Licensing

Electrician Licensing in Oregon

Oregon licenses electricians statewide. The journeyman-level credential is the General Journeyman Electrician (J), issued by the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD).

Source: Oregon Building Codes Division, checked 2026-10-07

Before you start: You need this state credential before you start electrical work in Oregon.

Credential: Electrical apprentice's license, issued to a person who has complied with ORS 660.002-660.210 (state-registered apprenticeship)
Issued by: Oregon Building Codes Division under ORS 479.630
Fee: Not confirmed in our records.

Official source · Checked 2026-10-07

Page last reviewed 2026-10-05 against official sources. Confirm with the issuing authority before applying.

Licensed in another state? See reviewed routes into Oregon.

How Oregon's system works

Oregon has 14 individual electrical licenses covered on this page: 12 Building Codes Division (BCD) credentials plus the electrical apprentice license and the indirect supervision electrical apprentice license. ORS 479.630 provides for an electrical apprentice license for a person who has complied with ORS 660.002 to 660.210; OAR 918-282-0270 says the Bureau of Labor and Industries issues and renews licenses for registered and reciprocal apprentices and the indirect supervision license. BCD also issues eight contractor/business licenses. Each has its own scope, qualification, examination, fee, supervision, and renewal rules, so use the credential sections below rather than treating Oregon as one license level.

Credential-specific requirements

Requirements differ by credential. Expand any credential for the work or business activity you plan to perform. Issued by Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) unless noted.

Electrical Apprentice License (branch/program-specific) Apprentice license Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI)

Issuing authority: Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) →
Scope of work: ORS 479.620 prohibits working on an electrical installation as an electrical apprentice without an electrical apprentice license. The license follows a registered apprenticeship or approved trainee program in a branch of the trade, such as the limited residential apprenticeship that leads to the Limited Residential Electrician license. OAR 918-282-0270 lets a licensed apprentice assist an appropriately licensed electrician on the same job site and the same shift, in the trade or branch in which the apprentice is registered.
Experience or qualification: ORS 479.630 directs the Department of Consumer and Business Services to issue an electrical apprentice license to a person who has complied with ORS 660.002 to 660.210 as an electrical apprentice, including a trainee toward a limited residential electrician license. A trainee toward a limited journeyman license qualifies when the employer also employs a general or limited journeyman electrician and conducts a board-approved training program. OAR 918-282-0270 requires an apprentice to be 17 to apply and 18 to be registered, to have a high school diploma, GED, or international equivalency, and to meet branch-specific math minimums. For the limited residential apprenticeship, the state license directory lists age 17 to apply and 18 to begin, proof of high school graduation or a GED, and at least one year of high school math or an equivalent; apprenticeship committees may require more. BOLI's apprenticeship page says program minimums, unless otherwise listed, are age 18 and a high school diploma or GED.
Examination: No entry examination is stated for the apprentice license. The state license directory entry for the limited residential apprenticeship says apprentices in electrical occupations are referred to the Building Codes Division for their license exam when they complete the program, and licensing fees apply.
Initial fee: The state license directory lists a $0.00 license fee for the limited residential apprentice license.
Renewal: The state license directory says apprentice licenses are automatically renewed for active apprentices and trainees and lists no continuing education requirement. OAR 918-282-0270 says the Bureau of Labor and Industries issues and renews licenses for registered and reciprocal apprentices.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Indirect Supervision Electrical Apprentice License Apprentice license Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI)

Issuing authority: Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) →
Scope of work: Allows work under indirect supervision at the discretion of the responsible supervisor, on projects of no more than eight hours. In an 8,000-hour program, work is also limited to 300 volts phase to phase or phase to ground; in a 6,000-hour program, it stays within the scope of the apprentice's license. OAR 918-282-0270 says the Bureau of Labor and Industries issues and renews the license.
Experience or qualification: OAR 918-282-0270 allows the license for a final-period apprentice registered in a recognized electrical apprenticeship program or holding a reciprocal electrical apprentice license, who meets Bureau of Labor and Industries requirements. The apprentice needs at least 6,500 hours of on-the-job training in an 8,000-hour program, or at least 5,000 hours in a 6,000-hour program.
Examination: —
Initial fee: —
Renewal: —
Official application: Apply / forms →

General Journeyman Electrician (J) License

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Make any electrical installation under the supervision, direction, and control of a General Supervising Electrician, except work requiring a Limited Supervising Electrician or no supervision.
Experience or qualification: Complete an approved Oregon apprenticeship; or document 576 hours of classroom training plus 8,000 hours of out-of-state on-the-job experience with required residential, commercial, and industrial categories; or document 16,000 hours of categorized out-of-state experience. The 300 percent rule applies.
Examination: Pass a 3-hour, 52-question open-book examination. Reciprocity is limited to qualifying licenses from Arkansas, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming and has apprenticeship and experience conditions. Washington applicants must have completed an apprenticeship in Oregon or Washington and passed Washington's licensing exam.
Initial fee: $100 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Three-year license period; next J renewal date is Oct. 1, 2027. Complete 24 hours of continuing education each period: 4 Oregon rule and law, 8 code change, and 12 code related. ORS 479.840 sets a $100 fee for a three-year general journeyman electrician license. BCD allows online renewal within 45 days of expiration, and a license expired for more than one year requires retesting.
Official application: Apply / forms →

General Supervising Electrician (S) License

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Design, plan, and lay out electrical work; sign permits; and direct, supervise, or control installation or alteration of an electrical service.
Experience or qualification: Hold an Oregon General Journeyman Electrician license, or meet its qualifications, and document an additional 8,000 hours of on-the-job journeyman experience; the 300 percent rule applies to qualifying experience.
Examination: Pass a 4-hour, 64-question open-book examination. Reciprocity is available only under BCD's agreements with Arkansas and Utah, for an active supervisor/master license from one of those states.
Initial fee: $100 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Three-year license period; next S renewal date is Oct. 1, 2028. Complete 24 hours of continuing education each period: 4 Oregon rule and law, 12 code change, and 8 code related. ORS 479.840 sets a $100 fee for a three-year general supervising electrician license. BCD allows online renewal within 45 days of expiration, and a license expired for more than one year requires retesting.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Electrical Contractor (C) Contractor license

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Allows a company to engage in the business of making electrical installations.
Experience or qualification: Form 440-2888 says applicants generally must hold an active Construction Contractors Board license and cites OAR 918-030-0015, which requires BCD-registered contractors to maintain one; a business exempt from CCB licensing submits a letter stating the reason. The form's signing-supervisor chart lists only a general supervising electrician as signing supervisor for this license.
Examination: The BCD contractor/business application does not list a separate BCD examination for this credential; satisfy the applicable CCB and signing-supervisor prerequisites.
Initial fee: $375 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Next scheduled renewal is July 1, 2029. ORS 479.840 sets the fee to apply for or renew an electrical contractor license at $125 per year for each place of business. Maintain the active CCB license and required signing supervisor.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Journeyman Manufacturing Plant Electrician (PJ) License

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Install, maintain, replace, and repair electrical wiring and products in an existing operable manufacturing or industrial plant owned or used by the employer; without a Limited Supervising Electrician, work is limited to repair and maintenance.
Experience or qualification: Complete an approved Oregon apprenticeship; or document 576 classroom hours plus 8,000 hours of commercial and industrial out-of-state experience; or document 16,000 hours of categorized commercial and industrial out-of-state experience. The 300 percent rule applies.
Examination: Pass a 3-hour, 52-question open-book examination.
Initial fee: $100 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Three-year license period; next PJ renewal date is Oct. 1, 2030. Complete 16 hours of continuing education each period: 4 Oregon rule and law, 8 code change, and 4 code related. ORS 479.840 sets a $100 fee for a three-year limited journeyman manufacturing plant electrician license. BCD allows online renewal within 45 days of expiration, and a license expired for more than one year requires retesting.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Supervising Electrician (PS) License

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Design, plan, and lay out work; sign all permits; and serve as the only individual authorized to direct, supervise, or control the installation, maintenance, replacement, and repair of electrical wiring and electrical products on or in an existing operable plant, hospital, commercial building, or institution.
Experience or qualification: Hold an Oregon Limited Journeyman Manufacturing Plant Electrician license, or meet its qualifications, and document an additional 8,000 hours of on-the-job plant journeyman experience; the 300 percent rule applies to out-of-state experience.
Examination: Pass a 4-hour, 64-question open-book examination.
Initial fee: $100 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Three-year license period; next PS renewal date is Oct. 1, 2028. Complete 24 hours of continuing education each period: 4 Oregon rule and law, 12 code change, and 8 code related. BCD allows online renewal within 45 days of expiration, and a license expired for more than one year requires retesting.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME) License

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Repair and maintain existing electrical installations on or in an existing operable plant, commercial building, or institution. The license does not authorize new electrical installations or work on services. ORS 479.630 describes the license as covering installations at industrial plants and, at commercial office buildings, state or local government buildings, and board-designated facilities, systems under 600 volts phase to phase.
Experience or qualification: Complete an approved Oregon apprenticeship; or document 288 classroom hours plus 4,000 hours of out-of-state on-the-job training or experience; or document 8,000 hours of categorized out-of-state experience. The 300 percent rule applies.
Examination: Pass a 2-hour, 28-question open-book examination.
Initial fee: $100 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Three-year license period; next LME renewal date is Oct. 1, 2030. Complete 8 hours of continuing education each period: 2 code change and 6 code related. BCD allows online renewal within 45 days of expiration, and a license expired for more than one year requires retesting.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Residential Electrician (LR) License

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Make electrical installations in one- and two-family or multifamily dwelling units not exceeding three floors above grade under a General Supervising Electrician.
Experience or qualification: Complete an approved Oregon apprenticeship; or document 288 classroom hours plus 4,000 hours of out-of-state residential experience; or document 8,000 hours of out-of-state residential experience. The 300 percent rule applies.
Examination: Pass a 3-hour, 52-question open-book examination.
Initial fee: $100 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Three-year license period; next LR renewal date is Oct. 1, 2027. Complete 16 hours of continuing education each period: 4 Oregon rule and law, 8 code change, and 4 code related. Confirm the renewal fee with BCD. BCD allows online renewal within 45 days of expiration, and a license expired for more than one year requires retesting.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Energy Technician, Class A (LEA) License

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Install, alter, and repair all limited-energy systems; work as an electrical contractor, for an electrical or limited-energy contractor, or for one employer in an industrial plant.
Experience or qualification: Complete an approved Oregon apprenticeship; or document 432 classroom hours and 6,000 hours of categorized on-the-job training; or document 12,000 hours of categorized out-of-state experience including protective-signaling installation. The 300 percent rule applies.
Examination: Pass a 3-hour, 52-question open-book examination.
Initial fee: $50 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Three-year license period; next LEA renewal date is Oct. 1, 2030. Complete 8 hours of code-change continuing education each period. ORS 479.840 sets a $50 fee for a three-year Class A limited energy technician license. BCD allows online renewal within 45 days of expiration, and a license expired for more than one year requires retesting.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Energy Technician, Class B (LEB) License

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Perform limited-energy electrical activity that does not include protective signaling; work as an electrical contractor, for an electrical or limited-energy contractor, or for one employer in an industrial plant.
Experience or qualification: Complete a board-approved apprenticeship; or document 4,000 hours of categorized work experience equivalent to a board-approved apprenticeship plus a board-approved 32-hour training program, which may be taken after the application is approved; or document 8,000 hours of categorized, lawfully obtained work experience. The 300 percent rule applies to the experience routes.
Examination: Pass a 2-hour, 28-question open-book examination.
Initial fee: $50 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Three-year license period; next LEB renewal date is Oct. 1, 2030. Complete 8 hours of continuing education each period: 2 code change and 6 code related. ORS 479.840 sets a $50 fee for a three-year Class B limited energy technician license. BCD allows online renewal within 45 days of expiration, and a license expired for more than one year requires retesting.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT) License

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Make renewable energy system installations while employed by a limited renewable energy contractor or electrical contractor. ORS 479.630 limits the work to wind, solar, microhydroelectric, photovoltaic, or fuel-cell systems that do not exceed 50 kilowatts AC, measured by the sum of the manufacturer's rated generating capacity.
Experience or qualification: Complete an approved apprenticeship program in Oregon; ORS 479.630 describes a two-year apprenticeship. The application says this license is available only by completing an Oregon apprenticeship.
Examination: Pass a 2-hour, 28-question open-book examination.
Initial fee: $50 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Three-year license period; next LRT renewal date is Oct. 1, 2030. Complete 4 hours of continuing education each period: 2 code change and 2 code related. Confirm the renewal fee with BCD. BCD allows online renewal within 45 days of expiration, and a license expired for more than one year requires retesting.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician (SIG) License

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Install and service electrical signs and outline lighting while employed by a limited sign contractor.
Experience or qualification: Complete an approved Oregon apprenticeship; or provide required classroom transcripts plus 4,000 hours of out-of-state sign-electrical experience; or document 8,000 hours of categorized out-of-state sign experience.
Examination: Pass a 2-hour, 28-question open-book examination.
Initial fee: $50 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Three-year license period; next SIG renewal date is Oct. 1, 2030. Complete 4 hours of continuing education each period: 2 code change and 2 code related. ORS 479.840 sets a $50 fee for a three-year limited journeyman sign electrician license. BCD allows online renewal within 45 days of expiration, and a license expired for more than one year requires retesting.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Journeyman Stage Electrician (ST) License

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: While employed by an electrical contractor, install temporary feeders, branch circuits, and equipment used for the production of shows, exhibits, displays, festivals, conventions, stage, theater, film, or video productions, and perform maintenance on temporary equipment.
Experience or qualification: Complete an approved Oregon apprenticeship; or document 150 classroom hours plus 4,000 hours of out-of-state on-the-job experience; or document 8,000 hours of categorized out-of-state stage experience.
Examination: Pass a 3-hour, 52-question open-book examination.
Initial fee: $50 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Three-year license period; next ST renewal date is Oct. 1, 2030. This license is exempt from continuing education requirements. ORS 479.840 sets a $50 fee for a three-year limited journeyman stage electrician license. BCD allows online renewal within 45 days of expiration, and a license expired for more than one year requires retesting.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Building Maintenance Electrician (BME) License

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Maintain, repair, and replace electrical appliances, light switches and controls, luminaires, fans, and receptacles on the premises of commercial office buildings, buildings occupied by the state or a local government entity, and board-designated facilities, in electrical systems not exceeding 300 volts to ground. Protective signaling and limited energy electrical activities are excluded.
Experience or qualification: Complete an approved one-year training program in Oregon, or document 2,000 hours of on-the-job training or experience in the listed maintenance, repair, and replacement categories; no more than 300 percent credit is allowed for any one category. OAR 918-282-0260, as amended July 1, 2025, also requires 16 hours of approved electrical safety training before any on-the-job activity and at least 80 hours of approved supervised on-the-job training before unsupervised trainee work. The amendment combined the light-fixture and fluorescent-ballast categories into one luminaires category without changing the hours; the August 2025 application still lists light fixtures and fluorescent ballasts separately. The rule also requires transcripts showing passing grades in 14 listed electrical subject areas.
Examination: Pass a 2-hour, 28-question open-book examination.
Initial fee: $50 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Three-year license period; next BME renewal date is Oct. 1, 2030. This license is exempt from continuing education requirements. ORS 479.840 sets a $50 fee for a three-year limited building maintenance electrician license. BCD allows online renewal within 45 days of expiration, and a license expired for more than one year requires retesting.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Energy Contractor (CLE) Contractor license

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Allows a company to make, direct, supervise, or control limited-energy-system work within the signing supervisor's license limitations.
Experience or qualification: Generally maintain an active Oregon CCB license. OAR 918-282-0030 requires the contractor to continuously employ at least one full-time Class A or Class B limited energy technician or general journeyman electrician as signing supervisor; the 2015 application chart also lists a general supervising electrician. Work is limited to limited energy systems and the signing supervisor's license scope.
Examination: The BCD contractor/business application does not list a separate BCD examination for this credential; satisfy the applicable CCB and signing-supervisor prerequisites.
Initial fee: $375 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Next scheduled renewal is July 1, 2029. ORS 479.840 sets the fee to apply for or renew a limited energy contractor license at $125 per year. Maintain the active CCB license and required signing supervisor.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Sign Contractor (CLS) Contractor license

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: OAR 918-282-0020, as amended July 1, 2025, requires a limited sign contractor to continuously employ at least one full-time limited journeyman sign electrician, general journeyman electrician, or general supervising electrician as signing supervisor to obtain and sign permits. The contractor is limited to the electrical work a limited journeyman sign electrician license authorizes and may make, direct, supervise, or control the making of a sign installation. The amendment removed the former requirement that the contractor be a sole proprietor who also holds one of those licenses.
Experience or qualification: Generally maintain an active Oregon CCB license and designate at least one General Supervising Electrician, General Journeyman Electrician, or Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician as signing supervisor; work is limited to the SIG scope.
Examination: The BCD contractor/business application does not list a separate BCD examination for this credential; satisfy the applicable CCB and signing-supervisor prerequisites.
Initial fee: $375 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Next scheduled renewal is July 1, 2029. ORS 479.840 sets the fee to apply for or renew a limited sign contractor license at $125 per year. Maintain the active CCB license and required signing supervisor.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Renewable Energy Contractor (CLR) Contractor license

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: ORS 479.630 limits a limited renewable energy contractor to work a limited renewable energy technician may perform: wind, solar, microhydroelectric, photovoltaic, or fuel-cell systems that do not exceed 50 kilowatts AC, measured by the sum of the manufacturer's rated generating capacity. OAR 918-282-0033 likewise states 50 kW AC, calculated from the manufacturer's rated capacity of the AC side of the inverters, and 600 volts nominal or less. BCD's contractor-list row instead describes installations limited to 25 kVA and 600 volts nominal or less, within the signing supervisor's license limitations.
Experience or qualification: Generally maintain an active Oregon CCB license and designate a General Supervising Electrician, General Journeyman Electrician, or Limited Renewable Energy Technician as signing supervisor. ORS 479.630 requires the contractor to employ at least one full-time renewable energy technician.
Examination: The BCD contractor/business application does not list a separate BCD examination for this credential; satisfy the applicable CCB and signing-supervisor prerequisites.
Initial fee: $375 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Next scheduled renewal is July 1, 2029. Confirm the renewal fee with BCD. Maintain the active CCB license and required signing supervisor.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Restricted Energy Contractor (CRE) Contractor license

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Allows a company to perform limited-energy work restricted to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning activities within the signing supervisor's limitations. ORS 479.945 says the license scope may not exceed that of a Class B limited energy technician, and the contractor's employees may do work within that scope without a limited energy technician license.
Experience or qualification: Generally maintain an active Oregon CCB license and designate an S, J, LEA, LEB, or qualified person as signing supervisor. A qualified person must document two years (4,000 hours) of HVAC-related experience. The application requires a list of employees on company letterhead, and ORS 479.945 requires the contractor to keep a current employee list with the board and issue each employee an identification card.
Examination: The BCD contractor/business application does not list a separate BCD examination for this credential; satisfy the applicable CCB and signing-supervisor prerequisites.
Initial fee: $375 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Next scheduled renewal is July 1, 2029. ORS 479.840 sets the fee to apply for or renew a restricted energy contractor license at $125 per year. Maintain the active CCB license and required signing supervisor.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor (LMS) Contractor license

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Allows a company to connect replacement appliances to existing junction boxes and replace lighting-fixture ballasts, lamp holders, and equipment; it does not authorize services, feeders, or branch-circuit installations. ORS 479.630 does not authorize installing equipment where no similar installation exists.
Experience or qualification: Generally maintain an active Oregon CCB license and designate an S, J, or qualified person as signing supervisor. A qualified person must document 12 months (2,000 hours) of experience with existing, built-in, or permanently connected appliances, fluorescent ballasts, or similar equipment. The application requires a list of employees on company letterhead, and ORS 479.630 requires the contractor to keep a current employee list with the board.
Examination: The BCD contractor/business application does not list a separate BCD examination for this credential; satisfy the applicable CCB and signing-supervisor prerequisites.
Initial fee: $75 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Next scheduled renewal is July 1, 2029. ORS 479.840 sets the fee to apply for or renew a limited maintenance specialty contractor license at $25 per year. Maintain the active CCB license and required signing supervisor.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R (LHR) Contractor license

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Allows a company to maintain, service, repair, or replace commercial and industrial electrical products that use fuel or other forms of energy to produce heat, power, refrigeration, or air conditioning, within the signing supervisor's license limitations.
Experience or qualification: Generally maintain an active Oregon CCB license and designate an S, J, LEA, LEB, or qualified person as signing supervisor. A qualified person must document two years (4,000 hours) of installation experience plus approved specialized training. The application requires a list of employees on company letterhead.
Examination: The BCD contractor/business application does not list a separate BCD examination for this credential; satisfy the applicable CCB and signing-supervisor prerequisites.
Initial fee: $75 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Next scheduled renewal is July 1, 2029. Confirm the renewal fee with BCD. Maintain the active CCB license and required signing supervisor.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Pump Installation Specialty Contractor (CPI) Contractor license

Issuing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) →
Scope of work: Allows a company to direct, supervise, and perform specified electrical work on potable, irrigation, sump, effluent, and groundwater pump equipment on residential and agricultural property, limited to branch-circuit wiring from the load side of an external disconnect.
Experience or qualification: Generally maintain an active Oregon CCB license and designate an S, J, or qualified person as signing supervisor. A qualified person must document 12 months (2,000 hours) of experience with pump equipment on residential property. ORS 479.630 requires the contractor to keep a current list of employees with the board.
Examination: The BCD contractor/business application does not list a separate BCD examination for this credential; satisfy the applicable CCB and signing-supervisor prerequisites.
Initial fee: $75 non-refundable application fee
Renewal: Next scheduled renewal is July 1, 2029. ORS 479.840 sets the fee to apply for or renew a pump specialty contractor license at $25 per year. Maintain the active CCB license and required signing supervisor.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Licensed in another state?

Oregon has a reviewed application route for some licenses from 7 states. A route can waive an exam or some experience; you still need the Oregon credential before you work. Expand a state for the routes and their requirements.

Arkansas Reciprocity · 2 routes

If you hold: Arkansas journeyman electrician license, obtained by examination, current/active/good standing (Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners)
You can apply for: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license, Oregon Building Codes Division

To apply:

Complete the Reciprocal Electrical License Application (form 4794e) with fee
Qualify by exam with at least 8,000 hours of supervised journeyman-level work and 4 years / 576 classroom hours of electrical apprenticeship education, or equivalent as determined by the reviewing state

Limits:

Exam-waived issuance only; the Oregon license is required before performing work and the examination waiver is not authority to work
Residential-only or non-exam-based Arkansas credentials do not qualify

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Checked 2026-09-17.

If you hold: Arkansas master electrician certificate, obtained by examination, current/active/good standing (Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners)
You can apply for: Oregon General Supervising Electrician (S) license, Oregon Building Codes Division

To apply:

Complete the Reciprocal Electrical License Application (form 4794e) with fee
4 years / 8,000 hours working as a licensed journeyman; Arkansas master standing is deemed to satisfy the journeyman education/experience requirements (agreement II.A.3)

Limits:

Exam-waived issuance only; the Oregon license is required before performing work and the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Checked 2026-09-17.

Arkansas licensing →

Idaho Reciprocity

If you hold: Idaho journeyman electrician license (Idaho DOPL Electrical Bureau / Idaho Division of Building Safety), exam-based, current and in good standing
You can apply for: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license by reciprocity (Oregon Building Codes Division, DCBS; ORS 670.380 agreement BCD# 73-0-468)

To apply:

hold a current, active, good-standing Idaho journeyman electrician license (no pending disciplinary action or disciplinary restrictions)
have passed an examination in Idaho (or Oregon) with the minimum score required by the issuing state
have qualified for the exam by 4 years of apprenticeship education (576 classroom hours minimum) plus a minimum of 4 years (8,000 hours) in the trade under direct supervision of a licensed journeyman; equivalently-experienced applicants may be independently assessed by Oregon
pay all required fees and submit the Reciprocal Electrical License Application (BCD form 479-4E)

Limits:

the ID master credential is unavailable for supervising reciprocity: the General Supervising Electrician (S) reciprocal list names only Arkansas and Utah; agreement section II.C merely credits an Idaho master license toward the J experience and education requirements
no minimum holding period is specified for the Idaho license (unlike the Oregon-Washington agreement's 6-month/1,000-hour rule)
the ID electrical contractor credential is not addressed by Oregon reciprocity
the Oregon license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Checked 2026-09-19.

Idaho licensing →

Maine Reciprocity

If you hold: Maine Journeyman Electrician license (Maine Electricians' Examining Board, 32 M.R.S. ch. 17), exam-based
You can apply for: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license by reciprocal agreement (Oregon Building Codes Division, Electrical and Elevator Board; ORS 670.380, OAR 918-030-0045)

To apply:

hold a current Maine Electricians' Examining Board (MEEB) license obtained by examination (not grandfathered or waived)
be in good standing with no disciplinary action or open complaints in Maine
hold a journeyman license or certificate obtained by examination with a minimum score of 75%, current, active and in good standing
have qualified by examination plus a minimum of four years (8,000 hours) in the electrical trade under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician, and completion of four years of electrical apprenticeship vocational education (576 classroom hours minimum)
pay all required fees and meet the application requirements of the Reciprocal Electrical License Application (BCD form 4794e)

Limits:

journeyman tier only: the General Supervising Electrician (S) reciprocal list on the same page is a closed list (Arkansas, Utah) that excludes Maine - no master/supervising-tier reciprocity with Maine exists
a Maine Master Electrician is deemed by agreement II.A.3 to have met the experience and education requirements and may obtain the Oregon General JOURNEYMAN license, not a supervising license
the Oregon license must be issued before work; the reciprocal agreement is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Checked 2026-09-26.

Maine licensing →

Montana Reciprocity

If you hold: Montana journeyman electrician license (Montana State Electrical Board, Montana DLI), obtained by examination with a minimum score of 75%
You can apply for: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license (Oregon Building Codes Division)

To apply:

hold a Montana journeyman electrician license obtained by examination with a minimum score of 75%, current, active and in good standing
have worked a minimum of four years (8,000 hours) in the electrical trade under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician and completed four years of electrical apprenticeship vocational education (576 classroom hours minimum), or equivalent as determined by the reviewing state
pay all required fees to the reciprocating state for applications and licensure and meet other application requirements in statute or rule
complete the Reciprocal Electrical License Application (BCD form 4794e)

Limits:

no General Supervising Electrician (S) reciprocity with Montana (Arkansas and Utah only); a MT master is deemed to meet the J experience/education requirements but receives no supervising-electrician reciprocal license
no minimum holding period is stated in the agreement
Oregon contractor registration is via the Construction Contractors Board (CCB), separate from BCD individual licenses
the Oregon license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Checked 2026-09-18.

Montana licensing →

Utah Reciprocity · 2 routes

If you hold: Utah Journeyman Electrician license (Utah DOPL), obtained by examination with a minimum score of 75%
You can apply for: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license (Oregon Building Codes Division)

To apply:

Hold a current, active Utah Journeyman Electrician license in good standing, obtained by examination with a minimum score of 75%.
Have qualified for the Utah licensing examination through 8,000 hours (4 years) of work under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman plus four years (576 classroom hours minimum) of electrical apprenticeship vocational education.
Have worked a minimum of six months (1,000 hours) under the Utah license.
Have not failed the Oregon licensing examination for this license type within the past two years.
Submit the Reciprocal Electrical License Application (form 4794e) with the $100 non-refundable fee, a 2x2 passport photo, a copy of the active Utah license including any violations within the past three years, a Utah DOPL-completed License Verification Form, and an Affidavit of Employment Experience.

Limits:

No violations or conditions may be attached to the Utah license within the past three years.
The Oregon license must be issued by the Building Codes Division before performing electrical work in Oregon; the examination waiver is not authority to work.
Only the statewide Utah Journeyman Electrician credential is covered; Utah residential-only classifications are not named in the agreement.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Checked 2026-09-17.

If you hold: Utah Master Electrician certificate (Utah DOPL), obtained by examination with a minimum score of 75%
You can apply for: Oregon General Supervising Electrician (S) license (Oregon Building Codes Division)

To apply:

Hold a current, active Utah Master Electrician certificate in good standing, obtained by examination with a minimum score of 75%.
Have qualified as a licensed general journeyman working with a valid journeyman electrical license or certificate for four years (8,000 hours), as required for the Utah master certificate.
Have worked a minimum of six months (1,000 hours) under the Utah certificate.
Have not failed the Oregon licensing examination for this license type within the past two years.
Submit the Reciprocal Electrical License Application (form 4794e) with the $100 non-refundable fee, a 2x2 passport photo, a copy of the active Utah certificate including any violations within the past three years, a Utah DOPL-completed License Verification Form, and an Affidavit of Employment Experience.

Limits:

No violations or conditions may be attached to the Utah certificate within the past three years.
The Oregon license must be issued by the Building Codes Division before performing electrical work in Oregon; the examination waiver is not authority to work.
Only the statewide Utah Master Electrician credential is covered; Utah residential-only classifications are not named in the agreement.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Checked 2026-09-17.

Utah licensing →

Washington Reciprocity · 2 routes

If you hold: Washington (01) General Journeyman Electrician certificate obtained by examination (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; RCW 19.28 / WAC 296-46B)
You can apply for: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license by reciprocal agreement (Oregon Building Codes Division, Department of Consumer and Business Services; ORS 670.380, OAR 918-030-0045)

To apply:

hold a current, active Washington Department of Labor & Industries certificate that is an equivalent or higher license from a reciprocal state 'with no violations or conditions attached within the past three years' (form 4794e, OAR-918-030-0045)
have worked a minimum of six months (1,000 hours) under the Washington license (form 4794e; verified by the Affidavit of Employment Experience)
not have failed the Oregon licensing examination for the license type you are reciprocating within the past two years (form 4794e)
complete Oregon BCD form 4794e with the $100 fee (application fees are nonrefundable), a 2x2 passport-style photo, a copy of the active Washington license including any violations in the past three years, a License Verification Form completed by Washington L&I (L&I's Request for Electrical Licensing Verification F500-128-000), and the Affidavit of Employment Experience; mail to BCD, P.O. Box 14470, Salem, OR 97309-0404
have qualified for the Washington journeyman examination through the required work experience: 'You must have completed an apprenticeship program in the state of Oregon or Washington and passed the licensing exam for the State of Washington' - completion of at least four (4) years of electrical apprenticeship vocational education with a minimum of 576 classroom hours, and a minimum of four (4) years (8,000 hours) in the electrical trade under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician
have passed the Washington licensing exam with a score of 75 percent or better (form 4794e)

Limits:

the OR-WA agreement covers only the journeyman/general journey level: BCD's page lists a reciprocal agreement for Washington under 'General Journeyman Electrician (J)' only, and the General Supervising Electrician (S) reciprocal tier names Arkansas and Utah only - no Washington entry
the Washington (02) Specialty electrician credential has no published reciprocal route to Oregon; specialty electricians use Oregon's standard examination/licensing pathway for the relevant classification
the Oregon reciprocal license must be issued before work; the reciprocal agreement is not authority to work
a Washington (01) certificate not obtained by examination, or not via a qualifying Oregon/Washington apprenticeship, is not eligible; the standard Oregon examination pathway applies

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Checked 2026-09-30.

If you hold: Washington master electrician certificate (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; RCW 19.28 / WAC 296-46B)
You can apply for: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license by reciprocal agreement (Oregon Building Codes Division, Department of Consumer and Business Services; ORS 670.380, OAR 918-030-0045) with the experience and education requirements of the agreement's Section II.A deemed met

To apply:

hold a Washington master electrician certificate that is current, active, and has no violations or conditions attached within the past three years ('Reciprocity applicants holding ... Washington master electrician certificate, that is current, active, and has no violations or conditions attached within the period specified by the reciprocating state, shall be deemed to have met the experience and education requirements of this Section II.A')
have worked a minimum of six months (1,000 hours) under the Washington license (form 4794e; verified by the Affidavit of Employment Experience)
not have failed the Oregon licensing examination for the license type you are reciprocating within the past two years (form 4794e)
complete Oregon BCD form 4794e with the $100 fee (application fees are nonrefundable), a 2x2 passport-style photo, a copy of the active Washington license including any violations in the past three years, a License Verification Form completed by Washington L&I (L&I's Request for Electrical Licensing Verification F500-128-000), and the Affidavit of Employment Experience; mail to BCD, P.O. Box 14470, Salem, OR 97309-0404

Limits:

the OR-WA agreement covers only the journeyman/general journey level: BCD's page lists a reciprocal agreement for Washington under 'General Journeyman Electrician (J)' only, and the General Supervising Electrician (S) reciprocal tier names Arkansas and Utah only - no Washington entry
the Washington (02) Specialty electrician credential has no published reciprocal route to Oregon; specialty electricians use Oregon's standard examination/licensing pathway for the relevant classification
the Oregon reciprocal license must be issued before work; the reciprocal agreement is not authority to work
Oregon's General Supervising Electrician (S) reciprocal tier names only Arkansas and Utah, so no Washington-credential route to the Oregon supervising license is published; the deemed-experience clause operates within the journeyman reciprocity pathway

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Checked 2026-09-30.

Washington licensing →

Wyoming Reciprocity

If you hold: Wyoming journeyman electrician license (Wyoming State Fire Marshal's Office / Electrical Board), obtained by examination with a minimum score of 75%
You can apply for: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license (Oregon Building Codes Division)

To apply:

hold a Wyoming journeyman electrician license obtained by examination with a minimum score of 75%, current, active and in good standing
have worked a minimum of four years (8,000 hours) in the electrical trade under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician and completed four years of electrical apprenticeship vocational education (576 classroom hours minimum), or equivalent as determined by the reviewing state
pay all required fees to the reciprocating state for applications and licensure and meet other application requirements in statute or rule
complete the Reciprocal Electrical License Application (BCD form 4794e)

Limits:

no General Supervising Electrician (S) reciprocity with Wyoming (Arkansas and Utah only); a WY master receives experience/education credit toward the journeyman route but no supervising-electrician reciprocal license
Oregon contractor registration is via the Construction Contractors Board (CCB), separate from BCD individual licenses
the Oregon license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Checked 2026-09-17.

Wyoming licensing →

Taking your Oregon license elsewhere

Reviewed routes for Oregon licensees, with requirements on each receiving state's page:

Arkansas: Oregon General Supervising Electrician (S) license → Arkansas Master Electrician license (exam waiver)
Idaho: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician license (Oregon Building Codes Division, ORS 479.610 et seq., OAR 918-282), exam-obtained → Idaho Journeyman Electrician license by reciprocity (Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Idaho Electrical Board; Idaho Code §54-1007) (reciprocity)
Maine: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician license (Oregon Building Codes Division, ORS 479.610 et seq., OAR 918-282), exam-obtained → Maine Journeyman Electrician license by reciprocity (Maine Electricians' Examining Board, OPOR/DPFR; Title 32 §1206, 10 M.R.S. §8003-G) (reciprocity)
Montana: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license → Montana Journeyman Electrician license (endorsement)
Montana: Oregon Limited Residential Electrician (LR) license → Montana Residential Electrician license (endorsement)
Utah: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license → Utah Journeyman Electrician license (endorsement)
Utah: Oregon General Supervising Electrician (S) license → Utah Master Electrician license (endorsement)
Washington: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license (Oregon Building Codes Division, ORS 479.610 et seq., OAR 918-282), exam-obtained after an 8,000-hour apprenticeship → Washington (01) General Journey Level Electrician certificate by reciprocity (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Electrical Program; ch. 19.28 RCW, WAC 296-46B) (reciprocity)
Washington: Oregon General Supervising Electrician (S) license (Oregon Building Codes Division, ORS 479.610 et seq., OAR 918-282), exam-obtained → Washington (01) General Journey Level Electrician certificate by reciprocity (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Electrical Program; ch. 19.28 RCW, WAC 296-46B) (reciprocity)
Wyoming: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license → Wyoming Journeyman Electrician license (exam waiver)

Individual and business credentials are different

Individual licenses include the electrical apprentice and indirect supervision apprentice licenses, general supervising and journey-level electricians, and limited plant, maintenance, residential, limited-energy, renewable-energy, sign, stage, and building-maintenance classifications. The state license directory lists the Bureau of Labor and Industries as the contact for the limited residential apprentice license, with a $0.00 fee and automatic renewal for active apprentices and trainees.
A worker license does not by itself authorize a company to engage in electrical contracting. BCD separately issues electrical and limited contractor/business licenses. Those businesses generally must maintain an active Oregon Construction Contractors Board license and designate an approved signing supervisor.
Elevator credentials and apprenticeship program/provider approvals are outside this electrician inventory. The individual electrical apprentice license is included because Oregon law requires an electrical apprentice to be licensed.

Reciprocity

BCD lists reciprocal pathways only for the General Journeyman Electrician (J) and General Supervising Electrician (S) licenses. The states and qualification conditions differ by credential; review each credential's official source before applying.

Local licensing

ORS 479.854 lets a municipality require a municipal general supervising electrician license only with approval from the Electrical and Elevator Board and the department's director, and only for installations of a unique character.

Verify before applying

Requirements, fees, forms, license cycles, and examination details can change. BCD individual licenses run on three-year license periods, and each credential below lists BCD's next renewal date. This page is not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with BCD before paying a fee or performing regulated work.

View Application Information → Oregon BCD License Search →

Cite this page

Title: Electrician Licensing in Oregon
URL: https://tradesdir.com/electrical/licensing/oregon
Information checked: 2026-10-05

Suggested citation: Electrician Licensing in Oregon. Trades Directory. https://tradesdir.com/electrical/licensing/oregon (information checked 2026-10-05).

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Electrician Licensing in Oregon

How Oregon's system works

Credential-specific requirements

Licensed in another state?

Taking your Oregon license elsewhere

Individual and business credentials are different

Reciprocity

Local licensing

Verify before applying

Related Resources for Oregon