Last updated: June 24, 2008
Electrical Codes
On February 24, 2006, the State of Montana began enforcement of the 2005 Edition of the National Electrical Code.
While there are many local jurisdictions enforcing the electrical code in Montana, the regulatory statutes in the State are such that no city or county may amend the electrical code as adopted by the State. Further, Montana is known as a “Mini/Maxi” code state in that the adopted code is considered the minimum necessary for a safe installation, but that same code is also the maximum level of enforcement that may be imposed. Since the State adopted the 2005 NEC® withoutamendment, that is the standard for the entire State of Montana, with no local AHJ having authority to require more or less for an electrical installation. Local inspection agencies do retain the right to make interpretations of the NEC® where the intent or application may not be clear.
Licensing: Electrical Inspectors/Services & Licensing: Contractors
All electrical installations are required to be inspeccted except maintenance of electrical wiring, circuits, etc., by any business as part of its plant operation.
Montana State Electrical Board
P.O. Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620-0513
(406) 841-2328
Fax: (406) 841-2305
http://mt.gov/dli/bsd/license/bsd_boards/ele_board/board_page.asp
Licensing requirements:
| Residential Electrician |
| Requirements: |
Completion of at least 2 years apprenticeship in the electrical trade, OR
Third party verification of 2 years (4,000 hours) practical experience in wiring for, installation and repairing of electrical apparatus and equipment for light, heat and power.
Must pass state exam
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| Fees: |
Application Fee: $120.00 (includes initial license fee)
Temporary Permit Fee: $20.00
Endorsement Fee: $145.00 (this includes the application and temporary work permit fee)
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| CE Requirements: |
16 hours of Board approved courses per renewal cycle. A minimum of 8 hours must be on code update. |
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| Renewal: |
2-year cycle, with the next cycle beginning July 15, 2006; Renewal fee: $70 |
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| Journeyman Electrician |
| Requirements: |
Completion of at least 4 years apprenticeship in the electrical trade, OR
Third party verification of 4 years (8,000 hours) practical experience in wiring for light, heat, and power. Only a maximum of 4,000 hours in residential experience is allowed.
Must pass state exam
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| Fees: |
Application Fee: $120.00 (includes initial license fee)
Temporary Permit Fee: $20.00
Endorsement Fee: $145.00 (this includes the application and temporary work permit fee)
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| CE Requirements: |
16 hours of Board approved courses per renewal cycle. A minimum of 8 hours must be on code update. |
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| Renewal: |
2-year cycle, with the next cycle beginning July 15, 2006; Renewal fee: $70 |
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| Master Electrician |
| Requirements: |
Electrical Engineering Degree (4yr) from accredited college or university with letters of verification from employers of 1 year experience in light, heat and power, OR
Copy of certificate or diploma verifying graduate of post secondary electrical trade school recognized by the Board, accompanied by letters of verification from employers of at least 4 years (8,000 hours) practical experience in the electrical field.
At least 5 years (10,000 hours) experience in planning, laying-out, and supervising at a journeyman level with an appropriate blend of commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional wiring.
Must pass state exam |
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| Fees: |
Application Fee: $120.00 (includes initial license fee)
Temporary Permit Fee: $20.00
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| CE Requirements: |
16 hours of Board approved courses per renewal cycle. A minimum of 8 hours must be on code update. |
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| Renewal: |
2-year cycle, with the next cycle beginning July 15, 2006; Renewal fee: $70 |
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| Electrical Contractor (Unlimited) |
| Requirements: |
May be issued to master electricians or to firms which employ a full-time master electrician legally responsible for all electrical contracting activities of the firm. |
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| Fees: |
Initial License Fee: $250
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| Renewal: |
License will expire July 15th on even years; Renewal fee: $250 |
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| Electrical Contractor (Limited) |
| Requirements: |
License may be issued to master electricians or journeyman electricians or to firms which employ either a full-time master electrician or a full-time journeyman electrician legally responsible for all electrical contracting activities of the firm.
A limited contractor may perform contracting for residential construction consisting of less than five living units in a single structure.
An applicant must provide proof of compliance with workers compensation and unemployment laws, and must identify a full-time Montana licensed journeyman or master electrician responsible for all work done in Montana. |
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| Fees: |
Initial License Fee: $100
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| Renewal: |
License will expire July 15th on even years; Renewal fee: $100 |
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| Apprentice |
A person registered with the Montana Department of Labor may work as an apprentice under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master electrician. |
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CE Requirements
Varies with license type; see license requirements above.
Reciprocates
The Board does have a reciprocity agreement for continuing education with Idaho, North Dakota, Washington, Wyoming and South Dakota.
State Websites
Here is a list of governmental websites to find the latest licensing and code information.
Submit Alteration
Use the Alteration form to request changes, updates, and other corrections to this page. You can also use this form if you wish to add a new jurisdiction. Requests must include source of information so that IAEI can verify it. You can also contact IAEI directly at directCONNECT@iaei.org.
 Submit Alteration Form
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