Rhode Island Electrician Continuing Education

Missing your continuing education hours in Rhode Island doesn't just mean a late fee — it means your license renewal gets denied and you cannot legally perform electrical work until the hours are completed and your license is active again.

The CE Requirement

Every Certificate A (contractor/master) and Certificate B (journeyman) holder must complete 15 clock hours of mandatory continuing education per two-year renewal cycle. This requirement is codified under R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-6-20.1.

The two-year cycle aligns with your license renewal, which expires biennially on your birthday. The 15 hours must be completed before you submit your renewal — the DLT verifies completion before processing.

What the Hours Must Cover

CE courses must address changes to the National Electrical Code as adopted by Rhode Island. The state adopted the 2023 NEC (NFPA 70) with state-specific amendments, effective December 1, 2025. Courses covering the transition from the 2020 NEC to the 2023 NEC are particularly relevant for the current cycle.

Generic safety courses, OSHA training, or manufacturer product seminars do not count toward the 15-hour requirement unless they are specifically approved by the DLT Board of Examiners of Electricians.

Finding Approved Providers

Approved CE providers include local trade organizations, electrical contractor associations, and some online platforms. The DLT does not maintain a public list of pre-approved courses on its website — providers apply for approval through the Board of Examiners.

Common sources of approved instruction in Rhode Island:

• IBEW Local 99 JATC — offers code update classes to both union and, in some cases, non-union electricians
• Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) — continuing education division
• Rhode Island Electrical League — periodic code update seminars
• National online providers — several offer state-specific NEC code update courses approved for Rhode Island credit

Before enrolling, confirm directly with the provider that their course is approved for Rhode Island DLT credit. Keep your completion certificates — the DLT may audit compliance at renewal.

Renewal Mechanics

When your biennial renewal window opens:

1. Complete 15 hours of approved CE
2. Submit your renewal through the DLT's online portal
3. Pay the renewal fee ($72 for Certificate B, $240 for Certificate A)

Late renewals incur a $12 surcharge per month or fraction of a month. If the license is not renewed within two years of expiration, R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-6-20 says it is forfeited and requires a written examination application before a new license can issue.

The Rhode Island Electrician License Guide includes a renewal timeline and CE tracking worksheet so you never approach your birthday renewal date without the required hours documented.

See more Rhode Island guides →