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Kentucky Contractor Licenses

Select a license to view its requirements, definition, exams, books, and classes. 

State Licenses

Fire Alarm Inspector

Conductors and raceways, radio frequency carriers, laser beams, light beams, sonic beams, and any other means of signal transmissions as well as all apparatus pertaining to fire alarm systems.

Fire Sprinkler Inspector

Water-based automatic fire sprinkler system design, installation, repair.

Journeyman HVAC

Performs or supervises the installation, improvement, extension, alteration, or repair of HVAC systems under the direction of an HVAC contractor.

Journeyman Electrician

Fire alarm systems, or any part thereof, which generate, transmit, transform, or utilize electrical energy in any form, including the electrical installations and systems within plants and sub-stations, all in compliance with applicable plans, specifications, codes, laws, and regulations.

Master Electrician

This license is needed to supervise direct or take responsible charge of any Electrician who is engaged in the construction, alteration, or repair of any electrical wiring used for the purpose of furnishing heat, light or power.

Master HVAC

Air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, ventilation systems, duct systems, warm air systems, low-pressure boiler, and unfired pressure vessel systems, solar heating and cooling systems, and related appurtenances unlimited in horsepower or tonnage.

Plumber Journeyman

A Journeyman Plumber means any person qualified and certified by the board to supervise or perform the skilled work of installing plumbing fixtures or systems or any part thereof.

Plumber Master

Plumbing or who engages in, offers to engage in, or advertises or otherwise represents that he is permitted or qualified to engage in the design, planning, superintending, contracting for, or responsible charge of plumbing.


Application Process

Kentucky only offers Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Contractor Licenses at the state level through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Building, and Construction. For all others, including construction and general contracting, licenses will be governed at the city/county level.

New Application Checklists

Kentucky Master Electrician License

In order to apply for your contractor electrician’s license, you will need a Kentucky master electrician license or employ a Kentucky licensed master electrician.

  • The following must be submitted to obtain a Master Electrician’s license:
    • You must pass the Master Electrician’s Exam No. 701.
    • Send Kentucky a COPY of your passing test results.
    • Send a notarized letter from your employer/former employer/electrical inspector or another master electrician who can verify that you have a minimum of 8 years (16,640 hours or 96 months) of full-time work as an electrician. The letter must give an example of some of the work you performed. (or)
    • You may send 8 years of the last page of your 1040 tax form, where you sign your name and list your job title as an electrician. (or)
    • You may send proof of 6 years of experience with completion of an approved apprenticeship training program consisting of a minimum of 576 classroom hours. (or)
    • You may send proof of 5 years of experience and an associate’s degree or diploma in electrical technology at a college within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System after 1998.
    • Send a completed application.
    • Send the application fee (no refunds will be issued).
    • Send a passport-sized, color photo.
    • Send a copy of your driver’s license or a copy of your birth certificate.

Kentucky Journeyman Electrician License

  • The following must be submitted to obtain an Journeyman Electrician:
    • You must pass the Journeyman’s Electrical Exam No. 703.
    • Send Kentucky a COPY of your passing test results.
    • Send a notarized letter from your employer/former employer/electrical inspector or a master electrician who can verify that you have a minimum of 6 years (12,480 hours or 72 months) of full-time work as an electrician. The letter must give an example of some of the work you performed. (or)
    • You may send 6 years of the last page of your 1040 tax form, where you sign your name and list your job title as an electrician. (or)
    • You may send proof of 4 years of experience with completion of an approved apprenticeship training program consisting of a minimum of 576 classroom hours. (or)
    • You may send proof of 3 years of experience and an associate’s degree or diploma in electrical technology at a college within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System after 1998.
    • Send a completed application.
    • Send the application fee (no refunds will be issued).
    • Send a passport-sized, color photo.
    • Send a copy of your driver’s license or a copy of your birth certificate.

Kentucky Business and Law

  • The following must be submitted to obtain a contractor electrician’s license:
    • Send a copy of your passing test results for Business and Law Exam No. 231.
    • Send a Certificate of Liability Insurance/Acord form for your general liability and workers compensation insurance; assuring that the certificate holders reads as follows:

      ** If you do not have employees, you may submit a notarized workers' compensation waiver. It must state you are the sole proprietor and have no employees.** Either the waiver or worker’s compensation insurance must be submitted.

Insurance

  • All insurance companies must be listed by the Kentucky Department of Insurance:
    • Send a clear, color photo: suitable for a passport.
    • Send a completed Contractor Electrician application form.
    • Send the correct fee; no refunds.
    • Send a copy of your driver’s license or a copy of your birth certificate.

Applications/Forms for Kentucky Licenses


Contact Information

Division Directory

Licensing Branch
Phone: (502) 573-2002
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Division of Building Code Enforcement

Phone: (502) 573-0373
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Elevator Section

Phone: (502) 573-1694
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Manufactured Housing

Phone: (502) 573-1795
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Division of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Phone: (502) 573-0395
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Division of Plumbing

Phone: (502) 573-0397
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Boiler Section

Phone: (502) 573-1708
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Division of Fire Prevention (Office of the State Fire Marshal)

Phone: (502) 573-0382
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Hazardous Materials

Phone: (502) 573-1702
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General Inspection

Phone: (502) 573-0388
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Electrical Division

Phone: 804-367-2785
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Written by Yanis O.