Mechanical Inspection License Types And Requirements

Description: The department may reciprocate a plumbing or electrical certificate of fitness with any US jurisdiction that has substantially similar requirements to the state.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, proof of current license active for one full year prior to application.

Experience: Must submit proof of holding license for one full year prior to application.

Other: Origin state’s requirements must be substantially similar to Alaska, as determined by Mechanical Inspection.

Test: No exam required.

Fees: $50 nonrefundable application fee plus $200 certificate fee.

Duration: 2 years

Renewal: Nonrenewable. Renews as a Plumber Journeyman

Description: The department may reciprocate a plumbing or electrical certificate of fitness with any US jurisdiction that has substantially similar requirements to the state.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, proof of current license active for one full year prior to application.

Experience: Must submit proof of holding license for one full year prior to application.

Other: Origin state’s requirements must be substantially similar to Alaska, as determined by Mechanical Inspection.

Test: No exam required.

Fees: $50 nonrefundable application fee plus $200 certificate fee.

Duration: 2 years

Renewal: Nonrenewable. Renews as an Electrician Journeyman

Description: When performing work under a provisional certificate issued under this section, the certificate holder shall carry both the provisional certificate and the current certificate or license from another jurisdiction; and perform work to the appropriate code in the state.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, proof of current license active for one full year prior to application.

Experience: Must submit proof of holding license for one full year prior to application.

Other: A plumber journeyman provisional certificate holder may not perform gas work.
May not supervise apprentice workers.
Application will be processed for reciprocity, and a Reciprocal certificate will be issued if qualified.

Test: No test required.

Fees: $50 nonrefundable application fee plus $100 certificate fee.

Duration: 1 year, up to the date of expiration of the license in the state of origin.

Renewal: Nonrenewable. May re-apply.

Description: When performing work under a provisional certificate issued under this section, the certificate holder shall carry both the provisional certificate and the current certificate or license from another jurisdiction; and perform work to the appropriate code in the state.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, proof of current license active for one full year prior to application.

Experience: Must submit proof of holding license for one full year prior to application.

Other: Application will be processed for reciprocity and a Reciprocal certificate will be issued if qualified.
May not supervise apprentice workers.

Test: No test required.

Fees: $50 nonrefundable application fee plus $100 certificate fee.

Duration: 1 year, up to the date of expiration of the license in the state of origin.

Renewal: Nonrenewable. May re-apply.

Description: A plumber journeyman certificate of fitness authorizes the holder of the certificate to perform work that is subject to the standards established in AS 18.60.705 and 8 AAC 63.010.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, Experience verification form(s).

Experience: While holding a Trainee COF (in Alaska):

8,000 hours of legally obtained work in installation of commercial/residential plumbing.
A maximum of 4,000 hours of military/vocational experience per 8 AAC 90.890(b).
A maximum of 1,000 hours of classroom training.
A maximum of 500 hours of utility plumbing work.
A maximum of 2,000 hour of gas work.
No maintenance hours will be accepted.
Work performed in Alaska without a valid Plumber Trainee COF will not be counted. Equivalent work in other states must be worked legally in that state.

Other: For out-of-state applicants: Applicant must submit one of: License issued by the origin state OR letterhead letter from the state confirming that no license is required for the scope of work.

Test: Exam required. Passing score 70%. If the applicant fails the examination, the applicant must wait 30 days before reexamination.

Fees: $50 non-refundable application fee. A separate $200 certificate fee upon issue.

Duration: 2 years

Renewal: Application, $200 certificate fee. Renewal within two years of expiration. Continuing education of 16 hours within the preceding 24-month period. At least eight hours must cover significant changes or updates to the Uniform Plumbing Code, and no more than eight hours may be industry related.

Description: A plumber restricted PG certificate of fitness authorizes the holder of the certificate to install fuel and gas piping within property lines of the premises.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, Experience verification form(s).

Experience: While holding a Trainee COF (in Alaska):

4,000 hours of work in the trade.
A minimum of 2,000 hours must be in the installation of fuel gas piping.
May substitute 2,000 hours of commercial/industrial plumbing installation.
A maximum of 2,000 hours of military/vocational experience per 8 AAC 90.890(b).
Up to 500 classroom hours.
No maintenance hours will be accepted.
Work performed in Alaska without a valid Plumber Trainee COF will not be counted. Equivalent work in other states must be worked legally in that state.

Other: For out-of-state applicants: Applicant must submit one of: License issued by the origin state OR letterhead letter from the state confirming that no license is required for the scope of work.

Test: Exam required. Passing score 70%. If the applicant fails the examination, the applicant must wait 30 days before reexamination.

Fees: $50 non-refundable application fee. A separate $200 certificate fee upon issue.

Duration: 2 years

Renewal: Application, $200 certificate fee. Renewal within two years of expiration.

Description: A plumber restricted PU certificate of fitness authorizes the holder of the certificate to install: (1) water service piping from the street, right-of-way main, water well, or storage tank to the first stop valve of the serviced structure or other point of use or distribution on the serviced property; (2) building sewer piping from within two feet of a serviced structure to a public sewer, private sewer, private sewage disposal system, or other point of disposal; and (3) building storm drains that receive the discharge of roof drains, leaders, downspouts, or conductors, if the storm drains are installed from within two feet of a commercial structure, or from within two feet of a residential structure of four or more dwelling units, to the street, the right-of-way main line, or a point of disposal approved by the federal, state, or local agency having jurisdiction.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, Experience verification form(s).

Experience: While holding a Plumber Utility Trainee COF (in Alaska):

1,000 hours of work in installation of water, sewer, or storm lines.
A maximum of 500 hours of military/vocational experience per 8 AAC 90.890(b).
A maximum of 125 trade-related classroom hours.

Other: For out-of-state applicants: Applicant must submit one of: License issued by the origin state OR letterhead letter from the state confirming that no license is required for the scope of work.

Test: Exam required. Passing score 70%. If the applicant fails the examination, the applicant must wait 30 days before reexamination.

Fees: $50 non-refundable application fee. A separate $200 certificate fee upon issue.

Duration: 2 years

Renewal: Application, $200 certificate fee. Renewal within two years of expiration.

Description: Authorizes the holder to perform work subject to the standards established in AS 18.60.705.
The ratio of individuals working under trainee certificates on a job site may not be more than two plumber trainees for every certified plumber journeyman.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, Davis Bacon Letter.

Experience: None.

Other: Must submit Davis Bacon Letter as documented proof of indenture in an apprentice plumber program accredited by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.

Test: No test required.

Fees: $50 nonrefundable application fee plus $200 certificate fee.

Duration: 6 years

Renewal: Nonrenewable. May re-apply.

Description: A trainee certificate of fitness authorizes the holder to perform work subject to the standards established in AS 18.60.705 and 8 AAC 90.137(a) performed under the conditions set out under this section. If the trainee's job requires the trainee to perform work subject to the standards of AS 18.60.705 and beyond the limits of the plumber utility specialist, the trainee must be licensed subject to the requirements of 8 AAC 90.140.
The trainee will be under the direct supervision of a journeyman plumber or a restricted plumber PU certificate of fitness holder at all times while performing to the code; and the trainee's activities will be limited exclusively to the functions outlined in 8 AAC 90.137 while performing the functions of a plumber utility specialist.
The ratio of individuals working under trainee certificates on a job site may not be more than two plumber utility trainees for every certified plumber journeyman.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, notarized letter from employer.

Experience: None.

Other: Submit a notarized letter from the applicant's employer on company letterhead stating that the trainee will be under the direct supervision of a journeyman plumber or a restricted plumber PU certificate of fitness holder at all times while performing to the code; and trainee's activities will be limited exclusively to the functions outlined in 8 AAC 90.137 while performing the functions of a plumber utility specialist.

Test: No test required.

Fees: $50 nonrefundable application fee plus $200 certificate fee.

Duration: 6 years

Renewal: Nonrenewable. May re-apply.

Description: An electrician journeyman certificate of fitness authorizes the holder of the certificate to perform work that is subject to the standards of the National Electrical Code established in AS 18.60.580 and 8 AAC 70.025.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, Experience verification form(s).

Experience: While holding a Trainee COF (in Alaska):

8,000 hours of work experience in commercial/industrial electrical construction.
A maximum of 2,000 hours may be residential.
A maximum of 1,000 hours of classroom training.
A maximum of 1,000 hours of power lineman experience.
A maximum of 4,000 hours of military/vocational experience per 8 AAC 90.890(b).
No maintenance hours will be accepted.
Work performed in Alaska without a valid Electrician Trainee Certificate will not be counted. Equivalent work in other states must be worked legally in that state.

Other: A person holding an electrical journeyman certificate of fitness may work as a trainee on a project within the scope of the National Electrical Safety Code.
For out-of-state applicants: Applicant must submit one of: License issued by the origin state OR letterhead letter from the state confirming that no license is required for the scope of work.

Test: Exam required. Passing score 70%. If the applicant fails the examination, the applicant must wait 30 days before reexamination.

Fees: $50 non-refundable application fee. A separate $200 certificate fee upon issue.

Duration: 2 years

Renewal: Application $200 certificate fee. Renewal within two years of expiration. Continuing education of 16 hours within the preceding 24-month period. At least eight hours must cover significant changes or updates to the National Electrical Code, and no more than eight hours may be industry related.

Description: A power lineman journeyman certificate of fitness authorizes the holder of the certificate to perform the work that is described in 8 AAC 90.900(17) and subject to the National Electrical Safety Code established in AS 18.60.580 and 8 AAC 70.025. The holder will be considered a trainee level electrician on commercial sites per 8 AAC 90.165(d).

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, Experience verification form(s).

Experience: While holding a Trainee COF (in Alaska):

8,000 hours of legally obtained work experience subject to the National Electrical Safety Code.
A maximum of 4,000 hours of military/vocational experience per 8 AAC 90.890(b).
A maximum of 1,000 classroom hours.
Work performed in Alaska without a valid Electrician Trainee COF will not be counted. Equivalent work in other states must be worked legally in that state.

Other: A person holding a power lineman journeyman certificate of fitness may work as a trainee on a project within the scope of the National Electrical Code established in AS 18.60.580 and 8 AAC 70.025(a).
For out-of-state applicants: Applicant must submit one of: License issued by the origin state OR letterhead letter from the state confirming that no license is required for the scope of work.

Test: Exam required. Passing score 70%. If the applicant fails the examination, the applicant must wait 30 days before reexamination.

Fees: $50 non-refundable application fee. A separate $200 certificate fee upon issue.

Duration: 2 years

Renewal: Application, $200 certificate fee. Renewal within two years of expiration.

Description: A residential wireman certificate of fitness authorizes the holder of the certificate to perform work that is described in 8 AAC 90.900(18). The holder will be considered a trainee level electrician on commercial sites per 8 AAC 90.165(d).

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, Experience verification form(s).

Experience: While holding a Trainee COF (in Alaska):

4,000 hours of residential/commercial work.
A maximum of 500 hours of trade-related classroom training.
A maximum of 2,000 hours of military/vocational experience per 8 AAC 90.890(b).
No maintenance hours will be accepted.
Work performed in Alaska without a valid Electrician Trainee COF will not be counted. Equivalent work in other states must be worked legally in that state.

Other: A person holding a residential wireman certificate of fitness may work as a trainee on a project within the scope of the National Electrical Safety Code established in AS 18.60.580 and 8 AAC 70.025(b), and on a project within the scope of the National Electrical Code that is outside the scope of a residential wireman.
For out-of-state applicants: Applicant must submit one of: License issued by the origin state OR letterhead letter from the state confirming that no license is required for the scope of work.

Test: Exam required. Passing score 70%. If the applicant fails the examination, the applicant must wait 30 days before reexamination.

Fees: $50 non-refundable application fee. A separate $200 certificate fee upon issue.

Duration: 2 years

Renewal: Application $200 certificate fee. Renewal within two years of expiration.

Description: A trainee certificate of fitness authorizes the holder to perform work subject to the standards established in AS 18.60.580.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, Davis Bacon Letter.

Experience: None

Other: Must submit Davis Bacon Letter as documented proof of indenture in an apprentice plumber program accredited by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.
The ratio of individuals working under trainee certificates on a job site may not be more than two electrician trainees for every certified electrician journeyman or residential wireman, as applicable, or two power lineman trainees for every certified power lineman journeyman.

Test: No test required.

Fees: $50 non-refundable application fee. A separate $200 certificate fee upon issue.

Duration: 6 years

Renewal: Nonrenewable. May re-apply.

Description: A person performing, directly supervising, or monitoring asbestos abatement work must have a certificate issued under 8 AAC 61.720.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, course completion certificate.

Experience: None

Other: Requires completion of 40-hour department-approved course.

Test: None

Fees: $100

Duration: 1 year (based on course completion certificate)

Renewal: As above, but only 8-hour refresher course required.

Description: A professional painter performing hazardous painting work must have a hazardous painting certificate issued under 8 AAC 61.855.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, fees, course completion certificate.

Experience: None

Other: Requires completion of 16-hour department-approved course no more than 90 days prior to application.

Test: None

Fees: $100

Duration: 3 years

Renewal: As above, but only 8-hour refresher course required.

Description: In connection with an excavation, tunnel, quarry, earth removal, or construction carried on in this state, a person may not be employed without a certificate of fitness, while engaged in emplacing explosives for detonation; installing primers, fuses, wires, or other means of detonation; or detonating explosives.

Application: Application Packet must include: Application, Verification of Experience, fees, course completion certificate, and either a completed fingerprint card or current Federal Clearance Letter.

Experience: At least six months of documented, hands-on experience in this state as a chuck tender, driller, or helper of a holder of a certificate of fitness.

Other: Criminal background requirements in 8 AAC 62.020-030. Applicant may instead submit the applicant’s original documentation issued by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (USATFE) showing the applicant’s successful background check conducted within the 18 months preceding the date of application by USATFE for the purposes of obtaining a federal license for the transportation, shipping, receiving, or possession of explosive materials. This is either the Federal Clearance Letter showing applicant’s name in the Responsible Person section, or confirmation of a successful background check.
Requires completion of 16-hour department-approved course no more than 90 days prior to application.

Test: Department examination required. Passing score 75%. If the applicant fails the examination, the applicant must wait 30 days before reexamination. Maximum two examinations in any 6-month period.

Fees: $150 + $47 Background Check fee, if needed. BG fee is $50 as of October 1, 2026.

Duration: 3 years

Renewal: As above, but only 8-hour refresher course required.

Description: Certificate (not required by law) to operate boilers.

Application: Application

Experience: No experience required.

Test: Must pass test. If the applicant fails the examination, the applicant must wait 30 days before reexamination.

Fees: $200 nonrefundable application fee.

Duration: 3 years

Renewal: Renewable upon request by submitting a new application. No fee for renewal.

Description: Certificate (not required by law) to operate boilers.

Application: Application

Experience: 40 hours of classroom training and three months in the operation, maintenance, or repair of boilers; or six months in the operation, maintenance, or repair of boilers;

Test: Must pass test. If the applicant fails the examination, the applicant must wait 30 days before reexamination.

Fees: $200 nonrefundable application fee.

Duration: 3 years

Renewal: Renewable upon request by submitting a new application. No fee for renewal.

Description: Certificate (not required by law) to operate boilers.

Application: Application

Experience: Six months' experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of boilers in the size range of 3,500 pounds of steam an hour to 100,000 pounds of steam an hour while holding a third class license; or 12 months' experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of boilers having a size equal to or greater than 100,000 pounds of steam an hour.

Test: Must pass test. If the applicant fails the examination, the applicant must wait 30 days before reexamination.

Fees: $200 nonrefundable application fee.

Duration: 3 years

Renewal: Renewable upon request by submitting a new application. No fee for renewal.

Description: Certificate (not required by law) to operate boilers.

Application: Application

Experience: 12 months in the operation, maintenance, or repair of boilers having a size equal to or greater than 100,000 pounds of steam an hour while holding a second class license; or 24 months in the operation, maintenance, or repair of boilers having a size equal to or greater than 100,000 pounds of steam an hour.

Test: Must pass test. If the applicant fails the examination, the applicant must wait 30 days before reexamination.

Fees: $200 nonrefundable application fee.

Duration: 3 years

Renewal: Renewable upon request by submitting a new application. No fee for renewal.

Description: The Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall employ deputy inspectors who have passed the examination provided for in AS 18.60.290.

Application: Application

Experience: As required by Chief Boiler Inspector for training

Other: Employee of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Test: Passed the National Board of Boiler Inspectors test for a commission

Fees: no fee

Duration: Based on continued employment

Renewal: n/a

Description: Performs inspections under AS 18.60.180 - 18.60.395 of cast iron boilers and domestic hot water heaters.

Application: Application

Experience: As required by Chief Boiler Inspector for training

Other: Employee of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Test: Testing per Chief Boiler Inspector

Fees: no fee

Duration: Based on continued employment

Renewal: n/a

Description: Special inspector shall inspect boilers and unfired pressure vessels insured or operated by the inspector's company.

Application: Application

Experience: Holds a National Board of Boiler Inspectors commission

Other: Must be employed by an insurance company or company registered in the Owner/Operator Program

Test: none

Fees: $50

Duration: 1 year (ending on December 31^st expiration of the NBBI commission)

Renewal: No renewal. May re-apply.

Description: To obtain a certificate of operation, the operator or owner shall ask the department or National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) Level II Inspector designated by the department to inspect the ride.

Application: Application Packet must include application and NAARSO/AIMS card copy.

Experience: None

Other: NAARSO Level II or equivalent

Test: none

Fees: no fee

Duration: 1 year (up to the expiration of the NAARSO license)

Renewal: No renewal. May re-apply.

Description: A tramway used or proposed to be used in the state must be inspected annually by an inspector or tramway specialist before access to the tramway is made available to the public. The inspector or tramway specialist shall submit the inspection report to the department within 15 days after the inspection.

Application: Application Packet must include application and Professional certification or training certificate.

Experience: none

Other: Professional certification or training certificate required.

Test: none

Fees: no fee

Duration: 1 year

Renewal: No renewal. May re-apply.

Description: Before a person may perform an inspection of an elevator, the person must be authorized by the department under this section by meeting the registration requirements of this section.

Application: Application Packet must include application, resume, and copy of QEI certificate.

Experience: 1 year experience with the type of equipment to be inspected while holding a QEI-1 certification.

Other: Employee of Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Must hold a current Qualified Elevator Inspector 1 certification.

Test: none

Fees: no fee

Duration: 1 calendar year (expires December 31^st)

Renewal: Submit application as above with copy of QEI-1 certification, copy of continuing education certificate, and notice of any official complaints, criminal, or civil actions against the inspector, pending or otherwise, prior to the renewal application being submitted.