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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for electricians across the nation is growing faster than average. This means there are many opportunities for increased earning potential and the chance to help others. 

If you’re looking to work as a licensed electrician, becoming an unlimited electrical contractor in Connecticut will give you the freedom to pursue the work you love. Learn about the requirements to obtain this type of license. 

What You Can Do With an Unlimited Electrical License

In the state of Connecticut, there are two types of unlimited electrical licenses. What you can do as an electrician depends on the type of license you have. 

The base-level unlimited electrical license is referred to as an E-2 unlimited electrical journeyperson’s license. This type of credential allows you to do all electrical work as defined in section 20-330 of the Connecticut General Statutes. This includes the installation, maintenance, and repair of fixtures and equipment that generate or use electrical energy, with the exception of low-voltage wiring used within lawn sprinklers. 

Those with an E-2 electrical license are required to do work under the employment and supervision of a licensed contractor. If you want to be the contractor that employs E-2 electricians, you’ll need an E-1 unlimited electrical contractor license. These contractors are permitted to do everything an E-2 electrician can do but without any need for supervision. 

How to Qualify to Obtain an E-1 or E-2 Electrical License in Connecticut

To obtain an E-2 unlimited electrical license in the state of Connecticut, you must first complete a registered apprenticeship program. You may also complete four years of equivalent experience and training to fulfill this requirement. You must have 8,000 hours of hands-on experience and 144 hours per year of classroom learning. 

The second requirement entails passing two examinations: one trade exam and a written business law exam. The E-2 Journeyperson Trade exam is a 3.5-hour open-book test consisting of 80 questions on topics such as: 

• General electrical knowledge 
• Service, feeders, and branch circuits 
• Grounding and bonding 
• Conductors and cables 
• Photovoltaics 
• Fire detection and alarm systems 

The Business Law exam is a two-hour open-book exam consisting of 50 questions on topics like: 

• Licensing 
• Estimating and bidding 
• Lien law 
• Financial and project management 
• Tax and labor laws 

You need a score of 70% to pass both exams. To upgrade to an E-1 unlimited electrical license, you’ll need two years of experience as an E-2 journeyperson or six years of equivalent experience and training. You’ll also have to pass the E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor and Business Law exams. 

The open-book E-1 exam contains the same topics as the E-2 exam. It consists of 100 in-depth questions, lasts four hours, and requires a passing score of 70%. You must apply to take the exam and wait to receive an eligibility postcard with scheduling instructions. 

Great Test Prep Is Essential to Your Success

Passing your exams to obtain your unlimited electrical license the first time will require high-quality test prep materials. This will help you study well and retain the information you need to know. 

Fortunately, our materials are written and presented by professional educators and industry professionals. Contact RocketCert today to learn more about how our Connecticut electrical test prep guides can help you on your journey toward a new and rewarding career.