Nebraska Electrical Contractor License

To get a electrical contractor license in Nebraska, apply with the Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED), prove you’re a licensed journeyman (or an EE graduate with one year as a journeyman), pass the contractor exam (via PSI), carry board‑required liability insurance, and pay the application and biennial license fees. NSED, exam info, fees, insurance rule.

Requirements last verified: 2026-11-01

How to get a electrical contractor license in Nebraska

1. Confirm you meet eligibility. You must be a licensed journeyman with at least one year of experience, or an EE graduate with one year as a journeyman. Review § 81‑2107 and NSED’s contractor page. Statute • NSED
2. Create your NSED account and apply. File the online application, upload the United States Citizenship Attestation, and pay the $180 application fee. NSED application & exam info • Licensing
3. Wait for exam approval, then schedule with PSI. After NSED approves you, use the PSI link to choose a test date/location. Exams cover the 2023 NEC and related topics; passing is 75%. PSI details • Exam scheduling
4. Pass the exam and submit issuance items. Upon passing, submit the license fee for the current cycle and proof of required liability insurance per Rule 7 so NSED can issue the EC license. Fee schedule • Rule 7
5. Handle local registrations before pulling permits. Some jurisdictions (e.g., Omaha, Lincoln) require separate contractor registration and proof of local bond/insurance in addition to your state EC license. Omaha • Lincoln
6. Maintain your license. Complete 12 CE hours (≥6 NEC) by the end of the cycle and renew Oct 1–Dec 31 of even‑numbered years. CE rules • Renewal

Nebraska electrical contractor license: exams, fees, and timing

The NSED contractor exam draws from the 2023 NEC, basic electricity, the State Electrical Act, and emergency/fire alarm circuits; PSI handles scheduling and payment after NSED approval. Passing exam candidates automatically earn 6 CE hours toward renewal. Exam coverage & credit • PSI

Expect these state‑level costs in a typical cycle: $180 application fee; license fee of $187.50 per year for 2025–2026; late renewal adds a 10% fee in December if you renew after Nov 30. NSED • NSED fees page • Renewal window. For a deeper cost breakdown (including exam prep and insurance), see our guide to Electrical Contractor License Cost in Nebraska.

Insurance and local registration requirements for Nebraska electrical contractors

Nebraska requires active ECs to keep minimum liability insurance of $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 property damage. Where multiple qualifying licensees own a firm, only one must carry the policy. Rule 7. Some cities add their own registration, bond, and insurance documentation before you can pull permits—e.g., Omaha and Lincoln.

Who qualifies to get a electrical contractor license in Nebraska?

NSED’s pathway is tightly linked to journeyman experience. You must be a licensed journeyman with at least one year of experience, or hold a four‑year electrical engineering degree plus one year as a journeyman, before NSED will approve you for the contractor exam. NSED • § 81‑2107

Renewing a Nebraska electrical contractor license

All electrical licenses expire December 31 of even‑numbered years. Regular renewal runs October 1–November 30; late renewal runs December 1–31 (no grace period). To renew, you must document 12 hours of CE, including at least 6 hours on the NEC. NSED Renewal • CE rules • 2025–2026 fees

If you’re also exploring mechanical scopes, see our Nebraska guide to getting an HVAC contractor license for agency, exam, and insurance differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a surety bond to hold an electrical contractor license in Nebraska?

At the state level, NSED requires liability insurance—not a surety bond—for ECs who actively own/operate a contracting firm. However, municipalities may require separate registration and bonding or insurance proof. Check local rules (e.g., Omaha and Lincoln) before pulling permits. Rule 7 • Omaha • Lincoln

What score do I need to pass the Nebraska electrical contractor exam, and what code cycle is tested?

The minimum passing score is 75%. Exams are on the 2023 National Electrical Code with additional State Act and electrical theory content. Scheduling and payment occur through PSI after NSED approves your exam application. NSED Exam Information • PSI • Rule 9

When are Nebraska electrical contractor licenses renewed?

All electrical licenses renew on a two‑year cycle, expiring December 31 of even‑numbered years. Regular renewal runs Oct 1–Nov 30, with a late window Dec 1–31 (no grace period). NSED Renewal • 2025–2026 fees

How many continuing education hours do I need to renew?

12 total CE hours each cycle, with at least 6 hours focused on the NEC, are required to renew any electrical license under the State Electrical Act. NSED CE

Is there reciprocity for a Nebraska electrical contractor license?

Yes. NSED lists contractor reciprocity with Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Texas, subject to NSED review and terms. NSED

What are the exact state fees to become licensed?

At minimum: $180 application fee, plus a prorated license fee tied to the two‑year cycle ($187.50 per year in 2025–2026). Exam vendor fees are paid to PSI when you schedule. NSED contractor page • Fee table • PSI

Ready to move from research to results? License Navigator can help you plan costs, prep for PSI, and track renewal/CE so you never miss a deadline.