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Alabama Electrical Contractors Board

Alabama Electrical Contractors Board

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I get a license as an Electrical Contractor or Journeyman Electrician?

ABEC issues licenses to individuals only, not companies. Applicants should complete an application for examination found on the Board’s website under the Forms section. Completed applications will be reviewed by the Board at regularly scheduled meetings. Applicants are not required to submit an exam fee or licensing fee until the application has been approved by the Board. Applicants will be notified in writing of the Board’s decision.

How many times can I take the exam for Electrical Contractor or Journeyman Electrician?

Once approved by the Board, the applicant has 90 days to sit for the exam. If an applicant does not pass the exam, it can be taken again. Applicants are allowed to take the exam as many times as necessary, within a two-year period, upon payment of a new exam fee for each exam. The application will expire in two years from the initial approval date by the Board. Further consideration for licensure will require a
new application to the Board for approval and an exam to test the applicant’s qualifications.

What is the experience required for an Electrical Contractors License?

An applicant must prove a minimum of 8,000 hours of electrical supervisory experience in design, planning, lay-out and direct supervision of electrical contracting activities and the installation of electrical components.

What is the experience required for a Journeyman Electrician License?

An applicant must prove a minimum of 8,000 hours of experience that shows necessary qualifications like training and technical knowledge to install electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment lighting, heating, or power. Also, work shall be performed according to plans and specifications furnished and in accordance with standard rules and regulations governing such work.

Can I review the status of a license and the number of CE hours on file?

Yes, a list of licensed Electrical Contractors and Journeyman Electricians are found on the Board’s website, on the Licensee Search page under the Consumer's section.

What happens when an unlicensed person is caught doing electrical without the proper license?

If a person, corporation, or business entity engaged in electrical contracting is found in violation of any of the provisions of the law, the Board may investigate the activities of licensed and unlicensed contractors with the following outcomes:

1) Deny an application for licensure with cause.
2) Impose an administrative fine of not more than $5,000.
3) Issue a cease and desist order.
4) Petition the circuit court of the county where the act occurred to enforce the
cease and desist order or collect the assessed fine, or both.

Why can my neighbor/friend perform electrical contracting on his house/barn/structure without a license from the Board? And why can his employee perform electrical work on his properties without a license?

The owner of a property is allowed, by law, to perform electrical work on his property without obtaining a license from the Board. The owner’s full-time W-2 employee is allowed to perform electrical work on the owner’s property, as well. These are strict exceptions to the rule that all persons performing electrical contracting must be licensed by this Board. Remember, there still may be local requirements to obtain permits that would apply, so be sure to check with your local authorities.

How do I file a complaint?

Go to the Board’s website and complete a complaint form. Provide as much detail and documentation as possible, including invoices, canceled checks and emails referring to the work, and submit information to the Board according to the directions on the form.

Is there a list of licensed Electrical Contractors that I can view?

Yes, ABEC issues licenses to individuals only, not to companies. A list of licensed Electrical Contractors is found on the Board’s website, on the Licensee Search page.

Alabama Electrical Contractors Board

2777 Zelda Road
Montgomery, AL 36106
Office: 334-420-7232
Fax: 334-263-6115