Oregon Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Oregon 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 Oregon.
Quick Answer
For the Oregon electrician license exam, expect 52 questions with a limit of 180 minutes, 75% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by Oregon Building Codes Division and the fee is $70. Oregon electricians earn about $75,310 per year ($36.21 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Oregon Licensing Board, Oregon Building Codes Division Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:Oregon Building Codes Division
- Questions:52
- 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)
How GetLicenseReady Helps You Pass
Practice With Real Exam Scenarios
1,600+ practice questions aligned to the NEC 2023 code edition
Master NEC Navigation
Learn to find answers quickly in your code book, the key to passing open-book exams
Track Your Progress
See exactly which topics you've mastered and where you need more practice
Detailed Explanations
Every question includes step-by-step solutions with NEC article references
Oregon Electrician License Overview
Oregon licenses electricians through the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) under the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). Oregon has a well-structured statewide licensing system with multiple classifications, from Electrical Apprentice to General Supervising Electrician. Oregon's licensing is known for strong enforcement and high standards. The Portland metro market, semiconductor manufacturing in the Hillsboro corridor (Intel and others), and the state's growing clean energy sector make Oregon one of the Pacific Northwest's most active markets for licensed electricians.
Oregon Electrician License Types
Residential Electrician
Licensed to perform electrical work on one- and two-family dwellings.
Requirements: 4,000 hours of residential OJT under a licensed electrician. Must pass the Oregon Residential Electrician exam (open book, NEC-based, 75% passing score).
General Journeyman Electrician
Licensed to perform all types of electrical work under the supervision of a Supervising Electrician.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of OJT under a licensed electrician. Must pass the Oregon General Journeyman exam (open book, NEC-based, 75% passing score).
General Supervising Electrician
Highest Oregon individual license. Can supervise journeymen and apprentices, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold a General Journeyman license. Additional experience required. Must pass the Supervising Electrician exam.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed Oregon electrician for the General Journeyman license. Residential Electrician requires 4,000 hours.
Master Requirements
Oregon's Supervising Electrician classification is the equivalent of master. Must hold a General Journeyman license and meet additional experience requirements set by the BCD.
Apprenticeship Programs
Oregon has strong IBEW apprenticeship programs: IBEW Local 48 (Portland), Local 659 (Salem), Local 932 (Medford), and Local 125 (Eastern Oregon). The Pacific Northwest Joint Apprenticeship Training Trust is highly regarded. Programs run 5 years.
License Reciprocity
Oregon has limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the Oregon BCD at oregon.gov/bcd to confirm current eligibility and documentation requirements.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at oregon.gov/bcd
Renewal Fee
Approximately $50–$80 annual renewal (verify at oregon.gov/bcd)
Important Notes
Oregon electrical licenses expire annually. The BCD sends renewal reminders. CE requirements are updated periodically, confirm current hours with the BCD before your renewal date.
OregonElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$75,310/year
$36.21/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $46,890 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $105,280 (90th percentile)
Oregon employs approximately 14,000 electricians. Portland's construction boom, Intel's major semiconductor fab expansion in Hillsboro, data center development, and Oregon's ambitious renewable energy goals are all driving strong demand for licensed electricians across the state.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Oregon Building Codes Division for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with Oregon Building Codes Division at https://candidate.psiexams.com/
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Oregon-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Oregon Electrician License FAQ
What is the passing score for the Oregon electrician exam?
75% on both the Journeyman and Supervising Electrician exams. Oregon exams are open book, bring a well-tabbed NEC codebook.
How long does it take to get an Oregon journeyman license?
Plan on 4–5 years of supervised OJT (8,000 hours) through an apprenticeship program. After completing your hours and passing the exam, licensing is typically issued within a few weeks of application approval.
Can I use my Washington license in Oregon?
Oregon has limited reciprocity with Washington. Contact the Oregon BCD to confirm whether your Washington license qualifies for endorsement and what documentation you need.
How much do electricians make in Oregon?
The statewide average is about $75,310/year. Portland-area electricians, especially IBEW Local 48 members, earn more, with total compensation packages regularly exceeding $90/hr.
Does Oregon require CE for license renewal?
Yes. Oregon requires continuing education for license renewal. Verify the current hour requirements with the BCD, as they are updated with code cycles.
Common Questions About the Oregon Electrician License
How much does the Oregon electrician license exam cost?
The Oregon electrician exam fee is $70, paid to Oregon Building Codes Division when you register.
Who administers the Oregon electrician license exam?
The Oregon Building Codes Division oversees electrician licensing in Oregon, and the exam is delivered by Oregon Building Codes Division.
How much do electricians make in Oregon?
Oregon electricians earn about $75,310 per year ($36.21 per hour). Entry level pay is around $46,890 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $105,280 (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 Oregon?
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed Oregon electrician for the General Journeyman license. Residential Electrician requires 4,000 hours.
Does Oregon have electrician license reciprocity?
Oregon has limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the Oregon BCD at oregon.gov/bcd to confirm current eligibility and documentation requirements.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Oregon's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Oregon Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
Oregon BCD/DCBS General Journeyman and specialty license requirements, PSI exam.
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 Oregon 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.
Get free NEC tips and exam strategies by email
NEC tips, practice questions, and exam strategies delivered to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Get NEC Study Tips + Free Practice Questions
NEC tips, practice questions, and exam strategies to help you pass. Unsubscribe anytime.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ready to Start Practicing?
Get instant access to Oregon-specific practice questions
Start Your Oregon Exam Prep, FreeOr view the Oregon practice test guide for exam details, tips, and study resources.