Low-voltage licensing
New Jersey
New Jersey requires state-level licensing through the Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. The Electrical Contractor license is required for all electrical work including low-voltage. Burglar alarm, fire alarm, and locksmith work falls under the separate Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm, and Locksmith Advisory Committee.
Regulatory agency
New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
License classifications
The license types relevant to low-voltage work in New Jersey.
EC - Electrical Contractor
Full electrical work including all low-voltage scope. Requires a Qualifying Business License and a designated Master Electrician.
Exam requiredFA - Fire Alarm Business License
Fire alarm installation and service. Separate from the Electrical Contractor license.
Exam requiredBA - Burglar Alarm Business License
Burglar alarm installation and service. Separate from the Electrical Contractor license.
Exam required
State-wide requirements
- Workers' compensation
- Required
- Renewal cycle
- Every 3 years
Common pitfalls
Mistakes we see installers make when navigating New Jersey licensing.
- NJ separates electrical, fire alarm, burglar alarm, and locksmith into distinct licensing tracks. Doing the full low-voltage spread = holding multiple business licenses.
- The Master Electrician must be designated on a single Qualifying Business License at a time.
- Triennial renewal cycle plus CE - easy to miss the cadence if you're used to annual.
Sources
- NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
- NJ Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm, and Locksmith Advisory Committee
Last verified May 23, 2026. See something out of date? Email us.
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Disclaimer: This page summarizes public regulatory information for the convenience of low-voltage installers. It is not legal advice. State requirements change. Always verify current rules with the state agency before applying for, renewing, or relying on a license.