How to Become an Ohio Electrician

Ohio has a Construction Industry Licensing Board that is part of the Department of Commerce’s Division of Industrial Compliance and Labor. This board issues licenses to certain electrical contractors. Such electricians need to meet experience requirements, pass an exam and meet insurance and related requirements to get licensed as an electrical contractor in Ohio. All electricians must also check with their local building department to see about individualized local Ohio licensing and registration requirements for electricians and electrical contractors.

Step 1:

Take steps to get licensed as an Ohio electrician at the state level only if you want to enter into electrical contracts on commercial projects. The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board does not regulate residential electricians and electrical contractors. You must meet all of the requirements listed below to get an Ohio commercial electrician license.

You first need to fill out an Ohio electrician exam application packet. Access this packet online. As of 2010, the fee is $25. If you are approved for the exam, you will then receive an information bulletin that tells you how to prepare for and take the electrical contractor exam for Ohio. However, you can start studying right away if you like. Access the application packet to see the list of study references for the exam. You can purchase those references if you do not already have them.

Keep in mind that you have substantial experience requirements just to qualify for the electrician license. You will also have to pass a criminal background check to get your commercial electrical contractor license.

After you pass, you then send in the test results and other forms and another $25 to get your license. You can see the instructions in the application packet linked to above. If you have questions, you may also call 614-644-3493.

Here are the requirements for this Ohio commercial electrician license:

a. You must be at least 18 years of age.
b. You must be either a U.S. citizen or legal alien.
c. Have either five years of experience as an electrical contractor immediately before the application, be registered as an engineer somewhere in Ohio (like a local building department) and have three years of experience in the electrical contracting construction business or other experience determined to be acceptable by the board
d. no felony record and no misdemeanor involving moral turpitude
e. pass the aforementioned Ohio electrical contractor exam
f. have $500,000 in contractor liability and
g. pay the fees necessary to apply for the exam and license.

Step 2:

In addition to the state license requirements, all Ohio electricians and electrical contractors need to check with the local building department, including those who work only on residential properties. A local building department typically has similar requirements for registration or a license. These may include electrical engineering college or technical school classes, experience working under the supervision of a licensed electrician and possibly an electrician exam. Complete both of these steps to ensure that you have the proper authority to work as an electrician or electrical contractor in Ohio.

Resources:

Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board Contractor Exam Application and Instructions