North Dakota Electrician License Reciprocity Guide
Yes. North Dakota has reciprocity with 13 states.
Typical timeline: 3–6 weeks. Always confirm details with North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB) before applying.
Reciprocal states (13)
| State | Classes covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AK · Alaska | Journeyman | — |
| AR · Arkansas | Journeyman | — |
| CO · Colorado | Journeyman | — |
| IA · Iowa | Journeyman, Master | — |
| ID · Idaho | Journeyman | — |
| ME · Maine | Journeyman | — |
| MN · Minnesota | Journeyman, Master | — |
| MT · Montana | Journeyman | — |
| NE · Nebraska | Journeyman | — |
| NH · New Hampshire | Journeyman | — |
| SD · South Dakota | Journeyman, Master | — |
| UT · Utah | Journeyman | — |
| WY · Wyoming | Journeyman | — |
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 applicants must have passed written exam in home state. ND exam not required for reciprocity applicants — but must complete 8-hour code class if home state has no CE requirement.
- Experience affidavitRequired with the application.
- Letter of good standingRequest one from your home-state board.
IMPORTANT: If your home state does not require continuing education, you must complete an 8-hour code class before ND will grant reciprocity. Most partner states already have CE requirements, so this rarely applies — but worth checking. Master reciprocity is limited to 3 states (IA, MN, SD) — Journeyman reciprocity is more generous with 13 states. ND's Class B and Power Limited license classes provide additional pathways for specialists (limited-scope work, low-voltage systems).
Fees
| License class | Total | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman | $75 | $25 application + $50 initial license ($25 annual renewal) |
| Master | $100 | $50 application + $50 initial license ($50 annual renewal) |
How to apply in North Dakota
- Complete the North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB) reciprocal application — official application.
- Attach proof of 1+ year of licensure, your experience affidavit, and your letter of good standing.
- Submit to North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB), 1929 N. Washington Street, Suite A-1, Bismarck, ND 58507-7335.
- Questions? Call (701) 328-9522. Allow 3–6 weeks for processing.
Apprentice Registration
- Registration fee
- Contact board — Apprentice registration fee not separately published — see NDSEB directly.
- Renewal
- Not published
- License duration
- 3 years
- Employer requirements
- Must work under personal supervision of a licensed ND electrician. Register with NDSEB within 6 months of employment start.
Must register with NDSEB within first 6 months of employment
1. Secure employment with a licensed ND electrician 2. Register with NDSEB within 6 months of employment start 3. Complete required apprenticeship-related training (post-January 2008 apprentices) 4. Accumulate 8,000 hours over minimum 3 years under personal supervision 5. Apply for journeyman exam upon completion (Board approves, 6-month window to sit)
ND requires "apprenticeship-related training" for anyone registered as apprentice after January 31, 2008 — this refers to structured classroom instruction alongside on-the-job hours.
Moving from another state?
- Must re-register: Yes
- Out-of-state hours transfer: Unclear — contact board
North Dakota requires apprentices to register with NDSEB within 6 months of ND employment. Out-of-state apprentice hour transfer policy not publicly documented at the apprentice-registration stage. Documented hours may credit at journeyman-application stage. Contact NDSEB at (701) 328-9522 to verify your specific case.
Apprentice rules change often — confirm with North Dakota before relying on this summary.
Coming from a non-reciprocal state?
If you're from a non-reciprocal state, ND requires:
- Journeyman: 8,000 hours electrical installation/repair experience (may not be less than 3 years) + apprenticeship-related training + pass NDSEB written exam
- Master: One year as licensed Journeyman + 2,000 additional Journeyman hours under contracting Master + master exam
- Class B (limited scope): $40 fee, separate exam
- Power Limited (low-voltage): $50 fee
Board must approve applications before exam invitations. Candidates have 6 months to sit for exam after receiving invitation.
Apprentices must register with NDSEB within first 6 months of employment.
Local licensing notes
NDSEB state license covers Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and all ND cities. No additional municipal electrician licenses required.
Related
These states accept your North Dakota license: Utah, Arkansas, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Minnesota, Iowa, Idaho, Alaska, Maine.
Current openings in North Dakota: Journeyman Electrician jobs · Apprentice Electrician jobs.
Licensed and ready for more? See which certifications unlock higher pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does North Dakota have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes. North Dakota has reciprocity agreements with 13 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, and 8 others.
How much does electrician reciprocity cost in North Dakota?
journeyman: $75 ($25 application + $50 initial license ($25 annual renewal)); master: $100 ($50 application + $50 initial license ($50 annual renewal))
How long does the North Dakota reciprocity process take?
Typical processing time is 3-6 weeks once the North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB) receives a complete application with verification from your issuing state.
Do I need to take an exam to reciprocate my license into North Dakota?
No. Reciprocal applicants from partner states are exempt from the North Dakota exam. Reciprocity applicants must have passed written exam in home state. ND exam not required for reciprocity applicants — but must complete 8-hour code class if home state has no CE requirement.
Can I transfer apprentice hours to North Dakota?
Unclear — the North Dakota licensing agency does not publicly document a policy on transferring apprentice hours. North Dakota requires apprentices to register with NDSEB within 6 months of ND employment. Out-of-state apprentice hour transfer policy not publicly documented at the apprentice-registration stage. Documented hours may credit at journeyman-application stage. Contact NDSEB at (701) 328-9522 to verify your specific case.
Licensed in North Dakota? See the full list of states that accept your license.
Last verified 2026-09-26 · Source: North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB). Reciprocity data is informational only and may be stale. Confirm with the destination state licensing board before applying.