Maryland Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Maryland 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 Maryland.
NEC Edition Notice: Maryland 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 Maryland licensing board before your exam date.
Quick Answer
For the Maryland electrician license exam, expect 70 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. Maryland electricians earn about $62,310 per year ($29.96 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Maryland Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:70
- 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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Maryland Electrician License Overview
Maryland licenses electricians through the Maryland Department of Labor (MDL) Electrical Licensing Unit. Maryland issues statewide Master Electrician and Journeyman Electrician licenses that are valid throughout the state, though some Maryland counties also have additional local requirements. The Maryland market is heavily influenced by proximity to Washington, D.C., the DC suburbs (Montgomery County, Prince George's County) are among the densest electrical labor markets on the East Coast, and federal construction and defense contractor facility work adds a significant layer of demand.
Maryland Electrician License Types
Maryland Journeyman Electrician
Statewide license for performing electrical work under the supervision of a master electrician.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training under a licensed master electrician. Must pass the Maryland Journeyman exam (PSI, open book, NEC-based, 70% passing score).
Maryland Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of all electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold a Maryland Journeyman license for at least 2 years. Must pass the Maryland Master exam.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training under a licensed Maryland master electrician, or completion of a Maryland-approved apprenticeship program.
Master Requirements
Must hold a valid Maryland Journeyman Electrician license for at least 2 years before applying. Must pass the Master exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
Maryland has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Baltimore (IBEW Local 24) and the DC suburbs (IBEW Local 26, which covers Northern Virginia and the Maryland suburbs). Programs run 4–5 years.
License Reciprocity
Maryland participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact MDL's Electrical Licensing Unit at labor.maryland.gov to confirm current reciprocity terms before applying.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
2 years (biennial)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at labor.maryland.gov
Renewal Fee
Approximately $70–$130 biennial renewal (verify at labor.maryland.gov)
Important Notes
Maryland electrical licenses renew every 2 years. CE requirements apply. Some Maryland counties may have additional local requirements beyond the state license.
MarylandElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$62,310/year
$29.96/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $39,420 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $87,510 (90th percentile)
Maryland employs approximately 16,000 electricians. The DC suburbs (Montgomery and Prince George's counties) are among the densest electrical markets in the mid-Atlantic. Federal construction, defense contractor facilities, healthcare (Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical System), and commercial development all drive strong 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 Maryland State Board 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 at https://candidate.psiexams.com/
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Maryland-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Maryland Electrician License FAQ
Does Maryland have a statewide journeyman license?
Yes. Maryland issues statewide Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses through the Maryland Department of Labor. These are valid throughout the state, though some counties may have additional local requirements.
How long must I hold a journeyman license before applying for master in Maryland?
You must hold a valid Maryland Journeyman Electrician license for at least 2 years before applying for the Master license.
How much do electricians make in Maryland?
The statewide average is about $62,310/year. DC-area Maryland electricians (Montgomery and Prince George's counties) earn more, with experienced union electricians regularly earning $80,000–$87,000+.
Can I use my Virginia or Pennsylvania license in Maryland?
Maryland participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact MDL's Electrical Licensing Unit to confirm current terms.
Is the Maryland electrician exam open book?
Yes. Maryland exams are open book and administered by PSI. The passing score is 70%. Bring a well-tabbed NEC codebook.
Common Questions About the Maryland Electrician License
How much does the Maryland electrician license exam cost?
The Maryland electrician exam fee is $65, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Maryland electrician license exam?
The Maryland State Board of Electricians oversees electrician licensing in Maryland, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Maryland?
Maryland electricians earn about $62,310 per year ($29.96 per hour). Entry level pay is around $39,420 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $87,510 (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 Maryland?
8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training under a licensed Maryland master electrician, or completion of a Maryland-approved apprenticeship program.
Does Maryland have electrician license reciprocity?
Maryland participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact MDL's Electrical Licensing Unit at labor.maryland.gov to confirm current reciprocity terms before applying.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Maryland's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Maryland Electrician License: Journeyman, Master & Exam Requirements
Maryland journeyman (4 yrs experience), master (7 yrs), PSI exam, fees, and reciprocity with VA, WV, and DE.
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 Maryland 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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