Montana Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Montana 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 Montana.
Quick Answer
For the Montana electrician license exam, expect 60 questions with a limit of 180 minutes, 75% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $70. Montana electricians earn about $55,760 per year ($26.81 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Montana Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:60
- Time Limit:180 minutes (3 hours)
- Passing Score:75%
- Exam Fee:$70
- 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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Montana Electrician License Overview
Montana licenses electricians through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Electrical Program. Montana issues statewide journeyman and master electrician licenses. Montana's construction market is spread across a large, low-density state, with Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Kalispell serving as regional hubs. The energy sector (coal, oil and gas, and a growing renewable sector), mining, agriculture, and tourism infrastructure create diverse electrical employment across the state.
Montana Electrician License Types
Montana Journeyman Electrician
Statewide license for electrical work under master supervision.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised OJT. Must pass the Montana Journeyman exam (open book, NEC-based, 70% passing score). Apply through Montana DLI.
Montana Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold a Montana Journeyman license. Additional experience. Must pass the Montana Master exam.
Electrical Contractor
Business license for electrical contracting in Montana.
Requirements: Qualifying party must hold a Master license. Meet DLI registration requirements.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed Montana master electrician.
Master Requirements
Must hold a valid Montana Journeyman license. Pass the Master exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
Montana has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Billings and Missoula. Programs run 4–5 years. Rural areas may have limited apprenticeship options, some Montana electricians complete their training in neighboring states.
License Reciprocity
Montana participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact Montana DLI at erd.dli.mt.gov to confirm current eligibility.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at erd.dli.mt.gov
Renewal Fee
Approximately $40–$80 annual renewal (verify at erd.dli.mt.gov)
Important Notes
Montana electrical licenses renew annually.
MontanaElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$55,760/year
$26.81/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $35,790 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $78,140 (90th percentile)
Montana employs approximately 5,000 electricians. Bozeman is one of the fastest-growing small metros in the US, driven by tech industry migration and outdoor recreation. Billings' energy sector, mining electrical work, and tourism infrastructure throughout the state contribute to steady 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 Montana State Electrical Board 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 Montana-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Montana Electrician License FAQ
Does Montana have a statewide journeyman license?
Yes. Montana DLI issues statewide Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses valid throughout the state.
Is the Montana electrician exam open book?
Yes. Montana exams are open book and NEC-based. The passing score is 70%.
How much do electricians make in Montana?
The statewide average is about $55,760/year. Bozeman and Billings area electricians earn more, with experienced commercial electricians earning $65,000–$78,000+.
Does Montana have reciprocity with Idaho or Wyoming?
Montana participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact Montana DLI to confirm current terms.
How long does it take to get a Montana journeyman license?
Plan on 4 years (8,000 hours) of supervised OJT through an apprenticeship program or documented work experience.
Common Questions About the Montana Electrician License
How much does the Montana electrician license exam cost?
The Montana electrician exam fee is $70, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Montana electrician license exam?
The Montana State Electrical Board oversees electrician licensing in Montana, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Montana?
Montana electricians earn about $55,760 per year ($26.81 per hour). Entry level pay is around $35,790 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $78,140 (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 Montana?
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed Montana master electrician.
Does Montana have electrician license reciprocity?
Montana participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact Montana DLI at erd.dli.mt.gov to confirm current eligibility.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Montana's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Montana Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
Montana DLI Electrical Board requirements, 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 Montana 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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