Licensing Guides
Delaware Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Delaware
Electrical, DE
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Delaware
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Delaware?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Delaware?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Delaware?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Delaware?
Does My Delaware Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Delaware?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Delaware?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Delaware. Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electrical workers nationwide and 2,220 in Delaware.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. That growth rate in Delaware is projected at 13%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Delaware in July 2025 totaled 24,700, an increase of 600 (2.5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 1,400 or 6% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Delaware
Is a license required for electricians in Delaware? Yes.
The Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners, located in Dover, issues the licenses. There are detailed instructions on how to apply for an electrical license on the state website (click “Licensure”).
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Delaware
There are different requirements for each level of licensing in the state of Delaware. However, at every level, a license is required by law. For each you must:
Be at least 18 years old to register as an apprentice. Must be at least 20 to apply for all other levels of licensure.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Must enroll in a Delaware-approved apprenticeship program.
Acquire work experience (progressively more for journeyman and master status).
Pass an examination administered by ProV.
Pay all applicable fees.
Apply for your license through the Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services (DelPros) online portal.
How to Become an Electrician in Delaware
According to the state website, to become a licensed electrician in Delaware, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the educational/experience requirements.
Pass the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners examination.
Pay all applicable fees.
Obtain insurance coverage (if obtaining a Master license).
Below are the specifics for each license.
APPRENTICE
Work experience: Apprentice must be actively enrolled in a state-approved apprenticeship program. After finishing your apprenticeship, you will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Apply for license: Apprentices must create a user account in DelPros and register as an apprentice.
Pay Fee: Must pay the $79 registration fee.
Limitations: Must work under direct supervision of a licensed electrician.
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must obtain a minimum of 4,000 hours of work experience.
Pass Licensing Exam: Must pass the Residential Electrician licensing exam.
Apply for license: Must apply online via DelPros.
Pay Fee: Must pay the $99 registration fee.
Limitations: Can only perform work in a residential dwelling or building prior to the dwelling or building being connected to the electric grid.
JOURNEYPERSON ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must obtain a minimum of 8,000 hours of work experience in a registered apprenticeship.
Pass Licensing Exam: Must pass the Journeyperson Electrician licensing exam.
Apply for license: Must apply online via DelPros.
Pay Fee: Must pay the $105 registration fee.
Limitations: Can perform electrical services under the supervision of a Master, Limited, Master Special, or Limited Special electrician.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must obtain a minimum of six years of experience under a licensed Master Electrician or four years of experience plus two years of technical training.
Pass Licensing Exam: Must pass the Master Electrician licensing exam.
Apply for license: Must apply online via DelPros.
Pay Fee: Must pay the $203 registration fee.
Limitations: No limitations. Can operate a business.
Insurance requirements: If you plan to run your own business, you need to register your business with the Secretary of State, and also obtain workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance.
LIMITED ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must obtain a minimum of three years of experience under a licensed Master Electrician or 4,000 hours of experience plus 288 hours of related instruction.
Pass Licensing Exam: Must pass the Limited Electrician licensing exam.
Apply for license: Must apply online via DelPros.
Pay Fee: Must pay the $127 registration fee.
Limitations: Must work under the supervision of a Master Electrician.
LIMITED SPECIAL ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must obtain a minimum of three years of experience under a licensed Master Electrician or 4,000 hours of experience plus 288 hours of related instruction.
Pass Licensing Exam: No exam required.
Apply for license: Must apply online via DelPros.
Pay Fee: Must pay the $127 registration fee.
Limitations: Work is restricted to a specialty area, such as HVAC or swimming pools.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN - SPECIAL
Work experience: Must obtain a minimum of six years of work experience under a Master Electrician OR obtain four years of work experience under a Master Electrician plus 576 instructional hours in a specialty.
Pass Licensing Exam: No exam required.
Apply for license: Must apply online via DelPros.
Pay Fee: Must pay the $200 registration fee.
Limitations: Can work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Work is restricted to a specialty area, such as HVAC or swimming pools.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Delaware
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Delaware?
There are seven electrical licenses available in Delaware. Each level of licensing requires more experience and course work and allows you to work on a wider variety of systems and perform work that grows in complexity or assume responsibility for other’s work.
Apprentice
An apprentice is a person who is licensed by the Board and whose principal occupation is the learning and assisting in the performance of electrical services.
Residential Electrician
A Residential Electrician is a person who is qualified and skilled to perform residential electric work.
Journeyperson Electrician
A Journeyperson Electrician is a person who is qualified and skilled to perform electrical work and who has met the requirements to be licensed as a journeyperson electrician.
Master Electrician
A Master Electrician is a person licensed by the Board to plan, estimate, layout, perform, or supervise the installation, erection, or repair of any electrical conductor, molding, duct, raceway, conduit, machinery, apparatus, device, or fixture for the purpose of lighting, heating, or power in any structure.
Limited Electrician
A Limited Electrician is a person licensed by the Board to plan, estimate, layout, perform, or supervise the installation, erection, or repair of any electrical conductor, molding, duct, raceway, conduit, machinery, apparatus, device, or fixture, for the purpose of lighting, heating, or power, in any structure which contains four or fewer dwelling units, as determined by the applicable building code.
Limited Special Electrician
A Limited Special Electrician is a person licensed by the Board to plan, estimate, layout, perform, or supervise the installation, erection, or repair of any electrical conductor, molding, duct, raceway, conduit, machinery, apparatus, device, or fixture, for any of the following purposes: elevators, swimming pools, air conditioning, heating, and oil burners, in any structure which contains four or fewer dwelling units, as determined by the applicable building code.
Master Electrician - Special
A Master Electrician - Special is a person licensed by the Board to plan, estimate, layout, perform, or supervise the installation, erection, or repair of any electrical conductor, molding, duct, raceway, conduit, machinery, apparatus, device, or fixture for any one of the following purposes: elevators, swimming pools, electric signs, air conditioning, heating, refrigeration, and oil burners, and overhead and underground primary distribution systems.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Delaware
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Delaware.
First and most important, it is required by law in Delaware to be licensed through the state to legally perform any electrical work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the very first day you begin the process of becoming an electrician.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Delaware?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Delaware is $67,900 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Delaware those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $61,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $71,900
Senior (4-7 years): $77,400
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Delaware?
The cost of a license varies in Delaware depending on the level. The fees for each are listed on the Division of Professional Regulation website.
Apprentice Electrician license: $79
Residential Electrician license: $99
Journeyperson Electrician license: $105
Limited Electrician license: $127
Limited Electrician Special license: $127
Master Electrician Special license: $200
Master Electrician license: $203
Testing Fee: All exams cost $100, according to the Candidate Information Bulletin.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Delaware?
It will take a minimum of two years to complete a registered apprenticeship and then become licensed Residential Electrician in Delaware, the lowest level of licensure. It will take a minimum of four years to qualify for a Journeyperson license, and a minimum of six years to qualify for a Master license.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed at the journeyperson level. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license.
As a licensed Master Electrician, you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Delaware Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Delaware.
You can complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.
You can seek out a union apprenticeship available through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. JATCs have been established through the combined efforts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) who have come together to form the National Training Alliance.
Or you can complete a technical school program approved by the Division of Professional Regulation and deemed equivalent to the Department of Labor apprenticeship requirements.
Each option will provide the necessary training to qualify you for examination and/or licensure.
Delaware Technical Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Electromechanical Engineering Technology at multiple campuses in Delaware, including Wilmington and Dover. The University of Delaware, located in Newark, offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
Tuition: The cost of tuition depends on the program you choose. According to Community College Review, the average tuition is approximately $3,530 per year for in-state students and $8,282 for out-of-state students.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Delaware, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Delaware: The Ultimate Guide.
Delaware Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Delaware requires passing an electrical exam for most levels of licensing. There are State of Delaware testing requirements to apply to sit for each exam.
Residential candidates must:
Obtain two years of full-time experience.
Journeyperson candidates must:
Obtain four years of full-time experience.
Limited candidates must:
Obtain two years of full-time experience plus 288 hours of related instruction.
Master candidates must:
Have six years of full-time experience or four years of experience plus two years of technical training.
You can expect there to be more questions on the Delaware Electrician Licensing exams as you progress to higher levels of expertise.
The Residential Electrician exam has 60 questions and a time limit of 3 hours.
The Journeyman Electrician exam has 70 questions and a time limit of 3 hours.
The Limited Electrician exam has 70 questions and a time limit of 3 hours.
The Master Electrician exam has 80 questions and a time limit of 3 hours.
A 75% is required to pass all exams. The exam fee is $100. Topics on the examinations include general electrical knowledge, wiring and protection, wiring methods and materials, electrical systems, equipment for general use, special occupancies, special equipment, special conditions, and communication systems.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Delaware?
At each level you must complete a certain amount of training before sitting for the exam.
Your apprenticeship training will help prepare you for the examination. You will want to study the National Electrical Code (NEC) as well as other materials that are specific to each exam. All exams are open book.
The Residential Electrician exam covers:
General Electrical Knowledge
Wiring & Protection
Wiring Methods & Materials
Equipment for General Use
Special Equipment
Special Conditions
Communication Systems
Plan Reading
Motors & Controls
Suggested references include:
American Electrician's Handbook, 17th Edition
NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code 2020
The Journeyperson Electrician exam covers:
General Electrical Theory & Principles
Plan Reading
Equipment for General Use
Motors & Controls
Wiring & Protection
Wiring Methods & Materials
Communication Systems
Special Conditions
Special Equipment
Special Occupancies
Suggested references include:
American Electrician's Handbook, 17th Edition
NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code 2020
The Limited Electrician exam covers:
General Electrical Knowledge
Equipment for General Use
Wiring & Protection
Wiring Methods & Materials
Special Equipment
Communication Systems
Suggested references include:
American Electrician's Handbook, 17th Edition
NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code 2020
The Master Electrician exam covers:
General Electrical Knowledge
Plan Reading
Equipment for General Use
Wiring & Protection
Wiring Methods & Materials
Motors & Controls
Special Conditions
Special Equipment
Special Occupancies
Communication Systems
Suggested references include:
American Electrician's Handbook, 17th Edition
NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code 2020
Ugly's Electrical References, 2020
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Delaware?
The Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners, Division of Professional Regulation issues most electrician licenses.
Does My Delaware Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Some states will accept a Delaware electrical license if the requirements are greater than or equal to the requirements in the other state. Make sure to check licensing requirements in the jurisdiction where you plan to work.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Delaware?
The Board allows license reciprocity if it finds the licensing requirements in another state are “substantially similar” to those in Delaware. Currently, the Board allows full reciprocity with Michigan and Wyoming.
Delaware allows license reciprocity with the following states on a case-by-case basis, and you must submit a Verification of Employment form:
Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
National Electrician Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Delaware?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Delaware. Options include:
Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) Education Scholarship: Awards $1,000 to $1,500 to first-year students pursuing an electrical program.
Delaware Student Success Compendium: Awards up to $2,000 for students enrolled in a trade school program.
Delaware Technical Community College – SEED Scholarship: Covers tuition for students who are pursuing degrees, certificates, and workforce training in the trades.
Prospective licensees can also pursue the IBEW’s Founders' Scholarship, a national scholarship that awards $200 per semester credit hour at any accredited college or university toward an associate's, bachelor's, or postgraduate degree.
Every scholarship has slightly different requirements and application processes but in general you will need to:
Visit the organization's website.
Fill out an application.
Include a letter or letters of recommendation.
Wait for scholarships to be awarded.
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Delaware?
Your electrical license can be verified in Delaware through the DPR’s License Lookup Tool. It allows you to search by name, business name, or license number.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Delaware?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Delaware electrician licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud in obtaining a license
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Unethical conduct or practice harmful to the public
Habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs
Client fraud
Code violations
Electrical permit abuse
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Delaware electrician and electrical contractor license regulations you can refer to the official Delaware Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Delaware?
Performing electrical work in Delaware without a license carries penalties including fines, criminal charges, and disciplinary action. First-offense penalties generally include fines that can range from $500 to $1,500, with higher fines and potential misdemeanor charges for repeat violations.
Unlicensed individuals may also receive cease-and-desist orders, and anyone falsely advertising or presenting themselves as a licensed electrician can face additional sanctions. Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Delaware electrician and electrical contractor license regulations you can refer to the official Delaware Code.
Continuing Education
Master, Master Special, Limited, and Limited Special electricians must complete five hours of continuing education every two years. Journeyperson and Residential electricians must complete two hours of continuing education every two years.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
