Homeowner's Electrical Exam Electrical Permitting Process
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) offers two examinations for homeowners; ‘Rough Wiring & Fixtures’ exam and ‘Heavy-Up’ exam. These are the only two types of work allowed under the Homeowner’s Electrical Permit.
DPS COVID-19 UPDATE: All Homeowner Electrical Exams have been suspended until further notice.
Owners of single-family detached dwellings who wish to perform their own electrical work in their own home may qualify to do so by passing an examination. To take the examination, the following criteria must be met:
- The property may not be located within the city limits of Rockville or Gaithersburg.
- The person taking the exam must be shown as the owner on the deed or be an immediate family member of the owner.
- The home must be the primary residence of the individual taking the exam.
- If structural work is occurring, applicable Building Permit(s) must be issued prior to testing.
Homeowner's examinations are administered by DPS every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Testing space is extremely limited and must be scheduled by DPS several days in advance. Applicants may call (240)-777-0311 to speak with a permit tech, discuss a time to come into the office, compete the requirements and pay the fee due. A homeowner will not be scheduled for an examination until the required paperwork is completed and fees are paid.
The examination is based on the Department's currently adopted edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). The code book is provided to the applicant at the test site. No other materials belonging to the applicant may be used. The examination is specific to the type of electrical work to be done (Residential ‘Rough Wiring & Fixtures’ or ‘Heavy-Up’).
Please see our fee schedule for information regarding fees associated withi this process or contact our staff using the staff directory at the bottom of this page.