In the United States, the electrical trade is regulated due to the inherent dangers associated with electricity and faulty wiring.   Electrical licensing of electricians is generally controlled by state and local governments. 

Electrical construction work is controlled by local building codes and permitting which is directly connected to electrical licensing at the state and local government level.  Generally, the ability to file for electrical permits will require a properly licensed master electrician to be on full-time staff with an electrical contractor. Additionally, the electrical contractor will also have to be licensed with state and local government and be required to carry specific general liability insurance limits that must be maintained.

Electricians begin their careers as apprentice electricians working under a master electrician and directly with a journeyman electrician during the day. Apprenticeships are generally for a period of 3-5 years. Additional classroom schooling is generally required in electrical theory and the National Electrical Code. Testing is required to become a licensed journeyman electrician. Journeyman electrician is permitted to work without direct supervision. Journeyman electrician is competent in general electrical trade, as well as troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems. Master electricians are required to have a minimum of two more years of training, additional testing, as well as ability to engineer, layout and estimate electrical installations.