Licensing:
1. What is the licensing process for electrical contractors?
Applications for examination must be submitted to the Board for review. An applicant for examination must show proof that he/she has had, immediately preceding the submission of the application, at least five years of practical hands-on experience working with tools in the installation, alteration or repair of wiring for electric light, heat or power, which work shall have been done in compliance with the National Electrical Code. Once the application has been approved, the applicant will receive a registration form to be completed and sent to the testing service with the appropriate fees. The applicant must pass a three-part examination. Applications for Examination, examination dates, and pertinent information may be obtained from the Web site. Click on the Applications link or contact the Board office at (973) 504-6410.
Upon successfully passing the three-part examination (electrical contractor [trade], alarm systems and business and law), the applicant will receive a packet of licensing information.
2. When do licensed electrical contractors renew their licenses/business permits?
Before March 31 every three years: 2012, 2015, 2018, etc.
3. Does New Jersey have reciprocity agreements with other states?
No. New Jersey does not have reciprocity with any other state.
4. Can an individual be the responsible managing employee for more than one electrical contracting entity?
No. A licensed New Jersey electrical contractor may only be the license qualifier for one electrical contracting entity.
5. Can a licensee renew his/her license as inactive?
A licensee may renew his/her license by choosing inactive status. Information on inactive status may be obtained from the Web site. Click on Laws and Regulations, and then select Electricians Regulations. Refer to N.J.A.C. 13:31-2.4.
6. Do joint ventures need to be licensed?
Where two or more persons form a joint venture for the purpose of contracting to perform electrical work in New Jersey, each party to the joint venture must hold a business permit issued by the Board to engage in electrical contracting in New Jersey. Information on joint ventures may be obtained from the Web site. Click on Laws and Regulations, then select Electricians Regulations. Refer to N.J.A.C. 13:31-3.5.
7. Who should have possession of the pressure seal?
The pressure seal shall be used exclusively by the licensed electrical contractor in the conduct of his/her practice.
8. When must I return my pressure seal to the Board office?
A licensee whose license has been suspended or revoked as a result of either a disciplinary order or a failure to pay licensing fees, or who has registered with the Board as inactive, shall immediately return to the Board the official pressure seal.
Continuing Education:
Are electrical contractors required to meet continuing education requirements?
Yes. Prior to renewing his/her license in 2012, a licensee must complete a total of 34 hours of continuing education which includes nine hours of Code and one hour of New Jersey laws, rules and regulations. Licensees shall not be required to complete the continuing education requirements for the triennial registration period in which they initially received licensure.
Miscellaneous:
1. How can I find out if a person is licensed as an electrical contractor?
On the Web site click on Licensee Information then select Licensee Search or contact the Board’s office at (973) 504-6410.
2. When do I need to register with the Board as a qualified journeyman electrician?
A. A person shall register as a qualified journeyman electrician in order to engage in the activities set forth in N.J.S.A. 45:5A-18(k) and (l), and, if the person is not a licensee, in order to supervise the performance of electrical work pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:31-3.4. An application may be obtained from the Web site. Click on Applications or contact the Board office at (973) 504-6410.
3. What is a limited telecommunications wiring exemption and how do I obtain an application?
A.Telecommunications wiring means wiring within a premises, either inside or outside a building for voice and/or data transmission at voltage(s) compatible with the system being installed and connected to an F.C.C.-recognized communication network at the point of connection provided by the public utility providing communication services to the customer. It shall also include the interconnection of data wiring between computers and/or terminals. An application may be obtained from the Web site. Click on Applications or contact the Board office at (973) 504-6410.
