Service overview
You need this license to inspect electrical work performed under Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) permits.
Electrical inspectors must work for an electrical inspection agency. This license does not authorize you to operate a business.
Who
Electrical inspectors working for a licensed electrical agency need to have this license.
Requirements
Experience
You must have at least six years of employment performing electrical work for a company licensed through a local or state jurisdiction.
- Two years of education in the electrical field may be substituted for one year of practical experience. Education can substitute for up to four years of practical experience.
Proof of experience must be submitted through one or more of the following:
- Federal tax records reflecting employment by a licensed electrical contractor
- Proof of licensure through a local or state jurisdiction, subject to approval by L&I
Certification
You must have PA Department of Labor and Industry certification as an electrical inspector.
Continuing Education Credits
You must provide proof of completion for at least twelve hours of coursework in the current or later edition of NFPA 70. The provider must be approved by the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
The courses must be completed within the 12 month period before you apply.
Photo identification
- 2 in. x 2 in., color
Where and when
Online
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
In person
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Cost
A non-refundable application fee of $60 is applied to the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due once your application is approved.
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Credit and debit card payments
Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info.
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.
Late license payment
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Renewal requirements
This license must be renewed annually. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
To renew your license, you must provide:
- Proof of at least 12 hours of coursework in NFPA 70 earned during the previous license period.
- Current PA Department of Labor and Industry certification as an electrical inspector.