Rhode Island electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Rhode Island electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation (State Board of Examiners of Electricians)), how to check one online, the license types, and 381 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Rhode Island?
| Who licenses them | Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation (State Board of Examiners of Electricians) |
|---|---|
| License types | Electrical Contractor (Certificate A), Journeyperson Electrician (Certificate B), Limited-Premises (Certificate C), Limited-Maintenance (Certificate D), Fire Alarm Contractor (Certificate AF), Lightning-Protection Contractor (Certificate LPC) |
| When a license is required | License required for any electrical business; no dollar threshold |
A business doing electrical work in Rhode Island needs an electrical contractor's license (Certificate A); journeyperson electricians (Certificate B) work for a licensed contractor. Electrical work also needs a local permit and inspection.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Rhode Island?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Rhode Island electrical license lookup run by Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation (State Board of Examiners of Electricians).
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the electrician about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation (State Board of Examiners of Electricians).
What electrical licenses does Rhode Island issue?
- Electrical Contractor (Certificate A)
- Journeyperson Electrician (Certificate B)
- Limited-Premises (Certificate C)
- Limited-Maintenance (Certificate D)
- Fire Alarm Contractor (Certificate AF)
- Lightning-Protection Contractor (Certificate LPC)
How do you get a electrical license in Rhode Island?
Licenses are issued by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation (State Board of Examiners of Electricians). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation (State Board of Examiners of Electricians) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many electricians are there in Rhode Island?
The Census Bureau counted 381 electrical contractors with employees in Rhode Island in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Providence County | 205 |
|---|---|
| Kent County | 60 |
| Washington County | 48 |
| Newport County | 46 |
| Bristol County | 22 |
What do Rhode Island homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Rhode Island was built in 1961, 37% of households rent and 59% of homes are single-family houses. 53% of homes heat with utility gas and 12% with electricity, and 27% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in Rhode Island?
- Check the license on the state or city license search, and ask whether the person doing the work is licensed or working under someone's license.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit and an inspection, and who files it. A licensed electrician files the permit.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Electrical mistakes show up later, so you want the company insured.
- For panel upgrades, ask whether the utility needs to be scheduled to cut and restore power, and who arranges it.
- Get a written estimate that lists the circuits, fixtures and materials.
Electricians in other states
Sources: Rhode Island licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.