Overview
Ohio follows a Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship model for electrical training. Like New York, Ohio does not have a statewide journeyman electrician license — the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) licenses electrical contractors but not individual journeymen. Individual journeyman licensing is handled at the municipal level by cities like Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron, and others. The DOL registered apprenticeship standard for Ohio calls for 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus approximately 900 hours of related classroom instruction.
Ohio's 900-hour classroom requirement is among the highest in the nation, significantly exceeding the classroom requirements of states like Washington (96 hours), Colorado (288 hours), and even Massachusetts (600 hours). The exact number varies slightly by JATC program — most fall between 820 and 900 hours — but 900 is the standard upper target. This heavy emphasis on classroom instruction reflects Ohio's commitment to producing electricians with strong theoretical knowledge alongside practical skills.
Despite the lack of a statewide journeyman license, Ohio's DOL apprenticeship completion is widely recognized across the state and is typically the foundation for obtaining municipal licenses. WireHours tracks your hours against the 8,000-hour DOL standard with a single generic category, making it straightforward to document your progress. The app also tracks your classroom hours separately, which is especially important given Ohio's high classroom requirement.
Hour Categories & Requirements
Ohio requires 8,000 hours across 1 category. Plus 900 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. Ohio's DOL apprenticeship standard uses a single comprehensive category — all qualifying electrical work counts equally toward the 8,000-hour total. There are no subcategory breakdowns, caps, or minimum requirements within the category.
Application Process
- 1
Enroll in an Ohio DOL-registered electrical apprenticeship program. Contact your local IBEW chapter, a JATC, or an approved employer-sponsored program. Most JATCs in Ohio are affiliated with the NJATC/NECA-IBEW system.
- 2
Complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed electrician. Log your hours consistently throughout the apprenticeship.
- 3
Complete approximately 900 hours of related classroom instruction through your apprenticeship program. This is among the highest classroom requirements in the nation.
- 4
Obtain your Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the Ohio DOL upon finishing the required OJT and classroom hours.
- 5
Determine which municipality or jurisdiction you plan to work in. Contact that locality's building department or licensing board for specific license application requirements.
- 6
Apply for your municipal electrician license. Most Ohio municipalities require the DOL apprenticeship completion plus passing a local exam.
- 7
Some municipalities accept digital applications. Check with your target jurisdiction for submission options.
Important Rules & Gotchas
No statewide journeyman license: The OCILB licenses contractors, not individual journeymen. You must obtain a license from the municipality where you plan to work.
900 classroom hours is substantial: This is roughly equivalent to 22-23 weeks of full-time class, or about 180 classroom sessions at 5 hours each. Falling behind on classroom hours is easier than you might think — attend consistently.
Classroom hours vary by JATC: Most Ohio JATCs require between 820 and 900 classroom hours. Confirm the exact requirement with your specific program to avoid surprises.
Municipal requirements differ: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and other cities each have their own licensing exams, fees, and application procedures. Research your target city early.
OCILB contractor license is separate: If you want to operate as an electrical contractor, you must separately apply to the OCILB after obtaining your journeyman credentials. This requires additional experience and a separate exam.
Hours from other states may need evaluation: If you have experience from another state, Ohio municipalities may require documentation and evaluation before accepting those hours.
Classroom & Education Requirements
Ohio's DOL registered apprenticeship standard calls for approximately 900 hours of related technical instruction — the highest among the states WireHours currently supports. The exact requirement varies by JATC program, with most falling between 820 and 900 hours.
Classroom instruction must cover the National Electrical Code (current edition), electrical theory and calculations, AC/DC circuits, mathematics for electricians, blueprint reading and schematic interpretation, motor controls and automation, electrical safety practices (OSHA standards), and Ohio-specific regulations.
The high classroom hour requirement means you will spend significantly more time in the classroom than apprentices in most other states. Typical JATC schedules include two evening classes per week over 5 years, plus occasional Saturday sessions.
Keep all attendance records, grades, and certificates of completion. You will need comprehensive proof of your classroom hours for both your DOL apprenticeship completion and any municipal license application.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
License renewal requirements are set by your municipality. Most Ohio municipalities that license individual electricians require annual renewal.
The typical renewal fee is approximately $60, though this varies by municipality.
Continuing education requirements vary by municipality. The DOL apprenticeship standard recommends 10 CE hours per annual renewal cycle.
Most Ohio municipalities accept digital renewal submissions, making the process relatively convenient.
Keep your municipal license current. Working with an expired license can result in fines and disciplinary action.
Tips for Tracking Your Hours
Focus on classroom attendance. With up to 900 hours required, classroom time is a significant commitment. Missing classes creates a deficit that is hard to make up. Mark class days on your calendar and treat them as non-negotiable.
Track OJT and classroom hours separately. WireHours tracks both, which is critical in a state where the classroom requirement is so high. You do not want to discover you are short on classroom hours when your OJT is complete.
Research your target municipality early. Before you finish your apprenticeship, know exactly what your target city requires for a journeyman license — exam format, fees, application process, and any requirements beyond the DOL standard.
Log detailed work descriptions even with a single category. When you apply for a municipal license, the licensing board may ask about specific types of work experience. Detailed logs give you the evidence you need.
Keep records of all supervisors. Record names, license numbers, and employment periods for every electrician you work under. Municipal applications often verify this information.
Use WireHours to see your real-time progress against both the 8,000-hour OJT target and the 900-hour classroom requirement. With Ohio's demanding classroom requirement, having both tracked in one place helps you stay on pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ohio have a statewide journeyman electrician license?
No. The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) licenses electrical contractors but not individual journeymen. Journeyman licensing is handled by municipalities. You must obtain a license from the specific city or jurisdiction where you plan to work.
How many classroom hours does Ohio require for electrical apprentices?
Ohio's DOL registered apprenticeship standard requires approximately 900 hours of related classroom instruction — among the highest in the nation. The exact number varies by JATC program (typically 820-900 hours).
Can I submit my Ohio electrician application digitally?
It depends on the municipality. Many Ohio cities accept digital submissions for license applications. The DOL apprenticeship completion documentation process also supports digital submission in some cases. Check with your specific municipality.
What is the difference between OCILB licensing and municipal licensing in Ohio?
OCILB licenses electrical contractors (businesses), not individual journeyman electricians. To work as a journeyman, you need a license from the municipality where you work. To start your own electrical contracting business, you need the OCILB contractor license in addition to your journeyman credentials.
Built for Ohio's Requirements
WireHours tracks your hours against Ohio's exact categories, credit caps, and rules. See your progress in real time and never miss a requirement.
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