Update on New Licensing Requirements in New Jersey

Eric DeGesero of NJIEC Government Affairs will be presenting an overview of the new state licensing requirements for electrical workers at our upcoming meeting on October 21, 2025.

In preparation for that discussion, please review the following memo from Eric outlining the recent developments and key details regarding Class A and Class B licensing:

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Last week the NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors posted the application forms for Class A apprentices and Class B wiremen on their website. This morning, I attended their monthly meeting.

Pursuant to the changes in the law signed by Governor Murphy in January 2022 and the recent adoption of the implementing regulations, the requirements that all employees in the electrical contracting business in NJ be licensed has begun.

As it relates to licensed electrical contractors, there is no change regarding licensure. As it relates to Class A journeymen electricians, those who were previously registered have had their registration converted to a Class A journeyman electrician license.

The forms for Class A electrical apprentice and Class B wireman experience certification and licensure application are posted here: 

💡 NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors – Applications

At this time there has been no deadline given for when all existing employees must be licensed by; my supposition is it will be at least six months, but I encourage all contractors to make sure their employees are licensed as soon as possible. There has been no announcement as to how soon after being hired a new employee must be licensed, but I suggest it be immediate. At the October 8th Board meeting, I questioned the Class B wireman’s work experience certification since it is written from the perspective that the employee is already employed by the company. The Board recognized my concern and stated that the contractor can state the employee was just hired. The Board wants to make sure that the employee is both a W-2 employee and the licensed electrical contractor will not allow the employee to perform work they are not suited to perform.Once announced, EDGE Consulting will report to NJ-IEC when the deadline for initial licensure must be met.

Class A journeyman electrician and Class B wiremen must complete 15 hours of CEUs per triennial cycle on the most recent edition of the National Electrical Code, one hour of which must be in state statutes and rules. There are no CEU requirements for Class A electrical apprentices.

Any worker performing electrical contracting services in New Jersey must be a W-2 employee of a licensed electrical contractor with a valid business permit. If an electrical contractor wishes to use part-time or supplemental labor they may, provided the individual is appropriately licensed and a W-2 employee.

A copy of the licensing regulations can be found here:

 💡 Title 13, Chapter 31 — Chapter Notes

Should there be any questions, please forward them. If there are many questions, I’m happy to meet in person or virtually to try and answer them. And, if unable to answer, I will present them at the Board’s next meeting, which is November 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (virtual and open to the public).

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As these new licensing rules take shape, NJIEC remains committed to helping our members stay informed and compliant. We will continue to provide updates as the licensing requirements progress, and we encourage contractors to begin reviewing employee licensure now and to reach out with any questions or challenges.