Was talking with my neighbor recently who is also a sparky. We each have Class 2 liscenses in Ga., which is unrestricted in scope of work. Some folks call it a "Masters" liscense.

Honestly, can anyone really be considered a "Master Electrician" given how broad our trade is today? I learn something that I did not know every day.

What do you guys think? Are there any true "Masters" out there?

If I were to take a swag at it I would nominate Pierre.
He seems to hit the bullseye more than most on the post's I have seen.

The way I would answer your question is this.
In most cases the actual term Master Electrician comes in the way of a certificate of competency and license from the authority having jurisdiction. Just as in any other profession someone goes through the schooling and field experience and achieves a level of expertise. But as in any profession there is good, bad and mediocre.
I think your right that in todays world there is so much to know none of us can be an all around "master" of our field. We all have our strong points which mostly comes from what our own experience has taught us and what kind of mentors we have had.
All that said I think that I like the title Master electrician as achieving the license and what our job involves is no easy task.

I think pforte's answer is on the mark.

In the States I work getting a journeyman's license means legally I can work on all things covered by the NEC, although I still may not truly be qualified.

Getting a masters license at least in my home State is more about running a business.

Yes there are electrical questions but also questions about running a business, Workman's comp etc.

I do not know any electricians that are qualified to work on all installations, I know I am not.

As time and technology moves along, we are going to be forced to become more specialized.

Think of Master Electricians the same as Medical Doctors. (ME and MD)

A Neurologist is a Doctor the same as a Urologist is a Doctor, and even though the names are close, they are specialist in two different fields

Roger

Good points brought out. One thing that I think is important is recognizing what you are and are not qualified to do. Some guys can not accept this way of thinking. " I am a master electrician I can work on anything". This can be very dangerous. It is also difficult to make customers understand this as well. Most think wires are wires and electrcians are electricians. Know your limits.

I also have a class 2 "Master" from the state of GA and I know there are many things I can't or try to do. Welcome to the site Macon!

Welcome to the board Macon!

I'm also a class 2 GA contractor. How long have you had your license? The reason I ask is that I have an employee that just took the exam and passed with a 92 (I got a 91) and when I asked him about what was on the test he didn't have to do much of the same stuff I had several years ago. It seems like they dumbed down the test. Have you heard anything like this.

Here in Minnesota the licenses are actually titled Class "A" Master or Class "A" Journeyman. Class "B" licenses are much more restricted. The state of Minnesota stopped issuing new class "B" licenses a few years back.

The state exams (including the masters) are for the most part purely competancy tests (no business related questions). In order to be in business, you must purchase a contractors license, and either hold a masters license yourself or employ someone who does. In order to purchase a contractor's license you must first provide proof of insurance and hold a $5000.00 bond payable to the state of Minnesota.

I hold both a class "A" master's and a class "A" journeyman's license. Even though I am legally qualified to work on anything, I am by no means a master at everything. Matt

I am a Master of nothing,...except, my own destiny.......... ..yeah right,....

Thanks for the welcome guys!

Electric Eagle,

I got mine in May, 1998 with a 94. Studied like a mad man daily for 6 months prior to the test. I still left the examination site wondering if I could have possibly passed. I was quite surprised and pleased with the results, as I am not a gifted test taker.

On the technical side there were lots of questions on 3 phase transformer calculations and connections. Quite a few motor control circuit questions. Feeder and service load calculations. The big one was sizing the 3 phase service for an apartment complex. A few hotel questions. They hit about as much of the code as you can in an 8 hour testing period.

There was also several OSHA & tax type questions too.

One thing for sure, no way I could have walked in cold and passed without lots of preparaton. I have not talked with anyone who has recently taken the exam so I can't say if its been dumbed down or not. Heck, some folks here might think the one I took was dumbed down.

Macon-

You described the test well. When I took mine in 1988 it was quite similar. We also had to qualify to sit for the examination, i.e. proof of on the job experience and education.
Other than "electrical inspector, plan review ", it was the most difficult exam I had ever taken.

Frank

Here in NJ there is only one license. You are either an electrical contractor or you are not. If you are a licensed electrical contractor you get a license stating that you are licensed. Then you have to but a business permit. That says you are bonded and insured and you are now allowed to put your license to work. The unions have apprentices, and journeyman titles, but that real just tells someone how many years of experience you have. As a licensed electrical contractor, I can work on any type of communication wiring, any kind of fire alarm wiring, any kind of AC/DC wiring, and any kind of high voltage wiring that I want. ( I would be stupid to work on high voltage without the proper training.) Yet, my company can always hire someone who was qualified and my company could still dothe work.