Michigan Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Michigan 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 Michigan.
Quick Answer
For the Michigan electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 150 minutes, 75% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $100. Michigan electricians earn about $67,680 per year ($32.54 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Michigan Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:150 minutes (2 hours)
- Passing Score:75%
- Exam Fee:$100
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
Master Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:76
- Time Limit:180 minutes (3 hours)
- Passing Score:75%
- Exam Fee:$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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Michigan Electrician License Overview
Michigan licenses electricians through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Construction Codes. Michigan's licensing system covers master electricians, journeyman electricians, and electrical contractors, with statewide validity. Detroit's automotive and manufacturing sector, Grand Rapids' commercial growth, and the broader industrial base of Michigan's economy create steady demand for licensed electricians, especially in industrial electrical work. Michigan's adoption of EV manufacturing and battery production (multiple new gigafactories) is creating new long-term electrical employment.
Michigan Electrician License Types
Journeyman Electrician
Statewide license for performing electrical work under the general supervision of a master electrician.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised OJT or completion of a state-approved apprenticeship. Must pass the Michigan Journeyman exam (open book, NEC-based, 70% passing score).
Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold a Michigan Journeyman license. Additional experience required. Must pass the Michigan Master exam.
Electrical Contractor
Business license required for operating an electrical contracting company.
Requirements: Qualifying party must hold a Master Electrician license. Must meet insurance and financial requirements.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed Michigan master electrician, or completion of an approved 4–5 year apprenticeship program.
Master Requirements
Must hold a valid Michigan Journeyman license. Pass the Master Electrician exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
Michigan has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Detroit (IBEW Local 58), Grand Rapids (IBEW Local 275), Flint (IBEW Local 948), and Lansing (IBEW Local 665). All run registered 5-year JATC programs.
License Reciprocity
Michigan participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact LARA Bureau of Construction Codes to confirm current reciprocity terms before applying.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
3 years (triennial)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at michigan.gov/lara
Renewal Fee
Approximately $35–$75 triennial renewal (verify at michigan.gov/lara)
Important Notes
Michigan electrical licenses renew every 3 years, a longer cycle than most states. This makes CE planning more manageable but it's easy to let renewal sneak up on you. Set a calendar reminder.
MichiganElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$67,680/year
$32.54/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $42,130 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $95,280 (90th percentile)
Michigan employs approximately 21,000 electricians. The automotive and EV transition is creating enormous demand, Ford's BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, multiple GM and Stellantis EV investments, and battery supplier gigafactories are among the largest industrial electrical projects in the Midwest.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs 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 Michigan-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Michigan Electrician License FAQ
Does Michigan have a statewide journeyman electrician license?
Yes. Michigan issues statewide Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses through LARA Bureau of Construction Codes. These are valid everywhere in Michigan.
How often do Michigan electrician licenses renew?
Every 3 years, Michigan's triennial renewal cycle is longer than most states. CE requirements apply. Set a calendar reminder so you don't miss your renewal date.
How much do electricians make in Michigan?
The statewide average is about $67,680/year. Detroit-area electricians, especially those working on EV manufacturing facilities and automotive plants, earn more, with experienced IBEW Local 58 members earning $80,000–$95,000+.
Is the Michigan electrician exam open book?
Yes. Michigan journeyman and master exams are open book, bring a tabbed NEC codebook. The passing score is 70%.
Does the EV boom affect electrician job prospects in Michigan?
Significantly. Michigan is at the center of the U.S. EV manufacturing transition, with billions in new factory investment. This is creating extraordinary demand for industrial electricians, both for initial construction and for ongoing maintenance of these large facilities.
Common Questions About the Michigan Electrician License
How much does the Michigan electrician license exam cost?
The Michigan electrician exam fee is $100, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Michigan electrician license exam?
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs oversees electrician licensing in Michigan, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Michigan?
Michigan electricians earn about $67,680 per year ($32.54 per hour). Entry level pay is around $42,130 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $95,280 (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 Michigan?
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed Michigan master electrician, or completion of an approved 4–5 year apprenticeship program.
Does Michigan have electrician license reciprocity?
Michigan participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact LARA Bureau of Construction Codes to confirm current reciprocity terms before applying.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Michigan's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Michigan Electrician License: Requirements & Exam Guide
Michigan LARA journeyman and master license requirements, PSI exam, and 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 Michigan 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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