South Dakota electrical apprentice requirements.

South Dakota requires licensed apprentice experience to count toward journeyman eligibility

The South Dakota Electrical Commission states that a person becomes eligible to write the journeyman examination after completing four years, totaling 8,000 hours, as a licensed apprentice electrician working under the employment and supervision of an electrical contractor.

Unlicensed work time does not count toward the required experience

South Dakota specifically states that experience hours must be licensed in order for the working time to count toward the hours required to take electrical licensing examinations.

The state currently uses the 2023 NEC for exams

The South Dakota Electrical Commission states that the 2023 National Electrical Code became effective for permits on November 12, 2024, and that electrical examinations have been based on the 2023 NEC since December 2, 2024.

Apprentice and general electrical applications are provided through the Commission

The Commission directs new applicants to its forms page for apprentice and general electrical license applications. Renewal procedures are handled separately.

Journeyman experience is the next step toward contractor eligibility

After becoming a licensed journeyman, South Dakota requires an additional two years and 4,000 hours of work under a contractor, including at least 2,000 hours of commercial work, before eligibility for the electrical contractor examination.

Continuing education applies to license and registration renewals

The Commission states that licensees and registrants must complete 16 hours of continuing education for renewal, including at least 8 code hours. Apprentices should verify which renewal and education provisions apply to their individual registration status.

Electrical license reciprocity

Reciprocity, endorsement, and experience credit are separate concepts. TRADECAIRN maintains a cross-state comparison showing the currently published reciprocal or endorsement pathways and the license classes involved.

Compare electrical license reciprocity by state →

Official sources

South Dakota Electrical Commission · South Dakota licensing and experience requirements