To be an electrician in Ohio you’ll need a government granted license to legally perform electrical services within the state. These are granted by Division of Industry Compliance, part of Ohio’s Department of Commerce, which sets the regulations for becoming an electrician in the state.
OCILB is located in Reynoldsburg. Once you obtain the proper license, you are well on your way to making a career for yourself as an electrician in Ohio.
This licensing requirement is mandatory for those performing any electrical job within the state. The fee for applying for the license is $25 and another $25 for the application processing, both of which are very affordable.
Once you have the proper OH license you will be required to renew it annually which is $60. You also need to maintain a level of study which is 10 hours total (5 of the 10 questions must be within code.)
Note: Please be sure to have your application notarized before you mail it in because Ohio will not accept it otherwise. The state is serious about applications being properly filled out with all supporting documentation.
Types of Ohio Electrician Licenses
Electrical licenses in the state of Ohio fall into only one category which is Commercial Contractor. The state has standardized all construction industry licenses for simplicity which is great. Besides passing the exam, you will need to comply with all the following in order to become an electrician in the state of Ohio:
You must be at least 18 years old and;
be a US citizen or a legal resident alien (with proof) and;
have been an electrician for at least 5 years prior to the application date filing and;
never have been convicted of a serious offense and;
carry a minimum of $500,000 in contractor liability coverage.
You must be able to provide all your electrical work experience to satisfy the 5 year requirement, either from a qualifying state or within the state of Ohio. Get together all the documentation you have in order for your OH application process to move along smoothly.
State Reciprocity in Ohio
Ohio offers reciprocity agreements for the following US states: North Carolina, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, South Carolina and West Virginia all to varying degrees and based on the type of license you have from the other state. These are granted only with proper paperwork and all supporting proof so get prepared now.
For each of these reciprocal licenses you’ll need to fill out and provide employment verification as well other documentation including a background check. You don’t want your new career as an electrician in Ohio to be delayed!
Ohio is strict in this sense. In fact, a state and federal background check are mandatory for all Ohio applicants.
View, download or print Ohio’s applications and reciprocity information and as well the exam application
Taking the Ohio Exam
You need to be approved by Ohio’s OCILB before you can actually take the exam to become electrician. Not just anyone can take the test. Once they determine you are eligible they will notify you by mail.
The state’s licensing examination is administered by PSI and is based on NEC standards which may be provided to you for reference. The test consists of 100 questions with a time limit of 5 hours. You will be required to score at least 70% in order to successfully pass it.
Some topics on within the test include but are not limited to are service, transformers & equipment, wiring methods & installation, cabinets, panel boards, switchboards boxes, & conduit bodies, conductors, control devices, motors & generators, utilization equipment & devices & uses among other subjects.
Be sure to study before you take the test because having to retake it will delay your plans and cost you money. If you are serious about this OH career path and you study, you should be fine as most people pass it on the first try.
Best OH Cities for Electrical Work
If you are planning an electrician career in the state of Ohio you should know which areas will offer you the most work. The population centers with the highest overall electricity consumption are Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo and Cincinnati.
Several other cities offer good employment opportunities as well. Research the cities with the highest per capita income because those folks then to have more income for electrical projects and home improvements.
In contrast, much of Ohio has a low population density which is where you are likely to find less work. The resident population in the rural parts of the state is minimal and the people also tend to have less disposable income for electrical projects. If you have lived in Ohio for awhile you are likely to know which cities are best for electrical work.
Best of luck in your new career as an electrician in the state of Ohio!