In the state of Maine, electricians are required to hold a license that proves their competency for the purposes of public safety.
Licenses are regulated by the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation — a part of the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation — with exams for licensure administered by the Electricians’ Examining Board.
The state offers licenses in the following categories:
Once you’ve completed the requirements and passed an examination (if required for your license), you may begin working in the electrical field, although certain positions (apprentice, helper, trainee) will require the supervision of more experienced professionals.
Keep in mind that electrician licenses will eventually expire if you fail to meet continuing education and renewal requirements.
So how do you renew your electrician license in Maine?
Both journeyman and master electrician licenses are valid for two years from the date they are issued. In order to renew these licenses, electrical professionals are required to complete 15 hours of continuing education and file appropriate paperwork before the expiration date on their license.
This training must include instruction relevant to the current National Electric Code (NEC), and the best courses will also include information on safety standards as well as any Maine Amendments related to the electrical field.
The cost to renew a license is $150 for master, journeyman, journeyman-in-training, and limited electricians, although seniors (over age 70) with these licenses are required to pay only a $20 fee. Apprentice and helper electricians will pay a $25 fee to renew their licenses every two years.
Once continuing education requirements have been met, you must submit your renewal form to the state.
First, it’s important that you find a continuing education program that fulfills state requirements for electrical license renewal. This will include current NEC topics, but you might want to look for extras like common NEC violations or electrical installation standards — these topics will help you improve as you advance in your career.
What else should you look for when choosing the best program? You’ll want courses created by educators and industry professionals, with content that is fully narrated and expertly written to ensure relevance.
As a working professional, you’ll benefit from programs offering self-paced learning that complements your busy lifestyle. Mobile-ready training materials available 24/7 with instant online access are ideal.
You should also check for lifetime access that allows you to refer back to educational materials for a refresher down the road. Not every program offers this. Make sure you’ll receive an instant certificate of completion when you’ve finished the course, and choose a program that submits state notifications in a timely manner on your behalf.
Outstanding technical support and a commitment to customer care are also important when you’re working on a deadline to complete your license renewal.
If you’re ready to renew your electrician license in Maine, RocketCert offers the electrical contractor continuing education course that has everything you’re looking for. Contact us today to get started.