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Even those who love roughing it in the great outdoors are happy to come home to a warm shower, cold drinks in the fridge, and lights that turn on at the flip of a switch. Electricity makes life easier in countless ways, and this is good news for anyone interested in a career as an electrician.

If job security, a good wage, and the opportunity to run your own business are high on your list of professional priorities, then a career in electrical work might be just what you’re looking for. As an electrician, you can install, erect, maintain, repair, and alter electrical equipment.

Of course, the state of New Jersey requires licensing for many skilled trades, and once you obtain your license from the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, you’ll have to renew it periodically. 

What are the criteria for renewing your license, and how often is renewal required? Here’s what you need to know to avoid a costly and inconvenient lapse in licensure.

License Renewal Requirements

Once you have your electrical license, you’ll have to maintain it by completing continuing education (CE) credits required for renewal. Licenses expire on March 31^st of your expiration year, so if you need to renew, you’ll want to get all of your CE done in plenty of time to apply.

Journeyman electrical contractors must complete 10 hours of CE every three years, including one hour of New Jersey statutes and rules and nine hours covering changes to the National Electric Code (NEC). Electrical contractors must complete 34 hours of CE covering topics like:

• Installation, erection, repair, or alteration of electrical equipment
• Transmission or utilization of electrical energy
• Job estimating, management, and business practices
• Supervisory responsibilities required of licensees

You may also take coursework on subjects related to electrical contracting and construction, as well as up to four hours of trade-related topics. It’s important that you look for a state-approved program to ensure that your CE hours are accepted by the board so you won’t have any issues with the renewal process.

If you miss the renewal date, you have a 30-day grace period to submit your application and complete the renewal. After that, your license will be suspended without a hearing, so it’s best to make sure you get everything in order well before March 31^st in a renewal year.

Continuing Education for New Jersey Electrical Licenses

Finding the right CE courses requires more than simply choosing any state-approved program. You want a program designed for working professionals. Look for an organization that offers the convenience of 24/7 online access to course materials and a self-paced learning format that works with your schedule. 

It’s also a good idea to choose a program that offers an instant certificate of completion for your records, along with daily notifications to the state on your behalf.

If it’s time to renew your New Jersey electrical contractor license, choose the state-approved CE program designed by and for trade professionals. Contact RocketCert today to sign up for needed continuing education courses.