Electrical Contractor License South
South Dakota issues electrical contractor licenses through the State Electrical Commission. You’ll document two years of journeyman experience (2,000 commercial hours), pass the 2023 NEC-based exam, file the $10,000 undertaking with required insurance, and pay the $60 application and $200 biennial license fees.
To get a electrical contractor license in South Dakota, apply to the South Dakota Electrical Commission, document two years of licensed journeyman experience (incl. 2,000 commercial hours), pass the contractor exam (2023 NEC), file the $10,000 undertaking and required liability insurance, and pay the current application and biennial license fees.
Requirements last verified: 2026-11-02
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | South Dakota Electrical Commission, Dept. of Labor & Regulation (Licensing & Renewals) |
| Experience | At least 2 years (4,000 hours) as a licensed journeyman under a contractor, including a minimum 2,000 commercial hours before taking the contractor exam (SDEC licensing page; ARSD 20:44:16:08) |
| Exam | State contractor exam based on the 2023 NEC; passing score 70%; exam must be taken within 90 days of approval (SDEC Exams; ARSD 20:44:16:03) |
| Application fee | $60, nonrefundable (Electrical Contractor application) (ARSD 20:44:16:04) |
| License fee (biennial) | $200 for Electrical Contractor (SDCL 36-16-17) |
| Undertaking (bond) & insurance | $10,000 undertaking and liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence/$300,000 aggregate, plus $25,000 property damage (or $300,000 CSL); $50 fund deposit at issuance/renewal (SDEC Undertaking & Insurance; SDCL 36-16-20; ARSD 20:44:16:02) |
| Minimum age | Not specified in SDCL 36-16/ARSD for contractors; must meet experience and exam prerequisites (see SDEC licensing) |
| Renewal cycle & CE | Biennial renewal; 16 hours CE (≥8 Code hours; max 8 approved online) due by renewal/June 30 in cycle (SDEC licensing) |
| Forms | Electrical License Application – General and Electrical Contractor & Class B Bond Application (SDEC Forms) |
How to get a electrical contractor license in South Dakota
- Confirm eligibility. Document at least two years as a licensed journeyman with 2,000 commercial hours per ARSD 20:44:16:08 and the SDEC experience guidance.
- Complete the application. Submit the Electrical License Application – General with the $60 nonrefundable application fee (SDEC Forms; ARSD 20:44:16:04).
- Get exam approval and pass. Wait for written approval, then take the contractor exam (2023 NEC) within 90 days; score ≥70% (SDEC Exams; ARSD 20:44:16:03).
- File undertaking and insurance. Submit the $10,000 undertaking, required liability insurance, and $50 undertaking fund deposit using the Commission’s bond application (Undertaking & Insurance).
- Pay the biennial license fee. Upon approval, pay the $200 Electrical Contractor license fee (SDCL 36-16-17).
- Maintain and renew. Keep the undertaking/insurance active and complete 16 hours of CE each biennium; renew by the Commission’s window (e.g., 2026 cycle) (SDEC licensing).
South Dakota electrical contractor license: step-by-step details
Experience you must show
South Dakota requires two years of licensed journeyman experience, including at least 2,000 commercial wiring hours, before you can sit for the contractor exam. The Commission recognizes one year as 2,000 hours and details advancement paths in ARSD 20:44:16:06 and :08 and on its Licensing page.
Exam format and passing standards
All electrical exams use the 2023 National Electrical Code as of Dec. 2, 2024. You must receive written approval to test and then have 90 days to sit. A 70% score is required for contractor licensure (Exams; ARSD 20:44:16:03).
Undertaking, insurance and the $50 deposit
Before issuance, contractors must file a $10,000 undertaking (bond) and maintain liability coverage of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate, plus $25,000 property damage (or a $300,000 combined single limit). A $50 undertaking fund deposit is due at issuance and biennially (SDEC Undertaking & Insurance; SDCL 36-16-20; ARSD 20:44:16:02).
Exact fees you should budget
Plan for a $60 nonrefundable application fee and a $200 biennial contractor license fee. Add the required $50 undertaking-fund deposit at issuance/renewal and your surety/insurance premiums. See ARSD 20:44:16:04 (application fees) and SDCL 36-16-17 (license fees).
Renewal and CE
Licenses renew biennially. Complete 16 hours of Commission-approved CE (at least 8 Code hours; no more than 8 online) by renewal—SDEC has recently set windows like the July 1, 2024–June 30, 2026 cycle (Licensing & Renewals).
Forms you’ll file
Use the Electrical License Application – General and, for contractors, the Electrical Contractor & Class B Bond Application available on the Commission’s Forms page.
Reciprocity (optional)
South Dakota maintains reciprocity with several states for contractor or master-level licenses, typically requiring that you earned the license by exam and held it at least one year. Check the current Reciprocal Agreements page for eligible states and conditions.
Costs and business setup tips
Beyond state fees, budget for your undertaking/insurance and local business costs. For a deeper breakdown of line items specific to this credential, see our analysis of the SD electrical contractor license cost. If you plan to expand into mechanical scopes, compare the state’s HVAC pathways and costs in our guides to the South Dakota HVAC contractor license costs and how to get an HVAC contractor license in South Dakota.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an electrical contractor in South Dakota?
Most applicants complete 4 years as an apprentice and 2 years as a journeyman (including 2,000 commercial hours) before approval to test. After passing the exam, licensure is issued once you file the undertaking/insurance and pay fees (SDEC licensing; ARSD 20:44:16:08).
Is a business entity required to hold the contractor license?
The individual licensee qualifies the business; partnerships/corporations may satisfy the undertaking/insurance on behalf of the licensed qualifier per SDEC Undertaking & Insurance. You must hold a state contractor license before engaging in electrical contracting (SDCL 36-16-1).
What continuing education is required for renewal?
Sixteen hours every biennium, including at least 8 Code hours; only 8 hours may be completed via pre-approved online courses. Submit CE certificates with renewal (e.g., July 1, 2024–June 30, 2026 cycle) (SDEC licensing).
Are there age or diploma requirements?
South Dakota’s electrician licensing laws and rules focus on licensed experience and examinations; no explicit minimum age or diploma requirement is stated for contractor licensure in SDCL 36-16/ARSD. You must still meet experience and exam standards (SDEC licensing).
Ready to move from journeyman to business owner? License Navigator can guide your application, bond/insurance filing, and renewal checklist so you get licensed on the first pass and stay compliant.
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