Iowa Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Iowa 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 Iowa.
Quick Answer
For the Iowa electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 180 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $60. Iowa electricians earn about $59,780 per year ($28.74 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Iowa Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:180 minutes (3 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$60
- 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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Detailed Explanations
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Iowa Electrician License Overview
Iowa licenses electricians through the Iowa Division of Labor, Electrical Examining Board. Iowa adopted NEC 2023 in January 2024 and issues statewide journeyman (Class A and Class B) and master electrician licenses. Iowa's agricultural processing, food manufacturing, and commercial construction sectors create steady electrical employment across the state. Des Moines is the primary commercial market, with Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City providing additional regional activity.
Iowa Electrician License Types
Class A Journeyman Electrician
Unrestricted statewide journeyman license for all types of electrical work.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised OJT. Must pass the Iowa Class A Journeyman exam (PSI, open book, NEC 2023, 70% passing score).
Class B Journeyman Electrician
Limited journeyman license for residential and light commercial work.
Requirements: 4,000 hours of residential OJT. Must pass the Iowa Class B exam.
Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold an Iowa Journeyman license. Additional experience. Must pass the Iowa Master exam.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised OJT for Class A (unrestricted). 4,000 hours for Class B (limited/residential).
Master Requirements
Must hold a valid Iowa Journeyman license. Pass the Master exam. Verify current requirements with the Iowa Division of Labor.
Apprenticeship Programs
Iowa has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Des Moines (IBEW Local 347) and Davenport/Quad Cities (IBEW Local 145). Programs run 4–5 years.
License Reciprocity
Iowa participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the Iowa Division of Labor at iwd.iowa.gov to confirm current eligibility.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at iwd.iowa.gov
Renewal Fee
Approximately $25–$50 annual renewal (verify at iwd.iowa.gov)
Important Notes
Iowa electrical licenses renew annually.
IowaElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$59,780/year
$28.74/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $38,640 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $83,410 (90th percentile)
Iowa employs approximately 10,000 electricians. Data center development (Google and Meta have large facilities in Iowa), agricultural processing plant electrical work, Des Moines commercial construction, and Iowa's substantial wind energy capacity all drive steady 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 Iowa Electrical Examining Board 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 Iowa-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Iowa Electrician License FAQ
Does Iowa have a statewide journeyman license?
Yes. Iowa issues statewide Class A (unrestricted) and Class B (limited) Journeyman Electrician licenses through the Division of Labor Electrical Examining Board.
What NEC edition does Iowa use?
Iowa adopted NEC 2023 in January 2024. All Iowa exams are now based on NEC 2023.
Is the Iowa electrician exam open book?
Yes. Iowa exams are open book and administered by PSI. The passing score is 70%.
How much do electricians make in Iowa?
The statewide average is about $59,780/year. Des Moines and the Quad Cities area electricians earn more, with experienced union members earning $75,000–$83,000+.
Does Iowa have reciprocity with neighboring states?
Iowa participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the Iowa Division of Labor to confirm current terms.
Common Questions About the Iowa Electrician License
How much does the Iowa electrician license exam cost?
The Iowa electrician exam fee is $60, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Iowa electrician license exam?
The Iowa Electrical Examining Board oversees electrician licensing in Iowa, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Iowa?
Iowa electricians earn about $59,780 per year ($28.74 per hour). Entry level pay is around $38,640 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $83,410 (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 Iowa?
8,000 hours of supervised OJT for Class A (unrestricted). 4,000 hours for Class B (limited/residential).
Does Iowa have electrician license reciprocity?
Iowa participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the Iowa Division of Labor at iwd.iowa.gov to confirm current eligibility.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Iowa's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Iowa Electrician License: Requirements & Exam Guide
Iowa journeyman and master license requirements and the PSI exam.
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 Iowa 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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