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Home / Electricians / Kentucky / License

Kentucky journeyman electrician license

Electrician license: what DHBC asks for once you're logging hours.5

2 YEARSbetween renewals

How much experience do you need in Kentucky?

8,000 hours, with up to 4,000 replaced by a training course, associate degree or teaching2

Electrician license
8,000 hrs8,000 hours, with up to 4,000 replaced by a training course, associate degree or teaching
Master electrician license
16,000 hrs16,000 hours, with up to 4,000 replaced by training or teaching and 6,000 by a degree

Keep your own record of hours, employers and pay stubs. DHBC can ask for proof when you apply.

What is the Kentucky electrician exam like?

You take the state exam once the board approves your hours. An examination provider approved by the department (the regulation does not name one).1

How much does the electrician license cost?

Electrician: $100 for a two-year license; master electrician: $200 for a two-year license1

How do you renew it?

Every two years, by the last day of your birth month; 60-day grace period with a late fee; reinstatement without re-testing within 3 years of termination.3 Continuing education: 6 hours per year from an approved provider.3

Does a license from another state count in Kentucky?

Licensure by endorsement if the other state's requirements are substantially equal and it offers Kentucky licensees reciprocity.4

License levels in Kentucky

Electrician (journeyman level) and master electrician, plus the electrical contractor license for businesses.

Ready to apply?

Applications, exam booking and hour forms are on DHBC's site.

DHBC license page

More for electricians in Kentucky

Sources

  1. Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Plumbing/Electrical licensing: exam (apps.legislature.ky.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Plumbing/Electrical licensing: experience (apps.legislature.ky.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Plumbing/Electrical licensing: renewal (apps.legislature.ky.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Plumbing/Electrical licensing: reciprocity (apps.legislature.ky.gov, 2026-10-27)
  5. Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Plumbing/Electrical licensing: licensing (apps.legislature.ky.gov, 2026-10-27)