Idaho Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Idaho 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 Idaho.
Quick Answer
For the Idaho electrician license exam, expect 100 questions with a limit of 300 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $75. Idaho electricians earn about $52,380 per year ($25.18 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: July 15, 2026 • Sources: Idaho Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:100
- Time Limit:300 minutes (5 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$75
- 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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Idaho Electrician License Overview
Idaho licenses electricians through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL, dopl.idaho.gov). Idaho issues statewide journeyman and master electrician licenses and uses the NASCLA examination administered through PSI. Idaho's licensing system is thorough and statewide, covering all electricians working in the state. Boise is one of the fastest-growing metros in the country, and the state's semiconductor manufacturing (Micron Technology's headquarters in Boise and major fab investments), agriculture, and outdoor recreation economies create diverse electrical employment.
Idaho Electrician License Types
Idaho Journeyman Electrician
Statewide license for electrical work under master supervision.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of experience plus 4 years of approved schooling, or 16,000 hours of experience. Must pass the NASCLA journeyman examination administered through PSI (open book; passing score per the current NASCLA/PSI Idaho bulletin). Apply through DOPL at dopl.idaho.gov.
Idaho Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work.
Requirements: 4 years as an active Idaho Journeyman plus passing the NASCLA master examination administered through PSI.
Electrical Contractor
Business license for electrical contracting in Idaho.
Requirements: Qualifying party must hold a Master license. Meet DOPL registration requirements.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of experience plus 4 years of approved schooling, or 16,000 hours of documented experience.
Master Requirements
4 years as an active Idaho Journeyman before applying. Pass the NASCLA master exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
Idaho has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Boise (IBEW Local 291) and other areas. Programs run 4–5 years.
License Reciprocity
Idaho participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states, and the NASCLA exam is accepted in multiple states. Contact DOPL at dopl.idaho.gov to confirm current eligibility.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Verify the current renewal cycle at dopl.idaho.gov
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at dopl.idaho.gov
Renewal Fee
Verify current renewal fees at dopl.idaho.gov
Important Notes
Idaho electrical licenses renew through DOPL.
IdahoElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$52,380/year
$25.18/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $33,290 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $73,840 (90th percentile)
Idaho employs approximately 7,000 electricians. Boise is one of the fastest-growing metros in the US, commercial, residential, and industrial construction are all booming. Micron Technology's semiconductor fab expansion (a multi-billion dollar investment) alone is a generational electrical project for the Boise market.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) 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 Idaho-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Idaho Electrician License FAQ
Does Idaho have a statewide journeyman license?
Yes. Idaho DOPL (dopl.idaho.gov) issues statewide Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses valid throughout the state, using the NASCLA examination administered through PSI.
What is the passing score for the Idaho electrician exam?
Confirm the current passing score in the NASCLA/PSI Idaho candidate bulletin. Idaho exams are open book, bring a tabbed NEC codebook.
How much do electricians make in Idaho?
The statewide average is about $52,380/year. Boise area electricians earn more, with experienced commercial electricians earning $65,000–$74,000+, and demand is very strong.
Does Idaho have reciprocity with Washington or Oregon?
Idaho participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states, and the NASCLA exam is accepted in multiple states. Contact DOPL to confirm current terms.
How long must I hold a journeyman license before applying for master in Idaho?
Master applicants need 4 years as an active journeyman plus the NASCLA master exam.
Common Questions About the Idaho Electrician License
How much does the Idaho electrician license exam cost?
The Idaho electrician exam fee is $75, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Idaho electrician license exam?
The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) oversees electrician licensing in Idaho, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Idaho?
Idaho electricians earn about $52,380 per year ($25.18 per hour). Entry level pay is around $33,290 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $73,840 (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 Idaho?
8,000 hours of experience plus 4 years of approved schooling, or 16,000 hours of documented experience.
Does Idaho have electrician license reciprocity?
Idaho participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states, and the NASCLA exam is accepted in multiple states. Contact DOPL at dopl.idaho.gov to confirm current eligibility.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Idaho's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Idaho Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
Idaho DBS requirements, PSI exam, fees, and annual 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 Idaho 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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