Electrical contractors in the state of Alabama are governed by the:
- Alabama Electrical Board
There are two classifications for Electricians in the state of Alabama:
- Journeyman
- Electrical Contractor
Electrical contractors taking on projects over $50,000 must also apply with the Alabama Board of General Contractors
Who Needs an Electrical License in Alabama?
Anyone working as an electrician in the state of Alabama must be eligible and apply to become a journeyman electrician.
- Alabama state law defines a journeyman as:
“A person who possesses necessary qualifications, training, and technical knowledge to install electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment lighting, heating, or power or control covered by this chapter. He or she shall work under a master or state certified electrical contractor and shall be capable of doing work according to plans and specifications furnished to him or her and in accordance with standard rules and regulations governing such work.”
How to become a Journeyman Electrician in Alabama
- 8,000 Hours of experience
Experience must include:
- Training and technical knowledge to install electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment, light, heat or power
- A substantial part of the work you performed must have been commercial, industrial or residential
Applicants may substitute 1,000 hours of experience for 1 Year of education in an approved apprenticeship or electrical education program
Alabama Electrical License Requirements
You must meet the following requirements:
- 18 Years of Age
- Valid Drivers License OR USA Issued Identification
- Social Security Number
You must also have:
- Proof 8,000 hours of experience
- Minimum $10,000 net worth and working capital
Journeyman Level Experience
Alabama has specific requirements for the number of hours electricians must have to get a license.
While different regions may have varying definitions for what a journeyman is, typically this is someone who:
- Can perform all of the duties associated with their trade
- Has worked un-supervised performing their trade
- Has supervisory level experience
- (in some cases) has completed a Journeyman certification
Alabama Electrical License Application Processing
The application process is as follows:
- Step 1:
Complete either the Electrical ContractororJourneyman Electricianapplication
- Step 2:
Complete a Business Entity Job List Form
- Step 3:
Complete a Work Affidavit
- Step 4:
Schedule an Examination
Applications must be sent 30 days prior to a scheduled board meeting. Check board meeting dates & deadlines
Upon acceptance from the Alabama Contractors Board, you will then be allowed to register for an examination.
Proving Your Work Experience
Your work experience affidavit will need to be completed by someone who is either a:
- Licensed Electrical Contractor
- Master Electrician
- Electrical Engineer or Inspector
- Human Resources Dept of your Company
- Company President/CEO
You cannot sign your own work affidavit. It also must be signed and notarized. See the work experience affidavit
Electrical License Fees
- $165 Application/Examination Fee
Completed applications and fees can be sent to:
2777 Zelda Rd.
Montgomery, AL 36106
Rules for Electrical Contractors in Alabama
When applying for your electrical license in Alabama there are some important state-specific things to remember:
- Applications are only reviewed at the Boards Quarterly Meeting
- Applications must be submitted on or before the deadline (see schedule)
- You will be notified of approval within 10 days
- Once approved you need to submit an exam fee (see fees)
- After you are approved, you will receive information on scheduling an examination
Alabama Electrical License Examination
All contractors must pass the Alabama Law and Business exam:
- 110 Questions
- Computerized Test
- Open Book (Approved Testing Materials Only)
- 5 Hours allowed
The business and law portion of the exam covers:
- Business Organization
- Risk Management
- Project Management
- Estimating
- Safety and Environmental
- Labor Laws
- Payroll and Employment
- Taxes
- Financial Management
- Contracts
- Lien Laws
- Licensing Laws
The electrical portion of the examination covers:
- General electrical
- Knowledge
- Grounding and Bonding
- Conductors and Cables
- Raceways and Boxes
- Special Occupancies and Equipment
- Electrical Power
- Motors
- Low Voltage Lighting
- Illuminated Signs
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
- Safety Information
- Over current Protection
- Service, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
Journeyman Electrician Test
The journeyman electrician test is:
- 80 Questions
- 4 hours allowed
- Open Book
The examination will cover the following topics:
- Conductors and Cables
- Electrical Power
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
- General Electrical Knowledge
- Grounding and Bonding
- Illuminated Signs
- Lighting
- Low Voltage
- Motors
- Over current Protection
- Raceways and Boxes
- Safety Information
- Service, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
- Special Occupancies and Equipment
Exam Site Locations
- Athens State University
Chasteen Hall300 North Beaty Street
Athens, AL 35611
- Auburn University
Biggio Center Testing Services
112 S. College StreetAuburn, AL 36849
- Jefferson State Community College –Jefferson Campus
Lurleen Wallace Hall – Room 3222601 Carson Road
Birmingham, AL 35215
- University of South Alabama
307 University Boulevard N
Alpha Hall East – Room 326Mobile, AL 36688
- Jefferson State Community College –Shelby-Hoover Campus
4600 Valleydale Rd
General Studies Building, Room 110
Birmingham, AL 35242
- Alabama State University
915 S. Jackson Street Edward Glenn McGeHee
McGeHee Hall 105Montgomery, AL 36104
- Enterprise State Community College
600 Plaza Drive
Enterprise, AL 36331
- Auburn University Montgomery
Warner Robbins Taylor Center
7400 East Drive, Room 147
Montgomery. AL 36117-3596
- Calhoun Community College
Huntsville Campus Academic Testing Center
102 B Wynn Drive, Building 1, Room 122
Huntsville, AL 35805
- North Alabama Electrical JATC
1805 E. 17th Street Sheffield, AL 35660
- University of Alabama Huntsville Campus
301 Sparkman Drive Wilson Hall, Room 202
Huntsville, AL 35899
- Shelton State Community College
Room 18269500 Old Greensboro Road, #188
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
- Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Road North434 Trustee Circle
Jacksonville, AL 36265-1602
NASCLA
Alabama currently accepts the NASCLA examination for Electrical Contractors.
This means that if you are applying for electrical licensure from out of state, you may be able to waive your Alabama trade examination.
For more information, check out this complete guide to NASCLA
Alabama Business License
If you are applying for an Alabama electrical license as a business, the state board will require you to have an established business entity.
This can be set up through the Alabama Secretary of State
You will choose a name and then select the type of entity you want. Typically, construction companies choose either:
- Sole Proprietor – License held through an individual
- Partnership – License held through a partnership
- LLC – License held through a company that exists as its own entity
- S-Corporation – License held through a corporate entity
For a deeper look at the advantages and disadvantages of each business entity, check out this free guide!
Worker’s Compensation laws for Alabama Electrical Contractors
Alabama requires all construction companies with 1 or more employees to hold worker’s compensation insurance.
This also includes LLCs. However, If you apply as a sole proprietorship and have no employees you may be exempt.
Contractors must be insured through a commercial provider, self-insured carrier, or through the Alabama Department of Labor
Alabama contractor license search
The Alabama Electrical Board’s number one responsibility is protecting the consumer public.
The agency exists not only to enforce rules on electrical contractors but also to ensure that homeowners are not being overcharged.
If you are looking to verify an electrical license in the state of Alabama, you can check a license here
Alabama contractor license renewal
Once your electrical license is active, you will be responsible for renewing it on an annual basis. Make sure that you begin the renewal process 30 days in advance to make sure there is no gap in your licensing.
Alabama electrical license renewal portal
Electrician Apprenticeships
If you are entering the construction industry without any experience, you should absolutely explore starting out in an apprenticeship!
One of the best ways to build a solid foundation and position yourself to earn an excellent living in a short time frame is by investing in your education.
Apprenticeships can provide you with valuable training in a variety of different trades including Electrical, Plumbing, Concrete, Landscaping, Painting, HVAC, Roofing, Carpentry, and much more!
If you are one day looking to get the Alabama General Contractors license, you must demonstrate skillsets beyond just your specific trade.
Check out our online course library:
If you have never heard the term “journeyman” or “apprentice” and are not sure what these terms mean, these courses may be perfect for you.
Each state may have different requirements and standards for what is considered a journeyman, check your state laws.
To learn more about the step-by-step path from an Apprentice to Journeyman!
What You Need To Know About Contractor License Schools
If you are looking to prepare for your Alabama electrical license exam, taking contractor classes could be a huge help.
Schools typically provide
- Home study materials
- Online classes taught by industry professionals
- Application assistance
- Insurance and Business services
Many tradesmen find themselves a bit confused when faced with questions about construction accounting, balance sheets, workers compensation, employee rights, job site safety, and Alabama state construction law.
These topics can be learned quickly. Studying consistently in the weeks leading up to your exam day will help you greatly.
Practice exams and study guides breaking down everything you need to know can be found here.
Blueprint Reading Course
For anyone looking to become a licensed general contractor, learning how to read blueprints is critical…
Blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.
Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill especially for those looking to get into engineering or architecture.
See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!
Alabama OSHA
Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.
That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average.
In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.
Safety is taken very seriously by construction authorities in Alabama.
Whether it be HVAC, roofing, painting, landscaping, carpentry, electrical, or any other trade.
If your workers are not properly trained, it can place unnecessary risk to not only your personal safety but your bottom line as a business.
For employment with a licensed general contractor, you may be asked to complete some level of Alabama OSHA Training
Alabama Electrical License Reciprocity
You may qualify for reciprocity if you are licensed in the following states:
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
Learn more about electrical license reciprocity
Get Started on Your Construction Career
Applying to the Alabama Electrical Board can be a huge first step up in starting your own business.
The construction industry is very lucrative. There will be more and more opportunities for skilled tradesman in the future.
The key is to use the information you have now and take action from beginning to end. If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information here about electrical contractor licenses in: California, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida
If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.