Connecticut Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Connecticut electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Connecticut.
NEC Edition Notice: Connecticut currently tests on NEC 2020. Questions on this platform are based on NEC 2023. Some provisions added in 2023 (like expanded GFCI/AFCI requirements) may not appear on your exam. Heads up: a state's building code can adopt a different NEC edition than the one its licensing exam tests on, so if this page mentions both, the exam edition shown here is the one that matters for test prep. Always confirm the current exam edition with the Connecticut licensing board before your exam date.
Quick Answer
For the Connecticut electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 210 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2020. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $65. Connecticut electricians earn about $78,420 per year ($37.70 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Connecticut Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:210 minutes (3 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$65
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Connecticut Electrician License Overview
Connecticut licenses electricians through the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). Connecticut's licensing system covers E-1 (unlimited), E-2 (limited/residential), and related specialty journeyman and master classifications. Connecticut is known for rigorous licensing standards and active enforcement. The state's dense mix of commercial construction (Hartford, New Haven, Stamford), Yale and UCONN facility work, insurance and financial sector offices, submarine manufacturing (Electric Boat in Groton), and defense industry facilities create steady year-round demand for licensed electricians.
Connecticut Electrician License Types
E-1 Journeyman Electrician (Unlimited)
Unrestricted journeyman license for all types of electrical work.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised OJT. Must pass the Connecticut E-1 Journeyman exam (PSI, open book, NEC-based, 75% passing score).
E-2 Journeyman Electrician (Limited)
Limited journeyman license for residential and light commercial work.
Requirements: 4,000 hours of residential/light commercial OJT. Must pass the Connecticut E-2 exam.
E-1 Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full responsibility for electrical work of all types.
Requirements: Must hold an E-1 Journeyman license for at least 2 years. Must pass the Connecticut E-1 Master exam.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours (approximately 4 years) of supervised OJT for the E-1 (unlimited) Journeyman license. 4,000 hours for E-2 (limited).
Master Requirements
Must hold a valid Connecticut E-1 Journeyman license for at least 2 years before applying for the Master license.
Apprenticeship Programs
Connecticut has IBEW apprenticeship programs: IBEW Local 90 (New Haven), Local 35 (Hartford), and Local 420 (Groton/New London). Programs run 4–5 years and satisfy all DCP hour requirements.
License Reciprocity
Connecticut participates in limited reciprocity with some New England states. Contact the CT DCP at portal.ct.gov/dcp to confirm current reciprocity eligibility before applying.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at portal.ct.gov/dcp
Renewal Fee
Approximately $60–$120 annual renewal (verify at portal.ct.gov/dcp)
Important Notes
Connecticut electrical licenses expire annually. CE requirements are enforced and updated periodically, confirm current hours with the DCP before your renewal date.
ConnecticutElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$78,420/year
$37.70/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $49,380 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $107,840 (90th percentile)
Connecticut employs approximately 11,000 electricians. Stamford's finance and biotech sector, Yale University and Yale New Haven Health construction, Electric Boat's submarine program (a generational defense investment at the Groton facility), and the Hartford commercial market all contribute to sustained demand.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with PSI at https://candidate.psiexams.com/
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Connecticut-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Connecticut Electrician License FAQ
What is the difference between E-1 and E-2 in Connecticut?
E-1 is the unlimited journeyman license for all types of electrical work. E-2 is a limited license primarily for residential and light commercial projects. Most commercial electricians pursue E-1.
What is the passing score for the Connecticut electrician exam?
75% on both journeyman and master exams. Connecticut exams are open book, bring a tabbed NEC codebook.
How much do electricians make in Connecticut?
The statewide average is about $78,420/year ($37.70/hr). Fairfield County (Stamford/Greenwich) electricians earn the most, with experienced IBEW members earning $80,000–$107,000+.
Can I use my Massachusetts license in Connecticut?
Connecticut participates in limited reciprocity with Massachusetts. Contact the CT DCP to confirm current terms and documentation requirements.
How long does it take to get a Connecticut E-1 journeyman license?
Plan on 4–5 years of supervised OJT (8,000 hours), typically through an IBEW apprenticeship program. After completing your hours and passing the exam, your license is issued within a few weeks.
Common Questions About the Connecticut Electrician License
How much does the Connecticut electrician license exam cost?
The Connecticut electrician exam fee is $65, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Connecticut electrician license exam?
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection oversees electrician licensing in Connecticut, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Connecticut?
Connecticut electricians earn about $78,420 per year ($37.70 per hour). Entry level pay is around $49,380 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $107,840 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Connecticut?
8,000 hours (approximately 4 years) of supervised OJT for the E-1 (unlimited) Journeyman license. 4,000 hours for E-2 (limited).
Does Connecticut have electrician license reciprocity?
Connecticut participates in limited reciprocity with some New England states. Contact the CT DCP at portal.ct.gov/dcp to confirm current reciprocity eligibility before applying.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Connecticut's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Connecticut Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
CT DCP E-1/E-2 license requirements, PSI exam, fees, and biennial renewal.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Connecticut exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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