Overview
Maryland's electrical licensing landscape changed significantly with the passage of Senate Bill 762 (SB 762), which established statewide electrical licensing effective July 2022. Previously, electrical licensing in Maryland was handled at the county and municipal level, creating a patchwork of requirements. The new statewide system is administered by the Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. To become a licensed Journeyman Electrician in Maryland, you must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of related classroom instruction.
Maryland stands out for having the lowest renewal fee in the nation at just $18.50 per biennial renewal cycle. The state also accepts digital submissions for licensing applications, making it one of the more accessible states from an administrative standpoint. Maryland uses a single comprehensive work category, so all qualifying electrical hours count equally toward your total without subcategory caps or minimums.
Maryland has reciprocity agreements with Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. This four-state-plus-DC reciprocity network is one of the most extensive in the Mid-Atlantic region, making a Maryland license particularly valuable for electricians who work across state lines. Additionally, Maryland offers an apprenticeship pathway that may allow you to obtain your license without taking the journeyman exam, provided you completed a registered apprenticeship program. At least 5 of the 10 required CE hours per cycle must be completed through in-person classroom instruction.
Hour Categories & Requirements
Maryland 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 journeyman or master electrician. Maryland 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
Enroll in a Maryland-approved electrical apprenticeship program or begin working under a licensed electrical contractor. Register your apprenticeship with the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC).
- 2
Complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed Maryland journeyman or master electrician.
- 3
Complete 576 hours of approved related classroom instruction through your apprenticeship program or an approved education provider.
- 4
Obtain experience verification documentation from each employer, including dates of employment, total hours, and description of electrical work performed.
- 5
Submit your application through the Maryland Department of Labor's online licensing portal. Maryland accepts digital submissions.
- 6
If you completed a registered apprenticeship program, you may qualify for a license without taking the journeyman exam. Include your Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship with your application.
- 7
If an exam is required, schedule and take the Maryland Journeyman Electrician examination once your application is approved.
- 8
Upon approval (or passing the exam), pay the license fee and receive your Maryland Journeyman Electrician License. The license is valid for two years.
Important Rules & Gotchas
Statewide licensing is relatively new (July 2022): Some employers and municipalities may still reference the old county-level licensing system. Ensure your documentation references the current statewide program administered by the Maryland Department of Labor.
In-person CE requirement: At least 5 of the 10 required CE hours per biennial cycle must be completed through in-person classroom instruction. Online courses alone will not satisfy the full requirement. Plan accordingly.
Apprenticeship pathway vs. exam pathway: Maryland offers two routes to licensing. If you completed a registered apprenticeship, you may not need to take the exam. However, not all apprenticeship programs qualify — verify with the Department of Labor before assuming you are exempt.
Reciprocity does not mean automatic: While Maryland has reciprocity with DE, WV, VA, and DC, you still need to submit an application and meet Maryland-specific requirements. Reciprocity typically streamlines the process but does not eliminate paperwork.
Low renewal fee can lead to complacency: At $18.50, the biennial renewal fee is easy to overlook. But failing to renew results in an expired license, and working with an expired license carries penalties. Do not let the low fee cause you to forget renewal.
Transition from county licensing: If you held a county-level license before July 2022, ensure your experience records are transitioned to the new statewide system. Contact the Department of Labor for guidance on crediting hours logged under the previous system.
Classroom & Education Requirements
Maryland requires 576 hours of related technical instruction, completed over the course of your apprenticeship (typically 4-5 years). This follows the standard DOL apprenticeship guideline for classroom hours.
Classroom instruction must cover the National Electrical Code (current edition), electrical theory and calculations, AC/DC circuits, blueprint reading, electrical safety practices, and Maryland-specific electrical regulations under the new statewide licensing law.
Most apprentices complete classroom hours through their JATC or apprenticeship program. Maryland has a strong network of approved training providers, particularly in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. metropolitan areas.
The state's proximity to multiple reciprocal jurisdictions (DE, WV, VA, DC) means that classroom hours completed in those states may be accepted by Maryland. Verify transferability with the Department of Labor before relying on out-of-state classroom credits.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Maryland Journeyman Electrician licenses must be renewed every two years (biennial). The renewal fee is $18.50 — the lowest in the nation.
You must complete 10 hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal cycle. At least 5 of these hours must be completed through in-person classroom instruction.
CE courses must be from providers approved by the Maryland Department of Labor. Topics must include NEC updates and may cover safety, energy efficiency, and Maryland-specific regulatory changes.
Renewal can be completed through the Department of Labor's online licensing portal.
Despite the low fee, failure to renew on time results in an expired license. Continuing to work with an expired license can result in fines and disciplinary action. Set calendar reminders well in advance of your renewal date.
Tips for Tracking Your Hours
Take advantage of Maryland's digital submission process. Unlike many states that require paper applications, Maryland's online portal makes submitting and tracking your application straightforward.
If you completed a registered apprenticeship, keep your Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship readily accessible. This document may allow you to bypass the journeyman exam entirely.
Track your in-person vs. online CE hours separately. With at least 5 of 10 CE hours required to be in-person, you need to plan your CE schedule to include classroom sessions. Do not leave in-person hours for the last minute.
If you work across state lines (DE, WV, VA, DC), maintain records that satisfy all reciprocal states. Maryland's reciprocity network is extensive, and having organized, comprehensive records makes cross-border licensing much smoother.
Note that Maryland's statewide licensing system is relatively new. If you have questions about how hours logged under the old county system are credited, contact the Department of Labor early to avoid surprises during your application.
Use WireHours to maintain a digital record of your hours and experience. Maryland's acceptance of digital submissions means your WireHours data can directly support your application through the state's online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Maryland establish statewide electrical licensing?
Statewide electrical licensing in Maryland took effect in July 2022 under Senate Bill 762 (SB 762). Before this, licensing was handled at the county and municipal level. The new system is administered by the Maryland Department of Labor.
What is the renewal fee for a Maryland electrician license?
Maryland has the lowest renewal fee in the nation at $18.50 per biennial (two-year) cycle. Despite the low fee, timely renewal is required — working with an expired license carries penalties.
Does Maryland have reciprocity with other states?
Yes. Maryland has reciprocity agreements with Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. This is one of the most extensive reciprocity networks in the Mid-Atlantic region. You still need to apply through Maryland but the process is streamlined.
Can I get a Maryland electrician license without taking the exam?
Possibly. Maryland's apprenticeship pathway may allow you to obtain your license without taking the journeyman exam if you completed a registered apprenticeship program. Verify with the Department of Labor whether your specific program qualifies for the exam exemption.
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