a journeyman electrician license in Michigan?
8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training completed over a minimum of four years. You also have to be at least 20 years old and pass the state journeyman exam.
How do you become a master electrician in Michigan?
Be at least 22, hold a Michigan journeyman license for at least two years, complete 12,000 hours of supervised experience over a minimum of six years, and pass the master electrician exam.
Do you need an exam for a Michigan electrical contractor license?
No. The electrical contractor license has no exam and no separate experience period — but you must be, or employ, a licensed Master Electrician, and post the $1,000 surety bond required by the Electrical Administrative Board.
When do Michigan electrical licenses renew?
Master electrician licenses renew annually. Electrical contractor licenses run three years and expire December 31, while the contractor surety bond expires December 31 each year.
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