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Aspiring professionals who wish to get their electrical license in Alaska should know that there are two types of Electrical Administrator licenses: the Residential Wiring License and the Unlimited Commercial Wiring License. Furthermore, the Electrical Journeyman Certificate of Fitness can also be issued to applicants who meet additional criteria.

Depending on which license you are interested in, you will need to fulfill different requirements. 

What Type of Work Can Be Done with Each Type of License?

The type and degree of work that you legally will be able to perform will vary with the type of license you hold.

The Residential Wiring License

Professionals who hold a residential wiring license in Alaska can perform electrical work in dwellings that are classified as residential. However, those dwellings cannot exceed three stories in height. They also cannot be any larger than a four-plex. There is one exception, and that is for 3-phase wiring and services.

The Unlimited Commercial Wiring License

This license is the one to go for if you’re interested in the installation, operation, repair, and maintenance of any and all electrical work that is subject to the National Electrical Code. This applies to electrical work within buildings and within property lines of any given property.

It’s important to note that the Unlimited Commercial Wiring License does NOT include linework that consists of towers and poles. This includes:

• Cables
• Wires
• Other apparatus supported by wires and cables
• Outdoor substations
• Other work defined under this category

If you’re interested in getting either of these licenses, you’ll need to know what will be required of you.

Requirements for Obtaining Your Alaska Electrician License

For the residential wiring license, you’ll need to provide proof that you have at least two years of practical experience as a journeyman residential wireman. These two years must be within the four years preceding the date of your application.

You will also need to pass the Residential Wiring Exam, which has 75 questions. It’s an open book exam, and you will have 180 minutes to get at least 70% correct. You’ll also need to furnish proof of general liability insurance and provide a current financial statement.

For the Unlimited Commercial Wiring License, you’ll need proof of working as a journeyman in commercial wiring for at least four out of the six years preceding the date of your application. You’ll also need a degree in electrical engineering, along with additional requirements. Proof of insurance is also required.

The Journeyman Certificate of Fitness requires a minimum of 8,000 hours of work experience. A minimum of 6,000 of those hours must be industrial or commercial. 

A maximum of 2,000 hours can be residential. Up to 1,000 hours of classroom training or power lineman experience can contribute to the 8,000 hours required. You will need to also pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam.

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