Kentucky Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Kentucky 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 Kentucky.
Quick Answer
For the Kentucky electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 240 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by ICC/Prov and the fee is $80-$100. Kentucky electricians earn about $52,100 per year ($25.05 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Kentucky Licensing Board
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:ICC/Prov
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$80-$100
- 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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Kentucky Electrician License Overview
Kentucky licenses electricians through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (HBC). Kentucky issues both journeyman and master electrician licenses at the state level through the Electrical Inspection Division. Kentucky's licensing system is primarily contractor-and-business focused through the HBC, while individual electrician licensing is also administered at the state level. Louisville, Lexington, and the I-64/I-75 corridor markets are active for commercial construction, while Kentucky's manufacturing sector (automotive plants, aluminum and steel processing) creates significant industrial electrical demand.
Kentucky Electrician License Types
Kentucky Journeyman Electrician
Statewide individual license for electrical work under master supervision.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised OJT. Must pass the Kentucky Journeyman exam (ICC-administered, NEC-based, 70% passing score). Apply through the Kentucky HBC.
Kentucky Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold a Kentucky Journeyman license. Additional experience. Must pass the Kentucky Master exam.
Electrical Contractor
Business license for electrical contracting in Kentucky.
Requirements: Qualifying party must hold a Master license. Meet insurance requirements.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed Kentucky master electrician. Verify current requirements with the HBC at dhbc.ky.gov.
Master Requirements
Must hold a valid Kentucky Journeyman license. Pass the Master exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
Kentucky has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Louisville (IBEW Local 369), Lexington (IBEW Local 816), and other markets. Programs run 4–5 years.
License Reciprocity
Kentucky participates in reciprocity with many neighboring states. Contact the Kentucky HBC at dhbc.ky.gov to confirm current eligibility and documentation requirements.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at dhbc.ky.gov
Renewal Fee
Approximately $40–$80 annual renewal (verify at dhbc.ky.gov)
Important Notes
Kentucky electrical licenses renew annually. CE requirements apply.
KentuckyElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$52,100/year
$25.05/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $33,480 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $72,870 (90th percentile)
Kentucky employs approximately 13,000 electricians. Louisville's commercial construction, Lexington's healthcare and university work, and automotive manufacturing (Ford Kentucky Truck Plant, Toyota in Georgetown) create sustained demand. Ford's BlueOval SK battery plants in Glendale are major industrial electrical projects.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with ICC/Prov
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Kentucky-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Kentucky Electrician License FAQ
Does Kentucky have a statewide journeyman license?
Yes. Kentucky issues statewide Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses through the HBC, valid throughout the state.
What exam does Kentucky use for the electrician license?
Kentucky uses ICC (International Code Council)-administered exams for journeyman and master licensing, based on the NEC. Exams are open book.
How much do electricians make in Kentucky?
The statewide average is about $52,100/year. Louisville and Lexington area electricians earn more, with experienced union members earning $65,000–$73,000+.
Does Kentucky have reciprocity with Tennessee or Ohio?
Yes. Kentucky participates in reciprocity with several neighboring states. Contact the HBC to confirm current terms.
How long does it take to get a Kentucky journeyman license?
Plan on 4 years (8,000 hours) of supervised OJT through an apprenticeship or documented work experience.
Common Questions About the Kentucky Electrician License
How much does the Kentucky electrician license exam cost?
The Kentucky electrician exam fee is $80-$100, paid to ICC/Prov when you register.
Who administers the Kentucky electrician license exam?
The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction oversees electrician licensing in Kentucky, and the exam is delivered by ICC/Prov.
How much do electricians make in Kentucky?
Kentucky electricians earn about $52,100 per year ($25.05 per hour). Entry level pay is around $33,480 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $72,870 (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 Kentucky?
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed Kentucky master electrician. Verify current requirements with the HBC at dhbc.ky.gov.
Does Kentucky have electrician license reciprocity?
Kentucky participates in reciprocity with many neighboring states. Contact the Kentucky HBC at dhbc.ky.gov to confirm current eligibility and documentation requirements.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Kentucky's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Kentucky Rewrote Its Electrician License in 2024, What You Need Now
HB 444 changes, 3 experience pathways, ICC/Prov exam details, reciprocity with 4 states.
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 Kentucky 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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