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How to get a General Electrician license in California

California licenses electricians statewide through the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).1 For the General Electrician license you need at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2 and a passing score on the California General Electrician certification examination3. The board lists $75 for the application4 and $100 for the exam4, each a separate charge. You renew every 3 years5 and complete at least 32 hours of continuing education5.

Last checked · 39 official sources

Who issues it

Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)

Training and experience

Experience: at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2

Exam

California General Electrician certification examination3

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $754
Exam fee: $1004

Renewal

Every 3 years5, at least 32 hours of continuing education5

From another state

Exam waiver6 Details

On this page
  1. California electrician licenses
  2. Rules shared by several license levels
  3. Who needs a General Electrician license
  4. Requirements for a General Electrician license
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. Electrician Trainee
  7. Fire/Life Safety Technician
  8. Nonresidential Lighting Technician
  9. Residential Electrician
  10. Voice Data Video Technician
  11. C-10 - Electrical Contractor
  12. Check a license or report a problem
  13. Laws and rules
  14. Rule changes since January 2024
  15. Common questions
  16. Electrician licenses in other states

California electrician licenses

California issues 7 electrician credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
Electrician TraineeUncertified worker who may do certification-required electrical work for a C-10 contractor while enrolled in (or having completed) an approved curriculum, under direct supervision of a certified electrician who supervises only one trainee.7––$258
Fire/Life Safety TechnicianFire/Life Safety Technician is one who performs work for a C-10 electrical contractor involving the installation, construction or maintenance of systems covered by Article 760 of the National Electrical Code.9Experience 4,000 hours2Yes2$754
General ElectricianGeneral Electrician is one who performs work for a C-10 electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining any electrical system that is covered by the National Electric Code.9Experience 8,000 hours2Yes2$754
Nonresidential Lighting TechnicianNonresidential Lighting Technician is one who performs work for a C-10 electrical contractor repairing, servicing and maintaining existing nonresidential lighting fixtures and installing retrofit upgrade fixtures.9Experience 2,000 hours2Yes2$754
Residential Electrician(1) performs work for a C-10 electrical contractor installing, constructing, or maintaining any electrical system that is covered by the National Electrical Code in single family homes and multi family units, including hotels and motels, where the primary occupancy of the building is considered residential and the maximum voltage received from a utility company is a 3 phase, 4 wire, 120/208 or 120/240 volts.9Experience 4,800 hours2Yes2$754
Voice Data Video TechnicianVoice Data Video Technician is one who performs work for a C-10 electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining any system that falls within the scope of National Electrical Code, Articles 725, 770 (non-composite cables only), 800 (non-hybrid cables only), 810 and 820.9Experience 4,000 hours2Yes2$754
C-10 - Electrical ContractorPlaces, installs, erects or connects electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, raceways, conduits and solar PV cells.10Experience 4 years11Yes12$45013

Rules shared by several license levels

These rules are the same for several of the California electrician licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level except C-10 - Electrical Contractor

How to apply

Renewal

Renew online
dir.ca.gov1516

2. Every license level except Electrician Trainee and C-10 - Electrical Contractor

Requirements

Social Security number
SSA employment history report required; the SSN may be redacted.1
Also required
Valid state photo ID needed at the exam.6

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$754DIRThe fee for initially applying for certification. Application for examination and certification. Not refundable. Effective August 29, 2002
Exam fee$1004DIRThe fee for taking or retaking the examination. Each examination (category) taken. Not refundable
Exam retake fee$10017DIREach retest, at least 60 days after the failed attempt. Not refundable
Duplicate or replacement license$3018DIRThe fee for lost/stolen or replacement card

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Collect proof of experience (apprenticeship certificate, hours worked for a C-10 contractor, out-of-state license or NICET) and a Social Security Administration employment history report.14
  2. Apply online or mail Form DLSE-ECF1 with $75 plus $100 for each exam category.17 cadir.prod.simpligov.com15
  3. After DLSE approval, CPS HR Consulting emails instructions; schedule the computer exam with Pearson VUE within one year of the eligibility notice.17
  4. Pass with at least 70%; the certification card is mailed within about two weeks.17
Temporary or provisional license
No temporary certificate; uncertified workers must register as electrician trainees.6
Processing time
DLSE responds within 30 days of receipt (rule); FAQ says call if no letter within 4-6 weeks.6

Renewal

How often
Every 3 years5
Renewal fee
$1004 (Each certification category renewed)
Continuing education
At least 32 hours each renewal period5
Required topics
Education must be relevant to the certification category being renewed.6
Approved courses
Approved electrician trainee schools, federal/state apprenticeship programs, and other providers under contract with a California public educational institution.19
Exemptions
Work-hours condition: 2,000 hours worked in the industry in the previous three years (self-certified).5
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $20018
If it expires
A lapsed certification requires retaking the exam; CE is then not required.5

From another state

Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
No reciprocity: out-of-state electricians must pass the California exam before working; an out-of-state license can count as the experience.6
Conditions
Chief may deem the experience met when the other state's experience requirement is comparable.2
Fee
$7514

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Military experience may be credited toward the hours.2

Who needs a General Electrician license

General Electrician is one who performs work for a C-10 electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining any electrical system that is covered by the National Electric Code.9

Work that does not need this license:

  • Certification is needed only to work for a C-10 contractor; C-7 and C-45 work, utility high-voltage work, registered apprentices and registered trainees are exempt.1
  • The qualifying person of a C-10 license need not be certified.1
  • Electricians employed directly by school districts or plants (not by a C-10 contractor) do not need certification.6

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • Connections under 100 volt-amperes, stationary engineers and temporary entertainment/trade-show equipment are outside the law.20

Requirements for a General Electrician license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Experience
At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2
8,000 hours of work for a C-10 electrical contractor in the listed work areas (with per-area maximums), or completion of an approved apprenticeship in the classification.2
Supervision: Hours must be worked for a C-10 licensed electrical contractor and documented with an SSA employment history report.1
Substitute: Other experience, including military or C-7 low-voltage work, may be credited by the Chief.2
Exam
California General Electrician certification examination3
Given by: CPS HR Consulting (scheduling through Pearson VUE)15
Passing score: 70%17
When you can take it: After DLSE approves the application; apprentices within one year of completing their term, and trainees who completed the approved curriculum, may test early.21
100 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours; open book (materials provided), English or Spanish6
Retakes: Wait 60 days between attempts; pay $100 each time; unlimited attempts within one year of eligibility, then reapply.22
Time limit: One year from the eligibility notice.17

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your California General Electrician license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Electrician Trainee

Uncertified worker who may do certification-required electrical work for a C-10 contractor while enrolled in (or having completed) an approved curriculum, under direct supervision of a certified electrician who supervises only one trainee.7

Requirements

Education or training
Enrollment in, or completion of, a curriculum approved by the Electrician Certification Curriculum Committee.7
Who may teach it: Approved schools on the DIR list (community colleges, public schools, BPPE-approved private schools).7

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Registration fee$254DIRThe fee for registering as an Electrician Trainee Registrant
Initial license fee$258DIR–

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Enroll in a DIR-approved electrician trainee school.23
  2. Mail the New Registration form with proof of enrollment and $25 (online trainee registration is not yet available).15 Form (PDF, dir.ca.gov)8
  3. Work only under direct supervision of a certified electrician who supervises no more than one trainee.23

Renewal

How often
Every year7
Renewal fee
$016
If it expires
Withdrawing from school makes the trainee inactive and not legal to work for a C-10 contractor.6

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
Registration is open to anyone enrolled in an approved California curriculum; no out-of-state pathway.7

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Fire/Life Safety Technician

Fire/Life Safety Technician is one who performs work for a C-10 electrical contractor involving the installation, construction or maintenance of systems covered by Article 760 of the National Electrical Code.9

Requirements

Experience
At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training2
4,000 hours of work for a C-10 electrical contractor in the listed work areas (with per-area maximums), or completion of an approved apprenticeship in the classification.2
Supervision: Hours must be worked for a C-10 licensed electrical contractor and documented with an SSA employment history report.1
Substitute: Other experience, including military or C-7 low-voltage work, may be credited by the Chief.2
Substitute: NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level II or above satisfies the experience requirement.2
Exam
California Fire/Life Safety Technician certification examination3
Given by: CPS HR Consulting (scheduling through Pearson VUE)15
Passing score: 70%17
When you can take it: After DLSE approves the application; apprentices within one year of completing their term, and trainees who completed the approved curriculum, may test early.21
50 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours; open book (materials provided), English or Spanish6
Retakes: Wait 60 days between attempts; pay $100 each time; unlimited attempts within one year of eligibility, then reapply.22
Time limit: One year from the eligibility notice.17

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Nonresidential Lighting Technician

Nonresidential Lighting Technician is one who performs work for a C-10 electrical contractor repairing, servicing and maintaining existing nonresidential lighting fixtures and installing retrofit upgrade fixtures.9

Requirements

Experience
At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training2
2,000 hours of work for a C-10 electrical contractor in the listed work areas (with per-area maximums), or completion of an approved apprenticeship in the classification.2
Supervision: Hours must be worked for a C-10 licensed electrical contractor and documented with an SSA employment history report.1
Substitute: Other experience, including military or C-7 low-voltage work, may be credited by the Chief.2
Substitute: Nonresidential lighting trainees in a DAS-approved on-the-job training program, supervised onsite by a certified NLT, need not be certified.1
Exam
California Nonresidential Lighting Technician certification examination3
Given by: CPS HR Consulting (scheduling through Pearson VUE)15
Passing score: 70%17
When you can take it: After DLSE approves the application; apprentices within one year of completing their term, and trainees who completed the approved curriculum, may test early.21
50 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours; open book (materials provided), English or Spanish6
Retakes: Wait 60 days between attempts; pay $100 each time; unlimited attempts within one year of eligibility, then reapply.22
Time limit: One year from the eligibility notice.17

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Residential Electrician

(1) performs work for a C-10 electrical contractor installing, constructing, or maintaining any electrical system that is covered by the National Electrical Code in single family homes and multi family units, including hotels and motels, where the primary occupancy of the building is considered residential and the maximum voltage received from a utility company is a 3 phase, 4 wire, 120/208 or 120/240 volts.9

Requirements

Experience
At least 4,800 hours of on-the-job training2
4,800 hours of work for a C-10 electrical contractor in the listed work areas (with per-area maximums), or completion of an approved apprenticeship in the classification.2
Supervision: Hours must be worked for a C-10 licensed electrical contractor and documented with an SSA employment history report.1
Substitute: Other experience, including military or C-7 low-voltage work, may be credited by the Chief.2
Exam
California Residential Electrician certification examination3
Given by: CPS HR Consulting (scheduling through Pearson VUE)15
Passing score: 70%17
When you can take it: After DLSE approves the application; apprentices within one year of completing their term, and trainees who completed the approved curriculum, may test early.21
80 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours; open book (materials provided), English or Spanish6
Retakes: Wait 60 days between attempts; pay $100 each time; unlimited attempts within one year of eligibility, then reapply.22
Time limit: One year from the eligibility notice.17

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Voice Data Video Technician

Voice Data Video Technician is one who performs work for a C-10 electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining any system that falls within the scope of National Electrical Code, Articles 725, 770 (non-composite cables only), 800 (non-hybrid cables only), 810 and 820.9

Requirements

Experience
At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training2
4,000 hours of work for a C-10 electrical contractor in the listed work areas (with per-area maximums), or completion of an approved apprenticeship in the classification.2
Supervision: Hours must be worked for a C-10 licensed electrical contractor and documented with an SSA employment history report.1
Substitute: Other experience, including military or C-7 low-voltage work, may be credited by the Chief.2
Exam
California Voice Data Video Technician certification examination3
Given by: CPS HR Consulting (scheduling through Pearson VUE)15
Passing score: 70%17
When you can take it: After DLSE approves the application; apprentices within one year of completing their term, and trainees who completed the approved curriculum, may test early.21
50 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours; open book (materials provided), English or Spanish6
Retakes: Wait 60 days between attempts; pay $100 each time; unlimited attempts within one year of eligibility, then reapply.22
Time limit: One year from the eligibility notice.17

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Rules shared by several license levels.

C-10 - Electrical Contractor

Places, installs, erects or connects electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, raceways, conduits and solar PV cells.10

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old24
Experience
At least 4 years11
Four years of journey-level (or foreman, supervisor, contractor, owner-builder) experience in the C-10 class; up to three years may be credited for training, apprenticeship or education.11
Supervision: Experience must be verified by a qualified person with firsthand knowledge.11
Substitute: Apprenticeship completion certificate: up to three years of credit.11
Exam
Law and Business examination12
Given by: PSI Exams25
Passing score: CSLB does not publish a fixed score on these pages; the required percentage is given at the test site.12
When you can take it: After CSLB accepts the application.24
Retakes: Wait 21 calendar days after a failed attempt, then pay and reschedule with PSI, within the 18-month window.25
Exam waived: The registrar may waive the exam for personnel of record for five of the last seven years in the same classification, for family members continuing a family business, and for certain long-term employees of a corporation or LLC replacing its qualifier. No exam is needed if, within five years, the qualifier passed the exam for the same classification or served as qualifier for a license in good standing in it.26
Exam
C-10 Electrical trade examination27
Given by: PSI25
Retakes: Retake after 21 calendar days, before the 18-month void date; pay PSI to reschedule.25
Time limit: 18 months (application void date).25
Background check
Background check required28
Fingerprints required28
Fingerprints are compared with California DOJ and FBI records; some applications go to formal investigation.28
Surety bond
$25,00026 (All active licenses; bond amount, not a premium; a $25,000 cashier's check may be filed instead)
Insurance
Workers’ compensation certificate, or an exemption if there are no employees (not available to C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 or D-49 holders). From January 1, 2028, the no-employee exemption is limited to joint ventures.29
Insurance
LLCs need liability insurance of at least $1 million for five or fewer personnel of record, plus $100,000 for each additional person, up to $5 million.30
Business requirements
Every license needs a qualifying individual who meets the experience and exam requirements.31
Business requirements
A Responsible Managing Employee must work for the firm at least 32 hours a week or 80 percent of its operating hours, whichever is less, and cannot qualify another active license.31
Business requirements
A $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual may be needed for an RME or RMO; an RMO owning 10 percent or more may be exempted.29
Business requirements
LLCs also need a $100,000 employee/worker bond.30
Business requirements
A person may qualify no more than three firms in any one-year period.31
Also required
Employees doing C-10 electrical work must hold DIR electrician certification or trainee/apprentice status; the C-10 qualifier is exempt.1

Fees

You pay CSLB (4 fees), Live Scan operator (fingerprint and state background check) and Live Scan operator (for FBI) (FBI background check).

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$45013CSLBNot refundable
Initial license fee$20013CSLBSole owner
Initial license fee$35013CSLBNon-sole owner
Fingerprint and state background check$3213Live Scan operator–
FBI background check$1713Live Scan operator (for FBI)–
Additional Classification (for existing license)$23013CSLBAdding C-10 to an existing license

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, PSI Exams25, when you schedule.

How to apply

  1. Confirm the classification and that the qualifying individual has four verifiable years of experience.31
  2. Submit the Application for Original Contractor License, the Certification of Work Experience and the $450 fee. Do not send a bond or the initial license fee yet. Sole owners can apply online.32 Form (PDF, cslb.ca.gov)33
  3. After acceptance, get fingerprinted by Live Scan for each person listed; send CSLB its copy within 90 days of receiving the packet.28
  4. Schedule and pay for the exams with PSI, and pass them within 18 months.34
  5. After passing, send what the bond and fee letter lists: initial license fee, $25,000 bond, asbestos open book exam, and workers’ compensation certificate or exemption.29
  6. CSLB issues the license; the wall certificate and pocket card arrive about a week later.29
Apply online
cslb.ca.gov24

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years26
Renewal fee
$47013 (Sole owner, active, timely)
Late renewal
Renewal fee: $72013 (non-sole owner, active, timely)
Late renewal fee: $69513 (sole owner, active, delinquent)
Late renewal fee: $1,07013 (non-sole owner, active, delinquent)
Renew online
cslb.ca.gov35

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Trade exam may be waived for Arizona C-11, K-11 or L-11 electrical licensees held active five years; Law and Business exam still required.36
States on California's list
Arizona37
This is the list of states whose licenses California accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a California license.
Conditions
CSLB may still require the trade exam.37
Fee
$45013

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire an electrician in California, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in California is on the California license lookup page.

Look up a license
dir.ca.gov15
File a complaint
dir.ca.gov15
Look up a license
cslb.ca.gov38
File a complaint
cslb.ca.gov39

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • June 1, 2026: Exams taken on or after June 1, 2026 are administered by CPS HR Consulting and scheduled through Pearson VUE (previously PSI).15

Common questions

How long does it take to get a General Electrician license in California?

The rules set at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: DLSE responds within 30 days of receipt (rule); FAQ says call if no letter within 4-6 weeks.6

Can I transfer my electrician license to California?

DIR publishes this route for the General Electrician license: exam waiver6. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a General Electrician license in California?

Every 3 years5. Continuing education: at least 32 hours5. The renewal fee is $1004.

Electrician licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. Cal. Labor Code sec. 108.2California Legislative CounselDated June 27, 2012Checked November 7, 2026
  2. 8 CCR §291.1Department of Industrial Relations (8 CCR, Title 8 regulations)Dated August 17, 2008Checked November 7, 2026
  3. 8 CCR §291.3Department of Industrial Relations (8 CCR, Title 8 regulations)Dated March 11, 2006Checked November 7, 2026
  4. 8 CCR §292.0Department of Industrial Relations (8 CCR, Title 8 regulations)Dated August 17, 2008Checked November 7, 2026
  5. 8 CCR §291.5Department of Industrial Relations (8 CCR, Title 8 regulations)Dated August 17, 2008Checked November 7, 2026
  6. ECU FAQDepartment of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards EnforcementDated October 22, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Cal. Labor Code sec. 108.4California Legislative CounselDated June 27, 2012Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Application for New Registration of Electrician TraineeDepartment of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards EnforcementChecked November 7, 2026
  9. 8 CCR §290.1Department of Industrial Relations (8 CCR, Title 8 regulations)Dated August 17, 2008Checked November 7, 2026
  10. C-10 Electrical Contractor classificationContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Experience for examContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Studying for the ExaminationContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  13. CSLB FeesContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  14. Application for Electrician Examination and CertificationDepartment of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards EnforcementChecked November 7, 2026
  15. Electrician certification programDepartment of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards EnforcementDated October 22, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  16. Application for RENEWAL of Registration of Electrician TraineeDepartment of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards EnforcementChecked November 7, 2026
  17. Test informationDepartment of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards EnforcementDated October 22, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  18. Electrician certification feesDepartment of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards EnforcementDated January 24, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  19. Continuing educationDepartment of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards EnforcementChecked November 7, 2026
  20. Cal. Labor Code sec. 108California Legislative CounselDated June 27, 2012Checked November 7, 2026
  21. 8 CCR §291.2Department of Industrial Relations (8 CCR, Title 8 regulations)Dated August 17, 2008Checked November 7, 2026
  22. 8 CCR §291.4Department of Industrial Relations (8 CCR, Title 8 regulations)Dated March 11, 2006Checked November 7, 2026
  23. Electrician traineeDepartment of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards EnforcementChecked November 7, 2026
  24. Apply for a Sole Owner licenseContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  25. CSLB Examinations Frequently Asked Questions -CSLBContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  26. CaliforniaContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  27. C-10 Study GuideContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  28. Get Fingerprinted Live ScanContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  29. Issuing My LicenseContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  30. Licenses for Limited Liability Companies (LLC) - CSLBContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  31. Before Applying For ExamContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  32. Applying for the Contractors ExaminationContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  33. CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARDContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  34. Original Exam Application AcceptedContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  35. RenewalsContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  36. Reciprocity RequirementsContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  37. Reciprocal Classifications ListContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  38. Check A License - CSLBContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  39. Filing a Construction Complaint - CSLBContractors State License BoardChecked November 7, 2026