Construction / Electrical Contractor License / Louisiana
- Louisiana
- Electrical Contractor
- Commercial classification
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Louisiana Electrical Contractor License
What it takes to earn a Louisiana electrical contractor license: when you need one, the Business and Law course, the trade exam and how to apply with the LSLBC.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors requirements
Application fee
$135
$95 classification + $40 processing; plus $140 exam and $150 Business and Law
Exam time
4 hrs
Trade exam; Business and Law course is untimed
Time to get license
Varies
No experience minimum stated in our sources
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE before renewal
Overview
Do you need a Louisiana electrical contractor license?
You need a Louisiana electrical contractor license for electrical projects that cost more than $10,000, counting labor and materials. That applies to residential, commercial and other projects.
License required when
- The electrical job costs more than $10,000, labor and materials included
- You bid, submit a price or offer to do the work
- You supervise, oversee or take charge of electrical construction, alteration, repair or demolition
- You furnish labor with materials and equipment for wiring, fixtures or appliances that supply electricity
Common exceptions
- Electrical work that costs $10,000 or less falls under the contractor license threshold
- Our sources don’t list other exemptions, so check with LSLBC before relying on one
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list specific penalty amounts. The LSLBC can take action against people who contract without the required license, so get licensed before you bid on work over $10,000.
Your fast-track Louisiana electrical contractor license checklist
The Louisiana application, one page
- Commercial Application with the Electrical classification
- Financial statement affidavit showing $10,000 net worth
- Business and Law course completed
- Exam approval from PSI
- Passing score on the Electrical or NASCLA exam
Types
Louisiana electrical contractor license types and classifications
Electrical is a classification on Louisiana’s commercial contractor license. You request it on the Commercial Application, and your qualifying party takes the exams.
ELEC
Commercial classification
Electrical Contractor
Wiring, fixtures and appliances for the supply of electricity on residential, commercial or other projects over $10,000.
Exam
B&L course + Electrical or NASCLA
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Louisiana electrical contractor license requirements, class by class
You can take Louisiana’s own electrical exam or the NASCLA Accredited Electrical Exam. Everything else is the same.
| Requirement | State exam route | NASCLA exam route |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Commercial Application with classification | Commercial Application with classification |
| Net worth | $10,000 financial statement affidavit | $10,000 financial statement affidavit |
| Business and Law | Online course | Online course |
| Trade exam | Louisiana Electrical, 70% to pass | NASCLA Electrical, 75 of 100 correct |
| Experience | Not stated | Not stated |
| Continuing ed | Not required | Not required |
Steps
How to get your Louisiana electrical contractor license, step by step
- Submit the Commercial ApplicationBefore you test
Apply with the Electrical classification. LSLBC then sends your qualifying party exam information. - Prepare your financial statementBefore you apply
A financial statement affidavit showing at least $10,000 net worth, current within 12 months of your application. - Complete the Business and Law courseBefore the trade exam
Create an account and take the online course through LSLBC’s application portal. There’s no time limit. - Pass the trade examExam day
Schedule with PSI after pre-approval. Take the Louisiana Electrical exam (4 hours, 70% to pass) or the NASCLA Electrical exam. - Receive your licenseFinal step
Finish your application with LSLBC to get your Louisiana electrical contractor license.
Exam
What to expect on the Louisiana electrical contractor exam
Louisiana replaced its Business and Law exam with an online course, so most applicants sit one trade exam. It’s open book, and you can write in, highlight and tab your references.
Format
Open book
Questions
Not stated
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- Louisiana Electrical exam: 240 minutes, 70% to pass
- Topics include services, feeders and branch circuits, grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, motors and transformers, and safety
- NASCLA alternative: 100 questions, 75 correct to pass, 270 minutes
- Business and Law is an online course with no time limit
Retake policy
- Retake rules: Not stated
- Retake fees: Not stated
- Pre-approval from the testing agency is required before you schedule
- The Business and Law course must be done before the trade exam
Exam references · Open book
The Louisiana electrical exams are open book. You can write in, highlight and tab the references below and use them during the exam.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) | 2023 | Allowed in exam |
| Ugly’s Electrical References | 2023 | Allowed in exam |
| OSHA 1926: Construction Industry Regulations | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
You can take either the state electrical exam or the NASCLA Accredited Electrical Exam, plus the required Business and Law course.
Prep
Best Louisiana electrical contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Louisiana electrical contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Classification fee (per classification, per year) | Fixed | $95 |
| Processing fee (per classification) | Fixed | $40 |
| Electrical Statewide exam (PSI) | Fixed | $140 |
| Business and Law course | Fixed | $150 |
| Financial statement preparation | Variable | Varies |
| Approved reference books | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Excludes financial statement preparation and books | $425 |
Fees from the LSLBC classification fee schedule and the PSI candidate bulletin for LSLBC exams, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Louisiana accept out-of-state electrical contractor licenses?
Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with 9 states. Our sources don’t spell out what each one waives, so confirm the details with LSLBC.
Alabama — reciprocity agreement
Ask LSLBC what this agreement waives for your license before you apply.
Georgia — reciprocity agreement
Ask LSLBC what this agreement waives for your license before you apply.
Kentucky — reciprocity agreement
Ask LSLBC what this agreement waives for your license before you apply.
Mississippi — reciprocity agreement
Ask LSLBC what this agreement waives for your license before you apply.
Nevada — reciprocity agreement
Ask LSLBC what this agreement waives for your license before you apply.
North Carolina — reciprocity agreement
Ask LSLBC what this agreement waives for your license before you apply.
Ohio — reciprocity agreement
Ask LSLBC what this agreement waives for your license before you apply.
Tennessee — reciprocity agreement
Ask LSLBC what this agreement waives for your license before you apply.
Texas — reciprocity agreement
Ask LSLBC what this agreement waives for your license before you apply.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant, complete the Business and Law course and pass the trade exam.
Local
Do Louisiana cities and counties have their own electrical contractor licensing rules?
Your state license covers Louisiana, but parishes and cities still handle permits and inspections.
State handles
- Contractor licenses and classifications
- Business and Law course and exam approval
- Reciprocity agreements
- Discipline of licensees
City & county handle
- Electrical permits
- Job inspections
- Any local business registration, so check with your parish or city
Governance
Who regulates electrical contractors in Louisiana
Licensing authority
Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
(225) 765-2301
Oversight responsibilities
- Reviews Commercial Applications and approves exam candidates
- Runs the required Business and Law course
- Issues and renews contractor licenses
- Manages reciprocity agreements with other states
Maintenance
How to renew your Louisiana electrical contractor license and keep it active
Louisiana doesn’t require continuing education before you renew. Our sources don’t state the renewal cycle or fee, so check with LSLBC.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
Not stated
Late penalty
Not stated
FAQ
Louisiana electrical contractor license FAQs
When do I need an electrical contractor license in Louisiana?
When an electrical project costs more than $10,000, including labor and materials.
Is there still a Business and Law exam?
No. LSLBC now requires an online Business and Law course instead. You must finish it before the trade exam.
Is the Louisiana electrical exam open book?
Yes. You can write in, highlight and tab your references. You need 70% to pass, and you get 240 minutes.
Can I take the NASCLA exam instead?
Yes. The NASCLA Accredited Electrical Exam can replace the state trade exam. You still complete the Business and Law course.
How much net worth do I need?
At least $10,000, shown on a financial statement affidavit that’s current within 12 months of your application.
Is continuing education required?
No. Louisiana doesn’t require CE for this license before renewal.
Does Louisiana have reciprocity?
Yes, with Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas. Ask LSLBC what each agreement waives.
Sources
Official sources for the Louisiana electrical contractor license
- Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
- LSLBC, Online application and Business and Law course
- PSI, Louisiana contractor exam scheduling
- NASCLA Accredited Electrical Exam
- LSLBC, Adding a Classification to an Existing License (fee schedule, PDF)
- PSI, LSLBC Candidate Information Bulletin (exam fees, PDF)
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.