Construction / Electrician License / Rhode Island
- Rhode Island
- Electrician License
- Class A & Class B
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Rhode Island Electrician License
Rhode Island requires every electrician to be licensed before any bidding or work. Here’s what the Class A Electrical Contractor and Class B Journeyperson licenses take, and what to expect on the exam.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Professional Regulation Unit requirements
Application fee
$75
Non-refundable and covers the exam; license fee of $72 (Class B) or $240 (Class A) after you pass
Exam time
Not stated
Closed book, 70% to pass
Time to get license
~4 yrs
4 years’ experience and 576 hours of instruction for Class B
Continuing ed
15 hrs
Before each renewal
Overview
Do you need a Rhode Island electrician license?
Yes. Rhode Island requires all electricians to hold a license before any bidding or work can take place. Both the Class A and Class B licenses require you to pass a state exam.
License required when
- You do any electrical work in Rhode Island
- You bid on electrical work (bidding needs a license too)
- You run electrical jobs as a contractor (Class A)
Common exceptions
- Our source doesn’t list exemptions
- Ask the Professional Regulation Unit at 401-462-8000 if you’re unsure whether your work is covered
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source doesn’t list penalty amounts. The state licenses electricians and can act against anyone who bids or works without the required license.
Your fast-track Rhode Island electrician license checklist
The Rhode Island application, one page
- Pick your license: Class A or Class B
- Proof of 4 (Class B) or 6 (Class A) years of experience
- 576 hours of related instruction (Class B)
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Application for Examination and Apprenticeship approved
- Passing score on the closed-book state exam (70%)
Types
Rhode Island electrician license types and classifications
Rhode Island has two main electrician licenses. Most people start with Class B, then move up to Class A after two years as a journeyperson.
A
Contractor
Class A Electrical Contractor
Works from blueprints to install electrical systems in factories, offices, homes and other structures, following the NEC and state and local codes.
Exam
State electrical exam
Limit
Contracting work
B
Most common
Class B Electrical Journeyperson
Installs, connects, tests and maintains electrical systems for climate control, security, communications and machine controls.
Exam
State electrical exam
Limit
Journeyperson work
Requirements
Rhode Island electrician license requirements, class by class
Class B is about experience plus classroom hours. Class A builds on it with more years, two of them as a licensed journeyperson.
| Requirement | Class A Contractor | Class B Journeyperson |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 6 years, 2 of them as a journeyperson | 4 years |
| Related instruction | Not stated | 576 hours |
| ID | Driver’s license or state ID | Not stated |
| Exam | State exam, closed book | State exam, closed book |
| Passing score | 70% | 70% |
| Continuing ed | 15 hrs before each renewal | 15 hrs before each renewal |
Steps
How to get your Rhode Island electrician license, step by step
- Build your experience4–6 years
Class B needs 4 years’ experience and 576 hours of related instruction. Class A needs 6 years, including 2 as a journeyperson. - Apply to sit for the examBefore the exam
Submit the Application for Examination and Apprenticeship with the $75 non-refundable fee to the Board of Examiners through the Department of Labor and Training. - Get approved and pick a datePre-approval required
Once approved, you choose a time and date to sit for the exam. - Pass the state examExam day
The exam is approved and administered by the state. It’s closed book, and you need 70% to pass. - Get your licenseAfter you pass
Once you score 70% or better, you’re invoiced for the license fee: $72 for Class B or $240 for Class A, good for 2 years. - Renew on time15 hrs CE
Complete 15 hours of continuing education before each renewal.
Exam
What to expect on the Rhode Island electrician exam
Rhode Island’s electrical exam is approved and administered by the state. Unlike many states, it’s closed book, so you need to know the NEC well before test day.
Format
Closed book
Questions
Not stated
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
State-administered
Scoring & content
- Closed book: no references in the exam room
- 70% required to pass
- Based on the NEC 2020 (NFPA 70)
- Required for both Class A and Class B
Retake policy
- Our source doesn’t state a retake policy
- Approval from the Board of Examiners is required before you schedule
- Ask the Professional Regulation Unit at 401-462-8000 about retakes
Exam references · Closed book
The Rhode Island electrical exam is closed book, so you can’t bring books into the exam. Questions are based on the reference below, which is useful for studying.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) | 2020 | Study only |
Prep
Best Rhode Island electrician exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Rhode Island electrician license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Examination (non-refundable, covers the exam) | Fixed | $75 |
| License fee, Class B Journeyperson (2 years) | Fixed | $72 |
| License fee, Class A Electrical Contractor (2 years) | Fixed | $240 |
| NEC 2020 code book for study | Variable | Varies |
| 576 hours of related instruction (Class B) | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Excludes code books and related instruction | $147 (Class B) to $315 (Class A) |
Fees from the RI Department of Labor and Training Electricians Application for Examination and R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-6-16, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Rhode Island accept out-of-state electrician licenses?
Rhode Island has no reciprocity agreements for electrical licenses.
No reciprocity agreements
Licenses from other states don’t transfer. Apply as a new applicant, document your experience and pass the Rhode Island exam.
Local
Do Rhode Island cities and counties have their own electrician licensing rules?
Electrical licenses are issued by the state and cover all of Rhode Island. Check with your city or town for permits.
State handles
- Class A and Class B licenses
- Exam approval and administration
- Continuing education before renewal
City & county handle
- Electrical permits and inspections (check your local building official)
- Local building code enforcement
Governance
Who regulates electricians in Rhode Island
Licensing authority
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Professional Regulation Unit (Board of Examiners of Electricians)
401-462-8000
Oversight responsibilities
- Reviews Applications for Examination and Apprenticeship
- Approves and administers the electrical exam
- Issues Class A and Class B electrical licenses
- Requires 15 hours of continuing education before renewal
Maintenance
How to renew your Rhode Island electrician license and keep it active
Licenses renew every 2 years, and you need 15 hours of continuing education before each renewal. Renew before your expiration date to avoid the monthly late fee.
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
CE hours
15
Renewal fee
$72 (Class B); $240 (Class A)
Late penalty
$12 per month late
Renewing your license?
See the Rhode Island CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
Rhode Island electrician license FAQs
Do I need a license to do electrical work in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island requires all electricians to be licensed before any bidding or work takes place.
How do I become a journeyperson electrician in Rhode Island?
Get 4 years’ experience and 576 hours of related instruction, then pass the state’s closed-book exam with 70% or better.
What do I need for a Class A Electrical Contractor license?
Six years of experience, two of them as a journeyperson, a driver’s license or state ID, and a passing score on the state exam.
Is the Rhode Island electrical exam open book?
No. It’s closed book, and you need 70% to pass.
Does Rhode Island have electrical reciprocity?
No. Rhode Island has no reciprocity agreements, so out-of-state electricians apply as new applicants.
How much continuing education do I need?
15 hours before each renewal.
How much does a Rhode Island electrician license cost?
The application for examination is $75 and non-refundable. After you pass, the 2-year license fee is $72 for a Class B journeyperson or $240 for a Class A contractor.
Sources
Official sources for the Rhode Island electrician license
- Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Professional Regulation
- Rhode Island Board of Examiners of Electricians, Application for Examination and Apprenticeship
- RI DLT Electricians Application for Examination (fee table)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-6-16, electrician license fees
- RI.gov Electricians 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 Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.