Overview
Connecticut administers one of the most demanding electrical apprentice licensing programs in the United States through the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). The state issues an E-2 Unlimited Electrical Journeyperson license, requiring 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 720 hours of approved classroom instruction. The 720-hour classroom requirement is the second highest among all states (only Ohio requires more at 900 hours), reflecting Connecticut's heavy emphasis on formal electrical education.
What makes Connecticut particularly challenging is its requirement of two separate examinations — a Trade Exam covering electrical code and technical knowledge, and a Business Law Exam covering Connecticut-specific regulations and business practices. No other state in WireHours's supported roster requires two exams for a journeyman-level license. Additionally, Connecticut has no reciprocity agreements with any other state, meaning that regardless of your experience or licensing elsewhere, you must meet the full Connecticut requirements and pass both exams to work in the state.
All initial applications must be submitted on paper with notarized documentation. Connecticut does not accept electronic submissions for first-time license applications. The annual renewal fee is $120 — the highest among all states WireHours currently supports. CE hours (4 per annual cycle) are due by June 30, which is three months before the September 30 renewal deadline. Applicants must be at least 20 years old, and classroom instruction must match the DCP "Exhibit A" curriculum exactly — no substitutions or alternative curricula are accepted.
Hour Categories & Requirements
Connecticut requires 8,000 hours across 1 category. Plus 720 hours of classroom instruction.
General Electrical Work
All types of electrical installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair work performed under the supervision of a licensed E-1 or E-2 electrician. Connecticut uses a single comprehensive category — all qualifying electrical work counts equally toward the 8,000-hour total. No subcategory breakdowns, caps, or minimums apply.
Application Process
- 1
Verify that you are at least 20 years old. Connecticut requires a minimum age of 20 for E-2 license applicants.
- 2
Register as an electrical apprentice. Work under the direct supervision of a licensed Connecticut E-1 (Unlimited Electrical Contractor) or E-2 (Unlimited Electrical Journeyperson).
- 3
Complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed electrician. Log your hours consistently throughout your apprenticeship.
- 4
Complete 720 hours of approved classroom instruction that matches the DCP "Exhibit A" curriculum. The curriculum must be followed exactly — no substitutions or alternative course structures are accepted.
- 5
Obtain notarized experience verification documents from your supervising electrician(s). Each period of work under a different supervisor requires separate notarized verification.
- 6
Submit the complete paper application to the DCP, including: notarized experience verification, classroom completion certificates showing Exhibit A compliance, and the application fee. Electronic submissions are not accepted.
- 7
Once the DCP approves your application, schedule both required examinations: the Trade Exam and the Business Law Exam.
- 8
Pass both the Trade Exam (covering the NEC and electrical code) and the Business Law Exam (covering Connecticut regulations and business practices).
- 9
Pay the license fee ($120) and receive your E-2 Unlimited Electrical Journeyperson license.
Important Rules & Gotchas
Two exams required: Connecticut requires both a Trade Exam and a Business Law Exam. Passing only one is not sufficient — you must pass both to receive your E-2 license. Study for both exams concurrently.
No reciprocity with any state: Connecticut does not recognize electrical licenses from any other state. Even if you are a licensed journeyman elsewhere with decades of experience, you must meet the full Connecticut requirements and pass both exams.
720 classroom hours — second highest nationally: This is a massive classroom commitment, equivalent to approximately 18 weeks of full-time class or about 4-5 years of evening classes. Do not fall behind.
DCP "Exhibit A" curriculum required: Your classroom instruction must follow the exact curriculum prescribed by the DCP as "Exhibit A." No substitutions, alternative providers, or self-directed study count toward the 720 hours. Verify your program follows Exhibit A before enrolling.
Paper-only submissions with notarization: All initial applications must be on paper with notarized signatures. Plan for notary appointments and allow time for processing.
Minimum age of 20: You cannot apply for the E-2 license until you are at least 20 years old, even if you have completed all hour and classroom requirements.
CE due by June 30, not September 30: Although the license renewal date is September 30, CE hours must be completed by June 30 — three months earlier. Missing the June 30 CE deadline can result in a late or non-compliant renewal.
Highest renewal fee at $120/year: Connecticut has the most expensive annual renewal among WireHours-supported states. Budget for this ongoing cost.
Classroom & Education Requirements
Connecticut requires 720 hours of approved classroom instruction — the second highest in the nation after Ohio (900 hours). This substantial requirement reflects the state's emphasis on thorough electrical education.
All classroom instruction must follow the DCP "Exhibit A" curriculum. This is a specific, prescribed curriculum that covers the National Electrical Code, electrical theory and calculations, AC/DC circuits, blueprint reading, motor controls, electrical safety, and Connecticut-specific electrical regulations. No substitutions or alternative curricula are accepted.
Most apprentices complete classroom hours through their JATC or a DCP-approved education provider. Typical schedules involve two evening classes per week over 4-5 years. Verify that your specific program follows the Exhibit A curriculum before enrolling.
Keep detailed records of your classroom attendance, including dates, hours, topics covered, and instructor names. The DCP may verify your classroom completion, and incomplete records can delay your application.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Connecticut E-2 licenses must be renewed annually. The renewal fee is $120 — the highest among all WireHours-supported states.
You must complete 4 hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each annual cycle. While 4 hours is a low CE requirement, the timing is critical.
CE hours must be completed by June 30, which is three months before the September 30 annual renewal deadline. This early deadline catches many licensees off guard.
CE courses must be from DCP-approved providers and must cover NEC updates and Connecticut-specific code amendments.
Late renewal or failure to complete CE by June 30 can result in license suspension. Reinstatement typically requires completing outstanding CE hours and paying penalty fees.
Tips for Tracking Your Hours
Verify your classroom program follows Exhibit A before enrolling. This is the single most important pre-enrollment step. If your program does not match the DCP Exhibit A curriculum exactly, those hours will not count — and 720 hours is too many to redo.
Start classroom early and attend consistently. With 720 hours required, you need to average approximately 144 classroom hours per year over a 5-year apprenticeship. That is nearly 3 hours per week, every week. Missing classes creates a deficit that is extremely hard to recover.
Mark June 30 on your calendar for CE completion. The CE deadline is 3 months before the September 30 renewal date. Set reminders starting in April to ensure you complete your 4 CE hours on time.
Prepare for two exams, not one. Study the NEC for the Trade Exam and Connecticut business law/regulations for the Business Law Exam. Many apprentices focus only on code and are caught off guard by the second exam.
Budget for the highest renewal fee. At $120 per year, Connecticut's renewal is the most expensive among WireHours states. Factor this into your annual costs from the start.
Use WireHours to track your OJT hours and classroom progress simultaneously. With Connecticut's demanding 720-hour classroom requirement and the unique two-exam structure, having a clear real-time view of your progress helps you stay on pace for both components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an E-2 license in Connecticut?
The E-2 is Connecticut's Unlimited Electrical Journeyperson license, allowing you to perform all types of electrical work under the authority of a licensed E-1 contractor. It requires 8,000 hours of OJT, 720 hours of classroom instruction, and passing two exams (Trade and Business Law).
Does Connecticut have reciprocity with any other state?
No. Connecticut does not have reciprocity agreements with any state. Regardless of your experience or licensing in other states, you must meet the full Connecticut requirements and pass both the Trade Exam and the Business Law Exam to obtain an E-2 license.
Why does Connecticut require two exams?
Connecticut requires a Trade Exam (covering the NEC and technical electrical knowledge) and a separate Business Law Exam (covering Connecticut-specific regulations and business practices). Both must be passed to receive the E-2 license. This is unique among the states WireHours supports.
When are Connecticut CE hours due?
CE hours must be completed by June 30 each year, even though the license renewal deadline is September 30. This three-month gap catches many licensees off guard. Mark June 30 as your CE completion deadline, not September 30.
Built for Connecticut's Requirements
WireHours tracks your hours against Connecticut's exact categories, credit caps, and rules. See your progress in real time and never miss a requirement.
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