Overview
Kentucky offers a structured path to electrician licensure through the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC). The state issues an "Electrician (EE)" license rather than using the more common "Journeyman" terminology. To qualify, you must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of approved classroom instruction. Kentucky provides two distinct pathways: a 6-year experience-only track or a 4-year track that combines experience with 576 hours of classroom instruction.
Kentucky's documentation requirements are among the most demanding in the nation. The state requires notarized employer letters verifying your work experience, and uniquely, you must also submit the last page of your 1040 federal tax form for each year of claimed experience. This tax documentation requirement is intended to verify that you were actually employed in the electrical trade during the years you claim. Additionally, Kentucky requires a passport photo and a copy of your driver's license with your application — making the application packet one of the most comprehensive in the country.
All initial applications must be submitted on paper. Kentucky does not accept electronic submissions for first-time license applications, though the biennial renewal process has been somewhat streamlined. The biennial renewal cycle (effective since HB 444 in July 2024) requires just 6 CE hours per cycle and costs $50, making it one of the more manageable renewal processes once you are licensed. Exam scores remain valid for 3 years, giving you a reasonable window to complete the licensing process after passing the exam.
Hour Categories & Requirements
Kentucky requires 8,000 hours across 1 category. Plus 576 hours of classroom instruction.
General Electrical Work
All types of electrical installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair work performed under the supervision of a licensed electrician. Kentucky 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
Choose your licensing pathway: either the 6-year experience-only track (no classroom required) or the 4-year track with 576 hours of approved classroom instruction. The 4-year track is more common and faster.
- 2
Register as an electrical apprentice with the Kentucky DHBC. Work under the supervision of a licensed Kentucky electrician.
- 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
If on the 4-year track, complete 576 hours of approved classroom instruction covering the NEC, electrical theory, and Kentucky electrical regulations.
- 5
Obtain notarized employer letters from each employer you worked under. Each letter must document the specific dates of employment and hours worked.
- 6
Gather the last page of your 1040 federal tax form for each year of claimed electrical experience. This is a unique Kentucky requirement used to verify your employment history.
- 7
Obtain a passport-style photo and make a copy of your driver's license for inclusion in the application packet.
- 8
Submit the complete paper application to the DHBC, including: notarized employer letters, 1040 tax pages, passport photo, driver's license copy, classroom completion certificates (if applicable), and the application fee.
- 9
Once the DHBC approves your application, schedule and take the Electrician (EE) examination. Exam scores are valid for 3 years.
- 10
Pass the exam and pay the license fee to receive your Kentucky Electrician (EE) license.
Important Rules & Gotchas
Paper-only initial application: Kentucky does not accept electronic submissions for first-time license applications. Your entire packet must be submitted on paper.
Tax form requirement: You must submit the last page of your 1040 federal tax form for every year of claimed experience. Missing tax pages will delay your application. Keep copies of your tax returns throughout your apprenticeship.
Notarized employer letters: Each employer must provide a notarized letter documenting your employment dates and hours. This requires advance planning and scheduling with a notary public.
Passport photo and driver's license copy: These additional documentation requirements are unusual. Ensure your passport photo meets standard size and quality requirements.
Exam scores valid for 3 years only: If you pass the exam but do not complete your licensing requirements within 3 years, your exam score expires and you must retake it.
Two pathways with different timelines: The 6-year experience-only track requires no classroom hours but takes significantly longer. The 4-year track with classroom is faster. Choose your path early.
Biennial renewal since HB 444 (July 2024): Kentucky recently switched from annual to biennial renewal. Confirm the current renewal cycle and due dates with the DHBC.
Kentucky uses different terminology: The license is called "Electrician (EE)" not "Journeyman." Use the correct terminology on all application materials.
Classroom & Education Requirements
Kentucky requires 576 hours of approved classroom instruction for the 4-year track. The 6-year experience-only track does not require classroom hours but takes two additional years to complete.
Classroom instruction must cover the current National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical theory and calculations, AC/DC circuits, blueprint reading, electrical safety, and Kentucky-specific electrical regulations.
Most apprentices complete classroom hours through their JATC or registered apprenticeship program. Community colleges and accredited trade schools also offer qualifying programs.
If you choose the 6-year experience-only track, you are not required to complete any classroom hours. However, studying the NEC is still essential for passing the licensing exam. Many experience-only candidates take voluntary code classes or self-study programs.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Kentucky Electrician (EE) licenses must be renewed every two years (biennial), effective since HB 444 passed in July 2024. The renewal fee is $50.
You must complete 6 hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal cycle. This is one of the lighter CE requirements in the nation.
CE courses must be from DHBC-approved providers and must cover the NEC and Kentucky electrical code updates.
Renewal can be completed through the DHBC. Confirm whether your specific renewal can be processed online or requires paper submission.
Keep your license current. Lapsed licenses may require additional steps to reinstate, potentially including re-examination.
Tips for Tracking Your Hours
Choose your pathway early. The 4-year classroom track is significantly faster than the 6-year experience-only track. If you can attend classroom instruction, the 4-year path saves two years.
Save your tax returns every year. Kentucky requires the last page of your 1040 for each year of claimed experience. Start a dedicated folder for tax documents from the first year of your apprenticeship.
Get employer letters notarized before leaving a job. If you change employers, obtain the notarized letter before your last day. Former employers may be difficult to reach later, and their willingness to help may diminish over time.
Keep your passport photo current. An outdated photo may delay your application. Standard passport photo requirements apply.
Track your exam timeline. Exam scores are valid for only 3 years. If you plan to take the exam before completing all requirements, ensure you can finish within the validity window.
Use WireHours to track your progress toward 8,000 hours and maintain a digital record of your employment history. The app helps you organize the information you will need for employer letters, tax documentation, and the DHBC application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an "Electrician (EE)" license in Kentucky?
Kentucky uses the designation "Electrician (EE)" instead of the more common "Journeyman Electrician" terminology. The EE license authorizes you to perform electrical work under the authority of a licensed Master Electrician or electrical contractor.
Do I need to submit tax forms for a Kentucky electrician license?
Yes. Kentucky uniquely requires the last page of your 1040 federal tax form for each year of claimed electrical work experience. This is used to verify your employment in the electrical trade during those years.
What are the two pathways to a Kentucky electrician license?
Kentucky offers a 6-year experience-only track (8,000 hours, no classroom required) or a 4-year track (8,000 hours plus 576 hours of approved classroom instruction). Both paths require passing the same licensing exam. The 4-year track is faster.
How long are Kentucky electrician exam scores valid?
Exam scores are valid for 3 years. If you do not complete all licensing requirements within 3 years of passing the exam, your score expires and you must retake the exam.
Built for Kentucky's Requirements
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