"Joe" wrote in message ...
Actually you pay a lot of bucks. Take a test on law and trade, and most
states have an experience requirement. Much like a PE.
Bill

Typical in Georgia is around $100.00. Test is simple, takes about 1
1/2 hours. No experience necessary.

No experience necessary?
They give out Electrical Contractors licenses to people with NO experience
in Georgia?

In Florida for the license I hold you must fit into one of the following
experience categories-

Licensed as an Electrical Professional Engineer for 3 of the past 12 years.
Management experience in the trade for 3 of the past 6 years.
Foreman, Supervisor, or contractor in the trade for 4 of the past 8 years.
Technical education or broad experience associated with electrical or alarm
systems for 6 of the last 12 years

You must also list 5 jobs for each year of experience with contact
information, dates, and description of work performed.
All of this experience must be verifiable and W-2 forms provided for each
year.

In addition to the required experience you must provide a complete credit
report, verification of cash in the bank, a personal financial statement
prepared by a CPA, and a personal background check at the county, state and
federal levels.

After you complete all required paperwork it must be approved by the DBPR at
their quarterly meeting.
Once approved your are scheduled to sit for the test which will usually be 3
months after approval.

The test is a 5 hour test comprised of 100 questions on topics including
theory and electrical principals, wiring and protection, OSHA laws, business
law, and schematics and diagram interpretation.
The passing rate is approximately 50%
After passing the test, you must provide a copy your of liability and
workman's comp insurance to the state and if your lucky you will receive
your license 12 weeks after passing the test.

The whole process will take approx 9 months and with fees and books will
cost you $900.
Licensed Electrical Contractors are also required to take 14 hours of
continuing education during each biennium.

So, in Florida at least, not "everybody" can get a contractors license.

Wow,JoeTechnician, that must be just horrible! How DID you ever get
through such agony?
You've come a long way, I'll say that. Now you are admitting, that,
instead of being an engineer licensed in Florida, with reciprocity in
Georgia, that you are a contractor