Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 303-X-3 — LICENSING AND FEES

303 Alabama State Board of Electrical Contractors

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-3-.01 Definitions

(1) Applicant: Any person or entity making a formal application for an examination or certification of any type.

(2) License: The determination that the qualifications for the knowledge and skill of an individual with respect to electrical contracting. The term certification and license may be used interchangeably in throughout this section.

(3) Entity: Any being that possess a certification, license, or registration by this Board.

(4) Person in Responsible Charge: A certification or license holder at the direction of projects involving the installation or service and repair of electrical systems requiring initiation, professional skills, technical knowledge, and independent judgement. The responsible charge may be an employee, owner, partner, or corporate officer of the partnership, corporation, business trust, or other legal entity. The responsible charge must possess the requisite skill, knowledge, and experience and have the responsibility to supervise, direct, manage, and control the installation, service, or repair activities of the business entity with which he is affiliated.

History

• Author: Jeffrey M. Becraft
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, 34-36-4; 34-36-6
• New Rule: Filed February 11, 2011; effective March 18, 2011. Repealed and New Rule: Published December 31, 2025; effective February 14, 2026.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-3-.02 Qualifications to sit for Electrical Contractor Examination

(1) All applicants for electrical contractor licensure must submit a completed application, application fee, personal identification and supportive documents before taking an examination approved by the Board. After reviewing the documents submitted, the Board may approve or deny an applicant’s request to sit for the examination. The Board shall examine applicants at least once every three (3) months according to the method deemed by it to be the most appropriate to test the qualifications of applicants.

(2) The scope of licensing for an electrical contractor includes installation, design, plan, lay-out and directly supervising electrical construction activities. This work supervised must be commercial, industrial, or residential.

(3) An electrical contractors’ license in the state of Alabama is unlimited in voltage and bid requirements.

(4) An applicant for statewide electrical contractor license must document to the Board’s satisfaction a minimum of eight thousand (8,000) hours of experience in the overall design, planning, lay-out, and direct supervision of electrical construction activities and the soliciting and installing of electrical power or control systems This requirement may be satisfied with the documentation of eight thousand (8,000) hours of experience as a journeyman electrician in charge of jobs.

(5) The applicant’s electrical construction experience and activities must be truthfully, clearly and sufficiently documented on the application where indicated.

(6) The applicant for an electrical contractor’s license may substitute (1) year of college education or equivalent from an electrical curriculum accredited by the Alabama Post-Secondary of Community College System or one (1) year of an approved industry recognized apprenticeship program for one thousand (1,000) hours of electrical experience. A maximum of two thousand (2,000) hours of the eight thousand (8,000) hours total requirement can be met with the substituted hours. The applicant must provide appropriate documentation of the substituted hours in an electrical curriculum or apprenticeship program, subject to the approval of the Board.

(7) All applications submitted to the Board to qualify to sit for the electrical contractor’s examination expire in one year from the approval date if the applicant has not successfully passed the requisite examination and fulfilled the requirements for licensing by the Board. If an applicant seeks to be qualified to take an examination to be licensed as an electrical contractor after the expiration date, a new application must be submitted to the Board.

(8) All licenses shall expire annually.

(9) No electrical contractor license shall be issued except in compliance with this act and none shall be issued except to a person or a person in a firm, partnership, association or corporation.

(10) The Board may recognize a license issued by any other reciprocating state that, in the Board’s opinion, has standards of practice or licensure equal to or greater than those required by this state. A list of the approved reciprocal states is maintained at the Board office. The Executive Director shall review and approve or deny all applicants for a reciprocal license.

(11) An applicant for an electrical contractor’s license that holds a valid professional electrical engineer’s license registered in the state of Alabama is qualified to sit for the requisite examination.

History

• Author: Jeffrey M. Becraft
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, 34-36-6; 34-36-7
• Filed March 7, 1986. Repealed and New Rule: Filed February 11, 2011; effective March 18, 2011. Repealed and New Rule: Published December 31, 2025; effective February 14, 2026.
• Editor's note: Rule .01 was renumbered to .02 as per certification filed February 11, 2011; effective March 18, 2011.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-3-.03 Qualifications to Sit for Journeyman Electrician Examination

(1) All applicants for licensure must submit a completed application, application fee, personal identification and supportive documents before taking an examination approved by the Board. After reviewing the documents submitted, the Board may approve or deny an applicant’s request to sit for the examination. The Board shall examine applicants at least once every three (3) months according to the method deemed by it to be the most appropriate to test the qualifications of applicants.

(2) Applicants for the state-wide journeyman electrical examination must demonstrate a minimum of eight thousand (8,000) hours experience that includes the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment for lighting or power, and/or controls thereof. This work must be commercial, industrial or residential. The applicant must also be capable of performing said work according to plans and specifications furnished to him or her and in accordance with standard rules and regulations governing such work.

(3) An applicant for a state-wide journeyman electrician examination may substitute one (1) year of education from an electrical curriculum accredited by the Alabama Post-Secondary of Community College System or industry recognized apprenticeship program for one thousand (1,000) hours of electrical experience for a maximum of two thousand (2,000) hours of the eight thousand (8,000) hours total required. The applicant must provide appropriate documentation, subject to the approval of the Board, of said education or apprenticeship program.

(4) All applications submitted to the Board to qualify to sit for the state-wide journeyman electrician’s examination expire in two years from the approval date if the applicant has not successfully passed the requisite examination and fulfilled the requirements for licensing by the Board. If an applicant seeks to be qualified to take an examination to be licensed as a journeyman electrician after the expiration date, a new application must be submitted to the Board.

(5) All licenses shall expire annually.

(6) The Board may recognize a license issued by any other reciprocating state that, in the Board’s opinion, has standards of practice or licensure equal to or greater than those required by this state. A list of the approved reciprocal states is maintained at the Board office. The Executive Director shall review and approve or deny all applicants for a reciprocal license.

History

• Author: Jeffrey M. Becraft
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, 34-36-6; 34-36-7
• Filed March 7, 1986. New Rule: Filed February 11, 2011; effective March 18, 2011. Repealed and New Rule: Published December 31, 2025; effective February 14, 2026.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-3-.04 Requirements for Licensing Electrical Contractors and Journeyman Electricians

(1) All licenses shall be renewed before the last day of the quarter in which it was issued.

(2) Certification by the Board is required for all persons employed by realty management companies who perform commercial and residential installation, service or repair on property owned by a party other than themselves.

(3) Certification by the Board is also required for journeyman electricians.

(4) Certification by the Board is required for electrical installation, service, or repair work performed preowned, previously set manufactured or modular homes.

(5) Electrical Contractors are required to obtain 14 hours of continuing education hours every two years.

History

• Author: Jeffrey M. Becraft
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, 34-36-6; 34-36-7
• Filed March 7, 1986. Repealed and New Rule: Filed February 11, 2011; effective March 18, 2011. Repealed and New Rule: Published December 31, 2025; effective February 14, 2026.
• Editor's note: Rule .03 was renumbered to .04 as per certification filed February 11, 2011; effective March 18, 2011. Original Rule 303-X-3-.04, Board Decision, was repealed as per certification filed February 11, 2011; effective March 18, 2011.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-3-.05 Renewal and Licesning Filing Requirements

All new licensure applications, application for examination, annual renewal application, or any other submissions to the Board required by these rules, shall be deemed filed when received by the Board. The executive director or designee may reject any application for licensure, application for examination, annual renewal application, or other submission to the Board that appear inaccurate, are incomplete, are for an individual or entity of whom which any fees and past due administrative fines have not been paid at the time the application or renewal is filed.

History

• Author: Jeffrey M. Becraft
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, 34-36-8; 34-36-9
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2025; effective February 14, 2026.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-3-.06 Forms of Licensing

(1) Any individual with the desire to qualify as a licensed electrical contractor or journeyman electrician via examination process shall be required to sit for a prelicensure examination prior to being considered for licensing by the Board. Licenses shall be issued only to those individuals who have properly submitted the appropriate applications to the Board under Alabama law and the Board's rules and regulations, and who have taken and passed the Board's examination as provided in Alabama law.

(2) An individual who desires to obtain status as an electrical contractor via reciprocity may qualify if they hold a current and valid license in a qualifying reciprocal state with no previous or pending disciplinary action. Licenses shall be issued only to those individuals who have properly submitted the appropriate applications to the Board under Alabama law and the Board's rules and regulations.

(3) Any individual applying for an electrical contractor license must personally satisfy all licensure requirements before issuance of the license as electrical contractor by the Board.

(4) An electrical contractor who desires to qualify a second or additional business entity by holding dual certifications with the Board, that person is required to appear at a meeting of the Board and present evidence of ownership, ability to supervise, direct, manage and control that business entity. The electrical contractor must also present evidence at or before this Board meeting of his financial responsibility for the additional business entity. If approved the licensee shall also pay an additional licensing fee to the Board for this additional business entity. It is entirely within the Board's discretion to allow or disallow the additional business entity to be certified under the electrical contractor.

(5) Any person applying for a journeyman electrical license must satisfy all licensure requirements before issuance of a license as a journeyman electrician by the Board.

History

• Author: Jeffrey M. Becraft
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, 34-36-6; 34-36-7; 34-36-13
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2025; effective February 14, 2026.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-3-.07 Exemptions

(1) Retail sellers of electrical equipment and systems who does not provide installation of said systems, or provides for the contracting for the service, repair or installation of said systems;

(2) Electrical installation, service or repair work performed by an owner of a building on said building owned by him or her;

(3) Electrical installation, or service and repair, performed by anyone who is regularly employed as a maintenance person incidental to and in connection with the business in which he is employed, provided said electrical work is done on the premises of said owner, and repair person does not engage in electrical work for others.

(4) Installation, construction or maintenance of power systems for the generation and secondary distribution of electrical currents constructed under the provisions of the national electrical safety code which regulates the safety requirements of utilities;

(5) Installation, construction, maintenance or repair of telephone or signal systems by or for public utilities or their corporate affiliates, when such work pertains to the services furnished by such utilities;

(6) Any technician employed by a municipal franchised CATV system;

(7) Any electrical contractor or journeyman electrician employed by a state licensee of the Board or a licensee of a county or municipality where the contract work is being performed;

(8) The owner of any premises or any employee of any such owner when performing electrical work or installing, constructing, maintaining, altering or repairing electrical wiring, equipment or apparatus on such premises;

(9) An employee or an electric utility when installing or repairing electric appliance and equipment for a customer;

(10) The installation, construction or maintenance of systems that operate on 25 volts or less.

(11) The installation, construction or maintenance of direct broadcast satellite services.

History

• Author: Jeffrey M. Becraft
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, 34-36-13
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2025; effective February 14, 2026.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-3-.08 Failure to Renew

(1) Any electrical contractor, provisional electrician or journeyman electrician who has not renewed their certification by 11:59 pm on the date of expiration is immediately considered expired.

(2) Any expired electrical contractor license which has expired due to failure to renew may only be reinstated within five (5) years from the date of expiration after application and payment of a reinstatement fee, payment of all accrued renewal fees and satisfaction of all continuing education requirements, which may be as much as thirty-five (35) hours. The reinstatement fee is in addition to all other fees which may apply.

(3) Any expired license for an electrical contractor who has not restored their license after 5 calendar years (1825 days), or more, is considered expired and shall be required to sit for and pass the written prelicensure examination prior to applying for re licensure as a new applicant.

History

• Author: Jeffrey M. Becraft
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, 34-36-9
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2025; effective February 14, 2026.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-3-.09 Procedure in the Event of the Loss, Death or Incapaciation of a Certified Contractors

(1) In the event a licensed electrical contractor in responsible charge separates by termination, layoff, or voluntary resignation from a partnership, corporation, business trust, or other legal entity operating under his or her certification, the licensed contractor and entity shall notify the Board within five {5} days of the separation by submitting a severance notification form prescribed by the Board. The entity must immediately cease entering all contracts, both verbal and written, and the installation, service and/or repair of any electrical system until a licensed electrical contractor applies to, and is approved by, the Board as responsible in charge for the entity. Operating without a certified contractor in responsible charge is a violation of Section 34-36-16, Code of Ala. 1975.

(2) In the event of the death or incapacitation of a certified contractor in writing within 45 days by any partnership, corporation, business trust, or other legal entity operating under the certification of the deceased or incapacitated person in responsible charge. These business entities are eligible to apply for an emergency license on an application prescribed by the Board and must provide a death certificate or official statement from a physician attesting to incapacitation. An emergency certification shall be active for no longer than 90 days before expiring. The entity may continue to enter new contracts and engage in the installation, service or repair of electrical systems while the certification remains active. Once expired the entity must immediately cease entering all contracts, both verbal and written, and the installation, service and/or repair of any electrical system until a certified contractor applies to, and is approved by, the Board as responsible in charge for the entity. Failure to notify the Board of the death of a contractor is a violation of Section 34-36-6(9)(c) Code of Ala. 1975.

History

• Author: Jeffrey M. Becraft
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, 34-36-6; 34-36-7; 41-9A-3
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2025; effective February 14, 2026.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-3-.10 Fees and Charges

(1) The following fees and charges have been established by the Board effective January 17, 2026.

(a) Electrical Contractor Examination Fee $165.00

(b) Journeyman Electrician Examination Fee $115.00

(c) Electrical Contractor License Fee $150.00

(d) Journeyman Electrician License Fee $ 35.00

(e) Electrical Contractor Renewal Fee $150.00

(f) Journeyman Electrician Renewal Fee $ 35.00

(g) Electrical Contractor Restoration Renewal Fee $ 50.00 per year

(i) Inactive Electrical Contractor Certificate $ 75.00

(j) Inactive Journeyman Electrician Certificate $ 15.00

(k) Re-issuance or Replacement Card Fee $ 25.00

(l) Provisional License Renewal Fee $ 75.00

(m) Reciprocal Electrical Contractor License $315.00

(n) Continuing Education Provider $250.00

All renewal fees, restoration renewal fees and inactive licenses are due and payable annually.

(Inactive contractors are not eligible to purchase local licenses or permits until the inactive contractor returns to an active certified contractor status and meets all requirements for licensing as an active electrical contractor, including payment of the proper fee(s))

(2) Examination fees are in addition to the fees required for initial licensing fee.

(3) All fees established by the Board shall be submitted with the application for examination to become certified with the Board, and no part of said fees shall be refunded. These fees shall be received by the Board and held for the purpose of paying the expenses associated with processing the application and to pay the expenses associated with testing.

(4) The Board may pass along to the applicant the service fee charged by any credit card company, bank, or card processing organization to process any online or in house credit card fee.

History

• Author: Jeffrey M. Becraft
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,34-36-7; 34-36-8; 34-36-9;34-36-11
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2025; effective February 14, 2026.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-3-.11 License Modifications

(1) All licenses issued after July 1, 2025, are available for each contractor to view and print through at the time of renewal. The Board may issue a hard copy card, if available, to a certified contractor by request.

(2) The Board may modify the information on a license for a certified contractor who submits a written, sworn, and notarized statement to the Board that includes information establishing that the certified contractor's name has been changed by marriage or court order. If the certified contractor seeks issuance of a replacement licensed to accommodate a name change, the originally issued certification card must be returned to the Board as a condition of the issuance of the new certified contractor card.

(3) A certified contractor may apply to the Board to change the business name on their license by submitting a new application for licensure with their current certification number listed.

History

• Author: Jeffrey M. Becraft
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, 34-36-6; 34-36-7.
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2025; effective February 14, 2026.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-3-.12 Military Members and Spouses, and Federal Government Personnel

(1) Acceptance of Military Education, Training, or Service.

(a) The Board may accept education, training, or service completed by an individual as a member of the Armed Forces or reserves of the United States, the National Guard of any state, the military reserves of any state, or the naval militia of any state as sufficient education or experience to sit for examination.

(2) Acknowledgement of Military and Federal Government Personnel and Military Spouses

(a) After receiving military orders or federal government transfer to the State of Alabama, the Board may waive the electrical contractors examination for military or Federal Government personnel and military spouses who hold a current and electrical contracting license in another state, district, or territory of the United States, or in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard, with licensing or certification; or U.S. Dept of Justice, FBI, U.S. Attorney's Office, Bureau of ATF, DEA(Drug), U.S. Marshall Services and NASA

(b) The Board will waive the licensing fee for military spouses upon initial certification during a transfer of station ordered by the Armed Forces or reserves of the United States.

History

• Author: Jeffrey M. Becraft
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, 31-12A-2; 31-1-6.
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2025; effective February 14, 2026.