Electrician License Michigan - Electrical Apprentice License Information

Electrical License in Michigan

Knowing how to get the right electrical license in Michigan can be confusing especially if you are a newbie. There are instances where aspiring residential electricians end up applying for an industrial license only to realize later they were in the "wrong house". 

We have decided to prepare this guide to help you achieve your dreams as an electrician. Whether you want to work as a sign electrician, a fire alarm specialist or become an independent electrical contractor, we have your back!  

If you are yet to enroll in an electrician trade school in Michigan, Don’t hesitate to fill out the form below and we will connect you to an accredited electrical trade school near you.

We have prepared a menu below to help you navigate through this electrical license guide. 

Acquiring an Electrical Apprenticeship License in Michigan 

Most people think that the first license they are required to get is a journeyman license. The truth of the matter is that the first Michigan electrical license you should acquire is an apprenticeship license. This is mandatory as the state of Michigan requires you to register as an apprentice within the first 30 days of employment. 

To qualify for an apprenticeship, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old 
  • Have a GED or a high school diploma 
  • Have no criminal background 
  • Be a Michigan resident 

To know approved apprenticeship programs, refer to the Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee {MASCI} or the Michigan Educators Apprenticeship and Training Association. To register for an apprenticeship in Michigan, the following requirements have to be met: 

  • Send the state of Michigan an enclosed check of $15 
  • Fill and submit an electrical apprentice application 
  • Submit the application to the Department of Licensing

If your application is accepted don’t forget to renew it every 12 months or it will be invalidated.

Acquiring a Journeyman Electrician License 

To get a Michigan journeyman electrician license, you must have both work and academic experience from a reputable trade school. If you are yet to find an accredited trade school in your area, fill out the form below and we will get in touch. 

With a journeyman license, you are able to install, repair and alter electrical cables. To qualify for this license, the following prerequisites must be met: 

  • Be at least 20 years or older 
  • Have work experience of 4 years {8,000 hours} 
  • Be a Michigan resident 
  • Fill and send an application for a journeyman exam 
  • Attach notarized documents to prove you have the required 8,000 work hours

If the Electrical Division accepts your application, you will be invited to sit for a PSI facilitated exam. Expect the exam to be offered in areas such as Gaylord, Holt and Southfield at a fee of $100. The exam will have 80 multiple questions and is to be completed in 2 hours and 30 minutes.  To get a Journeyman electrician license in Michigan, you are required to get a pass mark of 75%. You will be required to renew it every 3 years by December 31st. 

Electrical License in Michigan

Acquiring a Journeyman License from Detroit

If you are from Detroit, the following minimum requirements must be met:

  • Be a legal resident of Detroit
  • Be at least 20 years or older
  • Provide a notarized document to prove you have the required work experience of 4 years
  • Have Related Technical Instruction of 576 hours

Acquiring a Journeyman License from Grand Rapids 

The following requirements must be met to receive an Electrician Journeyman License from Grand Rapids: 

  • Be at least 20 years or older 
  • Attach a notarized document to prove you have 8,000 hours of work experience or to prove you have an associate degree in electrical technology or any other relevant document 
  • Apply for a journeyman exam 
  • Pay an examination fee of $25 

If approved you will be invited to sit for a 3-hour Journeyman exam. Expect to receive your results within 30 days. Keep in mind that the license must be renewed every 12 months and not later than 31st December. 

Expect to be evaluated in the following topics: 

  • Electrical Administrative Act 
  • Over-current Protection 
  • Services  
  • Feeders 
  • Boxes and Cabinets 
  • Motor Controls 
  • Motors 
  • Load Calculations 
  • Lighting 
  • Appliances 
  • Electrical Theory 
  • Power Limited Circuits 
  • Box and Raceway Fills  

To acquire a Journeyman electrical license in Michigan, you will have to get a pass mark of 75%. If you pass, then the government will require you to pay $40 for the license. To renew Michigan electrical Journeyman license, you are required to enrol for an approved continuing course of 15 hours within 12 months. 

Note: There is no electrical license reciprocity program for journeymen electricians.

Acquiring a Master Electrical License in Michigan 

As you advance your electrician training in Michigan, your next license that is up for grabs is a master electrician license. As a master electrician, you will be allowed to supervise journeymen and can also install, repair or alter electrical wires.

Before you even contemplate applying for a master electrician license, you must have been a journeyman for at least 2 years. The following prerequisites must be met to become a qualified master electrician.

Earning a Master Electrician License in Grand Rapids 

To qualify as a master electrician in Grand Rapids, the following qualifications must be met: 

  • Be a holder of a journeyman license for at least 24 months 
  • Be a legal resident of Grand Rapids 
  • Have work experience of at least six years 
  • Provide a notarized statement to prove you have more than 12,000 work hours 

If you meet the above requirements, then you can apply for a master electrician license through this application, and submit it to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Construction Codes/Licensing Division. Remember to attach a notarized statement to prove you are qualified for the exam.

If your application is accepted, you will be invited to sit for an exam that will be facilitated by PSI. The exam will be a 3-hour exam with 75 questions. To get a license, you will have to get a pass mark of 75%. 

Earning a Master Electrician License in Detroit

To become a master electrician in Detroit the following prerequisites must be met: 

  • The applicant must have held a Detroit journeyman license for at least 2 years 
  • The applicant must be a Detroit resident 
  • The applicant must be 22 years or older 
  • The applicant must have work experience of at least 6 years {12,000 hours} 

If you meet these qualifications, fill and submit an application form with a copy of your driver’s license and attach two passport photos. Other documents required are a notarized statement from your employer to prove you have the required work experience of 12,000 hours under the supervision of a master electrician.

If your application is approved,  you will be required to pay an examination fee of $63. Expect the exam to have 75 multiple questions ranging from electrical theory, the National Electrical Code to the Public Act 217. If you pass your exam, you will be required to pay $55. The license is renewed every 12 months.

Electrical License in Michigan

Earning a Master Electrician License in Michigan Apart from Detroit and Grand Rapids 

In the larger Michigan region, you will be required to be a journeyman license holder for at least two years. Other conditions are: 

  • Be a resident of Michigan but not a resident of Grand Rapids or Detroit 
  • Be 22 years or older 
  • Have work experience of 6 years 

The application fee is $100. If the application is accepted, you will be invited to sit for a PSI facilitated Exam. If you fail, you will have 2 chances of acquiring a Master state of Michigan electrical license. In case you fail after the second attempt, you will be required to start your master application all over again. This means, your $100 has just flushed down the toilet. If you do pass your exams, then you will be notified in writing and be required to submit a license fee of $50.

Note: A master Michigan electrical license renewal period is 12 months at a fee of $50. 

Acquiring a Michigan Electrical Contractor License

The most prestigious electrical license is an independent contractor license. It is mainly favoured by entrepreneurs because it allows you to start your own business.

Becoming an Independent Electrical Contractor in Grand Rapids

The following Michigan electrical license requirements are mandatory if you want to become an independent contractor: 

  • You must be a holder of a master electrician license 
  • Apply and pass an electrical contractor exam

Keep in mind that you are required to pay an exam fee of $25 and the pass mark is 75%. If you pass the exam, you will be expected to pay $100 for the license and another $100 to renew your independent electrical license in Michigan. 

Becoming an Independent Electrical Contractor in Detroit 

To become an independent contractor, you will have to apply using this application form and pay a fee of $25. Other documents required are: 

  • A master electrician license 
  • A front and Back Copy of your driver’s license 

If you meet these qualifications, apply for an independent contractor exam. The exam will last for 1 hour and 30 minutes and will cover the following topics:

  • Act 230 of 1972 
  • Electrical Code Rules 
  • Act 497 of 1980 
  • Electrical Administrative Board Rules 
  • Electrical Administrative Act 217 

Getting a Michigan Electrical Contractor License in the Larger Michigan State

The following prerequisites must be met to get a contractor license in Michigan: 

  • Either have a master electrician working for you or have a valid master electrician license  
  • Apply for an independent contractor exam 
  • Pay an examination fee of $100 if your application is accepted
  • Pass a contractor license exam

The exam is facilitated by PSI and you require a pass mark of 75%

Electrical License in Michigan

Other Michigan Electrical License Requirements 

There are two popular licenses available in Michigan:

  • Fire Alarm Specialty Technician License 
  • Sign Specialist License 

Acquiring a Fire Alarm Specialty Technician License

A fire alarm specialty electrical license in Michigan gives you the power to alter, install or repair fire alarm systems. To qualify, the following prerequisites must be met: 

  • You must be 20 years or older 
  • Be certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology 

If you qualify, fill and send this application form to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulation. Keep in mind you are required to pay a non-refundable fee of $100 to be considered. 

Note: Ensure you attach a NICET certificate or your application will be rejected.

If your application is accepted, you will be invited to sit for a contractor exam. If you fail, you will have two more chances. If you fail after your second chance, you will have to wait for one whole year, take a course and try again. If you pass the test, you will be required to renew the license after three years but not later than 31st December. 

Acquiring a Sign Specialist License 

A Sign license enables the holder to repair and install electric signs. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • Must be at least 18 years or older 
  • Have work experience of 4,000 hours 
  • Have work experience of 2,000 hours if you have a Bachelor degree in electrical engineering

If you meet these requirements, fill and submit these applications to the state. A non-refundable fee of $100 is required and if the state accepts your application you will be invited to sit for an exam. The pass mark is 75% and a fee of $40 will be charged for a sign electrician license 

Get Started 

Acquiring an electrical license in Michigan is not a walk in the park. It will require dedication and sacrifice. The good thing is, it is worth it! Get started with your electrician training as soon as you can.