State license

Kentucky Journeyman Electrician License

✓Written by a licensed IBEW journeyman electrician

Last updated: October 24, 2026

Kentucky licenses electricians at the state level, and the electrician license is the journeyman-level license. The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction issues it after you pass the journeyman exam. You need 8,000 hours of verifiable electrical experience since age 16. The exam has 80 questions and you need 70%.

The facts, from the source

Who licenses

Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Electrical Licensing (dhbc.ky.gov)

Exam vendor

Prov. The DHBC checklist also names NASCLA and Pearson VUE as acceptable providers. (provexam.com)

Exam (questions/time)

80 questions, 180 minutes, single exam. Computer-based at one of 11 Prov Kentucky testing centers, or remote proctored from home. Unlimited attempts, with a 30-day wait after a failure. Offered in English and Spanish. (provexam.com)

Open book / references

Open book. Permitted: NFPA 70 National Electrical Code 2023 and Ugly's Electrical References 2017. (provexam.com)

Passing score

70% (provexam.com)

NEC edition

2023 NEC. DHBC lists the 2023 NFPA 70 among its adopted codes. A DHBC memo says certain 2023 NEC provisions delayed under the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code become enforceable July 15, 2026, while some GFCI provisions remain delayed. The Prov journeyman exam is written to the 2023 NEC. (dhbc.ky.gov)

Experience required

8,000 hours of verifiable experience in the electrical trade since age 16 (KRS 227A.060(3)). Up to 4,000 of those hours can be replaced by one of: an acceptable electrical training course; 2 years of a minimum 4-year training program; an associate's degree or diploma in electrical technology; or 2 years teaching electrical technology. The DHBC checklist says an approved apprenticeship with at least 288 classroom hours substitutes for 4,000 hours. Military experience can count (KRS 227A.060(4)). (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

Fees

Prov exam $80. (provexam.com)

Reciprocity

DHBC checklist: Ohio (electrical contractor; issued a Kentucky contractor and master license); West Virginia or Virginia (master or journeyman electrician license), with an active license copy, application, fee, photo and good-standing letter. KRS 227A.070 licensure by endorsement requires substantially equal qualifications and reciprocal treatment of Kentuckians. (dhbc.ky.gov)

What’s on the exam

Journeyman Electrician (2023 edition) questions per area (80 total): General Electrical Theory & Principles 7; Plan Reading 5; Wiring & Protection 15; Wiring Methods & Materials 17; Motors & Controls 11; Equipment for General Use 10; Special Occupancies 5; Special Equipment 4; Special Conditions 3; Communication Systems 3.

Confirm these with the board

• License fee: official sources disagree; confirm with the board
• Provisional electrician application fee: confirm with the board

Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Electrical Licensing ↗

Checked twice against the board and exam bulletin, October 24, 2026

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Facts on this page trace to primary sources or first-hand IBEW Local 134 experience — see sources & methodology.