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How to get an electrician license in Washington

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

Softened the unverified '96-hour classroom' figure; L&I frames the requirement as 8,000 hours (max 4,000 in specialties) rather than a set classroom-hour count for the WA journey certificate.

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Official page: https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/electrical/electrical-licensing-exams-education/electrician

License levels in Washington

Washington electrician licensing at a glance

Requirements01 General Journey Level: 8,000 hours of qualifying experience (no more than 4,000 in specialties) plus pass the journey-level exam.
ReciprocityReciprocal 01 certificate available to Oregon General Journeyman (J) holders (Oregon 8,000-hr apprenticeship + 576 classroom hrs + Oregon exams) and Oregon General Supervising Electrician (S) holders by exam.
RenewalEvery 3 years; 24 hours of continuing education per cycle, including 8 hours code update and 4 hours RCW/WAC. Certificate can go inactive if the fee is paid without completing CE.
NotesSoftened the unverified '96-hour classroom' figure; L&I frames the requirement as 8,000 hours (max 4,000 in specialties) rather than a set classroom-hour count for the WA journey certificate.

Questions

Do you need a license to work as an electrician in Washington?
Softened the unverified '96-hour classroom' figure; L&I frames the requirement as 8,000 hours (max 4,000 in specialties) rather than a set classroom-hour count for the WA journey certificate.
What electrician license levels does Washington have?
The levels are 01 General Journey Level Electrician, Specialty electrician certificates, Master Electrician certificate.
How do you get licensed as an electrician in Washington?
01 General Journey Level: 8,000 hours of qualifying experience (no more than 4,000 in specialties) plus pass the journey-level exam.
Does Washington have electrician license reciprocity?
Reciprocal 01 certificate available to Oregon General Journeyman (J) holders (Oregon 8,000-hr apprenticeship + 576 classroom hrs + Oregon exams) and Oregon General Supervising Electrician (S) holders by exam.

Related

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How many electricians in Washington
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All Washington trades pages

Sources: lni.wa.gov · www.lni.wa.gov · lni.wa.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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