Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority, sourced from New York's official board.
There is no New York State electrician license to obtain, so the answer depends entirely on where the work is performed, and a NYC license carries no authority in Buffalo or the reverse. In NYC a Master Electrician may work as an independent contractor on any building, while a Special Electrician is limited to specific buildings, lots or parts thereof. Buffalo additionally licenses a journeyman tier, which NYC does not.
| Requirements | Set by the licensing municipality. NYC Master or Special Electrician: at least 18 years old, English literate, of good moral character, and one of: 7 years of qualifying tool experience within the prior 10 years under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master or special electrician with at least 2 of those years in New York City; a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or appropriate engineering technology plus 3 years of qualifying experience, at least 2 in NYC; or completion of a NYS Department of Labor registered apprenticeship plus 5 years within the prior 10, at least 2 in NYC. Electrical inspection experience counts at 50 percent. A written exam ($585, passing score 70 percent) and a practical exam ($530) are both required, and the business must carry general liability, workers' compensation and disability insurance with a NYC place of business. Buffalo sets its own standard: 11 years / 22,000 hours of electrical construction experience by notarized employer affidavit and a score of 75 percent or better on the ICC G-16 master exam. |
| Reciprocity | Not applicable at state level, since no state license exists. Neither the NYC Department of Buildings pages nor the City of Buffalo application addresses reciprocity with other states or with other New York municipalities. |
| Renewal | Set by the licensing municipality. NYC master and special electrician licenses renew annually ($60 license plus $30 seal, $400 late fee) and require an approved course of at least 8 hours. |
| Notes | There is no New York State electrician license to obtain, so the answer depends entirely on where the work is performed, and a NYC license carries no authority in Buffalo or the reverse. In NYC a Master Electrician may work as an independent contractor on any building, while a Special Electrician is limited to specific buildings, lots or parts thereof. Buffalo additionally licenses a journeyman tier, which NYC does not. |
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Sources: www.nyc.gov, www.nyc.gov, dos.ny.gov, op.nysed.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.
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