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How to get an electrician license in Virginia

Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority — sourced from Virginia's official board.

Master alternative experience path is 9 years, not 10.

Issuing authority: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors, Tradesman Program. Official page: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Tradesmen

License levels in Virginia

Virginia electrician licensing at a glance

RequirementsJourneyman: one of 4 yrs experience + 240 hrs vocational training, 5 yrs + 160 hrs, or 6 yrs + 80 hrs; plus exam. Master: hold a VA journeyman license 1+ year, or 9 years practical experience; plus master exam. Exam fees capped at $100 (journeyman) / $125 (master).
ReciprocityBoard maintains tradesman reciprocal agreements with certain states plus a Universal License Recognition pathway.
RenewalEvery 3 years (expires 3 years from last day of month of issuance). 3 hours continuing education per cycle, covering the National Electrical Code.
NotesMaster alternative experience path is 9 years, not 10.

Questions

Do you need a license to work as an electrician in Virginia?
Master alternative experience path is 9 years, not 10.
What electrician license levels does Virginia have?
The levels are Journeyman Electrician (tradesman), Master Electrician (tradesman).
How do you get licensed as an electrician in Virginia?
Journeyman: one of 4 yrs experience + 240 hrs vocational training, 5 yrs + 160 hrs, or 6 yrs + 80 hrs; plus exam. Master: hold a VA journeyman license 1+ year, or 9 years practical experience; plus master exam. Exam fees capped at $100 (journeyman) / $125 (master).
Does Virginia have electrician license reciprocity?
Board maintains tradesman reciprocal agreements with certain states plus a Universal License Recognition pathway.

Related

Supply
How many electricians in VirginiaHub
All Virginia trades pages

Sources: www.dpor.virginia.gov · www.dpor.virginia.gov · www.dpor.virginia.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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