Get Your Master Electrician Licence

Although ESA offices are currently closed to visitors, the Licensing Department continues to process new applications. 

Applicants seeking a new licence are encouraged to contact the Licensing Department via email at esa.licensing@electricalsafety.on.ca. Processing of applications sent via fax or mail may be significantly delayed. 

Requirements for a Master Electrician Licence

Why would I want to become a Master Electrician?

If you plan to operate an Electrical Contracting Business or be employed as a Designated Master Electrician or wish to join a group of qualified and skilled professionals, please review the requirements for obtaining a Master Electrician licence below.

How to become a Master Electrician – Minimum Requirements:

Each applicant for a Master Electrician license must meet the requirements of the Electricity Act, 1998 (the Act) and Ontario Regulation 570/05 (Licensing Regulation).

The Licensing Regulation requires Master Electricians to meet minimum prescribed requirements, such as:

  1. Be at least 18 years of age;
  2. Have at least three years’ experience in the electrical trade:
    • As a journeyperson electrician carrying out work under a valid Certificate of Qualification; or
    • Practicing the trade of electrician — construction and maintenance; electrician — domestic and rural or industrial electrician under a valid Certificate of Qualification; 
    • Practicing the trade of powerline technician under a valid Certificate of Qualification;
    • Working for an electrical contractor as a licensed P.Eng. registered with the Professional Engineers Ontario; or
    • Working for an electrical contractor as a Certified Engineering Technologist or C.Tech registered with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians & Technologists;
  3. Pass the Master Electrician examination within the previous 12 months.

How to become a Master Electrician – Step-By-Step Application Process:

  1. Pass the Master Electrician exam. Find out how to register for the exam here.
    NOTE: The Master Electrician examination is only offered through the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). ESA and other organizations offer training to help you get ready for the exam. ESA offers Classroom, On-line and Self-Study training options. Read more about ESA’s Pre-Master Electrician Training Offerings.
  2. Apply for your Master Electrician licence. Visit the Contractor Licensing Forms page for the form. The form package includes a checklist to ensure you include everything required. You can also email ESA.Licensing@electricalsafety.on.ca or call 1-877-ESA-SAFE for assistance.
  3. If the conditions are NOT met, the Director of Licensing may refuse to grant a licence and may issue a Notice of Proposal explaining the reasons. 
  4. If you qualify, you will receive your Master Electrician license within 30 business days of submitting your completed application.
  5. Once the license is issued, to keep it valid, you must conduct yourself with honesty, integrity and in accordance with the law. Failure to do so may result in compliance action or proposal to revoke/suspend the licence.
  6. Visit this link to find out about how to Renew your Master Electrician licence

Responsibilities of a Designated Master Electrician

As a Designated Master Electrician, you have a number of responsibilities and are required to comply with them for the duration of your licence, at all times:

  • Ensure the Electrical Contractor complies with the Electrical Safety Code while performing electrical installations
  • Conduct personal planning and direct supervision of the work carried out on behalf of the electrical contractor;
  • Oversee the work conducted by the electrical contractor to ensure that it complies with all applicable laws and regulations, such as:
    • Consumer protection legislation
    • Laws related to health and safety
    • Laws relating to employment standards
    • Business laws and business practices
    • Understand and follow the License Holder Standards of Conduct

Prohibitions: As a Master Electrician, you may not:

  1. Offer or perform electrical services for the public unless you have an Electrical Contractor’s licence in addition to your Master Electrician licence.
  2. Carry out electrical work (even if you are employed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor) unless you hold a valid certificate of qualification authorizing you to do so.
  3. Act as a designated Master Electrician for more than one Licensed Electrical Contractor at a time.
  4. Accept a designation from a Licenced Electrical Contractor unless employed by that contractor and on the payroll (if the DME is not the LEC owner). The DME cannot be a sub-contractor, or only paid to have their Master Electrician number associated to the electrical contractor with no oversight responsibilities.