Electrician license
Pennsylvania electrician license
Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide electrician license. Cities license electricians: Philadelphia requires an Electrical Contractor License and Pittsburgh requires an Electrical Trade License, each with its own ICC exam. This page covers Electrical Contractor License (Philadelphia) and Electrical Trade License (Pittsburgh). Local licensing in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh is covered below.
Licenses at a glance
| License | Experience | Exam | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Contractor License (Philadelphia) | Not set in hours | 100 questions, 2020 NEC | $262 license fee, including a $60 non-refundable application fee; $202 to renew each year |
| Electrical Trade License (Pittsburgh) | Not set in hours | Yes | Not confirmed: check with the board |
How to get each Pennsylvania license
Electrical Contractor License (Philadelphia)
Requirements. At least four years of employment doing electrical work for a company licensed by a local or state jurisdiction (two years of electrical education count as one year, up to two years). Pass the Philadelphia Electrical Contractor exam, complete 8 hours of NFPA 70 coursework within the past 12 months, and carry the required insurance.
Exam. Required.
| Testing company | International Code Council (ICC), delivered by Pearson VUE |
|---|---|
| Code edition | 2020 NEC |
| Questions | 100 questions |
| Time | 300 minutes (5 hours) |
| Passing score | Not confirmed: check with the board |
| Code book | Open book: the 2020 NEC and Ugly's Electrical Reference (any edition). |
| Exam fee | $115 |
| Official bulletin | ICC Philadelphia Contractor/Trades Bulletin (published March 15, 2026) |
Fees. $262 license fee, including a $60 non-refundable application fee; $202 to renew each year.
From July 1, 2026, a Philadelphia contractor pulling permits that include an EV charger must have an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certification on file.
Sources: City of Philadelphia: Get an Electrical Contractor License; ICC Philadelphia Contractor/Trades Bulletin, published March 15, 2026.
Electrical Trade License (Pittsburgh)
Requirements. A government photo ID, a passing ICC National Standard Master Electrical exam, and a resume or records showing at least six years of combined experience and education.
Exam. Required.
| Testing company | International Code Council (ICC), proctored by Pearson VUE |
|---|---|
| Code edition | Not confirmed: check with the board |
| Questions | Not confirmed: check with the board |
| Time | Not confirmed: check with the board |
| Passing score | Not confirmed: check with the board |
| Code book | Not confirmed: check with the board |
| Exam fee | Not confirmed: check with the board |
Fees. Not confirmed: check with the board
Pittsburgh lists three accepted versions of the ICC exam: T16 (2020 NEC), G16 (2017 NEC) and F16 (2014 NEC).
Source: City of Pittsburgh PLI: Trade Licenses (Electrical Trade License).
Local electrician licenses in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia: Electrical Contractor License
Required for any electrical work in Philadelphia, including low voltage. Needs four years of employment doing electrical work for a licensed company and a passing ICC Philadelphia Electrical Contractor exam. Issued by Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections. Official page.
Source: City of Philadelphia: Get an Electrical Contractor License.
Pittsburgh: Electrical Trade License
Required for electrical work in the City of Pittsburgh. Issued to individuals with six years of combined experience and education and a passing ICC National Standard Master Electrical exam. Issued by Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections. Official page.
Source: City of Pittsburgh PLI: Trade Licenses (Electrical Trade License).
Practice for the exam
Free practice. The journeyman electrician practice test with 2026 and 2023 NEC versions has 30 questions on code and calculations, scored by subject, with no account. It is general NEC practice, not built from the Pennsylvania exam outline.
How to apply
In Philadelphia, apply online through eCLIPSE or by appointment at the Permit and License Center. In Pittsburgh, apply through the OneStopPGH platform or at the OneStopPGH counter. Apply on the official site.
Sources: City of Philadelphia: Get an Electrical Contractor License; City of Pittsburgh PLI: Trade Licenses (Electrical Trade License).
Renewal and continuing education
| Renewal | Every year in Philadelphia. |
|---|---|
| Continuing education | 8 hours of NFPA 70 coursework each license period in Philadelphia, and 8 hours of continuing education in the 12 months before renewal in Pittsburgh. |
Sources: City of Philadelphia: Get an Electrical Contractor License; City of Pittsburgh PLI: Trade Licenses (Electrical Trade License).
Reciprocity with other states
Not confirmed: check with the board
Look up a Pennsylvania electrician license
Not confirmed: check with the board
Common questions
Who issues electrician licenses in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide electrician license. Cities license electricians: Philadelphia requires an Electrical Contractor License and Pittsburgh requires an Electrical Trade License, each with its own ICC exam.
How often does a Pennsylvania electrician license renew?
Every year in Philadelphia. Continuing education: 8 hours of NFPA 70 coursework each license period in Philadelphia, and 8 hours of continuing education in the 12 months before renewal in Pittsburgh.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from Pennsylvania's own licensing board, statute or rule, or the testing company the board names. Where a fact could not be confirmed from one of them, the page says to check with the board. Rules and fees change: confirm with the board before you apply.
- City of Philadelphia: Get an Electrical Contractor License, opened November 11, 2026
- ICC Philadelphia Contractor/Trades Bulletin, published March 15, 2026, opened November 11, 2026
- City of Pittsburgh PLI: Trade Licenses (Electrical Trade License), opened November 11, 2026
Electrician license requirements in every state · How to become an electrician · Journeyman electrician license · Master electrician license
Last verified November 11, 2026.