All Electrical examinations are currently based on 2023 National Electrical Code, 2023 Michigan Electrical Code Rules Part 8, 1972 PA 230, 2016 PA 407, and all associated promulgated rules. Code Books, Public Acts, and Rules may be found here.
Please note that we no longer require an examination for Electrical Contractor, Fire Alarm Contractor, or Sign Contractor license. Examinations are conducted by PSI. Once approved by the Licensing Section to test, applicants should contact PSI directly to schedule. Applicants are able to choose their testing center of choice and day of examination. Examination fees should be paid directly to PSI when scheduling.
Further information regarding scheduling or questions can be directed to PSI.
Code Update Tracking
If you need to take a code update course, you can contact CE Broker to find all approved courses and providers. They can be reached at www.cebroker.com or (877) 434-6323. CE Broker also offers a free service to track your code update courses. You can also find approved Related Technical Instruction providers for electrical apprentices, and exam prep course listings on their website.
NOTE: Applications for electrical licensing examinations
If you live in the City of Detroit, they issue their own licenses and registrations locally. Please reach out to them directly.
City of Detroit
Out of State Applicants
Michigan does not hold reciprocity with any other state/country. To be considered for licensure, you must submit a copy of the out of state/country license that you hold and a copy of that jurisdiction’s licensing requirement. The licensing requirement must indicate a detailed description of the hours, schooling and requirements that had to of been met to obtain licensure in that state.
Apprentice Registration
- You need to be employed by a Master Electrician and Electrical Contractor. Sometimes, the same person holds both of these licenses.
- You need to be enrolled in a related technical instruction (RTI) program.
- You have to continue your course work throughout your time as an apprentice. We will ask you about your course work and employers each time you renew your apprentice registration.
- You need to keep your apprentice registration active and renew it every year on time. Otherwise, you could get in trouble on the job site or have to pay a late fee. You can’t be on the job site without an active apprentice registration.
Application for Electrical Apprentice or Fire Alarm Specialty Technician Apprentice
Electrical Journeyman License
- You must be at least 20 years old.
- You need to have completed 8,000 hours AND 4 years as an electrical apprentice. The work needs to have been related to electrical construction or maintenance of buildings or electrical wiring or equipment. You need to have been supervised by someone who holds an Electrical Journeyman or Master Electrician license issued by the State of Michigan.
- You may be able to earn some credit for completing a recognized training or educational program.
- You must take and pass the electrical journey exam by scoring at least 75%.
Application for Journeyman, Master Electrician Examination, Fire Alarm Specialty Technician or Sign Specialist Examination
Experience Statement as required per the Skilled Trade Regulation Act
Electrical Journeyperson License Map
Master Electrician License
- You must be at least 22 years old.
- You need have completed 4,000 hours as an electrical journey AND have held that license for at least 2 years.
- To be a Master Electrician in Michigan, you must have at least 12,000 hours of experience over AT LEAST 6 years. If you hold a journey electrician license issued by the State of Michigan, you do not need to show proof of experience for any time before you were issued your journey electrician license.
- You must take and pass the master electrician exam by scoring at least 75%.
Application for Journeyman, Master Electrician Examination, Fire Alarm Specialty Technician or Sign Specialist Examination
Experience Statement as required per the Skilled Trade Regulation Act
Master Electrician License Map
Electrical Contractor License
- This is required if you want to do business as an electrician.
- You need to either hold a Master Electrician license or hire someone who holds a Master Electrician license. If you live outside of Michigan and are hiring a Master Electrician, they need to live in Michigan.
- Electrical Contractor licenses require an associated Master Electrician license. The Master Electrician’s job is to be in charge of and responsible for Michigan code compliance of all installations of electrical wiring and equipment.
- A Master Electrician can only associate with one Electrical Contractor at a time. Without a Master Electrician, an Electrical Contractor’s license is put on hold.
- There is no test required to be an Electrical Contractor, but you still have to apply for the license.
Application for Electrical/Fire Alarm/Sign Contractor Examination
Electrical Contractor License Map
Fire Alarm Specialty Technician (FAST) License
- You must be at least 20 years old.
- You need to hold a certification issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology (NICET). This certification needs to be in installation and repair. We require a NICET level II or higher certification, or an ESA Certified Fire Alarm Technician (CFAT) certification, level II or higher.
- You must take and pass the FAST exam by scoring at least 75%.
Application for Journeyman, Master Electrician Examination, Fire Alarm Specialty Technician or Sign Specialist Examination
Fire Alarm Specialty Technician License Map
Fire Alarm Contractor License
- This is required if you want to do business as a Fire Alarm Specialty Technician (FAST).
- You need to either hold a FAST license or hire someone who holds a FAST license. If you live outside of Michigan and are hiring a FAST license holder, they need to live in Michigan.
- Fire Alarm Contractor licenses require an associated FAST license. The FAST license holder’s job is to be in charge of and responsible for Michigan code compliance of all installations of fire alarm system wiring and equipment.
- A FAST license holder can only associate with one Fire Alarm Contractor at a time. Without a FAST license holder, a Fire Alarm Contractor’s license is put on hold.
- There is no test required to be an Electrical Contractor, but you still have to apply for the license.
Application for Electrical/Fire Alarm/Sign Contractor Examination
Fire Alarm Contractor License Map
Sign Specialist License
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You need have 4,000 hours of experience AND at least 2 years under a Sign Specialist in the manufacturing, installation, maintenance, connection or repair of electric signs and related wiring.
- You need to provide proof you’ve completed an approved training course (available courses on cebroker.com)
- You must take and pass the Sign Specialist exam by scoring at least 75%.
Application for Journeyman, Master Electrician Examination, Fire Alarm Specialty Technician or Sign Specialist Examination
Sign Specialist License Map
Sign Specialty Contractor License
- This is required if you want to do business as a Sign Specialist.
- You need to either hold a FAST license or hire someone who holds a FAST license. If you live outside of Michigan and are hiring a Sign Specialist, they need to live in Michigan.
- Sign Specialty Contractor licenses require an associated Sign Specialist license. The Sign Specialist’s job is to be in charge of and responsible for Michigan code compliance of all installations of fire alarm system wiring and equipment.
- A Sign Specialist can only associate with one Sign Specialty Contractor at a time. Without a Sign Specialist, a Sign Specialty Contractor’s license is put on hold.
- There is no test required to be a Sign Specialty Contractor, but you still have to apply for the license.
Application for Electrical/Fire Alarm/Sign Contractor Examination
Sign Specialty Contractor License Map
Questions regarding licensing requirements should be directed to the Bureau's Licensing Division at 517-241-9316.
