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Every person who works on electrical systems or their parts in Oregon is required to have a state-administered electrician license. 

You can obtain one of several different types of electrical licenses, depending on your experience and the type of work you will be doing. Each one specifies the stipulations under which the license holder can work.

What Are the Requirements to Obtain an Oregon Electrical License?

To be eligible for each type of electrical license, the applicant must meet varying criteria, which include requirements for experience, education, and the successful completion of professional state examinations.

General Supervision Electrician License

This license allows you to plan, design, and lay out electrical projects. You can also sign work permits. General supervision electricians are the only professionals authorized to direct, control, and supervise the installation or alteration of electrical systems and services.

The professional applying to become a general supervision electrician must currently hold an Oregon journeyman license. They must submit documentation of 8,000 hours or four years of on-the-job experience as a journeyman electrician. 

General Journeyman Electrical License

Oregon journeyman electrical professionals may alter, repair, or install any electrical system or parts under a general supervision electrician’s direction, control, and supervision. 

You can become a journeyman electrical professional by completing 8,000 hours of work experience in addition to 576 hours of technical or classroom training. The hours must be divided into at least 1,000 in each category: commercial, industrial, and residential.

Alternatively, you can complete a state-approved internship program. Finally, you can have 16,000 hours of electrical installation experience in a state other than Oregon. 

Limited Residential Electrical License

The limited residential electrician is permitted to make electrical repairs, upgrades, and installations in dwellings that are designed for single and double families. These dwellings cannot exceed three above-grade floors. The limited residential electrician is required to work under the control and direction of a general supervision electrician.

They must complete an approved apprenticeship program or submit 4,000 residential on-the-job electrical training hours and 288 hours of technical or classroom training. Alternatively, they can provide proof of verifiable 8,000 hours of experience outside the state.

Electrical Contractor License

Professionals with this license may own a company that carries out electrical installations, repairs, replacements, and upgrades. These professionals are required to be licensed, insured, and bonded by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).

The requirements for obtaining this type of license vary and are outlined in the official Oregon Construction Contractors Board Guide. To obtain this type of license, you must be at least 18 years of age, have at least 16 hours of training in law and business, and pass the appropriate exam. You will also need to provide proof of various types of insurance and bonds.

Prepare for Your Oregon Electrician Exams with RocketCert

No matter your experience, you will not be permitted to obtain a license until you pass the right electrician license exam. The electrical exam has 64 questions; you must answer 75% of them correctly to pass. The Oregon contractor exam contains 80 questions; you must get 70% correct.

The best way to prepare for your Oregon electrical license exams is to register with RocketCert. Our exam prep courses teach you everything you need. Sign up today!