LicensebyState

Pennsylvania to South Dakota: master electrician license reciprocity

No credit· Start overVerified September 15, 2026· 12 sources

Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide master electrician license, so there is nothing to transfer. Here is South Dakota's standard path for out-of-state applicants.

Your origin state does not issue a statewide license at this level, so there is no license to transfer. The destination's standard out-of-state path is shown; expect to meet it in full.

Reference only, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the licensing board before you apply. Full disclaimer.

Out-of-state master or contractor without a reciprocal agreement

Your out-of-state credentials give no advantage. You meet the destination's requirements from scratch.

SDCL 36-16-23 lets the Commission grant a license of the same grade or class to an electrician licensed by another state, on payment of the fee and proof that the applicant's qualifications equal South Dakota's, to the extent that state provides similar action. The Commission's reciprocity page lists 'states with similar licensing requirements' whose master or contractor license it treats as the EC equivalent (for example Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah and Washington) and NERA states without agreements (Maine, Vermont, Wisconsin), but does not say whether the exam is waived for them, and says to call the Commission for unverified states. Absent a confirmed waiver, the applicant files the general Electrician License Application marked Electrical Contractor with the $60 fee, documents two years (4,000 hours) as a journeyman under an electrical contractor including one year of commercial wiring (the form accepts out-of-state employers and records other-state licenses), passes the Commission's EC exam with 70% within 90 days of approval, and before issuance files the $10,000 undertaking, liability insurance certificate and $50 deposit and pays the $200 biennial license fee.

No exam fee amount is published; SDCL 36-16-13 caps any exam fee at $150. The exam includes South Dakota statutes and rules, so there is no separate law exam. Whether an out-of-state journeyman license satisfies the 'licensed journeyman' experience requirement, and whether the Commission waives the exam for 'similar licensing requirements' states under SDCL 36-16-23, could not be confirmed from an official page.

At a glance

Trade exam
Required
Law / code exam
Not required
Out-of-state hours
Count toward eligibility
Typical processing
About 30 days

What you must already have

  • At least two years (4,000 hours) of licensed journeyman experience under the employment and supervision of an electrical contractor, of which at least one year (2,000 hours) is commercial wiring (SDCL 36-16-19; ARSD 20:44:16:08)

What you'll do to get licensed in South Dakota

  1. 1Application fee. Pay the application fee ($60). Electrical contractor application fee, nonrefundable (ARSD 20:44:16:04).
  2. 2Trade exam. Pass the destination's trade exam. South Dakota Electrical Commission electrical contractor examination (NEC 2023 plus state statutes and rules; 70% to pass; must test within 90 days of written approval).
  3. 3License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($200). Biennial electrical contractor license fee (ARSD 20:44:16:15); licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years.
  4. 4Surety bond. Post a surety bond ($10,000). $10,000 undertaking (notarized form in lieu of a surety bond) or approved security, SDCL 36-16-20.
  5. 5Insurance. Carry the required insurance. Public liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate with certificate on file with the Commission (waived if the employer partnership or corporation carries it).
  6. 6Other. $50 deposit to the Commission's special fund at issuance and each biennial renewal (waived when the fund exceeds $50,000) ($50).

Published fees on this path total $260, excluding exam-vendor fees, bonds, and insurance.

What you'll need to buy or arrange

Exam preparation

Most boards contract PSI, Prov, or ICC for exams. Check which code edition the exam is written to before buying a prep course.

  • Trade exam

Surety bond

A license or contractor bond is bought from a surety, not the state. Price is a small percentage of the bond amount and depends on your credit.

  • Surety bond · $10,000

Liability insurance

Some states require proof of general liability or workers' compensation coverage at licensing time.

  • Insurance

How South Dakota licenses master electricians

South Dakota master electrician · “Electrical Contractor”

Statewide license

Verified September 15, 2026· 8 sources

Issued by South Dakota Electrical Commission (Department of Labor & Regulation)

South Dakota has no license titled 'master electrician'; its highest person-held electrician credential is the Electrical Contractor (EC) license, which the Commission's own reciprocity table equates with other states' Master Electrician licenses. The EC license is issued to an individual who has at least two years (4,000 hours) of experience as a licensed journeyman under an electrical contractor, including one year (2,000 hours) of commercial wiring, and who passes the Commission's electrical contractor exam (NEC 2023 plus state statutes and rules, 70%); a Class B electrician can also advance with one additional year of commercial experience. Before the license is issued the applicant must file a $10,000 undertaking (or approved security), proof of public liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate, and a $50 deposit to the Commission's special fund, unless employed by a partnership or corporation that carries them. The application fee is $60 and the biennial license fee is $200; licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years and renewal requires 16 hours of continuing education. The Commission has EC-level reciprocity agreements with 11 states; Alaska, Colorado and New Mexico agreements cover the journeyman level only.

Moving to South DakotaLeaving South Dakota

Why Pennsylvania has nothing to transfer

Pennsylvania master electrician

Licensed by cities and counties

Verified September 15, 2026· 14 sources

Pennsylvania issues no statewide master electrician or electrical contractor license; none of the Department of State's licensing boards covers the trade, so the master-level credential exists only at the city level under names that vary: Philadelphia's Electrical Contractor License (four years with a licensed contractor, the ICC-administered Philadelphia Electrical Contractor exam, eight hours of NFPA 70 coursework, insurance, $60 application, $262 license and $202 annual renewal), Pittsburgh's Electrical Trade License (six years of combined experience and education, an ICC National Standard Master Electrician exam or the city exam, $1M/$2M liability insurance, $90 per year with eight hours of CE), and Master Electrician licenses in Allentown (four years, ICC G16, $50 application), Harrisburg (six years, ICC master exam, $125), Reading (two years as a journeyman, ICC G16Y, $90) and Scranton (four years plus ICC master exam, $250), with Erie licensing electrical contractors through its Trades Licensing Board. Because nearly every city relies on the ICC National Standard Master Electrician exam, a passing ICC score earned in another state is the most portable credential, and Pittsburgh's rules expressly allow the License Officer to accept equivalent out-of-state certification tests. Formal reciprocity is limited to Harrisburg (Maryland, Delaware and several Pennsylvania cities) and Reading (a published list that includes Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia); an out-of-state master must otherwise apply to each city separately, document local experience thresholds and pay each city's fees.

How local licensing works in Pennsylvania

How local licensing works. Pennsylvania has no state electrical board. Each city that licenses electricians does so under its own ordinance through a local board, and a license is valid only in the issuing city unless that city's rules recognize another jurisdiction. Nearly all cities use ICC exams, and several accept any ICC master exam regardless of code year.

Philadelphia. The Department of Licenses and Inspections issues the Electrical Contractor License (Philadelphia Code 9-1006), the city's only master-level electrician credential; it is issued to the individual, who must also hold a Commercial Activity License. Requirements: a minimum of four years of employment doing electrical work for a company licensed through a local or state jurisdiction (two years of electrical education equals one year of experience, up to two years), proven by tax records from a licensed contractor or proof of licensure through a local or state jurisdiction subject to L&I approval; a passing Philadelphia Electrical Contractor Examination administered by ICC referencing the current Philadelphia Code (or an application within 12 months of passing); eight hours of NFPA 70 coursework approved by the PA Department of Labor and Industry within the preceding 12 months; general liability $500,000 per occurrence, auto $300,000 and workers' compensation $100,000/$100,000/$500,000 naming the city as certificate holder. Fees: $60 non-refundable application, $262 license, $202 annual renewal with a 1.5 percent monthly surcharge after 60 days. Out-of-state licensure can serve as proof of experience but does not waive the Philadelphia exam.

Pittsburgh. The Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections issues the Electrical Trade License to individuals performing work that requires an electrical permit (PLI Rules VI.6; PCC 747). Applicants show a passing City-proctored Master Electrical exam or an ICC Standard Master Electrician exam for any code year (T16, G16, F16 or older) and six years of combined experience and education evaluated by the License Officer, with employer or licensed-electrician statements; insurance is $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate general liability plus workers' compensation or a no-employee affidavit. The license costs $90 (2025 fee schedule), expires 365 days from issue and renews with eight hours of continuing education. PLI Rule VI.1(E)(d) states that equivalent certification testing programs from other states are accepted upon the License Officer's determination of equivalence.

Allentown. The Electricians' Examining Board issues a Master license on four years of practical experience and the ICC National Standard Master exam (G16); applicants must be over 21 with a high school diploma or GED, pay a $50 non-refundable application fee, obtain Board approval before scheduling the exam, and pay an annual license fee set in the Business Regulation and Tax Code. No reciprocity provision is published.

Harrisburg. The Bureau of Codes issues a Master Electrician license ($125) on six years of practical experience or four years of technical school plus four years, with a passing ICC Master, National Standard Master or Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) Standard Master exam, insurance of $1,000,000 property damage and $300,000 bodily injury per occurrence, and a Mercantile Tax License. Documentation may be by test results or by reciprocity from Allentown, Bethlehem, Lancaster, Reading, Philadelphia, Maryland or Delaware (others considered case by case); a letter of good standing is required from any other Pennsylvania municipality that licenses the applicant.

Reading. The Electrical Board issues a Master Electrician license ($90 annual) to holders of a Reading or reciprocated journeyman license for two years who pass the ICC G16Y master exam. A reciprocal master license ($190 including a one-time reciprocity fee) recognizes licenses from jurisdictions of at least third-class-city standing with an equivalent board and standards; the June 2023 list names Bethlehem, Easton, Erie, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Scranton, Springfield MO, Sullivan County NY, and the states of Delaware, Maryland (master), Michigan, New Jersey, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Reciprocal licenses become permanent Reading licenses.

Scranton. Licensing, Inspections and Permits issues a Master Electrical contractor license ($250, calendar year) on four years under a licensed contractor (W-2s or 1099s), a passing ICC/UCC Master Electrical exam, general liability of $500,000 per person / $1,000,000 per occurrence and a Single Tax Office registration; an alternative route uses eight years of experience plus notarized referral letters in place of the exam. The form asks for copies of licenses held in other municipalities but states no reciprocity rule.

Erie. All electrical work must be done by an electrical contractor licensed by the City of Erie and only master license holders may obtain permits; the Trades Licensing Board reviews applications under Article 333 of the Codified Ordinances (not openable), which per the Board page also provides 90-day temporary apprentice and journeyman licenses.

Out-of-state holders. Apart from Harrisburg's and Reading's lists there is no reciprocity. The practical path is to present an ICC National Standard Master Electrician exam result (accepted by Pittsburgh for any code year and by Harrisburg, Allentown, Reading and Scranton), document the local experience threshold, meet each city's insurance requirement and pay its fee; Philadelphia requires its own ICC-administered Philadelphia exam.

Moving to PennsylvaniaLeaving Pennsylvania

Common questions

Do I have to take the South Dakota master electrician exam if I'm licensed in Pennsylvania?
Yes. South Dakota requires the trade exam on this path.
What does it cost to get a South Dakota master electrician license from Pennsylvania?
Published fees on this path total $260, not counting exam vendor fees or bonds.
Do my Pennsylvania work hours count in South Dakota?
Yes. Documented out-of-state experience counts toward South Dakota's eligibility requirements.
How long does the application take?
The board's published or typical processing time is about 30 days.
Does it work the other way, from South Dakota to Pennsylvania?
Not necessarily. Reciprocity is directed. Going from South Dakota to Pennsylvania, the mechanism is not applicable.

Sources

  1. SDCL 36-16-13 - License required, examination, application, fees · SDCL 36-16-13 · South Dakota Legislature · Statute · verified September 15, 2026Licenses issued in the class applied for after successful completion of the Commission's examination; exam fee capped at $150 per exam and application fee at $100. Text read from sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/36-16-13.html.
  2. SDCL 36-16-19 - Experience required for contractor's license · SDCL 36-16-19 · South Dakota Legislature · Statute · verified September 15, 2026At least two years of experience as a journeyman electrician, or one year of commercial experience as a Class B electrician, before applying for an electrical contractor's license. Text read from sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/36-16-19.html.
  3. SDCL 36-16-2 - Definition of terms · SDCL 36-16-2 · South Dakota Legislature · Statute · verified September 15, 2026Defines journeyman electrician (at least four years of experience in wiring, installing and repairing), electrical contractor (qualifications to plan, lay out and supervise, and who undertakes work for others), Class B electrician (36 months, farm and residential) and apprentice. Text read from the Legislature's statute rendering at sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/36-16-2.html.
  4. SDCL 36-16-20 - Undertaking and insurance required of contractor or Class B electrician · SDCL 36-16-20 · South Dakota Legislature · Statute · verified September 15, 2026$10,000 undertaking and $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance before an electrical contractor or Class B license is issued; $50 deposit. Text read from sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/36-16-20.html.
  5. SDCL 36-16-23 - Reciprocal licenses to electricians from other states · SDCL 36-16-23 · South Dakota Legislature · Statute · verified September 15, 2026To the extent other states provide similar action, the Commission may grant a license of the same grade or class to electricians licensed by other states, on payment of the fee and proof that the applicant's qualifications equal those of South Dakota licensees. Text read from sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/36-16-23.html.
  6. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Undertaking form for Electrical Contractors or Class B Electricians · South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, Electrical Commission · Form · verified September 15, 2026Notarized $10,000 undertaking in lieu of a surety bond under SDCL 36-16-20, with the $50 deposit.
  7. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Exams for Licensure · South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, Electrical Commission · Agency Page · verified September 15, 2026Exams are on the 2023 NEC since December 2, 2024; an applicant must submit the application and fee, be approved, and then has 90 days to arrange testing; no exam without prior written approval. No exam fee amount is shown.
  8. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Electrician License Application (REV 10/2025) · South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, Electrical Commission · Form · verified September 15, 2026Fee table: application fee $60 for every class; license or reciprocal fee $80 Journeyman / Reciprocal JM, $200 Electrical Contractor / Reciprocal EC, $100 Class B. Applicant checks Exam or Reciprocal; Part II records other-state licenses and how obtained; experience table accepts out-of-state employers; requires CE certificates from 7/1/20 forward; licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years; processing about 30 days.
  9. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Licensing · South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, Electrical Commission · Agency Page · verified September 15, 2026Describes the license classes and progression: apprentice to journeyman after four years (8,000 hours) under an electrical contractor; journeyman to electrical contractor after two more years (4,000 hours, at least 2,000 commercial); 16 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle (minimum 8 code hours).
  10. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Reciprocal Agreements for Licensure · South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, Electrical Commission · Agency Page · verified September 15, 2026States the conditions (license earned by examination, held at least one year, active status for one year) and tabulates existing agreements by state and class: journeyman (JM) with 14 states and Electrical Contractor (EC) with 11 of them (Alaska, Colorado and New Mexico are journeyman-only). Separately lists NERA states without agreements (Maine, Vermont, Wisconsin), 'states with similar licensing requirements' and states with no or unverified state licenses, with no stated treatment other than to call the Commission.
  11. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Undertaking and Insurance Requirement · SDCL 36-16-20 · South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, Electrical Commission · Agency Page · verified September 15, 2026Electrical contractor and Class B applicants must deposit a $10,000 undertaking (or approved security), carry public liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence / $300,000 aggregate, and pay a $50 deposit to the special fund at issuance and each biennial renewal; a licensed person employed by a partnership or corporation that satisfies the requirements is exempt.
  12. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Wiring Bulletin (SDCL 36-16 and ARSD Article 20:44) · ARSD 20:44:16:03, 20:44:16:04, 20:44:16:06, 20:44:16:08, 20:44:16:11, 20:44:16:15 · South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, Electrical Commission · Admin Rule · verified September 15, 202620:44:16:03: Commission-written exam from the NEC and state statutes and rules, 70% to pass for EC, Class B, journeyman; license must be issued within 90 days of passing; retake after 30 days. 20:44:16:04: application fees $60. 20:44:16:06: one year of experience is 2,000 hours. 20:44:16:08: apprentice to journeyman four years under a licensed EC or Class B; journeyman to EC two years under an EC with one year commercial. 20:44:16:11: biennial reciprocity fee EC $200, journeyman $80, nonrefundable. 20:44:16:15: biennial license fees EC $200, journeyman $80, Class B $100.

Verified dates are when a person last opened each source and confirmed the facts above. Cite the board, not us.

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