Construction / Electrician License / New York
- New York
- Electrician License
- NYC Master Electrician
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your New York City Electrician License
This guide covers the New York City electrical license issued by the NYC Department of Buildings: who needs it, the experience routes, the written and practical exams, and how to apply.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from New York City Department of Buildings requirements
Application fee
$585
Written exam fee; plus $530 practical exam and $310 license fee
Exam time
Not stated
Written exam + practical exam
Time to get license
~7.5 yrs
10,500 hours; 2.5–5.5 yrs with a degree or trade program
Continuing ed
Not stated
Check with the Department of Buildings
Overview
Do you need a New York electrician license?
In New York City, yes. The city requires electrical contractors to be licensed before any work takes place, and the license is issued by the NYC Department of Buildings. Our source covers New York City only, so if you work elsewhere in the state, check with your local municipality.
License required when
- You install, alter or repair electric wires, wiring apparatus or appliances in New York City
- The work carries electricity for light, heat or power
- The work is for signaling, communication, alarm or data transmission
- You operate as an electrical contractor in the city
Common exceptions
- Our source lists no work that’s exempt from licensing in the city
- Experience rules have some flexibility: up to 25% can be from outside the U.S., or more if the Buildings Commissioner finds the foreign system comparable
- For inspection experience, the 10-year window doesn’t apply if you have 5+ years of experience
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source doesn’t list specific penalties. In general, the Department of Buildings can stop unlicensed work and take enforcement action, so get licensed before you take on any electrical job in the city.
Your fast-track New York electrician license checklist
The New York application, one page
- Proof of 7.5 years (10,500 hours) of experience, or your degree or trade school route
- Proof you’re at least 21
- Written Exam Application (LIC41) and fee
- Practical Exam Application (LIC42) and fee
- Passing scores on the written and practical exams
- Background investigation cleared
Types
New York electrician license types and classifications
Our source covers one license: the NYC electrician license. Everyone takes the same written and practical exams. What changes is how you show your experience.
NYC
Citywide
NYC Electrician (Master Electrician)
Install, alter or repair wiring, apparatus and appliances for electric light, heat, power, signaling, communication, alarm and data transmission.
Exam
Written + practical
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
New York electrician license requirements, class by class
Every applicant must be 21 or older, of good moral character, pass a background investigation and pass both exams. The experience you need depends on your background.
| Requirement | Journeyman route | Engineering degree | Trade school or apprenticeship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience | 7.5 years (10,500 hours) | M.S.: 2.5 yrs (3,500 hrs); B.S.: 3.5 yrs (4,900 hrs) | 5.5 years (7,700 hours) |
| Experience window | Within the last 10 years | Within the last 10 years | Within the last 10 years |
| Supervision | Under a DOB-licensed Master or Special Electrician | Under a DOB-licensed Master or Special Electrician | Under a DOB-licensed Master or Special Electrician |
| Minimum age | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Character & background | Good moral character, background investigation | Good moral character, background investigation | Good moral character, background investigation |
| Exams | Written + practical | Written + practical | Written + practical |
Steps
How to get your New York electrician license, step by step
- Build your experienceBefore you apply
Get 7.5 years (10,500 hours) in the last 10 years under a DOB-licensed Master or Special Electrician, or less with an engineering degree or a registered trade program. Experience outside NYC must be under a qualified individual while employed by a Master Electrician business. - Check your eligibilityBefore you apply
You must be at least 21 and of good moral character. No more than 25% of your experience can be from outside the U.S. unless the Buildings Commissioner finds the foreign system comparable. - File the exam applicationsBefore testing
Fill out the Written Exam Application and Practical Exam Application, and pay all exam fees before you test. - Pass the written examExam day
A closed-book exam on the NYC Electrical Code, rules and regulations. You need 70% to pass. - Pass the practical examExam day
The Department of Buildings also gives a practical exam at test centers in the city. - Apply and clear the background checkAfter you pass
Submit your complete application and documents to the Department of Buildings, pass the background investigation and pay the license fees.
Exam
What to expect on the New York electrician exam
NYC applicants take two exams, both run by the Department of Buildings: a closed-book written exam and a practical exam. Both applications and all fees have to be in before you test.
Format
Written (closed book) + practical
Questions
Not stated
Passing score
70% (written)
Exam vendor
NYC Department of Buildings
Scoring & content
- Written exam: closed book, 70% to pass
- Written topics: NYC Electrical Code, rules and applicable regulations
- Reference the exam is based on: NEC 2023 (NFPA 70)
- Practical exam format and scoring: not stated in our source
Retake policy
- Retake waiting period: not stated in our source
- Written exam application (LIC41) and practical exam application (LIC42) required
- Written exam fee is $585 and practical exam fee is $530, paid by eCheck or credit card before testing
- Exams are given by the Department of Buildings at test centers in the city
Exam references · Closed book
The NYC Department of Buildings written electrician exam is closed book, so you study from the reference below but don’t bring it into the room. The written exam covers the NYC Electrical Code, rules and applicable regulations.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) | 2023 | Study only |
Prep
Best New York electrician exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a New York electrician license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Written exam fee | Fixed | $585 |
| Practical exam fee | Fixed | $530 |
| Background investigation fee | Fixed | $500 |
| License fee | Fixed | $310 |
| NEC 2023 code book | Variable | Varies |
| City fees and exams | Excludes code books and the Social Security earnings statement fee | $1,925 |
Exam fees from the NYC Department of Buildings Master and Special Electrician license page; license, background investigation and renewal fees from the DOB licensing fee chart and 1 RCNY 101-03, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does New York accept out-of-state electrician licenses?
Our source lists no reciprocity for the NYC electrical license.
No reciprocity agreements
Apply as a new applicant: meet the experience rules and pass both the written and practical exams. Experience gained outside NYC can count if it was under a qualified individual while employed by a Master Electrician business.
Local
Do New York cities and counties have their own electrician licensing rules?
In New York City, the Department of Buildings handles electrical licensing. Our source doesn’t describe a statewide license, so outside the city check with your local municipality.
State handles
- Our source doesn’t describe a statewide electrician license
- Outside NYC, check with your local municipality
City & county handle
- NYC Department of Buildings issues the city electrical license
- Written and practical exams
- Experience review and background investigation
- License and exam fees
New York City
Department of Buildings
- License required before any electrical work takes place
- 7.5 years (10,500 hours) of experience in the last 10 years, or a shorter degree or trade school route
- Closed-book written exam (70% to pass) plus a practical exam
- Minimum age 21, good moral character and a background investigation
Governance
Who regulates electricians in New York
Licensing authority
New York City Department of Buildings
212-504-4115
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues Master and Special Electrician licenses in New York City
- Gives the written and practical exams
- Reviews experience and runs background investigations
- Licenses the electricians who supervise qualifying experience
Maintenance
How to renew your New York electrician license and keep it active
Renewal costs $90 (a $60 license fee plus a $30 seal fee), paid through the DOB online portal, and a late renewal costs $400. Renewal also requires a Department-approved course of at least eight hours. Check with the Department of Buildings for the rest of the renewal details before your license comes due.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not stated
Renewal fee
$90 ($60 license + $30 seal)
Late penalty
$400 late renewal fee
Renewing your license?
See the New York CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
New York electrician license FAQs
Is there a statewide electrician license in New York?
Our source covers New York City’s license, issued by the NYC Department of Buildings. If you work outside the city, check with your local municipality.
How many years of experience do I need for an NYC electrical license?
7.5 years (10,500 hours) within the last 10 years, under a DOB-licensed Master or Special Electrician. A B.S. in electrical engineering cuts it to 3.5 years, an M.S. to 2.5 years, and a registered trade program to 5.5 years.
Is the NYC electrical exam open book?
No. The written exam is closed book and covers the NYC Electrical Code, rules and regulations. You need 70% to pass.
What exams do I take?
A written exam and a practical exam, both given by the Department of Buildings. File both exam applications and pay the fees before you test.
How old do I have to be?
At least 21. You also need good moral character and must pass a background investigation.
Does experience outside New York City count?
Yes, if it was under a qualified individual while you worked for a Master Electrician business. No more than 25% can come from outside the U.S. unless the Buildings Commissioner finds that country’s system comparable.
Sources
Official sources for the New York electrician license
- NYC Department of Buildings, Obtain a Master and Special Electrician License
- NYC Department of Buildings, Written Exam Application (PDF)
- NYC Department of Buildings, Practical Exam Application (PDF)
- NYC Department of Buildings, Licensing Fees chart (PDF)
- NYC Department of Buildings, 1 RCNY 101-03 fee rule (PDF)
- NYC Department of Buildings, Master and Special Electrician License Renewal
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the New York City Department of Buildings.