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With college costs rising and many high school graduates looking to avoid the burden of student loan debt, skilled trades have emerged as an attractive alternative. As an electrician, you can learn as you earn, enjoy the stability of an in-demand trade, and advance from a residential or journeyman license to a master electrician license. 

Obtaining a license from the Montana State Electrical Board isn’t a one-and-done affair, though. You have to maintain your license through periodic renewal. How often do you have to renew your electrical license, and what are the requirements? Here’s what you need to know to ensure that your license doesn’t lapse. 

When and How to Renew Your Electrical License 

Electrical licenses in Montana are valid for up to two years, with the expiration date falling on July 15 of even years. The renewal cycle opens 60 days before expiration, on May 15 of renewal years, and licensees are encouraged to renew early in the cycle to ensure uninterrupted licensing. 

Residential, journeyman, and master electricians are required to complete 16 hours of approved continuing education (CE) for each renewal period, with at least eight hours devoted to National Electrical Code (NEC) updates and changes. The remaining eight hours must cover industry-related topics. 

You are exempt from CE requirements for renewal only if you are a newly licensed graduate of an approved apprenticeship program. License holders who have upgraded from a residential or journeyman license to a master license within the most recent renewal period are not exempt. 

The board may randomly audit CE at any time. License holders are responsible for maintaining copies of Certificates of Completion in case of an audit. 

Penalties for Failure to Renew 

If you miss the deadline for renewal, your license will expire and be placed on administrative suspension. You cannot legally continue to perform electrical work with a suspended license, which could cost you job contracts and earnings. To reinstate your license, you’ll have to meet renewal requirements and pay a reinstatement fee. 

If you allow your license to lapse for more than two years, it will be terminated, after which you will have to apply for a new license and retake state exams. If you choose to work without a license, you could be subject to penalties like fines and possibly jail time. 

Continuing Education That Makes the Grade 

As a working professional, you may not have a lot of time to devote to continuing education. The best programs will account for your needs by offering convenient, 24/7 online access to materials for self-paced learning. 

You should also look for courses developed by industry experts and educators, with lifetime access to materials so you can refer back to them whenever you like. The best platforms provide an instant Certificate of Completion for your records, along with state notification of course completion on your behalf. 

Are you ready to complete continuing education requirements to renew your residential, journeyman, or master electrical license in Montana? Contact RocketCert now to learn more and sign up for an approved CE program.