5.6.24 – Oklahoma City (KOKH)
On Friday, Governor Kevin Stitt signed into law a bill modifying education requirements for electrical contractors, journeymen, and apprentices.
House Bill 3215, authored by Representative Kevin West, R-Moore, looks to alleviate the worker shortage currently facing the electrical industry.
“This bill was the work of many groups and individuals in the industry coming together to address the problem of finding licensed, competent electrical workers to meet Oklahomans’ needs,” Rep. West stated. “In addition, it will help individuals take the next step in their career as an electrician.”
This measure would return the pass rate of the journeyman test back to 70%, which was the passing score on the test up until 2008.
It would also increase the continuing education requirements, ensuring the work is performed by a trained and knowledgeable electrician.
The Senate author of the measure, Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, said the the average age of electricians in the United States is 41 years old, and every year more than 75,000 electricians are needed throughout the country to meet the growing demand.
“We believe these changes are one step to help address this need in the electrical industry while ensuring that the workforce continues to be safe and well educated in the trade,” Daniels said.
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, contractors and journeymen will have to complete 12 hours of continuing education every three years for license renewal.
Apprentices must complete three hours of continuing education every year for registration renewal.
However, continuing education is not required for apprentices who are students or enrolled in a course that’s approved by the Committee of Electrical Examiners and will cover specified topics.