Massachusetts Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.
NEC Edition Notice: Massachusetts currently tests on NEC 2026. 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 Massachusetts licensing board before your exam date.
Quick Answer
For the Massachusetts electrician license exam, expect 120 questions with a limit of 240 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2026. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $226. Massachusetts electricians earn about $76,680 per year ($36.87 per hour), per the BLS.
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:120
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$226
- 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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Massachusetts Electrician License Overview
Massachusetts issues journeyman and master electrician licenses through the Board of State Examiners of Electricians (BSEE), one of the most rigorous state licensing systems in the country. Massachusetts requires both a specific number of on-the-job hours and a minimum number of classroom education hours, making structured apprenticeship programs strongly preferred. The state's dense urban markets (Boston, Worcester, Springfield), strong union presence (IBEW Local 103), and high cost of living combine to make Massachusetts one of the top-paying states for licensed electricians.
Massachusetts Electrician License Types
Apprentice Electrician
Entry-level registration for those training under a licensed journeyman or master electrician.
Requirements: Must register with the BSEE. Must work under continuous supervision of a licensed journeyman or master at all times.
Journeyman Electrician
Licensed to perform electrical work under the supervision of a master electrician. Can work independently but cannot pull permits.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training plus 600 hours of approved electrical classroom education. Must pass the PSI Journeyman exam (open book, NEC-based, 70% passing score). Application fee $150, exam fee $76.
Master Electrician
Highest individual license. Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full responsibility for electrical installations.
Requirements: Must hold a valid Massachusetts Journeyman license for at least 1 year. 12,000 total hours of experience plus 900 hours of approved education. Must pass the PSI Master exam.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours (approximately 4 years) of supervised OJT under a licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician, plus 600 hours of approved electrical classroom education. Both requirements must be met independently.
Master Requirements
Must hold a Massachusetts Journeyman license. 12,000 total hours of experience (counting hours earned as a Journeyman) plus 900 hours of approved classroom education.
Apprenticeship Programs
IBEW Local 103 (Boston/Eastern MA) runs one of the most recognized electrical apprenticeship programs in New England, a 5-year, Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) program meeting all BSEE hour requirements. Other IBEW locals include 104 (Worcester) and 7 (Springfield). NECA/ABC also operate programs in the state.
Education
The 600-hour classroom education requirement is a distinguishing feature of Massachusetts. Most candidates fulfill this through a structured apprenticeship program. Some technical high schools and community colleges offer approved programs that count toward this requirement.
License Reciprocity
Massachusetts has limited reciprocity with some New England states. Reciprocity is not automatic, applicants must apply for endorsement and meet Massachusetts experience and education standards. Contact the BSEE at mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-electricians to confirm current reciprocity terms.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements with the BSEE, Massachusetts periodically updates its continuing education rules
Renewal Fee
$100 for Journeyman; $150 for Master (verify current amounts at mass.gov)
Important Notes
Massachusetts licenses expire on the anniversary date. The BSEE sends renewal reminders but it is the licensee's responsibility to renew on time. Working on an expired Massachusetts license is a criminal offense and can result in significant fines.
MassachusettsElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$76,680/year
$36.87/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $48,150 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $107,290 (90th percentile)
Massachusetts employs approximately 22,000 electricians. Demand is driven by biotech and life science lab construction (Boston/Cambridge are global leaders), university and hospital facility expansion, the offshore wind industry buildout (Martha's Vineyard Wind and others), and ongoing electrification of buildings under the state's ambitious climate law.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with PSI
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Massachusetts-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Massachusetts Electrician License FAQ
Does Massachusetts require classroom education in addition to OJT hours?
Yes, this is one of Massachusetts' distinguishing requirements. You need 8,000 OJT hours AND 600 hours of approved electrical classroom education for the Journeyman license (900 classroom hours for Master). Simply accumulating work hours is not enough; you must also complete the education component.
What is the passing score for the Massachusetts electrician exam?
70% on both the Journeyman and Master exams. The exams are administered by PSI and are open book, you may bring a tabbed NEC codebook. The Massachusetts exam is known to be rigorous and tests in-depth NEC knowledge.
How much do electricians make in Massachusetts?
The statewide average is about $76,680/year ($36.87/hr). IBEW Local 103 journeymen in the Boston area earn significantly more, the total package (wages + benefits) is among the highest in the country, regularly exceeding $100/hr for experienced electricians.
Can I use my Maine or New Hampshire license in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has limited reciprocity with New England neighbors, but it is not automatic. You must apply to the BSEE for endorsement and may need to demonstrate that your education hours meet Massachusetts' classroom requirement. Contact the BSEE before assuming your license transfers.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Massachusetts?
The Journeyman path typically takes 5 years, 4 years of OJT (8,000 hours) combined with 600 classroom hours, usually through a structured apprenticeship program. The IBEW Local 103 program is 5 years and meets all requirements upon completion.
Common Questions About the Massachusetts Electrician License
How much does the Massachusetts electrician license exam cost?
The Massachusetts electrician exam fee is $226, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Massachusetts electrician license exam?
The Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians oversees electrician licensing in Massachusetts, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts electricians earn about $76,680 per year ($36.87 per hour). Entry level pay is around $48,150 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $107,290 (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 Massachusetts?
8,000 hours (approximately 4 years) of supervised OJT under a licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician, plus 600 hours of approved electrical classroom education. Both requirements must be met independently.
Does Massachusetts have electrician license reciprocity?
Massachusetts has limited reciprocity with some New England states. Reciprocity is not automatic, applicants must apply for endorsement and meet Massachusetts experience and education standards. Contact the BSEE at mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-electricians to confirm current reciprocity terms.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Massachusetts's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Massachusetts Electrician License: Journeyman & Master Requirements
MA journeyman and master license requirements, two-part PSI exam, and fees.
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 Massachusetts 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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