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 |
| Est. Initial Total | $175 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master exam fee | $125 |
Renewal: $90 every 3 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Electrician Exam
Master Electrician Exam
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredElectrician Exam Secrets Study GuideFull review of the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, and safety practices for the journeyman and master electrician exams — concept breakdowns and practice questions built for a first-try pass.See the study guide →Set up the business before you apply in Virginia
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Virginia. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
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Form an LLC with Northwest→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. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
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
You're licensed in Virginia as an electrician — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors — Tradesmen Program issues the Journeyman / Master Electrician (Tradesman License); the business that invoices Virginia customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Virginia does not require a surety bond for this license — Individual tradesman licenses do not require a surety bond. A bond is only required if also holding a contractor (business) license.
Carry general liability insurance.
Virginia does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Individual tradesmen are not required to carry GL insurance. Workers comp required if business has more than 2 employees. Electrical contractors operating a business also need a Class A/B/C contractor license. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck electrician businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 3 years at $90. Continuing education: 3 hours every 3 years (per renewal cycle)
Other licenses in Virginia
- General Contractor license in Virginia
Statewide license required · $445 in initial government fees · DPOR
- Plumber license in Virginia
Statewide license required · $175 in initial government fees · DPOR
- HVAC Technician license in Virginia
Statewide license required · $175 in initial government fees · DPOR
- Roofing Contractor license in Virginia
Statewide license required · $445 in initial government fees · DPOR
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an 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 an electrician license cost in Virginia?
The estimated initial cost is $175, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Virginia?
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
What exams are required for an electrician license in Virginia?
You must pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam and Master Electrician Exam exams. A passing score of 70% (Journeyman: 49/70; Master: 63/90) is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Does Virginia have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes, Virginia has reciprocity agreements with 6 states that may apply to electricians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Virginia?
Processing time is typically ~30 days after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Virginia?
Yes, 3 hours per 3 years (per renewal cycle) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Virginia— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DPOR