Louisiana Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
If you're searching for a Louisiana electrician license, the first thing to understand is that Louisiana does not issue a statewide journeyman electrician license. The state licenses electrical contractors — Class A and Class B — through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Journeyman licensing is handled at the parish or city level, with requirements varying by jurisdiction.
Louisiana's construction market is one of the most active in the Gulf South. Petrochemical and industrial facilities along the Mississippi River corridor, ongoing hurricane rebuilding and resilience projects, and a growing data center presence drive consistent demand for licensed electrical contractors. Getting your LSLBC license is the gateway to contracting on any project over $50,000 in the state.
This guide covers the license structure, exam format, application requirements, and how to prepare. All requirements verified from the LSLBC and official state sources.
Louisiana Electrical Contractor License Types
The LSLBC issues two classifications of electrical contractor licenses:
| Class A | Class B | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Unlimited electrical work | Limited electrical work |
| Service size | No restriction | Up to 400 amperes |
| Project value | $50,000+ (requires LSLBC license) | $50,000+ (requires LSLBC license) |
| Exam required | Yes — Business & Law + Electrical Trade | Yes — Business & Law + Electrical Trade |
Class A is the unrestricted license — you can take on any electrical project regardless of service size. Class B limits you to services up to 400 amperes, which covers most residential and light commercial work but excludes larger industrial and commercial installations.
Both classifications require passing the same two exams (Business & Law and Electrical Trade) and meeting the same application requirements. The classification you apply for determines the scope of work you're authorized to perform.
Important: Any construction project with a value of $50,000 or more (for commercial purposes, excluding single residential duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes) requires an LSLBC license.
Who Issues Electrical Licenses in Louisiana
The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) is the sole authority for statewide electrical contractor licensing. The board is headquartered at 600 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 and can be reached at (225) 765-2301.
- Official website: lslbc.louisiana.gov
- Contractor portal: arlspublic.lslbc.louisiana.gov
Parish-level journeyman licensing: Louisiana does not have a statewide journeyman electrician license. If you want to work as a journeyman electrician, you'll need to check with your local parish or city government for their specific licensing requirements. For example, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport each have their own journeyman licensing programs with different requirements.
If your goal is to contract for electrical work — meaning you pull permits, bid on jobs, and manage electrical projects — the LSLBC Class A or Class B license is what you need.
Application Requirements
To apply for an LSLBC electrical contractor license, you must:
- Pass two exams — the Business & Law exam and the Electrical Trade exam (see exam section below)
- Submit your application through the LSLBC contractor portal with the required fee
- Provide proof of insurance — general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance (if you have employees) are required
- Background check — the LSLBC may require a background check as part of the application process
- Demonstrate financial responsibility — the board evaluates your financial capacity to operate as a contractor
Application fee: $100 for one classification, $195 for two classifications. These fees are in addition to exam fees.
For the most current application requirements and forms, visit the LSLBC website at lslbc.louisiana.gov or contact the board directly at (225) 765-2301.
The Louisiana Electrical Contractor Exam
Two Required Exams
Louisiana requires two separate exams to obtain an electrical contractor license:
- Business & Law Exam — a one-hour, open-book exam covering Louisiana contractor law, business practices, and regulations
- Electrical Trade Exam — an 80-question, open-book exam with a four-hour time limit covering the National Electrical Code and electrical theory
Exam Vendor: PSI
As of August 2025, all LSLBC trade examinations are administered by PSI Services LLC (PSI). Candidates schedule and pay for exams directly through PSI:
- Online scheduling: test-takers.psiexams.com/lacon
Before your exam date, review the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for your specific classification — it includes the complete content outline, approved reference list, and testing center protocols.
Open-Book Exam
The Louisiana electrical contractor exam is open-book. You are responsible for bringing your own reference books to the testing center. Books may be highlighted, underlined, or indexed with permanent tabs prior to the exam.
This is a significant advantage — but only if you know your references well enough to find answers quickly under timed conditions. Candidates who tab and index their NEC thoroughly have a major edge over those trying to look things up cold.
Passing Score
The minimum passing score is 70% on both the Business & Law exam and the Electrical Trade exam.
Exam Fees
The exam fee is $120 per exam (paid directly to PSI). Since you must pass two exams, budget $240 total in exam fees.
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Try Free Questions →How to Study for the Louisiana Electrical Exam
The electrical trade exam is based on the NEC 2023 (NFPA 70). Key topic areas include:
- Grounding and bonding (NEC Article 250) — consistently one of the most heavily tested areas
- Wiring methods and materials (NEC Articles 300–392)
- Overcurrent protection (NEC Article 240)
- Branch circuits, feeders, and services (NEC Articles 210, 215, 220, 225, 230)
- Motors and motor circuits (NEC Article 430)
- Conductor sizing and ampacity (NEC Article 310, Table 310.16)
- Box fill calculations (NEC Article 314)
- Special occupancies and equipment (NEC Articles 500–590)
Study Strategy for an Open-Book Exam
- Tab and index your NEC — use permanent tabs to mark key articles and tables. You should be able to find any major topic within 30 seconds.
- Practice under timed conditions — 80 questions in 4 hours gives you 3 minutes per question. That sounds generous, but code lookup time adds up fast.
- Focus on calculations — box fill, conductor sizing, voltage drop, and load calculations require both knowing the formulas and finding the right tables quickly.
- Study the Louisiana-specific Business & Law content — the business exam covers Louisiana contractor law and regulations, not just general business practices.
GetLicenseReady offers 1,600+ NEC 2023-aligned practice questions with step-by-step explanations. Each question references the specific NEC article so you can practice the exact lookup skills you'll need on exam day. Start with 25 free questions — no credit card required.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $100 | For one classification; $195 for two |
| Exam fee (Business & Law) | $120 | Paid to PSI |
| Exam fee (Electrical Trade) | $120 | Paid to PSI |
| Total to get licensed | ~$340+ | Plus insurance costs |
| License renewal | Check lslbc.louisiana.gov | Annual expiration; 1-, 2-, or 3-year renewal terms available |
| Continuing education | 6 hours/year | Required for residential contractors; check LSLBC for current commercial requirements |
| General liability insurance | Required | Check lslbc.louisiana.gov for current minimum amounts |
Licenses expire annually from the original issue date. Licensees may choose 1-, 2-, or 3-year renewal terms (maximum 3 years). Online renewal is required by December 31 annually through the LSLBC contractor portal.
For current fee schedules, visit lslbc.louisiana.gov.
Reciprocity
Louisiana recognizes electrical contractor licenses from several states through reciprocal agreements. According to available records, Louisiana has reciprocity with Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and North Carolina (Electrical Examiners Board).
If you hold an active electrical contractor license from one of these states, contact the LSLBC directly to confirm the current reciprocity process and any additional requirements.
Louisiana also accepts examination scores from the NASCLA Accredited National Building Construction Examination as an alternative to the state-administered trade exam.
FAQ
What agency licenses electrical contractors in Louisiana?
The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) issues electrical contractor licenses (Class A and Class B) in Louisiana.
What NEC edition does Louisiana use on the electrical exam?
Louisiana currently uses NEC 2023 on the LSLBC electrical contractor exam.
What is the passing score for the Louisiana electrical contractor exam?
The minimum passing score is 70% on the Louisiana electrical contractor exam.
What is the difference between a Class A and Class B electrical license in Louisiana?
A Class A license allows unlimited electrical work with no service size restrictions. A Class B license is limited to services up to 400 amperes.
Does Louisiana have a statewide journeyman electrician license?
No. Louisiana does not issue a statewide journeyman license. Journeyman licensing is handled at the parish or city level — requirements vary by jurisdiction.
How do I apply for a Louisiana electrical contractor license?
Applications are submitted through the LSLBC online portal at lslbc.louisiana.gov. You must pass the exam, provide proof of insurance, and pay the application fee.
For a full requirements breakdown, see our Louisiana state page.
Start Preparing Today
Louisiana's electrical contractor exam is open-book, 80 questions, and requires a 70% passing score. The open-book format rewards candidates who know their NEC inside and out — tabbing, indexing, and practicing under timed conditions is the difference between passing and failing.
GetLicenseReady includes 1,600+ NEC 2023-aligned practice questions with step-by-step explanations. Every question references the specific NEC article, so you build the exact lookup skills the exam demands. Start with 25 free questions — no credit card required. Try free questions now.
All requirements, fees, and procedures in this guide are drawn from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) at lslbc.louisiana.gov and verified as of April 2026. Louisiana licensing requirements are subject to change — always confirm at lslbc.louisiana.gov before submitting any application.
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