North Dakota Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the North Dakota 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 North Dakota.
Quick Answer
For the North Dakota electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 270 minutes, 70% to pass, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by State-administered and the fee is $25. North Dakota electricians earn about $62,480 per year ($30.04 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: North Dakota Licensing Board
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:State-administered
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:270 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$25
- Format:Closed-book
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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Detailed Explanations
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North Dakota Electrician License Overview
North Dakota licenses electricians through the North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB). North Dakota issues statewide journeyman and master electrician licenses. The state's oil boom in the Bakken Formation (western North Dakota), agricultural infrastructure, and growing Fargo/Bismarck commercial construction markets all create diverse electrical employment. North Dakota electricians, particularly those working in the oil patch, often earn wages above the state average due to the remote location and industrial nature of energy sector work.
North Dakota Electrician License Types
North Dakota Journeyman Electrician
Statewide license for electrical work under master supervision.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised OJT. Must pass the ND Journeyman exam (open book, NEC-based, 70% passing score). Apply through the NDSEB.
North Dakota Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold a ND Journeyman license. Additional experience. Must pass the Master exam.
Electrical Contractor
Business license for electrical contracting in North Dakota.
Requirements: Qualifying party must hold a Master license. Meet NDSEB registration requirements.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed ND master electrician.
Master Requirements
Must hold a valid North Dakota Journeyman license. Pass the Master exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
North Dakota has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Fargo and Bismarck. Programs run 4–5 years.
License Reciprocity
North Dakota participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the NDSEB at ndseb.com to confirm current eligibility.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at ndseb.com
Renewal Fee
Approximately $25–$50 annual renewal (verify at ndseb.com)
Important Notes
North Dakota electrical licenses renew annually.
North DakotaElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$62,480/year
$30.04/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $39,820 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $87,960 (90th percentile)
North Dakota employs approximately 4,000 electricians. The Bakken oil and gas formation in western ND creates substantial industrial electrical demand, with premium wages for oilfield service work. Fargo's commercial growth and agricultural processing infrastructure add to statewide employment.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the North Dakota 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 State-administered
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with North Dakota-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
North Dakota Electrician License FAQ
Does North Dakota have a statewide journeyman license?
Yes. The NDSEB issues statewide Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses valid throughout the state.
Why do North Dakota electricians earn above average wages?
The Bakken Formation in western North Dakota creates significant demand for industrial electricians on oil and gas extraction and processing facilities. Remote location and industrial work conditions typically command premium wages above the statewide average.
Is the North Dakota electrician exam open book?
Yes. ND exams are open book and NEC-based. The passing score is 70%.
How much do electricians make in North Dakota?
The statewide average is about $62,480/year, higher than many neighboring states due to the oil and gas industrial premium. Oil patch electricians can earn $80,000–$88,000+ with overtime.
Does North Dakota have reciprocity with Minnesota or Montana?
North Dakota participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the NDSEB to confirm current terms.
Common Questions About the North Dakota Electrician License
How much does the North Dakota electrician license exam cost?
The North Dakota electrician exam fee is $25, paid to State-administered when you register.
Who administers the North Dakota electrician license exam?
The North Dakota State Electrical Board oversees electrician licensing in North Dakota, and the exam is delivered by State-administered.
How much do electricians make in North Dakota?
North Dakota electricians earn about $62,480 per year ($30.04 per hour). Entry level pay is around $39,820 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $87,960 (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 North Dakota?
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed ND master electrician.
Does North Dakota have electrician license reciprocity?
North Dakota participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the NDSEB at ndseb.com to confirm current eligibility.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how North Dakota's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
North Dakota Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
ND State Fire Marshal requirements, PSI 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 North Dakota 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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