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Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs · checked 2026-10-20
Michigan Electrician License Requirements
Statewide journeyman and master electrician licenses under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act (2016 PA 407). Master Electrician: 6 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- 1J · Electrical Journeyman 4 years
- 2M · Master Electrician 6 years
License levels in Michigan
The Michigan path has 2 steps on this page: Electrical Journeyman and Master Electrician. The source counts experience in hours; the "time from start" column turns those hours into full-time years at 2,000 hours a year.
| Level | Experience | Classroom | Time from start | Exam | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Electrical Journeyman | 8,000 hours | — | 4 years | Yes | Not printed |
| M Master Electrician | 12,000 hours | — | 6 years | Yes | Not printed |
Electrical Journeyman (J)
At least 20 years old with at least 8,000 hours of experience obtained over at least 4 years under a licensed individual. Failing the exam twice in 2 years means a one-year wait and a Michigan electrical code course. MCL 339.5715. Source: MCL 339.5715.
Master Electrician (M)
At least 22 years old, at least 12,000 hours of experience obtained over 6 years or more under a master electrician, and an electrical journeyman's license held for at least 2 years. MCL 339.5713. Source: MCL 339.5713.
Exam
2 of the 2 levels listed here require an exam: Electrical Journeyman and Master Electrician. The source does not print a pass mark. Renewal in a year the state construction code changes requires a board-approved code update course within 12 months.
Fees
The Michigan source read prints no dollar amounts for this license. The statute sections read do not print fee amounts.
Reciprocity
The Michigan sources read for this trade name no reciprocity agreement and no route for out-of-state licensees.
How Michigan compares
Among the 10 states on this site that state a minimum time to the top electrician credential, Michigan ranks 10 of 10 from shortest (4 years) to longest (6 years). Connecticut, Maine and Texas set the same 6 years.
Same trade elsewhere: California · Texas · Florida · Ohio · Georgia. All states side by side: Electrician license requirements by state.
Other trades in Michigan
- Plumber: Plumbing Contractor: 5 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- HVAC: Mechanical Contractor (per classification): 3 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- General contractor: Maintenance and Alteration Contractor: the source states no minimum time, plus an exam.
All covered trades on one page: Michigan trade licenses.
Background reading: From apprentice to master: how long each state takes · How trade license exams work.
Questions
Who issues the electrician license in Michigan?
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes (Electrical Administrative Board). Statewide journeyman and master electrician licenses under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act (2016 PA 407).
How long does it take to qualify for the Master Electrician in Michigan?
6 years by this site's count. At least 22 years old, at least 12,000 hours of experience obtained over 6 years or more under a master electrician, and an electrical journeyman's license held for at least 2 years. MCL 339.5713.
Does Michigan have electrician license reciprocity?
The Michigan sources read name no reciprocity agreement for this trade.
Sources and last checked
| What | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes (Electrical Administrative Board) | 2026-10-20 |
| J requirements | MCL 339.5715 | 2026-10-20 |
| M requirements | MCL 339.5713 | 2026-10-20 |
| Law cited | MCL 339.5713, 339.5715 | 2026-10-20 |
This page summarises what the Michigan source said on 2026-10-20. It is general information, not legal advice; the board's own page and the statute are the authority and can change. Confirm with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs before applying. The free official route is the board itself: its page, application forms and staff answer eligibility questions.