You need a license to do electrical work in New Jersey. To apply for an electrical contractor's license, contact:

Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors 124 Halsey St., 6th Floor P.O. Box 45006 Newark, NJ 07101 (973) 504-6410 http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/nonmedical/electrical.htm

The Board does require you to pass an exam to get a license. To take the exam you must be over the age of 21, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and one of the following:

• five years experience working with tools to install, alter or repair electrical wiring for light, heat or power
• completion of a four-year Board-approved apprenticeship program and one year of Board-approved work experience
• completion of 8,000 hours of experience working with tools to install, alter or repair electrical wiring for light, heat or power and 576 hours related classroom instruction
• a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and two years of Board-approved work experience

The Board will review your application and if you're eligible they'll send you information on the exam they require. Prometric gives the exam. For information on the exam or scheduling, you can contact Prometric at:

Prometric 1260 Energy Lane St. Paul, MN 55108 (800) 626-0750 http://www.prometric.com/newjersey

The electrical contractor exam has three parts -- one on business and law, one on the trade, and one on alarm systems. The business and law exam is open book with 50 multiple choice questions. It lasts two hours. Here's a summary of the subjects on this part and the approximate percentage of questions on each:

The trade exam is open book with 100 multiple choice questions. It lasts four hours. You may need to use arithmetic and/or simple algebra on this exam. There may be figures, drawings, tables, or charts. Here are the subjects on the trade exam and the approximate percentage of questions on each:

The alarm systems exam is open book with 30 multiple choice questions. It lasts one and one-half hours. Here are the subjects on the alarm systems exam and the approximate percentage of questions on each:

Electrician's license fees: It will cost you $100 to file an application for a license. The business and law exam will cost you $50, the trade exam is $90, and the alarm systems exam is $50. All fees are nonrefundable. You'll also have to pay $5 to rent the NEC book at the exam.

The Board issues licenses every three years. Your license will cost you $50 to $150, depending on when you get it during the three year period.

Before doing any business in New Jersey you must post a bond to the state for $1,000. You must also carry $300,000 property damage and bodily injury insurance and $300,000 combined property damage and bodily injury insurance.

Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors

This board licenses and regulates electrical contractors and is responsible for granting exemptions from licensure to persons or businesses engaged in telecommunications wiring in New Jersey. The Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee, which is under the supervision of the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, is currently developing rules, regulations and standards to govern the licensing and practice of fire and burglar alarm installers and locksmiths. Inquiries or complaints about an installer of fire or burglar alarms or a locksmith should be sent to the Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee, P.O. Box 45042, Newark, N.J. 07101, or call (973) 504-6245. Inquiries or complaints about electrical contractors should be sent to Ms. Barbara A. Cook, Executive Director, Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, P.O. Box 45006, Newark, N.J. 07101, (973) 504-6410.

CE Requirement For New Licensees: As per N.J.A.C. 13:31-1.7 (b)2, Licensees shall not be required to complete the continuing education requirements for the triennial registration period in which they initially received licensure. That means those who initially received their Electrical Contractor's License during the triennial period of April 1st, 2003 through March 31st, 2006, WILL NOT be required to complete the 34 hours of continuing education (9 hrs Code, 1 hr Law∗ & 24 hrs of Board approved, trade related courses/seminars) required when a licensee renews his/her license for the triennial renewal period of 2006 to 2009.

CE Requirement For All Other Active Licensees- Newly Adopted Continuing Education Rules & Regulations: In 2002, Continuing Education Rules & Regulations were adopted, N.J.A.C. 13:31-1.7, Continuing education requirements. These new regulations mandate additional Continuing Education hours when a Licensee renews his/her License in 2006, for the Triennial Renewal Period of 2006 - 2009. That means that prior to renewing his/her License in 2006, a Licensee must complete a total of 34 hours of Continuing Education which includes 9 hours of Code and 1 hour of Law∗, as is currently required, and 24 additional hours of Board approved, trade related courses/seminars. An overall total of 34 Continuing Education Hours will be required for a Licensee's Renewal in 2006 which means a Licensee should complete this requirement well in advance of his/her renewal (during the 2003-2006 License Period).

∗NOTE: The 10 hours of Code & Law required for the 2006-2009 triennial renewal must be based on the 2005 Code (NEC) and is generally taught after January 2005.

Questions related to this Advisory can be addressed by calling the Board Office and asking for Marian.