Licensing & Certification

The Electrical Association of Philadelphia supports the continuing education and professional development needs for a wide array of audiences, including:

  • Electricians
  • Electrical Inspectors
  • Electrical and Professional Engineers
  • Facilities Managers
  • HVAC Technicians and Installers

Have a question about local licensing and certification? Contact Mair Malfara.

Renewing Your License

Below is a summary of requirements by jurisdiction for the maintenance of electrical-industry licenses and certifications. All require some component of continuing education.

The Electrical Association of Philadelphia is an authorized provider of CEUs by the City of Philadelphia and an approved Continuing Education Provider for Pennsylvania (Department of Labor and Industry).  Select courses are also eligible for CEs from Delaware, New Jersey, and we also offer courses that qualify for IEEE PDHs.

Be sure to check with your credentialing or licensing institution to make sure CEUs are accepted.

Pennsylvania
There is no state-wide licensing requirement to conduct electrical work in Pennsylvania, and each municipality has specific requirements to obtain appropriate permits, etc.

City of Philadelphia

Electrical Contractors
More information: City of Philadelphia
This license must be renewed annually.
At least eight (8) hours of continuing education per year

  • Coursework in NFPA 70, earned during the previous license period qualifies. Courses must be completed within the twelve (12) month period preceding application. The provider must be approved by the PA Department of Labor and Industry.

Electrical Inspectors
More information: City of Philadelphia
This license must be renewed annually. At least twelve (12) hours of continuing education per year

  • Coursework in NFPA 70, earned during the previous license period qualifies. Courses must be completed within the twelve (12) month period preceding application.

Current Applicable National Electrical Code:
Statewide: 2017
City of Philadelphia Commercial Work: 2017
Pennsylvania 2020 NEC starting approximately  July 2025

Delaware

More information: State of Delaware

Electrical Contractor – this license must be renewed every other year; Electrician Licenses expire on June 30th of even years (2020, 2022, 2024 etc).
Ten (10) hours of approved continuing education are required each renewal period; five (5) hours must be related to the National Electrical Code.

Electrical Inspection Agency Permits expire annually on June 30 each year.

An active Electrician license must be renewed in DELPROS every two years before the expiration date. During renewal, you are asked to attest that you have completed the required continuing education units (CEU) and meeting the liability insurance requirement. Journeyman and Apprentices are exempt from the Insurance requirement.

If you are licensed as a Master, Master Special, Limited or Limited Special Electrician and you have been licensed:

  • less than one year – you are not required to complete continuing education (CE)
  • more than one year, but less than two years – you are required to complete five (5) hours of approved continuing education (CE)

If you are licensed as a Journeypersons, Residential or Apprentice Electrician and you have been licensed:

  • less than one year – you are not required to complete continuing education (CE)
  • more than one year, but less than two years – you are required to complete two (2) hours of approved continuing education (CE)

For full licensure renewal periods between July 1 and June 30 even-numbered years (2018-2020, etc.):

  • Active Master, Master Special, Limited and Limited Special Electrician’s must complete ten (10) hours of approved continuing education (CE)
  • Beginning with your second renewal, five (5) of the ten (10) continuing education (CE) must be related to the National Electric Code.
  • Active Journeypersons, Residential and Apprentice Electrician’s must complete five (5) hours of approved continuing education (CE)

Current Applicable National Electrical Code:
Statewide: 2020

New Jersey
More information: New Jersey Consumer Affairs

Electrical Contractors and Permits
This license must be renewed triennially expiring March 31 (2024, 2027, 2030, etc.)

  • 34 hours of continuing education is required of which nine (9) relate must relate to most recent NEC by March 31, 2024
  • One (1) hour must relate to state statutes and rules covering installation, repair or alteration of electrical equipment for generation, transmission of
    electrical energy, job estimating management and business practices, supervisory responsibilities required by NJ, and others relevant to
    electrical contracting.

Journeyman Electricians
Ten (10) hours of continuing education of which nine (9) hours on the most recent edition of the NEC and (1) one hour on applicable state statutes and rules.

Current Applicable National Electrical Code:
Statewide: 2020

Licensure in the Tri-State Area

This is a summary of licensing information available in the region. Note that requirements may change and it is always best to confirm with the local AHJ.

Pennsylvania: No Statewide Licensing

If you wish to conduct electrical work in the state of Pennsylvania, you will need to check with the township/municipality to understand their requirements. The following jurisdictions require licensing in Southeastern Pennsylvania:

In all other areas, check with the local municipality on their electrical permit requirements. You may see reference to an HIC#, or Home Improvement Contractor Number. This is for contractors who work in residential settings; learn more here.

There is no reciprocity for any other licenses. If you have a license in Philadelphia and wish to work in Allentown, you must have an license in Allentown.

New Jersey: Statewide License (no reciprocity)
View state requirements here.

Delaware: Statewide License (some reciprocity)
View state requirements here.