RJT> RJT>Just curious,  do you have any particular knowledge that this 
 RJT> RJT>is a state issue? Around here (PA) it seems to be regulated (if 
 RJT> RJT>it is at all) more at the municipal level,  and that was my 
 RJT> RJT>experience when I lived in NY as well.
The template for all such regulations is the National Electrical Code, or 
NEC. It is put out by the National Fire Protection Asociation. In addition 
some municipalities (State, City) impose additional reg's.
 RJT> Who does the certification?  I can see this if the requirements 
 RJT> aren't too onerous,  in that they don't want you messing around 
 RJT> with house wiring if you don't know what you're doing.  On the 
 RJT> other hand,  it seems to me that you run the risk of losing your 
 RJT> own property if you screw up,  so...
Here in California, electrical contractors are licensed at the state 
level, through the Contractors' State Licensing Board, out of the Dept. of 
Consumer Affairs. The law says you must be licensed if you take jobs 
totalling more than $300, materials and labor. I used this loophole for 
over 20 years before finally getting my license.
A property owner can secure county permits for electrical work on his/her 
own property, and even do the work him/herself. For major work such as a 
new service or change in the service, a contractor may be required. Then 
there are the local rules...
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