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How to get a Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license in Virginia

Virginia licenses electricians statewide through the Board for Contractors.1 For the Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license you need up to 240 clock hours2 of education, a passing score on the Virginia Journeyman Electrical Tradesman examination3 and a criminal background check4. The board lists $150 for the initial license5. You renew every 3 years6 and complete at least 3 hours of continuing education6.

Last checked · 28 official sources

Who issues it

Board for Contractors

Training and experience

Training: up to 240 clock hours2

Exam

Virginia Journeyman Electrical Tradesman examination3

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $1505
Exam fee: $1007

Renewal

Every 3 years6, at least 3 hours of continuing education6

From another state

Reciprocity agreements, Universal license recognition, Exam waiver and Military service members and spouses891011 Details

On this page
  1. Virginia electrician licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license
  4. Requirements for a Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license
  5. How much a Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Moving to Virginia with a license from another state
  9. Master Electrical (ELE)
  10. Electrical contractors (ELE) classification on a Class A, B or C contractor license
  11. City and county rules
  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

Virginia electrician licenses

Virginia issues 3 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
Journeyman Electrical (ELE)Installs, repairs and maintains electrical materials and equipment in compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and plans/specifications.12Training 240 clock hours2Yes13$171.7514
Master Electrical (ELE)Plans and lays out installations and supervises installing, repairing and maintaining electrical equipment; a master electrician license is required to be the qualified individual for an ELE contractor license.12Experience 1 year2Yes13$171.7514
Electrical contractors (ELE) classification on a Class A, B or C contractor licenseFirm license classification for contracts to construct, install, repair, maintain, alter or remove electrical systems; covers all USBC electrical work including the ESC and FAS specialties.15––$439.5016

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Virginia 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 (all 3)

Renewal

Renew online
dpor.virginia.gov3

2. Every license level except Electrical contractors (ELE) classification on a Class A, B or C contractor license

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old4
Background check
Background check required4
No fingerprints required17
Board may deny under Code § 54.1-204; applicant reports convictions on the Criminal Conviction Reporting Form and prior disciplinary actions on the Disciplinary Action Reporting Form.4
Residency or citizenship
No residency requirement; non-residents appoint the DPOR Director as agent for service of process by signing the application.17
Social Security number
Social Security Number or Virginia DMV control number required.17
Business requirements
Licenses are issued to individuals, not companies.17

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$171.7514Board for ContractorsBy examination, reciprocity or apprenticeship; $131.75 for card exchange. Not refundable
Initial license fee$1505Board for ContractorsRule amount, before the Technology Fee. Not refundable. Effective August 1, 2025
Technology Fee equal$7.253Board for ContractorsAdded per year of license term; included in the $171.75 application total on the current form. Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2026
Card exchange (exchange of locality-issued card for state-issued Virginia tradesman license)$1105Board for ContractorsHolders of pre-1978 locality or pre-1995 DHCD tradesman cards. Not refundable
Additional tradesman designation$1055Board for ContractorsAdding another trade (e.g. plumbing) to an existing license. Not refundable

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

  1. Check that you meet the experience/education option for your level in 18VAC50-30-39 and collect an Experience Verification Form for each job (signed by a building official, inspector, contractor, licensed tradesman, architect or engineer) plus training certificates or transcripts.18 Form (PDF, dpor.virginia.gov)18
  2. Wait for Board approval; then schedule the exam with PSI and pay the exam fee to PSI.3
  3. Pass the exam; the Board issues the license. For contracting jobs over $1,000 your employer (or your own firm) needs a contractor license.13

Renewal

How often
Every 3 years6
When it expires
Expires three years from the last day of the month of issue; a license with several trade designations keeps the original issue date.19
Renewal fee
$1606
Continuing education
At least 3 hours each renewal period6
Required topics
Course on the current National Electrical Code (building code changes for the trade).6
Holding both Master and Journeyman electrical needs only one course; each additional trade designation needs its own 3 hours.20
Approved courses
Board-approved providers only (list published by DPOR).3
Late renewal
Reinstatement fee: $21021 (renewal requirements not completed within 30 days after expiration; up to 24 months)
If it expires
Renewal is allowed without penalty within 30 days after expiry; after that the $210 reinstatement fee applies, for up to 24 months. After 24 months a new application is needed, though the person may sit for the same exam.21
Working after expiry may be prosecuted as unlicensed activity.21

From another state

Route
Universal license recognition
What the board says
Universal License Recognition: a current out-of-state license held at least one year and obtained by exam plus education/training/experience; or, from a state that does not license the trade, at least three years of work in it. DPOR may require a Virginia law exam (Code § 54.1-205).9
Conditions
Certification/Letter of Good Standing sent by each state board directly to the Tradesmen Program, dated within 90 days.9
Applicants without a license who never passed an exam must take the Virginia exam.9
Fee
$171.759
Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
Holders of a current out-of-state journeyman or master license may sit for the same-level Virginia exam (qualifies them for the exam without the Virginia experience table).10
Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Servicemembers and spouses may transfer a good-standing out-of-state license used in the last two years for the duration of military orders (SCRA); spouses can request expedited processing and a temporary 12-month license (Code § 54.1-119).11

Who needs a Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license

Installs, repairs and maintains electrical materials and equipment in compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and plans/specifications.12

Exemptions and dollar thresholds:

  • Workers under the supervision of a tradesman licensed in that specialty (helpers, apprentices) do not need their own license; Virginia issues no apprentice license.1
  • No license for work on ships/boats or on a single-family residence when the work is under $250 and the person does not hold out as a tradesman.22
  • Contracting for work over $1,000 needs a separate Virginia contractor license.14

Requirements for a Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

Education or training
Up to 240 clock hours2
The board's words

“240 hours of formal vocational training in the trade Four years of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is desired”


Who may teach it: DPOR publishes the list of approved tradesman vocational education schools/courses; up to 40 hours of Board-approved CE can count as vocational training.23
Alternative: Bachelor's degree in a related engineering curriculum + 1 year; associate degree or 2-year program certificate + 2 years.2
Alternative: Completing a Virginia registered apprenticeship (Department of Workforce Development and Advancement) exempts the journeyman exam.24
Alternative: Veterans may apply substantially equivalent military training/experience (Code § 54.1-118).11
Experience
Practical experience in the electrical trade, 1 to 8 years depending on education (8 years with no formal training).2
Substitute: A current out-of-state journeyman or master license qualifies the holder to sit for the Virginia exam.14
Exam
Virginia Journeyman Electrical Tradesman examination3
Given by: PSI3
When you can take it: Board must approve the application (experience/education) first; then the candidate schedules with PSI. Exams run daily (Mon-Fri) at PSI sites in Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, Vienna, Virginia Beach, Johnson City TN and Salisbury MD.3
Time limit: Fees remain active for one year from receipt and the application must be completed within that time.5
Exam waived: Journeyman exam waived after completing a registered apprenticeship approved by the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement; also for pre-1978 local / pre-1995 DHCD card holders (card exchange).24

How much a Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license costs

FeeAmountPaid to
Exam fee$1007PSI

How to apply

  1. Mail the Tradesman Exam & License Application (A501-2710EXLIC) with a copy of your government ID and the $171.75 fee payable to the Treasurer of Virginia (no online application for individuals).14 Form (PDF, dpor.virginia.gov)14

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Virginia Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to Virginia with a license from another state

These are the routes the Board for Contractors publishes for the Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license. The other electrician licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Board-approved licensing/exam agreements for journeyman electrical: District of Columbia, Kentucky and West Virginia. Applicant must meet all terms of the agreement and send verification of licensure from the other board.8
States on Virginia's list
District of Columbia, Kentucky and West Virginia8
This is the list of states whose licenses Virginia accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Virginia license.
Conditions
Out-of-state license must have been obtained by passing an exam substantially equivalent to Virginia's.10
Fee
$171.7514

Master Electrical (ELE)

Plans and lays out installations and supervises installing, repairing and maintaining electrical equipment; a master electrician license is required to be the qualified individual for an ELE contractor license.12

Requirements

Experience
At least 1 year2
One of: one year holding a Virginia (or other) journeyman electrical license; or nine years of practical experience in the trade.2
License you must hold first: Journeyman electrical license held at least one year (or nine years' experience instead).14
Substitute: Current out-of-state journeyman or master license qualifies the holder to sit for the Virginia master exam (with a Letter of Good Standing).17
Exam
Virginia Master Electrical Tradesman examination3
Given by: PSI3
When you can take it: Board must approve the application (experience/education) first; then the candidate schedules with PSI. Exams run daily (Mon-Fri) at PSI sites in Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, Vienna, Virginia Beach, Johnson City TN and Salisbury MD.3
Time limit: Fees remain active for one year from receipt and the application must be completed within that time.5
Exam waived: Exam waived for locality/DHCD card holders (card exchange) and under reciprocity agreements (AL, DC, KY, MD, WV, NC, OH for master).8

Fees

You pay PSI (exam fee) and the Board for Contractors (application fee).

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Exam fee$1257PSI–
Application fee$171.7525Board for ContractorsCurrent Virginia journeyman upgrading to master by exam or reciprocity. Not refundable

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. New applicants use the Tradesman Exam & License Application ($171.75); current Virginia journeymen upgrading to master use the Additional Designation/License Upgrade Application ($171.75). Payment is by check/money order to the Treasurer of Virginia or credit card insert.14 Form (PDF, dpor.virginia.gov)14

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Board-approved licensing/exam agreements for master electrical: Alabama (electrical contractor), District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina (Unlimited/Intermediate contractor) and Ohio. Applicant must meet all terms of the agreement and send verification of licensure from the other board.8
States on Virginia's list
Alabama, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina and Ohio8
This is the list of states whose licenses Virginia accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Virginia license.
Conditions
Out-of-state license must have been obtained by passing an exam substantially equivalent to Virginia's.10
Fee
$171.7514

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

Electrical contractors (ELE) classification on a Class A, B or C contractor license

Firm license classification for contracts to construct, install, repair, maintain, alter or remove electrical systems; covers all USBC electrical work including the ESC and FAS specialties.15

Requirements

Experience
The firm's qualified individual for ELE must hold a Virginia master electrician tradesman license; minimum experience in the classification is 1 year (Class C), 3 years (Class B) or 5 years (Class A).16
License you must hold first: Master Electrical (ELE) tradesman license held by the qualified individual.26
Background check
Background check required16
Business requirements
The contractor license is issued to the business entity or sole proprietor named on form A501-27LIC; see the general-contractor records for business registration, pre-license education and financial requirements by class.16

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$439.5016Board for ContractorsClass A firm license, total due on form A501-27LIC (v18 08/01/2026) incl. Recovery Fund and Technology Fee. Not refundable
Application fee$419.5016Board for ContractorsClass B firm license, total due on form A501-27LIC (v18 08/01/2026) incl. Recovery Fund and Technology Fee. Not refundable
Application fee$274.5016Board for ContractorsClass C firm license, total due on form A501-27LIC (v18 08/01/2026) incl. Recovery Fund and Technology Fee. Not refundable
Initial license fee$40027Board for ContractorsClass A (rule amount). Not refundable
Initial license fee$38027Board for ContractorsClass B (rule amount). Not refundable
Initial license fee$23527Board for ContractorsClass C (rule amount). Not refundable
Recovery Fund assessment$2527Board for ContractorsNot refundable
Technology Fee equal$7.253Board for ContractorsTechnology Fee notice on the contractor license application; the Class A/B/C totals ($439.50/$419.50/$274.50) carry the ** marker. Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2026
Addition of Classification or Specialty with addition application$12527Board for ContractorsAdding ELE to an existing contractor license. Not refundable

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

  1. Get a Master Electrical tradesman license for the person who will be the firm's qualified individual.26
  2. Apply for a Class A, B or C contractor license with the ELE classification on form A501-27LIC, naming the master electrician as qualified individual.16 Form (PDF, dpor.virginia.gov)16

Renewal

Renewal fee
$220 to $27028 (By class; plus $30 Recovery Fund assessment)

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
North Carolina Unlimited/Intermediate electrical contractors: reciprocity for the Virginia Master Electrical tradesman license and Class A/B ELE contractor license; Ohio Business and Law exam reciprocity.8
States on Virginia's list
North Carolina8
This is the list of states whose licenses Virginia accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Virginia license.

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Electrical contractors (ELE) classification on a Class A, B or C contractor licenseNo separate local electrician license; DPOR tells tradesmen to ask the locality about local ordinances. Old locality cards can be exchanged once for a state license.3

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license
dpor.virginia.gov3
File a complaint
dpor.virginia.gov3

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • July 1, 2026: DPOR Technology Fee of $7.25 per year added to certain fees (2026 HB 30), through June 30, 2030; application total now $171.75.3
  • April 1, 2025: Experience table revised (journeyman with no training: 8 years; master: 1 year journeyman or 9 years) and residential trade licenses created for HVAC/plumbing only.2

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license in Virginia?

The rules set up to 240 clock hours2 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.

Can I transfer my electrician license to Virginia?

The Board for Contractors publishes these routes for the Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license: reciprocity agreements8, universal license recognition9 and exam waiver10. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Journeyman Electrical (ELE) license in Virginia?

Every 3 years6. Continuing education: at least 3 hours6. The renewal fee is $1606.

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. Code of Virginia § 54.1-1129Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Code of Virginia)Checked November 7, 2026
  2. 18VAC50-30-39Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Dated April 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  3. Tradesmen ProgramVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  4. 18VAC50-30-30Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Dated April 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  5. 18VAC50-30-90Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Dated August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  6. 18VAC50-30-120Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Dated August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  7. 18VAC50-30-100Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Dated March 11, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Tradesmen reciprocal agreementsVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Tradesman Universal License Recognition Application A501-2710ULRVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for ContractorsDated July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  10. 18VAC50-30-70Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  11. Military and Veterans ServicesVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational RegulationChecked November 7, 2026
  12. 18VAC50-30-10Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  13. Code of Virginia § 54.1-1130Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Code of Virginia)Checked November 7, 2026
  14. Tradesman Exam and License Application A501-2710EXLICVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for ContractorsDated July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  15. 18VAC50-22-20Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  16. Contractor License Application A501-27LICVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for ContractorsDated August 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  17. Tradesman Application InstructionsVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  18. Tradesman Experience Verification Form A501-27EXPVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for ContractorsDated August 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  19. 18VAC50-30-150Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  20. Approved Tradesmen continuing education coursesVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  21. 18VAC50-30-130Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Dated August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  22. Code of Virginia § 54.1-1131Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Code of Virginia)Checked November 7, 2026
  23. 18VAC50-30-48Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  24. 18VAC50-30-50Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Dated April 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  25. Additional Designation/License Upgrade Application A501-2710ADDLIC (interactive)Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for ContractorsDated July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  26. 18VAC50-22-61Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Dated September 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  27. 18VAC50-22-100Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Dated September 24, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  28. 18VAC50-22-140Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System (Virginia Administrative Code)Dated September 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026