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Massachusetts electrical license classes: A, B, C and D
Massachusetts issues four lettered electrical licenses under 237 CMR: two for full electrical work (Class A master, Class B journeyman) and two for systems work such as fire alarm, security and signaling (Class C systems contractor, Class D systems technician).
- 1A · Master Electrician 150 classroom h
- 2B · Journeyman Electrician 600 classroom h
- 3C · Systems Contractor 75 classroom h
- 4D · Systems Technician 300 classroom h
The classes
| Class | What it covers | To qualify |
|---|---|---|
| A Master Electrician | A person, firm or corporation with a regular place of business that performs electrical work by employing journeymen or apprentices (one apprentice per journeyman). | At least one year as the holder of a Massachusetts journeyman (Class B) license. |
| B Journeyman Electrician | A person qualified to install, repair or maintain wires, conduits, apparatus, devices, fixtures or other appliances used for heat, light, power, fire warning or security system purposes. | 8,000 hours of electrical work in no less than four years under a Massachusetts licensed journeyman, a high school diploma or equivalent, and 600 classroom hours (at most 300 credited from public vocational school). Up to 4,000 hours in not less than two years of systems experience can count. Experience older than 20 years is not credited. |
| C Systems Contractor | A person, firm or corporation with a regular place of business that performs systems work by employing systems technicians or apprentices. A systems contractor may not act as an electrical contractor (237 CMR 18.01(8)). | At least one year as the holder of a Massachusetts systems technician (Class D) license and 75 classroom hours. |
| D Systems Technician | A person qualified to install, repair or maintain wiring and equipment used for systems: fire warning, security, signaling or comparable power-limited functions permanently connected to a source of electricity. A systems technician works only when employed by a master electrician or systems contractor (237 CMR 18.01(2)). | 4,000 hours of systems work in no less than two years under a Massachusetts systems technician or journeyman, 300 hours of education, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Up to 2,000 hours of electrical experience and up to 75 hours of electrical education can count. |
Fees by class
| Class | Fees to get the license | Together | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Master Electrician | Application $66; License $155; Exam (PSI, both portions) $135 | $356 | $117 |
| B Journeyman Electrician | Application $31; License $104; Exam (PSI, both portions) $135 | $270 | $78 |
| C Systems Contractor | Application $66; License $155; Exam (PSI, both portions) $135 | $356 | $117 |
| D Systems Technician | Application $31; License $104; Exam (PSI, both portions) $135 | $270 | $78 |
Renewal
Every class renews on the same three-year cycle ending July 31 and needs 21 hours of CE in the three years before renewal: 15 approved hours on the Massachusetts Electrical Code (systems licensees: its applicable chapters and NFPA 72) plus 6 hours of the licensee's choice. Full detail: Massachusetts license renewal.
The exam is given by PSI; the $135 fee is $80 for the trade portion and $55 for the business and practical portion.
Systems work means installing, testing, repairing or maintaining conductors and equipment used for fire warning, security or signaling, or comparable power-limited functions (237 CMR 12.01).
The rest of the Massachusetts path
Master Electrician: 5 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam. The Massachusetts electrician license requirements page has the levels, exam and reciprocity as read from the board.
Questions
What is a Class D electrical license in Massachusetts?
Class D is the systems technician license: it covers fire warning, security, signaling and comparable power-limited wiring. It takes 4,000 hours of systems work over at least two years, 300 hours of education and the PSI exam, and the holder works for a master electrician or systems contractor.
What is the difference between a Class A and a Class B license in Massachusetts?
Class B is the journeyman electrician, an individual qualified to do electrical work. Class A is the master electrician, who runs the business and employs journeymen and apprentices; it needs a year as a Class B license holder and 150 more classroom hours.
Can a Class C systems contractor do electrical work?
No. 237 CMR 18.01(8) says a systems contractor cannot act as an electrical contractor; the license covers systems work only.
Sources and last checked
| What | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Class A to D definitions, systems work, renewal year | 237 CMR 12.00, Definitions (Mass.gov) | 2026-10-25 |
| Hours, years and education for each class | 237 CMR 13.00, Eligibility criteria for initial licensure (Mass.gov) | 2026-10-25 |
| Application, license and exam fees | Mass.gov, Apply for an individual electrical or systems license | 2026-10-25 |
| Renewal fees | Mass.gov, Renew your electrician, systems technician, or systems contractor license | 2026-10-25 |
| 237 CMR 18.01(2) and 18.01(8) limits | DOL redline of 237 CMR 12.00 to 22.00 (Mass.gov) | 2026-10-25 |
This page summarises the Massachusetts sources as read on 2026-10-25. Classes, fees and rules change; verify with Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Occupational Licensure) before applying. General information, not legal advice.