Electrician License Requirements in Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors — Tradesmen Program (DPOR) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Electrician (Tradesman License) |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 4 years practical experience + 240 hours formal vocational training (or sliding scale up to 6 years experience + 80 hours training). Master: 1 year as licensed VA journeyman, or 9 years verified practical experience. |
| Education Substitute | 2 years practical experience + associate degree or certificate from accredited program qualifies for journeyman |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Electrician Exam + Master Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 3 hours 3 years (per renewal cycle) |
| Processing Time | ~30 days |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Exam Fee | $100 |
| Master exam fee | $125 |
| Est. Initial Total | $300 |
Renewal: $90 every 3 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Electrician Exam
70 questions210 minutes (3.5 hours)Pass: 70% (Journeyman: 49/70; Master: 63/90)
National Electrical Code (NEC 2020)Electrical theoryWiring methodsGrounding and bondingVirginia electrical regulations
Master Electrician Exam
90 questions270 minutes (4.5 hours)Pass: 70% (Journeyman: 49/70; Master: 63/90)
National Electrical Code (NEC 2020)Advanced electrical theoryElectrical designLoad calculationsVirginia electrical regulations
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Journeyman Electrician
4 yrs experience + 240 hrs training; OR 5 yrs + 160 hrs; OR 6 yrs + 80 hrs; OR 2 yrs + associate degree
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
1 year as licensed VA journeyman; OR 9 years verified practical experience
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 6 states. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
alabamaReciprocity for electrician licensing — exam may be waived with verified active license
kentuckyReciprocity for electrician and master electrician licenses
marylandReciprocity for master electrician and journeyman/master HVAC license examinations
ohioReciprocity for electrician licensing
west virginiaReciprocity for journeyman and master electrician tradesman licenses
district of columbiaReciprocity for journeyman and master electrician tradesman licenses
Notes
- Exams are open-book — NEC 2020 codebook permitted
- Tradesman license is for individuals; to operate a business, a separate Class A/B/C contractor license with ELE specialty is also required
- Virginia adopted the 2020 NEC as the reference code
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a electrician license in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia requires a statewide electrician license through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors — Tradesmen Program.
How much does a electrician license cost in Virginia?
The estimated initial cost is $175, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DPOR