How to Get Your North Carolina Electrician Hours Signed Off

Key Takeaways

• Accurate record-keeping is necessary for hour verification
• NCBEEC does not limit the number of hours per year to be counted
• Use the Employer Statement Form for each employer
• Contact NCBEEC if you encounter challenges in the verification process
• Stay current with continuing education requirements

Getting your hours verified by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) is a required step in advancing your electrician career in North Carolina. This guide walks you through the entire hours verification process in clear, straightforward terms, from tracking your hours to submitting your documentation.

Understanding NCBEEC Hour Requirements

North Carolina operates under a dual licensing system. Local municipalities issue journeyman licenses, while NCBEEC issues electrical contractor licenses. NCBEEC sets these work experience standards for contractor licenses:

NCBEEC does not limit how many hours you log toward verification each year.

Tracking Your Hours

Accurate record-keeping is necessary for the hour verification process. Here are some tips:

• Maintain detailed logs of your work hours
• Keep pay stubs and employment records
• Request letters from employers verifying your hours
• Use the NCBEEC Employer Statement Form for each employer
• Distinguish between primary and secondary experience types

Understanding Primary vs. Secondary Experience

NCBEEC calculates experience using 2,000 hours = 1 creditable year. The board distinguishes between two types of experience:

Primary Experience (100% credit):

• Direct installation of electrical wiring and equipment governed by the National Electrical Code
• Journeyman electrician work
• Electrical installations similar to electrical contractor work

Secondary Experience (varies by type):

• Approved apprentice training: 100%
• Helper/apprentice work: 80%
• Electrical maintenance work: 80%
• NEC coursework completion: 50%
• Engineering/design work: 50%
• Electrical sales work: 20%

Getting Your Hours Signed Off

To get your hours signed off, follow these steps:

Identify Qualified Supervisors: Licensed electrical contractors or qualified individuals must verify your hours.

Contact Previous Employers: Reach out to your past supervisors to sign off on your hours. If direct contact isn't possible, try:

• Contacting the electrical contractor the supervisor worked under
• Using company HR departments for employment verification

Complete the Employer Statement Form:

• Fill out the form accurately with your personal information and work details
• Ensure your supervisor signs the form
• Include specific details about primary vs. secondary experience

Submit Documentation to NCBEEC:

• Compile all completed Employer Statement Forms
• Include character reference statements from at least two people
• Mail to: 505 N. Greenfield Parkway, Suite 100, Garner, NC 27529

Common Challenges and Solutions

Incomplete Records

If you're missing records, try:

• Reconstructing your work history using tax returns and old calendars
• Requesting records from previous employers' HR departments

Unavailable Supervisors

If a former supervisor is unavailable:

• Contact the company's current management
• Reach out to NCBEEC at (919) 733-9042 for guidance on alternative verification methods

Hour Calculation Discrepancies

To avoid mistakes:

• Keep detailed personal records of your work hours
• Understand the difference between primary and secondary experience
• Regularly verify your hours with your supervisor

Next Steps After Hours Verification

Once your hours are verified:

Apply for the Appropriate License:

• Submit a completed license application form
• Pay the required fee:
  • Limited: $100
  • Intermediate: $150
  • Unlimited: $200
• Pay examination fee: $125

Prepare for the Licensing Exam:

• Study the National Electrical Code (2020 edition)
• Review North Carolina electrical laws and administrative rules
• Use NCBEEC's Examination Information Handbook
• Minimum passing score: 70%
• Must wait 90 days to retake if failed

Complete Continuing Education:

• Limited/Intermediate/Unlimited licenses require 8 hours annually
• Special restricted licenses require 4 hours annually
• Half of hours must be completed in-person (classroom or seminar)

Obtain Required Bonding:

• Intermediate and Unlimited licenses require bonding ability statements
• Must demonstrate ability to obtain surety bonds for projects

Downloadable Resources

You can find the NCBEEC Employer Statement Form and other required documents at ncbeec.org under Forms & Documents.

For questions, contact NCBEEC at (919) 733-9042.

Logging your hours is a necessary step in being a qualified electrician in North Carolina. The process makes sure every licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina has the experience they need to do the job right. It takes time and patience. Stay persistent and keep detailed records. If you need help, don't hesitate to contact NCBEEC. Every electrical contractor in North Carolina started out logging their hard-working hours. If you stay diligent, you will also reach your goal of progressing your electrician career.