Are there any licensed electricians in Colorado willing to rent out their master’s license for a small residential job?
Asked by Alberto Davidson 
4 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
Hey there! Just wanted to check in and see if anyone could help me and my buddy out. We’re both experienced electricians (I’ve got 5 years under my belt, and he’s been at it for over 10 years) and we’re looking to rent a master’s license for a side job in Colorado. It’s just a small residential project, nothing too crazy. We just need a permit to get started on the actual work. If you’re able to assist us, please reach out. Thanks so much!
Is a master’s license kinda like a contractor license? I’ve worked in 3 states and never come across one before, haha. I’ve been an electrician for 23 years now! Maybe it’s just for residential guys in certain states, which would make sense since I’m more focused on industrial and commercial work.
In order to do business in my state, you need to have both a master’s license and an electrical contractor’s license.
For this residential job, the owner is asking for a permit before we start. Only a licensed master can obtain a legal permit, which is pretty standard for residential projects. In my experience, every house job I’ve done has required some kind of permit, either from the homeowner or a licensed professional.
In VA, we have Journeymans, ians, and Class A, B, C Contractors License
Reg Duprey the owner is absolutely correct
In Colorado, a journeyman can’t obtain a license
Hower got it
If you’re interested in that type of work in Colorado, it’s important to confirm if it’s legal with the local jurisdiction. In my state, a master electrician with a contractor’s license can only be the master of record for one company. It may be done differently in other states, but I would double-check with Colorado
There’s definitely a lot happening there. In California, you have to become a journeyman and pass the contractors license exam. There isn’t a separate license for you apart from the contractors license. I currently live in Tennessee so things might be different here
Can a journeyman like reg Duprey obtain a contractors license?
Hey , just wanted to mention that I’m actually in Tennessee now, not Colorado. I’ve been working as an electrician since 2001 and have never had or needed a license. Just curious, you know?
No worries, I hear you. Just wanted to give you a heads up, not trying to come off as rude at all.
Hey , I never considered that. I thought maybe you had read something that gave you that impression. No worries at all, brother.
In Washington, Hower can obtain an administrator license without experience to pull permits, but a licensed journeyman is required to perform the work.
I’ve heard that the test is quite challenging, so good luck if you decide to give it a try!
Reg Duprey You could always suggest to the homeowner that they pull a homeowners permit and you can do the work as a friendly gesture, right? 😆
Have you ever come across someone who claims to be a master electrician?
Obtaining state certification in California can be quite challenging. If you don’t keep up with the required continuing education, such as classes at the hall or CPR or OSHA courses, you’ll have to retake the test every 3 years at a cost of $200 each time.
Yeah, I’ve heard the term used for years but I have yet to actually encounter one in my 23 years of experience. I’ve worked on some major projects in the Bay Area.
Schmuker We attempted it, haha 😅 but he prefers an official permit. I’ve been through that process before. Some approve it, some don’t.
It varies depending on the location.
Didn’t say that you have to take the test every 3 years? In Colorado, you have to renew your license. Is this some kind of loophole?
Different states have varying ways of referring to the types of licenses contractors and masters hold, but at the end of the day, it’s essentially the same thing.
In California, if you’re reg Duprey, you’ll either need to retake the test or have 32 hours of education signed off. There’s a website where you can complete your 32 hours in just an hour or two, so it’s not a problem.
Did you know that allows you to either retake the test or complete the 32-hour training so you don’t have to do it again? I had no idea! It might be different in Colorado.
Thanks , you pretty much answered my question perfectly!
It’s true, reg Duprey is right. Each state has its own rules when it comes to certifications and tests.
That’s good info, Hower! It’s good to know in case I ever decide to move. I used to think it was the same everywhere.
It’s wild, right? I read that only 7 states have adopted the 2023 code, while some are still following the 2014 code. And then there’s all the licensing stuff to consider.
Yeah, exactly! In my state, anyone can get a contractor’s license, but having a Master’s license is a different story. You need a Master’s license along with a contractor’s license.
Hey , I heard that the general contractor needs to have a master electrician on staff to obtain permits.
So, , it’s similar to having a contractor’s license in California, right?
Hey , are you running your own business solo or are you working as an employee under a licensed master electrician? What steps have you taken to prove your competence and expertise as an electrician who can wire up to code?
From Texas here. We have a 4-hour CE class once a year. We renew our license every year for $30. The Union Hall provides free CE hours, but working most weekends makes it hard to attend, so I opt for online courses.
Why not consider testing and obtaining your masters?
Schmuker From my experience, that test is quite challenging.
Luebke It’s not meant to be easy. If someone can’t pass the test, maybe they shouldn’t be working in this field.
Arrett McMahon It seems like the test is more about figuring out what you want rather than actual coding. I’m located in WI.
Schmuker probably doesn’t have enough hours yet after 5 years, depending on company requirements.
You still don’t have your J card? I think you need 2 more years before you can start working in the school hours or other jobs.
Is right, technically I can go for my bachelor’s and maybe even my master’s with my current amount of hours, but the test is really tough. They almost make it impossible to pass, so you end up having to buy another test. Frustrating, right?
You haven’t gotten your journeyman’s card yet, reg?
My buddy Schmuker is the one who knows. I’ve been an apprentice for about 5-5.5 years. I was only 7 points away from passing last time I took the test, but it’s really tough.
Oh, reg Duprey is definitely worth checking out. With my j card from my current company, I’m making $61.50/hr on Davis bacon jobs. My best tip is to practice finding answers in the book and mastering calculations. And make sure to really focus on understanding ground and bonding – the wording and terms can be quite tricky.
Oh, I totally get it, Chris! The test caught me off guard too last time. Being locked in a room was unexpected, but I’m staying positive for next time. Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it!
Reg Duprey, yes you bet! I was really bummed when they confiscated my vape. I was craving it big time after 4 hours.
The test is easy, just study the finance book, bro. It’s not difficult, according to Luebke
Obtaining it is not a quick process, as Schmuker says
Selling licenses is against the law
Living is like committing a crime, according to
Is mistaken. But I appreciate the emotional response in a thread based on reason
‘t be so scared,
You’re only half a person when you hide behind intellect
You’re not just a pretty, well-organized collection of thoughts
Your brain is only a tool, don’t let it control you
That emotional explosion you just had was disguised as intellect
If you think you have to reply, that’s just an emotional reaction
Found a pleasant way to have his license revoked
If you’re truly smart, you won’t react defensively, but I bet your IQ is low because you’re old, so you’re probably going to resort to complaining like a typical woman
The King of England had some words for the American Patriots.
In your final years on earth, why not try being a little kinder?
While it may risk your license, there are ways to make a decent living while staying at home with your kids.
Everything feels illegal when there are over 1,860,000 laws to follow as a citizen.
In Connecticut, it’s against the law to sell your license or pull permits unless they are tied to your employment. If you’re a homeowner of a single-family dwelling, you can pull permits, but you must also be living in the home. Make sure to pass the E1 test and obtain insurance. The test is challenging for a reason, so best of luck!
No content
I actually understand
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Hey, have you heard about Lotta, Karen, and ?
Is this even allowed?
Could this be a setup?
Uy Harrelson just a couple of financially struggling individuals trying to earn some money 🤣
Reg Duprey best of luck! Is the homeowner not able to get a permit?
Uy Harrelson thanks a lot man! He has the ability to pull a homeowner’s permit, but he chose not to in order to avoid liability. That’s why I’m reaching out for assistance! This job is well-paying for both of us, so we shouldn’t pass it up.
In Washington state, homeowners are allowed to obtain their own permit but they must also complete all the work themselves. Alternatively, they can have a person regularly employed by them do the work. This means they are not permitted to hire an electrician to do the work under the homeowner’s permit. If they later decide to hire a licensed electrician, the electrician must obtain a separate permit. Additionally, the homeowner must both own and reside in the property, and cannot sell it within 12 months of completing the work.
I’m glad to hear that! Thanks!
Uy Harrelson sounds like law enforcement
Is pretty much saying the same thing in A.
I’m Joe eurin, a retired machinist, shop owner, and CNC tech. Sometimes, I help people wire up machines in their garage and set them up to run off of single phase or off of rotary. I don’t physically do the work myself, but I stand by and advise them on which connections to make. I don’t ask for payment, but a six pack of beer for my time would be appreciated. Occasionally, I’ll find cash in my glove box at home and have no idea where it came from.
Reg Duprey, the tool you decide to use will be fully responsible for the outcome of your work. It’s unlikely to happen.
How much are you charging? Have you set up your business structure and obtained the necessary licenses?
Hey , can I send you a message? I won’t be the one working and running it, but my friend will. We’ll make sure to have a licensed journeyman on site.
Do you have your knee pads with you?
Have the homeowner request a permit
We did our best with , but he’s not budging.
Man, that’s a bummer. That’s always been my go-to for doing side jobs in VA.
And I have tried out a bunch of side jobs, but this guy is not budging unless we get a permit. The regulations are a pain, man!
Reg Duprey yeah they do…. But whatever, if they want to pay master electrician rates, that’s their choice. Half the time they end up calling you back anyway, haha.
Sure, here is the rephrased text:
reg Duprey
The homeowner, reg Duprey, should consider hiring a professional who can handle all liability.
For sure, that’s illegal in basically every state.
It’s the opposite of being employed
It’s all good, my license number is 1,2,3,4…5
That would result in everyone losing their licenses in Texas
In Colorado, you either need to have a master electrician on payroll or be a master yourself to work as an electrical contractor. To pull permits in Colorado, you must be a licensed electrical contractor. Some areas, like Denver, may allow homeowners to pull permits with certain conditions, such as taking a short exam. I’ve been working as an electrical contractor in Colorado for over 22 years and I’m considering offering my services to a reputable company as a master on payroll. You never know what the future holds!
How about contacting a nearby electrician who is licensed and discuss your plans
The legal system doesn’t take into account the needs of everyone in society. Instead, it often benefits those in power while punishing those who can’t afford to comply with ridiculous laws that don’t truly benefit society as a whole. Take, for example, the elderly woman who can’t even afford to have her light switch fixed because it’s against the law. It’s time for a change.