MA Electrical Contractor License

How to Get an Electrical Contractor License in Massachusetts

Direct answer (48 words): To get an electrical contractor license in Massachusetts, first earn a Master Electrician (Class A) license—after 1 year as a MA Journeyman plus 150 hours of Board‑approved education—and pass PSI’s two‑part exam. Then license your company (A1 electrical business) in eLIPSE with a Master as Licensee of Record.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-30

How to get your Massachusetts electrical contractor license

1. Confirm Master eligibility. Ensure you hold a MA Journeyman and have 1 year Journeyman experience plus 150 hours of Master curriculum per 237 CMR 13.01 and the individual license application.
2. Apply with PSI for the Master exam. Submit PSI’s online application with education and work verification, 15‑hour current code update certificate, and CORI authorization; processing can take up to 30 days (PSI CIB).
3. Pass both parts of the Master exam. Sit for Part 1 (trade) and Part 2 (business & law); you must score 70% on each. Pay the $155 license fee at the test center to receive your Master license upon passing (PSI CIB).
4. Set up your business and designate the LOR. Register your entity (if applicable) with the Secretary of the Commonwealth and designate your Master as the Licensee of Record per 237 CMR 16.00.
5. Apply for the A1 Electrical Business license in eLIPSE. Upload required corporate/LLC/LLP documents, LOR letter of intent, and pay $233 application fee; when approved, pay $155 license fee (Mass.gov business license page).
6. Maintain required insurance for permits. Before pulling permits, ensure you have liability insurance or an equivalent bond as required by M.G.L. c.141, §8; LLC/LLP entities must also meet 237 CMR 23.00.
7. Renew on time and complete CE. Renew your Master license every three years by July 31 and complete 21 CE hours each cycle (15‑hour code update + 6 PD hours) (fee schedule; 237 CMR 17.00).

Massachusetts electrical contractor license: who needs what?

Under Massachusetts law, “electrical contractor” work is performed by a Master Electrician (Class A) and, for companies, by an A1 electrical business licensed entity with a Master as Licensee of Record. This framework is established in M.G.L. c.141 §3 and 237 CMR 16.00. The Board’s FAQs also clarify when a business license (A1) is required.

PSI Master Electrician exam: format, references, and scoring

PSI administers an open‑book, two‑part exam: a 90‑question technical portion (240 minutes) and a 50‑question Business & Law portion (120 minutes). A 70% score is required on each part. Acceptable references and scoring rules are detailed in the official PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.

Fees to budget for (individual and business)

For the Master license: $276 PSI application/exam fee plus $155 license issuance at the test center (PSI CIB). For the A1 business license: $233 application + $155 license (Mass.gov business license page). Ongoing Master renewal is $117 every three years (official fee schedule).

Insurance to pull permits and entity insurance

Before a city or town issues an electrical permit, the licensee must provide proof of liability insurance or an equivalent bond ("completed operations" coverage) under M.G.L. c.141 §8. If your company is an LLC/LLP, comply with the Board’s entity insurance rules in 237 CMR 23.00.

Renewal and continuing education

Master licenses renew triennially on July 31; complete 21 hours of CE (15‑hour Code Update from a Board‑approved provider + 6 hours professional development) per 237 CMR 17.00. The Board’s CE provider page is updated periodically and notes the 21‑hour requirement.

Helpful Massachusetts contractor resources

Planning scope and pricing for related trades? Compare regulatory costs using our breakdown of HVAC contractor license costs in Massachusetts, or see the full step‑by‑step for the Massachusetts HVAC contractor license process to understand how timelines and fees align with the electrical path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there reciprocity for a Massachusetts Master Electrician?

Limited. The Board may license without examination only if another state has substantially similar standards and a written reciprocity agreement with Massachusetts; otherwise you must qualify and test in MA. See 237 CMR 15.00 and the Board’s application FAQs.

How long does PSI approval and scheduling take?

PSI indicates application review can take up to 30 days depending on volume. Once approved, you’ll receive scheduling instructions and can sit at designated MA test centers. Details and timelines are outlined in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.

Do I need a separate “contractor” license beyond the Master license?

If you’re operating as a company, yes—apply for the A1 electrical business license and designate a Master as Licensee of Record. Sole proprietors operating under their real name may not need an A1, but must still hold the Master to contract. See 237 CMR 16.00 and the Board’s general FAQs.

What code/reference books are allowed in the exam room?

The exam is open‑book with specific allowed references, including the current NEC, MA electrical amendments (527 CMR 12.00), 237 CMR rules, and specified business/law materials. See the "Allowed References" section of the PSI CIB.

What continuing education is required to renew?

Complete 21 hours every three years: a 15‑hour code update from a Board‑approved provider and 6 hours of professional development topics. Keep certificates for renewal. See 237 CMR 17.00 and the Board’s CE provider list.

Need help mapping your path and costs? License Navigator can build your custom checklist and timeline for the Massachusetts electrical contractor track—start your plan today.