Pennsylvania Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
NEC Edition Notice: Pennsylvania currently tests on NEC 2017. 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 Pennsylvania licensing board before your exam date.
Quick Answer
For the Pennsylvania electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 240 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2017. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $72. Pennsylvania electricians earn about $63,790 per year ($30.67 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Pennsylvania Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$72
- 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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Detailed Explanations
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Pennsylvania Electrician License Overview
Pennsylvania does not have a statewide journeyman electrician license, electrical licensing is handled at the local (city and county) level, similar to California and New York. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh each have their own licensing programs with their own requirements, exams, and fees. Some other Pennsylvania municipalities have requirements, while others do not. Pennsylvania does not have a statewide electrical contractor license either, contractors must be registered with the PA Attorney General's Office under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act for residential work. For commercial work, local jurisdiction requirements apply.
Pennsylvania Electrician License Types
Philadelphia Licensed Electrician
City-issued license for electrical work within Philadelphia.
Requirements: Completion of an approved apprenticeship or equivalent training. Must pass the Philadelphia Electrical License exam (Department of Licenses and Inspections, open book, NEC-based).
Pittsburgh Licensed Electrician
City-issued license for electrical work within Pittsburgh.
Requirements: Documented OJT experience and a local exam administered by Pittsburgh's Bureau of Building Inspection.
Home Improvement Contractor (Statewide)
Registration required for residential electrical contracting work under the PA Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.
Requirements: Register with the PA Attorney General's Office. No specific trade exam required at the state level.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
Varies by municipality. Philadelphia typically requires 5 years of apprenticeship or equivalent. Pittsburgh typically requires 4+ years of experience.
Master Requirements
Each major Pennsylvania city has its own master/supervising electrician requirements. Verify with the specific city's licensing authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
Pennsylvania has some of the strongest IBEW apprenticeship programs in the country: IBEW Local 98 (Philadelphia), Local 5 (Pittsburgh), Local 143 (Harrisburg), Local 375 (Erie), and many others. Both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh programs are 5-year JATC programs.
License Reciprocity
Pennsylvania local licenses are jurisdiction-specific. There is no statewide system and no formal reciprocity agreement. Out-of-state experience counts toward eligibility for local exams, but you must typically pass the local exam in each city where you want to work.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Philadelphia: 3 years. Pittsburgh: varies. Other jurisdictions: varies.
Continuing Education
Varies by jurisdiction. Philadelphia requires CE for renewal.
Renewal Fee
Philadelphia: varies. Pittsburgh: varies. Other jurisdictions: contact local building department.
Important Notes
Each Pennsylvania municipality manages its own renewal process. There is no centralized state renewal for electrician licenses.
PennsylvaniaElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$63,790/year
$30.67/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $40,280 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $89,950 (90th percentile)
Pennsylvania employs approximately 28,000 electricians. Philadelphia's commercial, healthcare (Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health), and university construction, Pittsburgh's tech sector revival and healthcare giants (UPMC), and statewide industrial manufacturing all drive significant electrical employment. IBEW wages in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are among the highest in the mid-Atlantic.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry 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 Pennsylvania-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Pennsylvania Electrician Exam Tips
State-specific guidance to help you prepare smarter for your Pennsylvania exam.
💡What You Need to Know About Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania does NOT have a statewide journeyman electrician license, licensing is regulated at the local (municipality, county, or city) level.
- Philadelphia requires a Philadelphia Electrical License, administered through the City of Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections.
- Many Pennsylvania municipalities require proof of apprenticeship completion or equivalent documented work experience before issuing a journeyman card.
- Since requirements vary so widely, your first step should be to contact the building department or electrical inspection office for the jurisdiction where you plan to work.
NEC Adoption & State Amendments
Pennsylvania does not adopt a single statewide electrical code. Individual jurisdictions adopt various editions of the NEC, often with local amendments. Check with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or building department to confirm which NEC edition applies in your area.
⚠️Common Mistakes on the Pennsylvania Exam
- Assuming a Pennsylvania license works statewide, there is no statewide electrician license, and a card from one city may not be recognized in another.
- Not verifying the specific NEC edition being tested in your local jurisdiction before purchasing study materials.
- Overlooking local amendments that can significantly change minimum standards for conductor sizing, GFCI placement, and other code requirements.
Additional Pennsylvania Resources
Pennsylvania Electrician License FAQ
Does Pennsylvania have a statewide journeyman electrician license?
No. Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide electrician license. Licensing is handled by individual cities and counties. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have the most prominent licensing programs. If you plan to work in a specific Pennsylvania city, contact that city's building department to determine what is required.
What license do I need to do electrical work in Philadelphia?
You need a Philadelphia Electrical License issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections. The process involves documenting your experience (typically 5 years of apprenticeship or equivalent) and passing the Philadelphia electrical exam, which is based on the NEC.
Is there a Pennsylvania electrical contractor license?
Not in the traditional sense. For residential home improvement work, contractors must register with the PA Attorney General's Home Improvement Contractor Registry. For commercial work, local jurisdiction requirements apply.
How much do electricians make in Pennsylvania?
The statewide average is about $63,790/year. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh electricians, especially IBEW Local 98 and Local 5 members, earn significantly more, with total compensation packages regularly exceeding $90/hr for journeymen.
Can I use my Philadelphia license in Pittsburgh, or vice versa?
No. Pennsylvania local licenses are jurisdiction-specific. A Philadelphia license does not authorize work in Pittsburgh and vice versa. Your experience hours transfer, but you would need to pass Pittsburgh's local exam separately.
Common Questions About the Pennsylvania Electrician License
How much does the Pennsylvania electrician license exam cost?
The Pennsylvania electrician exam fee is $72, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Pennsylvania electrician license exam?
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry oversees electrician licensing in Pennsylvania, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania electricians earn about $63,790 per year ($30.67 per hour). Entry level pay is around $40,280 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $89,950 (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 Pennsylvania?
Varies by municipality. Philadelphia typically requires 5 years of apprenticeship or equivalent. Pittsburgh typically requires 4+ years of experience.
Does Pennsylvania have electrician license reciprocity?
Pennsylvania local licenses are jurisdiction-specific. There is no statewide system and no formal reciprocity agreement. Out-of-state experience counts toward eligibility for local exams, but you must typically pass the local exam in each city where you want to work.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Pennsylvania's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Pennsylvania Electrician License: Requirements & Local Licensing Guide
Pennsylvania local journeyman licensing, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and city-by-city guide.
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 Pennsylvania 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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