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Today’s society revolves around electronics that allow people to work, stay connected, and enjoy entertainment. Electricians are essential for facilitating digital communication and other elements of the modern lifestyle. 

With your journeyman electrician (EE),master electrician (ME), or electrical contractor (CE) license from the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction (HBC), you are permitted to perform a range of activities.  

These activities could include installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and equipment, overseeing other electricians, or managing an electrical contracting company, depending on the license. 

Once you’ve obtained your license, you must renew it regularly. How often do you have to apply for renewal, and what steps should you take? 

When to Renew Your Electrical License 

With the passing of Kentucky HB 444, electrical licenses issued or renewed on or after July 15, 2024, are now valid for two years. This means a license issued on January 31, 2025, will expire on January 31, 2027. You must complete the requirements and apply for renewal before your license expires to continue working legally. 

Requirements for License Renewal in Kentucky 

Before you apply for license renewal, you are required to complete continuing education credits. Journeyman electricians, master electricians, and electrical contractors must complete six hours of continuing education for license renewal, although the subject matter may differ slightly. 

Courses for journeyman and master electricians must include instruction in one or more of the following areas: 

• Job safety 
• Codes related to the electrical industry 
• Subject matter directly related to the electrical trade 

Courses for electrical contractors must include one or more of the following subjects: 

• Business 
• Job safety 

If you hold both an electrician (EE or ME) and an electrical contractor (CE) license, you must take continuing education courses related to both, totaling 12 hours. You must submit proof of course completion with your application and renewal fees to the HBC. 

Penalties for Working With an Expired License 

You should receive notification when your license renewal is coming up, but it’s a good idea to complete continuing education well before your license expires. Should you miss your renewal date, you will not legally be permitted to continue working. Penalties for working with an expired license could include fines and even misdemeanor charges. 

There is a 60-day grace period during which you can continue to work if you pay your renewal fee and a late fee. However, you must submit proof of completed continuing education before the grace period passes. After 60 days, you must reinstate your license, a process requiring additional fees. 

Finding the Best Continuing Education Program for Professionals 

As a working professional, you need a continuing education program that accommodates your busy schedule. A state-approved, online course offers 24/7 access that allows for self-paced learning when it’s convenient for you.  

Look for programs developed by industry experts and educators, as well as a platform that provides a Certificate of Completion for your records and notification to the state on your behalf. 

Is it time to renew your EE, ME, or CE license in Kentucky? RocketCert has the program you need to maintain a valid license and continue working. Contact us now to get started.