LICENSING & CERTIFICATION

Licensing & Certification

The Electrical Association of Philadelphia supports the continuing education and professional development needs for a wide array of audiences, including:


  • Electricians
  • Electrical Inspectors
  • Electrical and Professional Engineers
  • Facilities Managers
  • HVAC Technicians and Installers


Have a question about local licensing and certification? Contact Mair Malfara.

Renewing Your License

Below is a summary of requirements by jurisdiction for the maintenance of electrical-industry licenses and certifications. All require some component of continuing education.


The Electrical Association of Philadelphia is an authorized provider of CEUs by the City of Philadelphia and an approved Continuing Education Provider for Pennsylvania (Department of Labor and Industry).  Select courses are also eligible for CEs from Delaware, New Jersey, and we also offer courses that qualify for IEEE PDHs.


Be sure to check with your credentialing or licensing institution to make sure CEUs are accepted.

  • Pennsylvania

    There is no state-wide licensing requirement to conduct electrical work in Pennsylvania, and each municipality has specific requirements to obtain appropriate permits, etc. 


    All of Pennsylvania has adopted 2021 I-Codes which includes the2021 IRC and by reference the 2020 NEC. 


    City of Philadelphia

    Electrical Contractors

    More information: City of Philadelphia

    This license must be renewed annually.

    At least eight (8) hours of continuing education per year


    Coursework in NFPA 70, earned during the previous license period qualifies. Courses must be completed within the twelve (12) month period preceding application. The provider must be approved by the PA Department of Labor and Industry.


    [IMPORTANT] Grace Period: For projects in Philadelphia, permit applications submitted between January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, may still utilize the previous code (2017 NEC) if a design or construction contract was signed before January 1. However, all applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026, must comply with the 2020 NEC. 


    Electrical Inspectors

    More information: PA Department of Labor and Industry

    This license must be renewed annually. At least twelve (12) hours of continuing education per year


    Coursework in NFPA 70, earned during the previous license period qualifies. Courses must be completed within the twelve (12) month period preceding application.


    Current Applicable National Electrical Code:

    Statewide: 2020

    City of Philadelphia: 2020

    Recent code effective January 1, 2026

  • Delaware

    More information: State of Delaware


    Electrical Contractor – this license must be renewed every other year; Electrician Licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years (e.g., June 30, 2026 etc). 


    Ten (10) hours of approved continuing education are required each renewal period; five (5) hours must be related to the National Electrical Code.


    An active Electrician license must be renewed in DELPROS every two years before the expiration date. During renewal, you are asked to attest that you have completed the required continuing education units (CEU) and meeting the liability insurance requirement. Journeyman and Apprentices are exempt from the Insurance requirement.


    Master & Limited Electricians 

    Includes: Master, Master Special, Limited, and Limited Special 

    If you have been licensed for: 

    • Less than one year: You are not required to complete any CE for this first renewal.
    • More than one year, but less than two: You must complete five (5) hours of approved CE. 
    • A full two-year cycle (Standard Renewal): You must complete ten (10) hours of approved CE. 

    The 5-Hour Rule: Starting with your second renewal, at least five (5) hour


    Journeyperson, Residential & Apprentices 

    Includes: Journeyperson, Residential, and Apprentice Electricians 

    If you have been licensed for: 

    • Less than one year: You are not required to complete any CE. 
    • More than one year, but less than two: You must complete two (2) hours of approved CE. 
    • A full two-year cycle (Standard Renewal): You must complete five (5) hours of approved CE. 

    Electrical Inspection Agency Permits: Expire annually on June 30. 

    Renewal Frequency: These permits expire annually. 

    Deadline: Must be renewed in DELPROS by June 30 of every year. 


    Current Applicable National Electrical Code:

    Statewide: 2023

  • New Jersey

    More information: New Jersey Consumer Affairs

    Electrical Contractors and Permits

    This license must be renewed triennially expiring March 31 (2024, 2027, 2030, etc.)


    Electrical Contractors: License & Renewal 

    • Renewal Cycle: Licenses must be renewed triennially (every three years).
    • Expiration Date: All licenses expire on March 31 of the renewal year. 
    • Upcoming Deadlines: 2027, 2030, and 2033. 

    Continuing Education (34 Hours Total) 

    Contractors must complete 34 hours of CE within each three-year registration period: 


    • NEC Focus: At least 9 hours must directly relate to the most recent edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC). 
    • Statutes & Rules: At least 1 hour must cover New Jersey state statutes and rules regarding electrical equipment installation, repair, and transmission. 
    • Business & Management: The remaining hours should cover job estimating, management, business practices, and supervisory responsibilities required by the State of New Jersey. 

    Journeyman Electricians

    Qualified journeymen are also required to keep their knowledge current through a focused CE curriculum.


    Continuing Education (10 Hours Total) 

    • NEC Focus: 9 hours dedicated to the most recent edition of the National Electrical Code. 
    • Statutes & Rules: 1 hour dedicated to applicable NJ state statutes and administrative rules. 

    Current Applicable National Electrical Code:

    Statewide: 2026

Licensure in the Tri-State Area

This is a summary of licensing information available in the region. Note that requirements may change, and it is always best to confirm with the local AHJ.


Pennsylvania: No Statewide Licensing


If you wish to conduct electrical work in the state of Pennsylvania, you will need to check with the township/municipality to understand their requirements.


The following jurisdictions require licensing in Southeastern Pennsylvania:


In all other areas, check with the local municipality on their electrical permit requirements. You may see reference to an HIC#, or Home Improvement Contractor Number. This is for contractors who work in residential settings; learn more here.


There is no reciprocity for any other licenses. If you have a license in Philadelphia and wish to work in Allentown, you must have a license in Allentown.

New Jersey: Statewide License (no reciprocity)
View state requirements here.

Delaware: Statewide License (some reciprocity)
View state requirements here.