Get a Maryland Electrical Contractor

Direct answer (50 words): In Maryland, there isn’t a separate “electrical contractor” license. To legally contract for electrical work, you must hold the State Master Electrician license, carry required liability insurance, and meet any local registration/permit rules. That means verifying 7 years’ experience, passing the PSI master exam, submitting insurance, and licensing with the State Board.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-30

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Maryland Department of Labor – State Board of Electricians (official board page).
License you need to contract	State Master Electrician license (Maryland does not issue a separate statewide “electrical contractor” license). See OneStop and Board requirements.
Experience	7 years providing electrical services under supervision; Board may credit up to 3 years for approved education/training. See Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 6-304 and Board page (§6-304; requirements).
Exam	PSI Master Electrician exam; 90 questions, 240 minutes; 70% minimum passing; exam fee $65 paid to PSI. See Taking the Exam and the PSI bulletin.
Insurance to contract	At least $300,000 general liability and $100,000 property damage; umbrella coverage not accepted for compliance. See Md. Code § 6-604 and Board insurance notice (§6-604; notice to insurers).
Fees (state)	Original Master license $25; renewal $31.50; additional: local registration assignment identification $63; exam fee paid to PSI. See Board fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025) and exam.
Local registration to pull permits	Some jurisdictions require a local registration; if assigning that local registration to a business, identify the assignment with the State Board. See Md. Code Subtitle 4 (§6-401) and Board fees (local registration assignment ID).
Renewal	Every 2 years; 10 hours continuing education for masters; renew online. See renewal and COMAR 09.09.02.01.
Minimum age	Not specified in statute/regulation; eligibility is based on the 7-year experience requirement. See §6-304.

How to get a electrical contractor license in Maryland

1. Confirm you’re eligible. Document at least 7 years of supervised electrical experience; request up to 3 years’ credit for qualifying education if applicable. Source: §6-304; Board requirements.
2. Pass the PSI Master Electrician exam. Apply with PSI, pay the $65 exam fee, and score at least 70% (90 questions; 240 minutes). Source: Taking the Exam; PSI bulletin.
3. Secure required insurance. Obtain coverage of at least $300,000 GL and $100,000 property damage; ensure certificate meets Board requirements (no umbrella). Source: §6-604; insurance notice.
4. Apply for your State Master license. Submit the original license application and pay $25 to the State Board. Source: How to Apply; fees.
5. Register locally to pull permits. Where required, obtain local registration; if assigning that local registration to your business, file the State Board’s assignment identification (fee $63). Source: §6-401; fees.
6. Maintain and renew. Renew every 2 years (master renewal fee $31.50) and complete 10 hours of continuing education. Source: renewal; COMAR.

Maryland electrical contractor licensing explained

Maryland licenses the individual master electrician at the state level; that credential, plus required insurance, is what allows you to “engage in the business of providing electrical services” (i.e., act as the contractor). Local jurisdictions may also require a local registration to obtain permits. See Board, §6-101, and §6-302.

Costs and fees for the Maryland electrical contractor path

Expect these state costs: $65 exam (paid to PSI), $25 original master license, $31.50 biennial renewal, and $63 if you need the State Board’s local registration assignment identification. Official fees are in the Board fee schedule and exam page. For a deeper breakdown, see our guide to MD Electrical Contractor License Cost.

Insurance, permits, and operating as a Maryland electrical contractor

Before contracting, you must keep liability insurance of at least $300,000 and property damage of at least $100,000; provide the certificate as directed by the Board. Some counties/cities require local registration to pull permits; if you assign that registration to a business, identify the assignment with the Board. See §6-604, the Board’s insurance notice, and §6-401.

Renewing your Maryland master electrician (contractor) license

Licenses are valid for two years. Masters must complete 10 hours of Board‑approved continuing education each renewal cycle and pay the current renewal fee. See the state’s renewal page and COMAR 09.09.02.01. If you also handle HVAC work, compare requirements in our Maryland HVAC Contractor License guide and its companion on Maryland HVAC Contractor License costs.

Step-by-step: how to get a electrical contractor license in Maryland

1) Prove 7 years of supervised experience

Gather employer verification showing at least 7 years of regular, principal electrical work under a master or qualified government electrician; request up to 3 years’ credit for formal training. See §6-304 and Board requirements.

2) Apply with PSI and pass the exam

Submit your exam application to PSI, pay $65, and pass the Master exam (90 questions; 240 minutes; 70% to pass). See Taking the Exam and PSI bulletin.

3) Obtain and upload insurance

Provide proof of at least $300,000 GL and $100,000 property damage coverage written by a Maryland‑approved carrier; umbrella coverage doesn’t count toward the minimum. See §6-604 and Board insurance notice.

4) Apply for your Maryland Master license

After passing, file the original license application with the Board and pay $25. See How to Apply and fees.

5) Register locally and identify any assignment

Register in any local jurisdiction that requires it to pull permits. If you’ll assign your local registration to a business entity, submit the State Board’s local registration assignment identification (fee $63). See §6-401 and fees.

6) Keep the license active

Complete 10 CE hours and renew every 2 years (master renewal $31.50). See renewal and COMAR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a separate Maryland electrical contractor license?

No. Maryland licenses master, journeyperson, and apprentice electricians statewide. To contract for electrical work, you must hold a State Master Electrician license, maintain required insurance, and meet any local registration/permit rules. See the Board’s site and Md. Code §6-302.

What are the exact Maryland master electrician exam details?

PSI administers the exam: 90 questions, 240 minutes, open‑book (NEC 2020), and a 70% passing score. The fee is $65 per attempt, paid to PSI. See Taking the Exam and the PSI bulletin.

How much does it cost to become an electrical contractor in Maryland?

State fees typically include $65 (exam, PSI), $25 (original Master license), $31.50 (biennial renewal), and $63 if you file a local registration assignment identification. Local registrations may add costs. See the fee schedule and exam page.

Do I need local registration to pull permits?

Often yes. In jurisdictions that require it, you must register locally to obtain permits. If a master assigns that local registration to a business, the assignment must be identified on the State license. See Md. Code §6-401 and §6-302.

What are the renewal and CE requirements?

Master licenses renew every 2 years. Complete 10 hours of Board‑approved continuing education each cycle and pay the master renewal fee ($31.50). See the Board’s renewal page and COMAR 09.09.02.01.

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