Massachusetts Electrician License Reciprocity Guide
Yes. Massachusetts has reciprocity with 1 states.
Typical timeline: 8–16 weeks. Always confirm details with Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Professional Licensure) before applying.
Reciprocal states (1)
| State | Classes covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NH · New Hampshire | Journeyman, Master | MA's ONLY reciprocity partner — bilateral MA↔NH only |
Requirements checklist
- Licensed 1+ year in your home stateLicense must be current and in good standing.
- 8,000 hours of documented experience
- No exam for reciprocal applicantsReciprocity (NH only) may waive trade exam. Applicants typically still need to provide proof of equivalent education and may face a Massachusetts business/law exam component.
- Experience affidavitRequired with the application.
- Letter of good standingRequest one from your home-state board.
MASSACHUSETTS RECIPROCATES WITH NEW HAMPSHIRE ONLY. This is one of only two truly-bilateral single-state reciprocity relationships in the country (WA↔OR is the other). MA's Systems Technician / Systems Contractor licenses are unique — dedicated low-voltage classes for structured cabling, fire alarm, security, and telecom work. These are separate from Journeyman/Master licenses. MA's 600-hour education requirement for Journeyman is on the higher end (VT is similar at 576 hours; most states are 400-500).
Fees
| License class | Total | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman | $330 | $226 initial application/exam + $104 license fee ($78 renewal every 3 years) |
| Master | $431 | $276 initial application/exam + $155 license fee ($117 renewal every 3 years) |
How to apply in Massachusetts
- Complete the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Professional Licensure) reciprocal application — official application.
- Attach proof of 1+ year of licensure, your experience affidavit, and your letter of good standing.
- Submit to Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Professional Licensure), 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118.
- Questions? Call (617) 727-9931. Allow 8–16 weeks for processing.
Apprentice Registration
- Registration fee
- Contact board — MA apprentice registration fees not publicly documented — contact MA Board.
- Renewal
- Not published
- License duration
- 4 years
- Employer requirements
- Must be enrolled in a Massachusetts registered apprenticeship program. Must work under supervision of a licensed MA journeyman or master.
1. Secure employment with a licensed MA electrical contractor 2. Enroll in a MA registered apprenticeship program 3. Complete 8,000 hours practical + 600 hours education 4. Apply for MA Journeyman exam via PSI OR reciprocate from NH
MA offers Senior Journeyman (age 70+) credentials similar to Maine's Senior Journeyman program.
Moving from another state?
- Must re-register: Yes
- Out-of-state hours transfer: Conditions apply
MA accepts hours via NH reciprocity path for existing NH-licensed electricians. For other out-of-state applicants, documented experience may credit at journeyman qualification stage via Board review. Contact electrician.board@mass.gov.
Apprentice rules change often — confirm with Massachusetts before relying on this summary.
Coming from a non-reciprocal state?
MASSACHUSETTS RECIPROCATES WITH NEW HAMPSHIRE ONLY — one of the most restrictive reciprocity policies in the U.S. (matched only by Washington-Oregon bilateral).
Non-reciprocal path: - Journeyman: 8,000 hours experience + 600 hours education + pass PSI exam - Master: 1 year as MA Journeyman + 150 hours education + two-part master exam - Systems Technician: 4,000 hours + 300 hours education for low-voltage - Systems Contractor: 1 year as technician + 75 hours education
Continuing education: 21 hours per 3-year cycle, 15 hours on MA Electrical Code (Board Rule 12).
MA exam via PSI: (800) 733-9267. Contact: electrician.board@mass.gov.
Local licensing notes
MA state license covers Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield, and all MA cities. No additional municipal electrician licensing.
Related
These states accept your Massachusetts license: Utah, New Hampshire.
Current openings in Massachusetts: Journeyman Electrician jobs.
Licensed and ready for more? See which certifications unlock higher pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Massachusetts have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes. Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with 1 states: New Hampshire.
How much does electrician reciprocity cost in Massachusetts?
journeyman: $330 ($226 initial application/exam + $104 license fee ($78 renewal every 3 years)); master: $431 ($276 initial application/exam + $155 license fee ($117 renewal every 3 years))
How long does the Massachusetts reciprocity process take?
Typical processing time is 8-16 weeks once the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Professional Licensure) receives a complete application with verification from your issuing state.
Do I need to take an exam to reciprocate my license into Massachusetts?
No. Reciprocal applicants from partner states are exempt from the Massachusetts exam. Reciprocity (NH only) may waive trade exam. Applicants typically still need to provide proof of equivalent education and may face a Massachusetts business/law exam component.
Can I transfer apprentice hours to Massachusetts?
Yes, with conditions. MA accepts hours via NH reciprocity path for existing NH-licensed electricians. For other out-of-state applicants, documented experience may credit at journeyman qualification stage via Board review. Contact electrician.board@mass.gov.
Licensed in Massachusetts? See the full list of states that accept your license.
Last verified 2026-09-26 · Source: Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Professional Licensure). Reciprocity data is informational only and may be stale. Confirm with the destination state licensing board before applying.