Idaho Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
Idaho licenses all electricians through the Division of Building Safety (DBS) — a statewide system applicable throughout the state from Boise and Nampa to Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls. The DBS issues journeyman, master, and contractor electrical licenses and requires all electrical work to be performed by licensed individuals or registered apprentices under licensed supervision. See our Idaho state exam prep page for practice questions aligned to the Idaho PSI exam.
This guide covers every requirement, fee, and step for 2026 — verified against the Idaho DBS's official licensing information.
Disclaimer: Requirements and fees change. Always verify current details directly with the Idaho Division of Building Safety before applying.
Overview: Idaho Electrical Licensing
Idaho's electrical licensing program is administered by the DBS Electrical Bureau. The state adopted NEC 2023 as its current electrical code, and all PSI exams are based on that edition. Idaho's largest employment centers for licensed electricians include the Boise/Nampa/Caldwell Treasure Valley, Coeur d'Alene/Post Falls in North Idaho, and Idaho Falls/Pocatello in Eastern Idaho.
Types of Idaho Electrician Licenses
The DBS issues the following electrical license types:
| License | Experience Required | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Apprentice | Registered, working under supervision | Work under licensed supervision |
| Journeyman Electrician | 8,000 hours OJT | Perform electrical work under master supervision |
| Master Electrician | Hold Journeyman + additional experience | Plan, supervise, and direct electrical work |
| Electrical Contractor | Hold Master + business requirements | Operate an electrical contracting business |
Journeyman Electrician License Requirements
To qualify for an Idaho Journeyman Electrician license:
Work Experience: At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job electrical training under a licensed electrician. Experience must be documented and verified by employers. JATC program completion qualifies; documented equivalent experience outside a formal apprenticeship is also accepted.
Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Application: Submit a completed application with experience documentation and applicable fees to the DBS at dbs.idaho.gov.
Examination: Pass the PSI Journeyman Electrician exam with a score of at least 70%.
The PSI Exam: Format & Preparation
Idaho's journeyman exam is administered by PSI Exams at testing centers across the state, including locations in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, and Idaho Falls.
Exam Details:
- Administrator: PSI Exams
- Format: Multiple-choice, open book
- Code Reference: NEC 2023 (bring a tabbed, highlighted copy)
- Passing Score: 70%
- Scheduling: Schedule through PSI at psiexams.com after DBS application approval
Preparation Tips:
- Study NEC Articles 100, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 300, 310, 410, and 430
- Practice load calculation problems (Articles 220 and 430)
- Learn Tables 310.16, 250.122, and 220.12
- Tab and highlight your codebook thoroughly before exam day
- Practice under timed conditions — the open-book format rewards preparation and speed
Our NEC 2023 practice questions are calibrated to the Idaho DBS journeyman exam content.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Accumulate 8,000 hours of documented OJT under a licensed electrician
- Create an account at dbs.idaho.gov
- Submit your application with experience documentation and fees
- Receive your Authorization to Test after DBS approval
- Schedule your PSI exam at psiexams.com
- Pass the exam (70% or higher)
- Receive your Idaho DBS license — renew annually
Fees
Verify all fees at dbs.idaho.gov before submitting:
| Fee | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| License Application Fee | Verify at dbs.idaho.gov |
| PSI Exam Fee | ~$65 (verify at psiexams.com) |
| Annual Renewal Fee | Verify at dbs.idaho.gov |
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Idaho electrician licenses renew annually. Renewal requires:
- Payment of the annual renewal fee through dbs.idaho.gov
- Compliance with any continuing education requirements
Verify current CE requirements with the DBS before your renewal date.
Master Electrician License
The Master Electrician license in Idaho authorizes you to supervise electrical work, pull permits, and serve as the responsible party for a contracting business. Requirements include:
- Active Idaho Journeyman Electrician license
- Additional documented experience at the journeyman level
- Pass the PSI Master Electrician exam (open book, NEC 2023)
Verify exact requirements at dbs.idaho.gov.
Reciprocity & Endorsement
Idaho may recognize comparable licenses from other states. Contact the DBS Electrical Bureau to determine eligibility and required documentation for reciprocal licensing.
Idaho Electrical Market Outlook
Idaho's construction market has been one of the fastest-growing in the western U.S. for several years:
- Treasure Valley (Boise/Nampa/Caldwell) — massive residential and commercial growth driven by migration from California and other western states; one of the fastest-growing metros in the nation
- Coeur d'Alene / Post Falls — North Idaho growth corridor with residential and light commercial activity
- Idaho Falls / Pocatello — eastern Idaho industrial and energy sector construction
- Semiconductor and tech — micron Technology's Boise campus and tech industry growth create ongoing electrical project demand
- Agriculture — large-scale irrigation, processing, and cold storage facility electrical work
A valid DBS journeyman license is essential for legal access to Idaho's booming construction market.
Official Resources
- Idaho Division of Building Safety: dbs.idaho.gov
- PSI Exams (scheduling): psiexams.com
- NEC 2023 Codebook: Available at NFPA.org or major electrical supply houses
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Try Free Questions →Related reading: How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician License? | Journeyman vs. Master Electrician: What's the Difference? | How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
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