CT Electrical Contractor License Cost

The electrical contractor license cost in Connecticut includes a $150 nonrefundable application fee, a $150 initial license fee after you pass the PSI exam (exam vendor fees paid separately), and a $150 annual renewal due by September 30. Expect ongoing continuing education each year. (CT DCP Electrical License) (CGS fee schedule) (DCP/PSI exams)

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-21

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), Electrical Work Examining Board. Source
Application fee	$150 (nonrefundable) for contractor (E‑1). Source
Initial license fee	$150 after passing the exam and meeting qualifications (contractor). Source
Renewal fee & cycle	$150 annually; all electrical licenses expire September 30 each year. Source
Exam	PSI administers CT occupational trade exams; separate exam vendor fees are paid at PSI registration. Source Source
Experience	E‑1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor: two years as an unlimited licensed journeyperson (E‑2) or at least six years of equivalent experience/training. Source
Minimum age	At least 18 years old per CGS §20‑333. Source (CT OLR)
Continuing education	4 credit hours each year; CE due by June 30 (first renewal exempt). Source
Insurance/bond	No DCP bond or liability insurance is listed for licensure; employers must carry workers’ compensation if they have employees. Source
Statutes	CGS §§20‑333, 20‑335 govern qualifications and fees. Fees summary Chapter 393

How to calculate your electrical contractor license cost in Connecticut

Plan for three state-controlled costs and one vendor cost: the $150 contractor application, the PSI exam fee (paid to PSI at scheduling), the $150 initial license issuance after you pass, and a $150 renewal every year by September 30. Add optional expenses for exam prep and CE (4 hours annually). DCP DCP/PSI CE

How to get your Connecticut E‑1 electrical contractor license

1. Confirm eligibility. Ensure you have two years as an E‑2 unlimited journeyperson or six years of equivalent experience/training. Scope & prerequisites
2. Apply to DCP (E‑1). Submit the online application or the Contractor Paper Application and pay the $150 nonrefundable fee. Applications & fees
3. Schedule and pass the PSI exam. After DCP eligibility, register with PSI and pay PSI’s exam fee directly. PSI testing
4. Pay the initial license fee. When you pass, DCP will collect the $150 initial issuance fee and publish your license. Fee authority
5. Maintain your license. Complete 4 hours of CE by June 30 annually and renew by September 30 with the $150 renewal fee. CE rules Renewal
6. Cover employment obligations. If you hire staff, secure workers’ compensation insurance as required by state law. WCC guidance

Connecticut electrical contractor license cost: line‑item details

State fees you will pay

Contractor application: $150 (nonrefundable). Initial E‑1 issuance: $150. Annual renewal: $150, due by September 30. These fees are established under CGS §20‑335 and restated in the 2025 budget act. DCP CGS fee schedule

Exam vendor fees

All occupational trade exams are delivered by PSI. DCP notes that separate fees are due to PSI at registration; PSI sets and collects these amounts. Budget for at least one test attempt and potential retakes. DCP exams

Continuing education and renewal timing

Electricians must complete 4 hours of CE yearly by June 30; first renewal is CE‑exempt. Renew by September 30 with the $150 fee to avoid lapse. CE rules Renewal

Insurance, bonding, and business overhead

DCP does not list a bond or liability policy as a condition of E‑1 licensure. However, employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance; your municipality or clients may also require proof of liability coverage for permits or contracts. Factor these policy costs into your budget. WCC insurance requirement

Cost comparisons and related CT trade licenses

HVAC contractors in Connecticut face a similar fee structure (application, PSI exam, and $150 renewal). For a detailed breakdown, see our analysis of the CT HVAC contractor license cost, and if you’re still exploring trades, our step‑by‑step guide on how to get a CT HVAC contractor license explains timelines, exams, and expenses you can expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total electrical contractor license cost in Connecticut to get started?

Plan for $150 to apply, a PSI exam fee paid directly to PSI, and $150 for the initial E‑1 license issuance after you pass. That totals $300 in state fees plus the PSI exam charge. Your first renewal (by September 30) is $150. DCP Fees PSI

Who gives the Connecticut electrical contractor exam, and how much does it cost?

PSI administers all CT occupational trade exams. DCP specifies that separate exam vendor fees are paid at PSI registration; PSI sets the amount. Budget accordingly and confirm the current fee when you schedule. DCP exams

What experience do I need for the E‑1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor license?

You must have two years as an unlimited journeyperson (E‑2) or at least six years of equivalent experience and training approved by DCP to sit for the E‑1 exam. DCP scope & prerequisites

Is there a minimum age to become a licensed electrical contractor in CT?

Yes. Applicants must be at least 18 years old under CGS §20‑333. CT Office of Legislative Research

Do I need insurance or a bond for an E‑1 license?

DCP does not list a bond or liability policy as a licensure requirement. However, if you employ workers, state law requires workers’ compensation insurance. Clients and municipalities may also require proof of liability insurance for permits. WCC insurance requirement

Need a precise, budget‑ready roadmap? License Navigator tracks every fee, form, and deadline so you can price your Connecticut E‑1 license accurately and get to work faster.