When you are an independent contractor, it is easy to assume that you are not responsible for the company that employs you. However, you are still responsible for maintaining your credentials, submitting the proper paperwork, and handling the details of your job, rather than relying on the company to oversee the process.
As an electrician, you are responsible for a great deal of training, paperwork, and regulations. One of the biggest steps you can take to build credibility is to obtain a license that is appropriate for your area. However, in a tri-state area like Greater Cincinnati, you can cross state lines and need a completely different certification. Confused about what you need to start working as an electrician? Take a look at the requirements for each state.

 

Ohio

According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, to obtain an electrician's license in Ohio, you will need to provide proof of
1. Proof of at least five years of experience as a practitioner in the electrical field, showing that your work requires a license.
2. Registration as an electrical engineer in Ohio with three years of experience in the electrical construction industry.
3. Demonstrate another acceptable level of experience to the Board.
Once you have the experience and training, you only need to pass the exam and carry the proper insurance as long as you have not committed a disqualifying offense. Your application must then be notarized and accompanied by the appropriate fee. Your license will need to be renewed annually with proof of 8-10 hours of continuing education, only half of which may be online.
The good news is that if you start with an Ohio license, you can apply for a reciprocal license in Kentucky, which may save you some time and money.

 

Kentucky

To obtain an electrician's license in Kentucky, you will need to provide notarized proof of any of the following.
1. Six years of experience in the electrical field.
2. Four years of experience in the electrical field plus 576 hours of classroom training.
You can gain this experience and classroom training through a technical college, apprenticeship program, or an associate position with a reputable electrician.
After years of experience, you will need to pass the Kentucky Standard Journeyman Electrician exam, complete a license application, and provide proof of identification to obtain an independent electrician license in Kentucky. Licenses need to be renewed annually and provide proof of at least six hours of continuing education.

 

Indiana

Indiana operates slightly differently than Ohio and Kentucky because there is no statewide regulatory board for electrical contractors. Therefore, the license is issued in the city where you work, but you should have no problem taking your license from the city to city within Indiana.
To obtain an electrical contractor's license in most Indiana cities, you will need to go through four stages.
First, you need four to six years of experience in the field, which you can gain through a technical college or apprenticeship.
Next, you need a passing score on the journeyman exam required by your city. Journeyman licenses will need to be renewed annually.
Next, you will need to obtain an electrician's certificate or license. A master electrician license requires a customer reference, documentation of six to eight years of experience, and a passing score on the master electrician exam. A master electrician certificate or license will need to be renewed annually.
Finally, to obtain an independent electrical contractor's license, you will need to purchase the proper insurance and renew your license annually. Some cities also require a certain amount of bonding.
The process of obtaining a license in each of these three states takes several years, but at the end of the day, you will be able to work anywhere a contract is open, and you can do so at your convenience - provided you maintain your certification each year.