North Dakota Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide

North Dakota regulates contractors primarily at the state level. Electrician licensing is administered by the North Dakota State Electrical Board, while contractor registration and classification for project size is handled by the North Dakota Secretary of State. Some trades also rely on separate, specialized state boards referenced by the Secretary of State, such as the plumbing authority.

This guide spotlights several representative licenses and authorities for North Dakota to help you get oriented; we update it periodically. You’ll find who regulates each trade, key eligibility points, the fees listed on official sources, and where to confirm items that vary by license class or business setup (such as insurance or renewal specifics).

If you are planning electrical work, expect to work directly with the State Electrical Board for apprentice, journeyman, master, class B, and power limited licensing. If you are bidding or contracting jobs, the Secretary of State’s contractor classes (A–D) apply based on project value thresholds starting at $4,000.

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Overview of North Dakota Contractor Licensing

Two primary authorities regulate contracting activity statewide. The North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB) licenses electricians at multiple levels—apprentice, journeyman, master, class B, and power limited—under the North Dakota Century Code and the board’s rules and wiring standards. NDSEB sets eligibility, conducts technical and practical examinations, and prescribes insurance minimums for those acting as electrical contractors.

The North Dakota Secretary of State (SOS) administers contractor licensing for project values starting at $4,000 through a classification system (Classes A–D). The SOS page also notes that specialized trade licenses issued by state boards—specifically electrical and plumbing—are separate from SOS contractor registration. As a result, many firms maintain both a contractor license (based on project size) and one or more specialized trade licenses aligned to their scope of work.

Statutory authority for electrician licensing is codified in Title 43, Chapter 09 of the North Dakota Century Code, with additional detail in the board’s Laws, Rules, and Wiring Standards. The SOS contractor page is the definitive resource for contractor class thresholds, fees, and the reminder to obtain any separate trade licenses required by law.

Primary Licensing Authority

Multiple Authorities – See research notes

Browse all North Dakota contractor license practice tests →

Electrician Licenses in North Dakota

North Dakota regulates electrical work with 5 license types administered by the North Dakota State Electrical Board. Licensure is required for those installing and repairing electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment; apprentice registration, journeyman experience accumulation, and examinations are central parts of the process. Contractors performing electrical work must also meet NDSEB insurance requirements and comply with all board rules and state statutes.

Master Electrician License

Regulatory Authority: North Dakota State Electrical Board — https://www.ndseb.com

Eligibility and Experience

  • At least one year of licensed journeyman experience prior to master licensure.
  • Experience must be under a contracting master (or equivalent) in jurisdictions with licensing and inspection rules similar to North Dakota.
  • Reciprocity references 10,000 hours of supervised experience for master-level equivalency where applicable.
  • The board may grant credit for appropriate electrical schooling toward the required experience.

Examination

  • Technical and practical exam administered under board standards.
  • Minimum passing score: 70%.

Fees

  • Application: $50
  • Initial License: $50
  • Renewal: $50

Insurance (Contracting Master)

  • Public liability insurance required when acting as an electrical contractor.
  • Minimum coverage: $500,000 with a licensed carrier.

Renewal

  • Annual renewal (per NDSEB schedule).

Contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board to confirm exam provider, any continuing education requirements, age minimums, and documentation specifics before applying.

Exam Prep: PDF study guide with 1,500-2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators to exact code sections. Study offline; no time or use limits. North Dakota Master Electrician Practice Test.

Journeyman Electrician License

Regulatory Authority: North Dakota State Electrical Board — https://www.ndseb.com

Eligibility and Experience

  • 8,000 hours of electrical experience over at least three years while registered as an apprentice.
  • Work must be supervised by a contracting master or master of record, in jurisdictions with comparable licensing and inspection rules.
  • At least 4,000 hours must be in electrical construction wiring and installing electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment.
  • Up to 2,000 hours of credit may be granted for graduation from a two-year (or longer) electrical school accepted by the board.

Examination

  • Technical and practical exam administered under board standards.
  • Minimum passing score: 70%.

Fees

  • Application: $25
  • Initial License: $25
  • Renewal: $25

Insurance (If Acting as Contractor)

  • Public liability insurance is required when functioning as an electrical contractor.
  • Minimum coverage: $500,000.

Renewal

  • Annual renewal; journeyman licenses expire March 31 each year.

Contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board to confirm exam provider, any continuing education requirements, age minimums, and application documentation before applying.

Exam Prep: PDF study guide with 1,500-2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators to exact code sections. Study offline; no time or use limits. North Dakota Journeyman Electrician Practice Test.

Class B Electrician License

Regulatory Authority: North Dakota State Electrical Board — https://www.ndseb.com

Eligibility and Experience

  • Demonstrated qualifications, training, and technical knowledge to wire, install, and repair electrical apparatus and equipment.
  • At least 18 months of experience in farmstead or residential wiring as specified in the Laws, Rules, and Wiring Standards of North Dakota.

Examination

  • Exam administered under NDSEB standards. Applicants are licensed in the class for which they are examined.

Fees

  • Application: $40
  • Initial License: $40
  • Renewal: $40

Insurance (If Acting as Contractor)

  • Public liability insurance required.
  • Minimum coverage: $500,000.

Renewal

  • Annual renewal (per NDSEB schedule).

Contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board to confirm the precise scope for Class B work, exam provider details, any continuing education, and documentation before applying.

Exam Prep: PDF study guide with 1,500-2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators to exact code sections. Study offline; no time or use limits. North Dakota Class B Electrician Practice Test.

Power Limited Electrician License

Regulatory Authority: North Dakota State Electrical Board — https://www.ndseb.com

Eligibility and Experience

  • Recognized as a separate license class under North Dakota law and NDSEB rules.
  • Specific hour requirements and system scopes are established by the board in its rules and wiring standards booklet.

Examination

  • Board examination covering power limited systems.
  • General board standard applies: minimum passing score 70%.

Fees

  • Application: $50
  • Initial License: $50
  • Renewal: $50

Insurance (If Acting as Contractor)

  • Public liability insurance required.
  • Minimum coverage: $500,000.

Renewal

  • Annual renewal (per NDSEB schedule).

Contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board to confirm current hour requirements, recognized system categories, exam provider details, any continuing education, and required documentation before applying.

Exam Prep: PDF study guide with 1,500-2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators to exact code sections. Study offline; no time or use limits. North Dakota Power Limited Electrician Practice Test.

Apprentice Electrician Registration

Regulatory Authority: North Dakota State Electrical Board — https://www.ndseb.com

Registration and Training

  • Apprentices must register with NDSEB and work under a contracting master or master of record.
  • Hours worked while unregistered or past renewal do not count toward journeyman eligibility.
  • Training must follow a board-approved apprenticeship program; successful completion is required for journeyman licensure.

Exam

  • No licensing exam is required for apprentice registration.

Fees

  • Registration/Application: $10
  • Annual Renewal: $10

Insurance

  • Not required for apprentice registration.

Renewal

  • Annual renewal; maintain current registration so hours count toward journeyman.

Contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board to confirm age minimums, approved training pathways, on-the-job training documentation, and any additional registration materials.

Plumbing Licenses in North Dakota

Plumbing is regulated by a state-level authority distinct from contractor registration. The Secretary of State’s contractor page notes that plumbing is a specialized trade licensed separately from SOS contractor classes, referencing a North Dakota State Plumbing Board as the authority for plumbers.

Where to Verify Requirements

Confirm official plumbing license classes, exams, fees, insurance, and renewal procedures directly with the state plumbing authority. The Secretary of State’s overview page provides the contractor thresholds and notes the separate plumbing board: https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors.

HVAC Licenses in North Dakota

Mechanical/HVAC work in North Dakota can intersect with both contractor registration and specialized trade rules. Contractor licensing through the Secretary of State applies when the cost or value of a job exceeds $4,000 (Classes A–D). Work scopes that include electrical or plumbing must comply with those state licensing requirements.

Next Steps

  • For contractor registration thresholds and classes, see the SOS page: https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors.
  • For any electrical or plumbing components of HVAC work, follow the applicable state licensing requirements administered by NDSEB or the plumbing authority.
  • For refrigerant handling, federal EPA Section 608 certification is required.

Contact the appropriate state authority to confirm license classifications, insurance minimums, and renewal details for your specific HVAC scope.

General Contractor Licenses in North Dakota

North Dakota contractor registration is administered by the Secretary of State. When the cost or value of a job exceeds $4,000, a contractor license is required in one of four classes (A–D). Contractor classes correspond to project size ranges, and fees are set by class.

North Dakota Contractor License – Class A

Regulatory Authority: North Dakota Secretary of State — https://www.sos.nd.gov

When Required

  • Contractor licensing is required when a project exceeds $4,000 in cost or value. Class A is the highest of the four classes listed by the Secretary of State.

Fees

  • Application/Initial License: $450
  • Renewal: $450 (annual)

Special Notes

  • Specialized trade licenses (e.g., electrical, plumbing) are separate from SOS contractor licensing and must be obtained when required by law.

Renewal

  • Annual renewal (per SOS schedule).

Contact the North Dakota Secretary of State to confirm insurance or bonding requirements, documentation needed for business registration, and any additional compliance steps before applying.

North Dakota Contractor License – Class B

Regulatory Authority: North Dakota Secretary of State — https://www.sos.nd.gov

When Required

  • Required when a project exceeds $4,000 and falls within the Class B job size range listed by the SOS. The SOS page associates Class B with jobs up to $500,000 per job.

Fees

  • Application/Initial License: $300
  • Renewal: $300 (annual)

Special Notes

  • Separate trade licenses (e.g., electrical, plumbing) may also be required depending on the work performed.

Renewal

  • Annual renewal (per SOS schedule).

Contact the North Dakota Secretary of State to confirm insurance or bonding requirements, documentation needed for business registration, and any additional compliance steps before applying.

North Dakota Contractor License – Class C

Regulatory Authority: North Dakota Secretary of State — https://www.sos.nd.gov

When Required

  • Required when a project exceeds $4,000 and falls within the Class C job size range. The SOS page associates Class C with jobs up to $300,000 per job.

Fees

  • Application/Initial License: $225
  • Renewal: $225 (annual)

Special Notes

  • Obtain separate trade licenses (e.g., electrical, plumbing) when applicable to your scope.

Renewal

  • Annual renewal (per SOS schedule).

Contact the North Dakota Secretary of State to confirm insurance or bonding requirements, documentation needed for business registration, and any additional compliance steps before applying.

North Dakota Contractor License – Class D

Regulatory Authority: North Dakota Secretary of State — https://www.sos.nd.gov

When Required

  • Required when a project exceeds $4,000 and falls within the Class D job size range. The SOS page associates Class D with jobs up to $100,000 per job.

Fees

  • Application/Initial License: $100
  • Renewal: $100 (annual)

Special Notes

  • Specialized trade licensing (e.g., electrical, plumbing) may be required separately based on work type.

Renewal

  • Annual renewal (per SOS schedule).

Contact the North Dakota Secretary of State to confirm insurance or bonding requirements, documentation needed for business registration, and any additional compliance steps before applying.

Roofing Licenses in North Dakota

Roofing contractors typically fall under North Dakota’s contractor licensing administered by the Secretary of State when the cost or value of a job exceeds $4,000. Select the SOS contractor class (A–D) that fits your project size and maintain any additional compliance required by law.

Permit and code compliance for roofing work is enforced through building authorities. Always coordinate permitting, inspections, product approvals, and safety requirements for each project jurisdiction. For contractor registration thresholds and class fees, see the SOS resource: https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors.

Specialty Trade Licenses in North Dakota

Specialty trades may require both contractor registration (per SOS class thresholds) and a separate trade license when state law assigns authority to a specific board. For example, electrical work is licensed by the North Dakota State Electrical Board, and the SOS page references a separate plumbing licensing authority for plumbing work.

Other specialized scopes (such as fire protection systems, elevators, or well drilling) can be governed by their own state rules and agencies. Before bidding, confirm whether your specialty requires a separate state-issued credential in addition to SOS contractor licensing, and verify any insurance, bonding, or renewal requirements associated with that specialty.

Application Process

  1. Register as an apprentice (for electrical work) with the North Dakota State Electrical Board and work under a contracting master or master of record, ensuring your registration is current so all hours count toward journeyman eligibility.
  2. Accumulate required experience: 8,000 hours for journeyman over at least three years (with credit available for approved schooling), and additional qualifying experience for master as recognized by the board.
  3. Submit the appropriate NDSEB application (master, journeyman, class B, power limited, or apprentice) with fees and documentation of experience and education. Follow the board’s instructions for application timing and supporting records.
  4. Take and pass the board’s technical and practical examination for the relevant electrician license class. The minimum passing score noted by NDSEB is 70%.
  5. If you will act as an electrical contractor (contracting master, class B, or power limited), secure public liability insurance of at least $500,000 and complete any required contractor registration or business filings with the Secretary of State.
  6. For non-specialty contracting work, obtain an SOS contractor license class (A–D) when the project value exceeds $4,000. File required business documents and pay the class fee listed by the SOS.

Timeline: Processing depends on application completeness, examination scheduling, and agency workload. Check NDSEB and SOS timelines for current processing expectations.

Reciprocity

North Dakota offers electrical reciprocity pathways with certain states, including Iowa and Minnesota. Reciprocity generally applies to electricians rather than to SOS contractor licensing.

Requirements: Applicants must document qualifying supervised experience under a contracting master in jurisdictions with comparable licensing and inspection rules and meet experience thresholds (8,000 hours for journeyman and 10,000 hours for master as referenced in reciprocal guidance). All reciprocal applicants must comply with North Dakota’s laws, rules, and wiring standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a contractor license in North Dakota?

Timelines vary by license type and agency. Allow time for application review, examination scheduling (for NDSEB electrical licenses), and any business filings needed with the Secretary of State. Submitting complete, well-documented applications helps keep processing on track.

Can I transfer my license from another state to North Dakota?

For electricians, NDSEB has reciprocity with certain states, including Iowa and Minnesota. You must document qualifying supervised experience and demonstrate compliance with North Dakota’s statutes and rules. Reciprocity is generally not used for SOS contractor licensing.

What happens if I fail the electrician exam?

NDSEB sets examination and retake policies. Contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board for current retake procedures, waiting periods, and any additional fees.

Do I need insurance?

Electrical contractors must maintain public liability insurance of at least $500,000 with a licensed carrier, as specified by NDSEB. The SOS contractor page lists class fees and thresholds but does not detail insurance requirements on that page; confirm any insurance or bonding obligations with the Secretary of State before applying.

How do I renew my license?

Most NDSEB electrician licenses renew annually; journeyman licenses expire March 31 each year. SOS contractor licenses also renew annually. Verify your exact renewal date and any continuing education or fee requirements with the issuing authority.

What if my city has additional requirements for my project?

Licensing is handled at the state level by NDSEB (electrical) and the Secretary of State (contractor registration). Local building departments administer permits and inspections; always confirm permit requirements, submittals, and inspection schedules with the local authority for each project.

Where can I find practice tests for North Dakota exams?

We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for North Dakota licensing exams. Each guide typically includes 1,500–2,500 questions with complete answer keys and reference locators pointing to exact code sections. Study offline at your own pace with no time or use limits. Browse North Dakota contractor practice tests.

North Dakota · Practice tests

North Dakota contractor license practice tests

The North Dakota practice tests we publish today: comprehensive PDF guides, typically 1,500 to 2,500 questions each, with full answer keys and reference locators to the exact code sections. We add new tests regularly, so if your license isn’t listed here, contact us and we’ll build it.

Browse all North Dakota tests →

Related Official Resources

Official Sources for Further Details:

  1. North Dakota State Electrical Board – Licensing
    https://www.ndseb.com/licensing/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-28
  2. North Dakota State Electrical Board – Qualifications for Licensure
    https://www.ndseb.com/licensing/qualifications-for-licensure/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-28
  3. North Dakota State Electrical Board – Electrical Contractor Guidelines & Requirements
    https://www.ndseb.com/licensing/electrical-contractor-guidelines-requirements/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-28
  4. North Dakota State Electrical Board – Apprenticeship Information & Registration
    https://www.ndseb.com/licensing/apprenticeship-information-registration/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-28
  5. North Dakota State Electrical Board – Electrician’s License Renewal & Requirements
    https://www.ndseb.com/licensing/electricians-license-renewal/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-28
  6. North Dakota State Electrical Board – Applying for an Electrical License
    https://www.ndseb.com/licensing/applying-for-an-electrical-license/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-28
  7. Laws, Rules and Wiring Standards of North Dakota (NDSEB Booklet)
    https://ndseb.com/image/cache/2023_Laws_Rules_and_Wiring_Standards_of_ND_Booklet.pdf
    Official Board Publication | Accessed: 2026-09-28
  8. North Dakota Century Code t43c09 – Electricians
    https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t43c09.pdf
    State Statute | Accessed: 2026-09-28
  9. North Dakota Administrative Code – Chapter 24.1-03-01 Licensing Requirements
    https://ndlegis.gov/prod/acdata/pdf/24.1-03-01.pdf
    State Statute/Administrative Rule | Accessed: 2026-09-28
  10. North Dakota State Electrical Board – Reciprocal License Agreements & Requirements
    https://www.ndseb.com/licensing/reciprocal-license-agreements-requirements/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-28
  11. North Dakota Secretary of State – Contractors
    https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors
    Official State Site | Accessed: 2026-09-28

Important Disclaimer

Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Licensing requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official sources.

Official Source: For current information, contact Multiple Authorities – See research notes:

No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult with the licensing board or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Permitting: Local building departments administer permits and inspections. Always verify permit and inspection requirements for your project location.

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