Rhode Island Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
Quick Answer
For the Rhode Island electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 240 minutes, 70% to pass, closed book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by State-administered and the fee is $72. Rhode Island electricians earn about $72,440 per year ($34.83 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Rhode Island Licensing Board
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:State-administered
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$72
- 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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Rhode Island Electrician License Overview
Rhode Island licenses electricians through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT), Contractor's Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB). Rhode Island issues statewide journeyman and master electrician licenses. Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island has a substantial construction market driven by Providence's commercial development, the healthcare sector (Lifespan, Care New England), Brown University and RISD facility work, and the state's growing offshore wind industry (the Block Island Wind Farm was the first offshore wind farm in the US).
Rhode Island Electrician License Types
Rhode Island Journeyman Electrician
Statewide license for electrical work under master supervision.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised OJT. Must pass the RI Journeyman exam (open book, NEC-based, 70% passing score). Apply through the RI DLT-CRLB.
Rhode Island Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold a RI Journeyman license. Additional experience. Must pass the Master exam.
Electrical Contractor
Business license for electrical contracting in Rhode Island.
Requirements: Qualifying party must hold a Master license. Meet CRLB registration and insurance requirements.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed RI master electrician.
Master Requirements
Must hold a valid Rhode Island Journeyman license. Pass the Master exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
Rhode Island has IBEW apprenticeship programs through IBEW Local 99 (Providence). Programs run 4–5 years.
License Reciprocity
Rhode Island participates in limited reciprocity with some New England states. Contact the RI DLT-CRLB at dlt.ri.gov to confirm current eligibility.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at dlt.ri.gov
Renewal Fee
Approximately $60–$100 annual renewal (verify at dlt.ri.gov)
Important Notes
Rhode Island electrical licenses renew annually.
Rhode IslandElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$72,440/year
$34.83/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $45,580 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $101,490 (90th percentile)
Rhode Island employs approximately 4,000 electricians. Providence's commercial and healthcare construction, offshore wind infrastructure (Rhode Island is a national leader in this sector), and the tight New England market that spills across state lines all contribute to strong demand and above-average wages for the region.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training 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 Rhode Island-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Rhode Island Electrician License FAQ
Does Rhode Island have a statewide journeyman license?
Yes. The RI DLT-CRLB issues statewide Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses valid throughout the state.
Is the Rhode Island electrician exam open book?
Yes. RI exams are open book and NEC-based. The passing score is 70%.
How much do electricians make in Rhode Island?
The statewide average is about $72,440/year ($34.83/hr), one of the highest averages in New England. Experienced IBEW Local 99 members earn $85,000–$101,000+.
Does Rhode Island have reciprocity with Massachusetts or Connecticut?
Rhode Island participates in limited reciprocity with some New England states. Contact the DLT-CRLB to confirm current terms.
What is Rhode Island's offshore wind opportunity for electricians?
Rhode Island has been a pioneer in US offshore wind, the Block Island Wind Farm was the first offshore wind farm in the US. Ongoing offshore wind development in the region will require substantial electrical work for transmission infrastructure, onshore substations, and related facilities.
Common Questions About the Rhode Island Electrician License
How much does the Rhode Island electrician license exam cost?
The Rhode Island electrician exam fee is $72, paid to State-administered when you register.
Who administers the Rhode Island electrician license exam?
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training oversees electrician licensing in Rhode Island, and the exam is delivered by State-administered.
How much do electricians make in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island electricians earn about $72,440 per year ($34.83 per hour). Entry level pay is around $45,580 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $101,490 (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 Rhode Island?
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed RI master electrician.
Does Rhode Island have electrician license reciprocity?
Rhode Island participates in limited reciprocity with some New England states. Contact the RI DLT-CRLB at dlt.ri.gov to confirm current eligibility.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Rhode Island's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Rhode Island Electrician License: Requirements & Exam Guide
Rhode Island DLT 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 Rhode Island 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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