Electrician License Requirements in District of Columbia
| Licensing Authority | Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (BIT/DLCP) |
| License Type | Journeyman Electrician / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | 8,000 hours (4 years) as apprentice for Journeyman. Master requires Journeyman license plus 4 additional years as licensed Journeyman. Alternatively, EE degree plus 2 years practical experience certified by a licensed Master. |
| Education Substitute | Accredited electrical engineering degree substitutes for apprenticeship; must still have 2 years practical experience under a licensed Master |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman/Master Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $5,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $52 |
| Initial License Fee | $110 |
| Master initial license | $120 |
| Master renewal | $155 |
| Contractor renewal | $180 |
| Est. Initial Total | $617 |
Renewal: $110 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman/Master Electrician Exam
Pass: 70%
National Electrical Code (NEC)DC electrical regulationsElectrical theorySafety practices
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Apprentice Electrician
Entry level — must work under licensed Journeyman or Master
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Electrician
8,000 hours (4 years) as apprentice or degree + 2 years practical
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
Journeyman license plus 4 years as licensed Journeyman
Exam: Required
Master Electrician Limited (Low Voltage)
8,000 hours (4 years) in low-voltage systems
Exam: Required
Notes
- Licenses renewed in odd years
- DC does not require continuing education for electricians
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a electrician license in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia requires a statewide electrician license through the Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
How much does a electrician license cost in District of Columbia?
The estimated initial cost is $162, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BIT/DLCP