Michigan Electrical License Requirements
Michigan has comprehensive statewide licensing administered by LARA. The state requires registration for apprentices and licenses for journeymen, masters, and contractors.
Apprentice Electrician
Register within 30 days
Must register with the state within 30 days of starting electrical work
Journeyman Electrician
8,000 hours + 576 classroom + exam
Statewide license requiring practical experience, classroom instruction, and passing state exam
Master Electrician
12,000 hours + 2 years as JW + exam
Must hold journeyman license for 2 years before applying for master
Electrical Contractor
Master license + insurance
Required to contract electrical work; must hold master electrician license
Fire Alarm Specialty Technician
4,000 hours + exam
Specialized license for fire alarm system installation and service
Michigan's Strong Apprenticeship System
Michigan is home to IBEW Local 58 in Detroit, one of the largest and most respected electrical training programs in the country. The state's 8,000-hour requirement combined with 576 hours of classroom instruction ensures journeymen are thoroughly prepared. Michigan also requires a state exam, maintaining high standards for licensed electricians.
Apprenticeship Programs in Michigan
Michigan offers excellent apprenticeship options through IBEW JATCs, ABC chapters, and community colleges across the state.
Detroit Electrical Industry Training Center
Warren, MI
IBEW Local 58 training facility - one of the largest JATCs in the country
West Michigan Electrical JATC
Grand Rapids, MI
IBEW Local 275 apprenticeship serving West Michigan
Lansing Electrical JATC
Lansing, MI
IBEW Local 665 training center for mid-Michigan
ABC Southeastern Michigan (SEMCA)
Detroit Metro
Merit shop training with comprehensive electrical curriculum
ABC Western Michigan
Grand Rapids, MI
Non-union apprenticeship and journeyman training
Henry Ford College
Dearborn, MI
Electrical technology associate degree and certificate programs
Lansing Community College
Lansing, MI
Electrical apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training
Macomb Community College
Warren, MI
Electrical trades and industrial maintenance programs
IBEW Locals in Michigan
Michigan has strong IBEW representation with locals covering every region of the state, including one of the nation's largest - Local 58 in Detroit.
IBEW Local 58
Detroit
Metro Detroit and southeast Michigan
IBEW Local 252
Ann Arbor
Washtenaw and Livingston counties
IBEW Local 275
Grand Rapids
West Michigan region
IBEW Local 665
Lansing
Greater Lansing and mid-Michigan
IBEW Local 948
Flint
Genesee and surrounding counties
IBEW Local 131
Kalamazoo
Southwest Michigan
IBEW Local 8
Toledo, OH
Covers some SE Michigan counties
Required OJT Hours in Michigan
Michigan has clear, statewide requirements for electrician licensing. Here's what you need to complete your apprenticeship and earn your journeyman license:
8,000 OJT Hours
Practical experience required for journeyman license, tracked and documented
576 Classroom Hours
Related technical instruction through JATC, ABC, or approved program
State Exam Required
Pass the Michigan journeyman electrician exam administered by LARA
12,000 Hours for Master
Additional 4,000 hours and 2 years as journeyman to qualify for master license
How to Track Hours in Michigan with SparkShift
Whether you're training with Local 58 in Detroit or working commercial in Grand Rapids, SparkShift helps you document every hour toward your Michigan journeyman license.
GPS-Verified Hours
Clock in from any jobsite in Michigan with automatic location verification
LARA-Ready Reports
Generate PDF reports that meet Michigan licensing documentation requirements
Track All Categories
Log hours across all 12 IBEW work categories required by Michigan programs
Michigan Electrical Board Contact Info
Official contact information for Michigan's electrical licensing authority.
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Electrical Division
LARA handles apprentice registration, journeyman licensing, master licensing, and contractor licensing for the state of Michigan. Detroit and Grand Rapids have additional local requirements.
FAQ for Michigan Electricians
Common questions about electrical licensing and apprenticeships in Michigan.
What are the requirements for a Michigan journeyman electrician license?
To become a licensed journeyman electrician in Michigan, you need: 8,000 hours of practical on-the-job training, 576 hours of classroom instruction (typically completed through a JATC or approved program), and passing the state journeyman exam. The apprenticeship usually takes 4-5 years to complete.
How do I register as an electrical apprentice in Michigan?
In Michigan, you must register as an electrical apprentice with LARA (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) within 30 days of beginning work as an apprentice. Your employer or training program typically handles this registration. You'll work under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician.
Does Michigan have reciprocity with other states?
Michigan generally does not have broad reciprocity agreements for journeyman electrician licenses. Most out-of-state applicants must take and pass the Michigan state exam, regardless of their current licenses. Some experience may be credited toward the hour requirements, but exam passage is typically required.
What IBEW locals serve Michigan?
Michigan is served by several IBEW locals: Local 58 (Detroit - the largest), Local 252 (Ann Arbor), Local 275 (Grand Rapids), Local 665 (Lansing), Local 948 (Flint), and Local 131 (Kalamazoo). IBEW Local 8 from Toledo, OH also covers some southeast Michigan counties. Each local offers apprenticeship programs through their JATC.
Do Detroit and Grand Rapids have their own licensing requirements?
Yes, Detroit and Grand Rapids have their own local licensing authorities that supersede state licensing in those jurisdictions. If you plan to work in these cities, you may need to obtain local licenses in addition to your state license. Contact the city's building department for specific requirements.
How do I track my apprentice hours in Michigan?
SparkShift is the easiest way to track your Michigan apprenticeship hours. The app provides GPS-verified time entries, tracks all 12 IBEW work categories, allows supervisor sign-offs, and exports reports that meet LARA requirements. Whether you're working in Detroit, Grand Rapids, or anywhere in Michigan, SparkShift keeps your hours organized and ready for license applications.
