Licensing board: Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), Electrical section
Statewide licensing: OCILB "issues state licenses to Electrical, HVAC, Refrigeration, Plumbing, and Hydronics Contractors who perform commercial work." No individual (journeyman) license is described on OCILB's licensing pages we read; check with the local building department where you will work. source
License levels
- Electrical Contractor (commercial, state license): At least 18; a tradesperson in the electrical trade for not less than five years immediately before applying (last five years of tax documents plus one of: a permit for each of those years, an active journeyman card, a completed approved apprenticeship, or 40 hours of approved live or virtual code CE); or an Ohio registered professional engineer with three years of business experience in the trade; or five years as an Ohio government inspector in the trade source
- Individual electricians (journeyman): requirements: check with the local building department where you will work
Exam
After board approval and BCI and FBI background checks, a computer-based exam by PSI. Those who pass both sections send the results, a $25 check and proof of at least $500,000 contractor liability insurance. source
Continuing education
10 classroom hours a year for an electrical-only licensee, at least 5 in electrical code (OAC 4101:16-2-08). Compliant contractor program members: 8 hours for annual renewal or 24 for triennial (OAC 4101:16-1-08). source
Renewal dates and CE for this license: Credential Renewal Calendar.
Last checked 2026-10-18. Code edition by state: NFPA NEC enforcement maps.
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