Get a PA Electrical Contractor License

As of October 2026, Pennsylvania enacted a statewide Electrical Services Licensure Act creating a State Board of Electrical Licensure. Licensure sections take effect in 2028, so until then you must hold the proper municipal license (for example, Philadelphia’s Electrical Contractor License) to work legally. (Act 108/SB 1260) (Philadelphia L&I)

Requirements last verified: 2026-11-01

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	State Board of Electrical Licensure (within PA Department of State). Licensure framework is law; board to promulgate regulations. SB 1260 (Act 108 of 2026) PA Department of State
State application/renewal fees	Set by Board via regulation; not yet established as of Nov. 1, 2026. Sec. 701
Experience (Electrical Contractor)	At least 10,000 hours in electrical services, plus approved training/apprenticeship pathway; pass Board-approved exam (unless eligible for the one-year waiver window at rollout). Minimum age 23. Sec. 502(a)
Exam	Board-approved examination for contractor/electrician/residential electrician; one-year waiver window from the effective date of Section 501 for qualified applicants. Sec. 502, 501(h)
Insurance/Bond	Professional liability insurance required for licensed electrical contractors in an amount set by the Board (to be set by regulation). Sec. 504
Continuing education	Contractors: hours to be set by regulation; Electricians and Residential Electricians: 8 hours every biennium. Sec. 503
Renewal cycle	Biennial renewal for licenses issued under the Act; dates to be set by regulation. Sec. 506
Start date / transition	Licensure sections (501, 505, 702) take effect two years after enactment (target: Oct. 2028). Local licenses continue in the interim; municipal competency licensing will be preempted once state licensure is active. Sec. 2103, Sec. 710 Senate release
Philadelphia example (current)	License fee $262; renewal $202; ICC exam; 4 years’ verified experience; 8 hours NFPA 70 CE annually; EV charger work requires EVITP certification on file after July 1, 2026. Apply via eCLIPSE. Philadelphia L&I

How to get a electrical contractor license in Pennsylvania

1. Confirm your timeline. The statewide license exists in law (Act 108 of 2026), but applications are expected to open after the Board issues regulations and Section 501 takes effect in 2028. Until then, secure the proper municipal license where you work. Act 108
2. Meet experience and education. For the future state contractor license, document at least 10,000 hours of electrical services and an approved apprenticeship/training pathway; minimum age 23. Keep detailed logs, W‑2s/1099s, and supervisor attestations. Sec. 502(a)
3. Prepare for the Board exam (or waiver). Plan to take the Board‑approved exam. If you qualify, the Act provides a one‑year post‑launch window to apply without examination; you still must meet age/character/fee requirements. Sec. 501(h)
4. Line up insurance. Budget for professional liability insurance in the amount the Board will set by regulation; you’ll need proof of coverage for biennial renewal once the state license is active. Sec. 504
5. Apply when the portal opens. Watch the PA Department of State for application instructions and fees. Create an account and submit your application, experience proof, exam results (if required), and insurance documentation. PA DoS Professional Licensing
6. Until 2028: get your city license. In Philadelphia, pass the ICC exam, document 4 years’ experience, complete 8 hours of NFPA 70 CE, and apply via eCLIPSE (fee $262; renewal $202). Add EVITP if you install EV chargers. Philadelphia L&I
7. Renew and maintain CE. After state licensure begins, renew biennially and complete continuing education (contractor hours to be set by regulation; electricians currently 8 hours per biennium under the Act). Sec. 503, 506

Pennsylvania electrical contractor license: what changed in 2026

Pennsylvania adopted a uniform statewide framework that creates licenses for Electrical Contractors, Electricians, Residential Electricians, Apprentices and Probationary workers, establishes a new State Board of Electrical Licensure, and preempts municipal competency licensing once state licenses are issued. Act 108 (SB 1260) Senate announcement

What to do now if you work in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh

Until the state application launches, you must still meet the city’s licensing rules. Philadelphia requires the ICC exam, experience, CE, and specific fees through eCLIPSE. Pittsburgh continues its own Electrical Trade License process tied to ICC exams for work in the city. Philadelphia L&I Pittsburgh PLI

Home improvement work and HIC registration

Residential contracting may also trigger Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor registration (separate from electrical licensure). Electrical contractors themselves are not required to register as HIC solely due to licensure, but residential projects may implicate HIC rules for your firm. Verify with the Attorney General. PA OAG HIC FAQ

Costs and budgeting for your PA electrical license

State fees and insurance minimums will be set by regulation—build a contingency into your budget. For current city costs, see our deep dive on PA Electrical Contractor License Cost. If you also operate HVAC, compare numbers in our guide to HVAC License Cost in Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there now a statewide Pennsylvania electrical contractor license?

Yes. Act 108 of 2026 creates a statewide license and a new State Board of Electrical Licensure, but the licensure sections take effect in two years. Until the Board opens applications and issues licenses, continue to hold the required municipal license where you work. Act 108 Philadelphia L&I

When can I apply for the new state electrical contractor license?

The Act staggers implementation: licensure provisions take effect two years after enactment (targeting October 2028), with regulations due within 18 months. Monitor the Department of State for application forms, fees, and opening dates. Sec. 2102–2103 PA DoS

What are the core experience and exam requirements?

For the Electrical Contractor license: minimum age 23, at least 10,000 hours in electrical services plus approved training/apprenticeship, and a Board‑approved exam. The Act provides a one‑year post‑launch window to obtain licensure without examination if other criteria are met. Sec. 502(a), 501(h)

Will city licenses still be required?

Once state licenses are issued, municipalities must accept them as proof of competency and may not impose separate competency‑based electrical licensing. Before that date, obtain the relevant local license (e.g., Philadelphia or Pittsburgh) to perform work lawfully. Sec. 710 Philadelphia L&I

What insurance and continuing education will be required?

Licensed electrical contractors must maintain professional liability insurance in an amount set by the Board (to be established by regulation). CE: contractors (hours to be set by regulation); electricians/residential electricians must complete 8 hours per biennium. Sec. 503–504

What are the Philadelphia license fees and key requirements now?

Philadelphia’s Electrical Contractor License costs $262 (renewal $202), requires the ICC exam, four years’ documented experience (with limited education substitution), 8 hours NFPA 70 CE each license period, and EVITP certification on file for EV‑charger permits after July 1, 2026. Apply via eCLIPSE. Philadelphia L&I

Ready to navigate the transition to Pennsylvania’s statewide electrical licensing and avoid missteps? License Navigator can help you sequence city licensing now and fast‑track your state application the moment the Board opens the portal.