Electrical contractors in the State of Louisiana are regulated by:
- Louisiana State Board for Contractors (LSLBC)
The Scope of work for contractors in Louisiana is separated into four categories:
- Commercial
- Residential
- Home Improvement
- Mold Remediation
The Louisiana Electrical Contractor license falls under the commercial category
Who Needs to Have an Electrical License in Louisiana?
Anyone engaging in projects that involve:
“construction, installation or repair of electrical infrastructure for buildings and other structures; Does not include service lines, transmission lines, outside plant, electrical power substations, traffic lighting and highway signs, power plants, industrial instrumentation and industrial machinery” – LSLBC
The state of Louisiana defines an Electrical Contractor as someone who:
“Conducts business in the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical work conforming to applicable standards and codes”
What can I do with the License?
- Bid, contract and perform any kind of electrical work without limit anywhere throughout the state
- Exemption from local license examinations
- Exemption from all fire marshal licensing requirements
- Life/Safety and or Property protection licensing
If you choose not to get the state-wide license. There are 4 separate specialty classifications for electricians in Louisiana:
- Electrical Transmission Lines
- Electrical Work for Structures
- Underground Electrical Conduit Installation
- Electrical Controls
1. Electrical Transmission Lines
Construction, Installation, Repair, and Maintenance of:
- Electrical Transmission Lines
- Distribution Lines
- Electrical Poles
- Towers for outside plants
- Electrical power sub stations
- Internal components
- Circuit breakers
- Transformers
- Re-closers, switches, and fuses
- Rigid, strain, and overhead bus structures
- Insulators, wave jumpers, and wave traps
- Related electrical transmission towers
2. Electrical Work for Structures
Construction, maintenance, or repair of:
- Electrical infrastructure for Buildings and Structures
(Does not include: service lines, transmission lines, outside plant, electrical power substations, traffic lighting, and highway signs, power plants, industrial instrumentation, and industrial machinery)
3. Underground Electrical Conduit Installation
Installation, maintenance, or repair of:
- Underground electrical conduits
(Does not include the installation of wiring cables, etc. within the conduit)
4. Electrical Controls
Installation or fabrication of:
- Controls for electrical work
- Instrumentation
- HVAC controls
- “Smart house”controls
- Alarm panels (requires additional fire marshal licensing)
Louisiana Electrical License Requirements
To take the Louisiana electrical contractors exam you must meet the following basic requirements:
- At least 18 years of age
- Valid USA Identification
- Social Security Number
You must also:
- Show proof of financial solvency with a net-worth of at least $10,000
- Proof of General Liability Insurance (Residential and Mold Remediation License Only)
- Complete a Criminal Background Check
What is Journeyman Experience?
Louisiana board of contractors does not have an experience requirement for electricians. However, the trade examination you have to pass will present questions to you as if you are an electrical journeyman.
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
Louisiana Electrical License Application Processing
The application process for the Residential and Commercial License are as follows:
- Step 1:
Pass the Louisiana Contractor License Application
- Step 2:
Complete the Financial Statement Affidavit
- Step 3:
Complete the Qualifying Party Application
Make sure that your application is:
- Completely Filled Out (Do not leave any questions blank)
- Includes all fees (see Louisiana Contractor License fees)
- Application must be Notarized
Completed applications and fees can be sent to:
2525 Quail Drive,
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(Application processing can take up to 4-8 weeks)
The Application for Home Improvement Contractor is slightly different.
Proving Your Financial Solvency
Your Financial Affidavit must include:
- The last 12 Months of Financial Information
- Financial Statement Affidavit demonstrating net worth of at least $10,000
- Affidavit must be signed and notarized
For a complete look at how the financial affidavit and required information, check out this resource.
Louisiana Contractors License Examination
All electrical contractors must pass a law & business course. The course is online and takes about 45 minutes. It must be completed as part of your application process.
Topics covered may include:
- Business Planning
- Business Structures
- Insurance
- Project Management
- Cost Estimating
- Contracts
- Scheduling
- Job Site Safety
- Environmental Safety Rules & Regulations
- Managing Subcontractors and Suppliers
- Financial Management
- Tax Basics and Bookkeeping
- Lien Laws
- Business Management and Contracts
Louisiana Electrical License Exam
The electrical trade exam in Louisiana is developed by NASCLA. The exam is
- 100 Questions
- 75 Minimum Passing Score
- 270 Minutes allowed
- Open Book
Questions are based on the:
- 2008 National Electric Code
- 2014 National Electric Code
- 2017 National Electric Code
The electrical exam covers key topics including:
- Project Design & Management
- Safety
- Electrical Theory and Principles
- General Code Requirements
- Wiring and Protection
- Wiring Methods & Materials
- Equipment for General Use
- Special Occupancies, Special Equipment & Special Conditions
- Communication Systems
Exams for Sub-Specialty Licenses
If you do not want to apply for the state-wide license, you can apply for any of the sub specialty licenses:
- Electrical Transmission Lines – Exam Information
- Electrical Work for Structures – Exam Information
- Underground Electrical Conduit Installation – No Trade Exam Required
- Electrical Controls – Exam Information
Louisiana Contractor License Exam Locations
- Baton Rouge
600 North StreetBaton Rouge, LA 70802
- Bossier Parish Community College
6220 E. Texas Street, Building D, Room 203Bossier City, LA
- Delgado Community College
980 Navarre Building 2, Room 302New Orleans, LA 70119-4399
- Fletcher Technical Community College
1407 Highway 311Shriever, LA 70395
- LSU-Alexandria
Student Center, Room 2048100 U.S. 71Alexandria, LA 71302
- Louisiana Delta Community College
7500 Millhaven RoadMonroe, LA 71203
- North Shore Technical Community College
65556 Centerpoint Blvd. Room 124Lacombe, LA 70445
- Nunez Community College
3710 Paris Road, Administration Building Room 120Chalmette, LA 70043
- South Louisiana Community College — Lafayette Campus
1101 Bertrand DriveLafayette, LA 70506
- SOWELA Technical Community College
Computer Center3820 Senator J. Bennett Johnston AvenueSycamore Building–Testing CenterLake Charles, LA 70607
Louisiana Business License
If you are applying for a Louisiana contractor’s license as a business, the state board will require you to have an established business entity.
This can be set up through the Louisiana 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 complete explanation of the difference between these types of entities and which one makes the most sense for someone applying for a contractor license, check out this free guide!
Louisiana Worker’s Compensation Laws
Louisiana 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 Louisiana Workforce Commission
LSLBC Contractor Search
The Louisiana State Board for Contractors exists as a consumer protection mechanism.
The agency exists not only to enforce rules on construction contractors but also to ensure that homeowners are not being overcharged by unlicensed contractors.
If you are a homeowner or business owner looking to verify a contractor license in the state of Louisiana, you can check a license here
Renewing Your Louisiana Contractor License
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.
The Louisiana State Licensing Board gives you the option of either a one, two, or three year renewal. You can access their portal here
- If you submit your application more than 15 days after your license expiration date, you will be charged a penalty
- Your license will be considered expired if you have not renewed after 1 year. You must then start the application process over.
Electrician Apprenticeship
If you are just beginning your career in hopes of one day becoming a licensed contractor in Louisiana you will want to begin by mastering the trade.
One of the best ways to build a solid foundation and position yourself as a professional in the construction industry is by looking into an apprenticeship program or training course.
These types of schools 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 Louisiana General Contractor license, you will need to demonstrate a skillset beyond just construction. Learn about project management and other business skills.
Click the image below for access to our online electrical course catalog.
If you are new to the construction industry and have heard the term “journeyman” or “apprentice” and are not sure what these terms mean, or perhaps where to even start.
Each state may have different requirements and standards for what is considered an electrical 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 Louisiana electrical license exam, taking contractor classes could be a huge help. Most contractor resources include:
- 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 Louisiana 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.
Construction LAW vs Construction TRADE
A contractor license school’s main focus should be on the law.
Most states offer several different types of licenses, so if a school is telling you it can teach you your trade, be wary… as that is not realistic.
You can however review electrical concepts you may have forgotten using practice tests and study guides.
Many excellent online resources cover the basics of Electricity, HVAC, Masonry, Carpentry, and much more!
Check out our complete list of Trade Skills Courses
Blueprint Reading Course
If you are reading this and looking to get your residential or commercial contractor license in Louisiana, you must understand the importance of Blueprint Reading.
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 into engineering or obtain construction licensing.
See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!
OSHA Safety Certifications in Louisiana
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 probably the most important part of running a construction business in Louisiana.
Whether it be roofing, painting, landscaping, carpentry, electrical, or any other trade.
If you or 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 Louisiana OSHA Training.
Get Started!
Applying to the Louisiana Board of Contractors can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own business as an electrician!
If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information here about electrical contractor licenses in California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida
The construction industry is very lucrative and electrical contractors especially are highly sought after. There has never been a better time to get into construction, as there will be increasingly more opportunities into the future.
The key is to use the information you have now and take action from beginning to end. I know you will make the most of it!
If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.