How to get a General journey level electrician license in Washington

Washington electrician licenses

Washington issues 20 electrician credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

Rules shared by several license levels

These rules are the same for several of the Washington 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 Electrical contractor license (general 01 or specialty)

Requirements

Social Security number

A valid U.S. Social Security number or ITIN is required.⁸

2. Every license level except Electrical training certificate (electrical trainee)

Renewal

Renew online

lni.wa.gov¹¹⁴

3. Every license level except General journey level electrician (01)

From another state

4. Every license level except Electrical administrator (general AD01 or one of 14 specialties) and Electrical contractor license (general 01 or specialty)

Requirements

Minimum age

16 years old⁶

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Up to 8,000 hours of electrical experience in a U.S. armed forces construction battalion can qualify for the 01 exam.⁶

5. Every license level except Electrical training certificate (electrical trainee) and Electrical contractor license (general 01 or specialty)

Renewal

How often

Every 3 years¹¹²¹³

Continuing education

At least 24 hours each renewal period⁵

Approved courses

L&I-approved courses only; the provider reports credit within 7 days (completion certificates not accepted). Comparable out-of-state CE may be accepted.⁹

6. Every license level except Electrical training certificate (electrical trainee), Electrical administrator (general AD01 or one of 14 specialties) and Electrical contractor license (general 01 or specialty)

Fees

Renewal

When it expires

Expires on the holder's birthday every three years; the first certificate runs 25 to 36 months depending on exam date and birthdate.¹¹³

Required topics

8 hours on currently adopted NEC changes⁹
4 hours on RCW 19.28 / WAC 296-46B⁹
Up to 4 hours of behavioral health and wellness training may count.⁹
Pump and irrigation / domestic pump specialists may take combined plumbing-electrical courses with at least 4 hours of electrical training.⁷

Exemptions

Not working in Washington: pay renewal without CE and the certificate goes inactive until CE is met.¹

7. Every license level except Electrical training certificate (electrical trainee), Electrical administrator (general AD01 or one of 14 specialties), Journey level master electrician and Specialty master electrician

How to apply

Application form

Form (PDF, lni.wa.gov)³¹¹¹⁵

8. Every license level except Electrical training certificate (electrical trainee), Electrical administrator (general AD01 or one of 14 specialties), Journey level master electrician, Specialty master electrician and Electrical contractor license (general 01 or specialty)

Renewal

Renewal fee

$106.40⁴ (By mail/in person/fax; $92.60 online)

Late renewal

Renewal fee: $92.60⁴ (online renewal (on time))
Late renewal fee: $212.90⁴ (within 90 days after expiration, by mail/in person ($185.30 online))
Late renewal fee: $185.30⁴ (late renewal online)
Reinstatement fee: $33.50⁴ (suspended certificate)

If it expires

Renewal fee doubles after expiry; not renewable more than 90 days after expiry - retest required.¹

9. General journey level electrician (01), Electrical training certificate (electrical trainee), HVAC/refrigeration system (06A) specialty electrician, Limited energy system (06) specialty electrician, Nonresidential maintenance (07) specialty electrician, Pump and irrigation (03) specialty electrician, Residential (02) specialty electrician, Signs (04) specialty electrician, Journey level master electrician and Specialty master electrician

How to apply

Apply online

secure.lni.wa.gov²⁸

10. Appliance repair (07D) specialty electrician, Domestic pump (03A) specialty electrician, Door, gate, and similar systems (10) specialty electrician, Equipment repair (07E) specialty electrician, HVAC/refrigeration - Restricted (06B) specialty electrician, Nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit (07A) specialty electrician, Residential maintenance (07B) specialty electrician, Restricted nonresidential maintenance (07C) specialty electrician and Electrical administrator (general AD01 or one of 14 specialties)

Fees

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, PSI²¹², when you schedule.

11. Appliance repair (07D) specialty electrician, Domestic pump (03A) specialty electrician, Door, gate, and similar systems (10) specialty electrician, Equipment repair (07E) specialty electrician, HVAC/refrigeration - Restricted (06B) specialty electrician, Nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit (07A) specialty electrician, Residential maintenance (07B) specialty electrician and Restricted nonresidential maintenance (07C) specialty electrician

Requirements

Education or training

At least 24 clock hours¹
24 hours of approved basic trainee classes (BCI).⁶

Fees

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. Work with a trainee certificate under 100% supervision for the minimum hours in Table 945-1.⁶
2. Mail F500-097-000 ($102.20) for the exam and a 0% supervision modified training certificate; no online application.¹¹ Form (PDF, lni.wa.gov)¹¹
3. Pass the PSI exam, complete 24 BCI hours, and when you reach 2,000 hours submit F500-098-000 ($114.60) for the specialty certificate.¹ Form (PDF, lni.wa.gov)¹⁶

12. General journey level electrician (01), HVAC/refrigeration system (06A) specialty electrician, Limited energy system (06) specialty electrician, Nonresidential maintenance (07) specialty electrician, Pump and irrigation (03) specialty electrician, Residential (02) specialty electrician and Signs (04) specialty electrician

Fees

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

13. HVAC/refrigeration system (06A) specialty electrician, Limited energy system (06) specialty electrician, Nonresidential maintenance (07) specialty electrician, Pump and irrigation (03) specialty electrician, Residential (02) specialty electrician and Signs (04) specialty electrician

Requirements

Education or training

At least 48 clock hours¹
48 hours of approved basic trainee classes (BCI).⁶

How to apply

1. Work with a trainee certificate under at least 75% supervision until 4,000 hours and 48 BCI hours are on record.¹
2. Apply online or mail F626-001-000 with $114.60; out-of-state applicants use F626-009-000.³ Form (PDF, lni.wa.gov)³
3. Schedule and pass the PSI exam after the approval letter.²

14. Electrical administrator (general AD01 or one of 14 specialties), Journey level master electrician and Specialty master electrician

Renewal

Renewal fee

$202.20⁴ (By mail/in person/fax; $175.70 online)

Late renewal

Renewal fee: $175.70⁴ (online renewal (on time))
Late renewal fee: $404.50⁴ (within 90 days after expiration, by mail/in person ($351.40 online))
Late renewal fee: $351.40⁴ (late renewal online)
Reinstatement fee: $71.50⁴ (suspended certificate)

15. Electrical training certificate (electrical trainee) and Electrical contractor license (general 01 or specialty)

Renewal

How often

Every 2 years¹⁷¹⁴

16. Journey level master electrician and Specialty master electrician

What it covers

Works with the tools as an installer and, when assigned, can act as the administrator for an electrical contractor.¹³

Requirements

Exam

Washington master electrician certificate of competency examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: L&I reviews the application, then mails approval with PSI instructions; master exams are billed by PSI at a flat rate.¹³
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

Also required

Passing the master exam replaces your electrician certificate in that category.¹³

Fees

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. Hold the qualifying Washington electrician certificate for the required years.¹³
2. Apply online for the master electrician exam and pay the fee stated on the application.¹³ secure.lni.wa.gov²
3. Schedule with PSI after approval and pass; to act for a contractor, file the Change Assignment form (F503-009-000, $53).¹³

Processing time

Renewals: within 5 days L&I sends the certificate or notes issues.¹³

Renewal

If it expires

More than 90 days past expiry: reapply and retake the master exam. Late renewal or missing CE unassigns you from your contractor.¹³

Who needs a General journey level electrician license

All types of electrical and telecommunications installations (and minor plumbing under RCW 18.106.150).¹

Work that does not need this license:

• Owners may do electrical work on their own residence, farm or place of business without a license or certificate, unless it is a new building for rent, sale or lease or property offered for sale within 12 months.⁷

Requirements for a General journey level electrician license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9 and group 12 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Education or training

At least 96 clock hours¹
96 hours of basic classroom instruction, completed as part of an approved 8,000-hour electrical apprenticeship (chapter 49.04 RCW).¹
Who may teach it: L&I-approved basic trainee classes or equivalent apprenticeship classroom training.⁵

Experience

At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training¹
Complete an 8,000-hour electrical apprenticeship approved under chapter 49.04 RCW (or equivalent out-of-state apprenticeship); 4,000 hours must be new industrial or commercial installations, and no more than 4,000 hours in specialties.⁶
Supervision: Under a master journey level or journey level electrician (specialty hours under the appropriate specialty electrician), one trainee per 01 electrician.⁶
Substitute: Out-of-state journey level certificate obtained by exam requiring 8,000 supervised hours; or 16,000 hours of documented out-of-state experience; or 8,000 hours in a U.S. armed forces construction battalion.⁶
Substitute: The temporary non-apprenticeship route (trainees with 3,000 hours or a 2-year school before July 1, 2023) closed: applications had to be received before July 1, 2026.⁶

Exam

Washington general journey level (01) electrician certificate of competency examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: L&I verifies experience and education first and then mails an approval letter with PSI scheduling instructions; apply only when you qualify (Verify tool shows your record).²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

How to apply

1. Work as a registered apprentice with a training certificate until you have 8,000 hours and 96 BCI hours; check your record in Verify.¹
2. Apply for the exam online, or mail the In-State Application for Electrical Examination (F626-001-000) with the $114.60 fee (with your last Affidavit of Experience). Out-of-state applicants use F626-009-000 by mail.³ Form (PDF, lni.wa.gov)³
3. After the approval letter, schedule with PSI (pay PSI) and pass every section with 70% within one year.²

Temporary or provisional license

Out-of-state electricians may get a temporary permit between applying for a certificate and receiving exam results (RCW 19.28.231).⁷

Renewal and continuing education

Moving to Washington with a license from another state

These are the routes L&I publishes for the General journey level electrician license.

Electrical training certificate

Learns the trade under supervision of a certified electrician on the same jobsite: 1 trainee per 01 journey level electrician on journey-level work, 2 trainees per specialty electrician on specialty work. Apprentices also need the certificate.⁸

Requirements

Education or training

At least 48 clock hours⁹
48 hours of approved Basic Classroom Instruction (NEC, electrical theory, RCW 19.28/WAC 296-46B, in person) every 2 years to renew.⁹
Alternative: Equivalent classroom training in an approved apprenticeship (chapter 49.04 RCW) or approved training program counts.⁷

Also required

Report hours on an Affidavit of Experience; affidavits received after the 180-day deadline do not count.⁸

Also required

Journey level (01) candidates must be registered in an approved electrical apprenticeship; specialty candidates need not be.⁸

Fees

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. Be at least 16 and have an SSN or ITIN; find an employer (licensed electrical contractor) and, for the 01 path, register in an approved electrical apprenticeship.⁸
2. Apply online for a training certificate and pay the fee ($48.10 online).⁸ secure.lni.wa.gov⁸
3. Work only under the required supervision, carry the certificate and photo ID, and report hours on Affidavits of Experience on time.⁸
4. Complete 48 hours of BCI and renew every 2 years until you pass an electrician exam.⁸

Temporary or provisional license

Nonrenewable 6-month unsupervised certificate for 01 candidates with over 7,000 properly supervised hours; 0% supervision modified certificate for 2,000-hour specialties after passing the exam.¹

Processing time

New training certificates are mailed within 10 business days; the receipt serves as the certificate for 45 days. Other types up to 4 weeks.⁸

Renewal

Renewal fee

$67.90⁴ ($59.20 online when the affidavit of experience is submitted)

Continuing education

At least 48 hours each renewal period⁹

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $95.40⁴ (paper ($83.00 online))
Late renewal fee: $83⁴ (online late renewal)

If it expires

Working with an expired certificate is unlawful and those hours do not count; a former certificate holder can only renew, not reapply.⁸

Renew online

secure.lni.wa.gov⁸

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3, group 4, group 9 and group 15 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Appliance repair specialty electrician

Specialty scope: Servicing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing household appliances, small commercial/industrial appliances, and other small electrical utilization equipment.¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“Appliance repair certificate (07D) 720 (1)(2) 2,000 (6)”

Supervision: Supervised 100% of the time until the exam is passed.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶

Exam

Washington Appliance repair (07D) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply with form F500-097-000 after the minimum supervised hours; pass the exam, then work under a 0% supervision certificate until certification hours are met.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 10 and group 11 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Domestic pump specialty electrician

Specialty scope: Limited to the extension of a branch circuit, which is supplied and installed by others, to signaling circuits, motor control circuits, motor control devices, and pumps which do not exceed 7 1/2 horsepower at 250 volts AC single phase input power¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“Domestic pump certificate (03A) 720 (1)(2) 2,000 (6)”

Supervision: Supervised 100% of the time until the exam is passed.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶

Exam

Washington Domestic pump (03A) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply with form F500-097-000 after the minimum supervised hours; pass the exam, then work under a 0% supervision certificate until certification hours are met.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 10 and group 11 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Door, gate, and similar systems specialty electrician

Specialty scope: This specialty may install, service, maintain, repair, or replace door/gate/similar systems electrical operator wiring and equipment.¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“Door, gate, and similar systems certificate (10) 720 (1)(2) 2,000 (6)”

Supervision: Supervised 100% of the time until the exam is passed.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶

Exam

Washington Door, gate, and similar systems (10) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply with form F500-097-000 after the minimum supervised hours; pass the exam, then work under a 0% supervision certificate until certification hours are met.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 10 and group 11 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Equipment repair specialty electrician

Specialty scope: Servicing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing utilization equipment.¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“Equipment repair certificate (07E) 1,000 (1)(2) 2,000 (6)”

Supervision: Supervised 100% of the time until the exam is passed.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶

Exam

Washington Equipment repair (07E) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply with form F500-097-000 after the minimum supervised hours; pass the exam, then work under a 0% supervision certificate until certification hours are met.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 10 and group 11 under Rules shared by several license levels.

HVAC/refrigeration - Restricted specialty electrician

Specialty scope: The (06B) HVAC/refrigeration specialty may not perform any electrical work where the primary electrical power connection to the HVAC/refrigeration system exceeds: 250 volts, single phase, or 120 amps¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“HVAC/refrigeration – Restricted (06B) 1,000 (1)(2) 2,000 (6)”

Supervision: Supervised 100% of the time until the exam is passed.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶
Substitute: 06B hours (2,000) can count toward the 4,000 needed for 06A.⁶

Exam

Washington HVAC/refrigeration - Restricted (06B) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply with form F500-097-000 after the minimum supervised hours; pass the exam, then work under a 0% supervision certificate until certification hours are met.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 10 and group 11 under Rules shared by several license levels.

HVAC/refrigeration system specialty electrician

Specialty scope: The (06A) specialty is not limited by voltage, phase, or amperage.¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“HVAC/refrigeration system certificate (06A) 4,000 (3) 4,000 (7)”

Supervision: Supervised by an electrician certified in that specialty or a journey level electrician at least 75% of the time.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶
Substitute: 06B hours (2,000) can count toward the 4,000 needed for 06A.⁶

Exam

Washington HVAC/refrigeration system (06A) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply only after the hours and classes are on your record; L&I approves then PSI schedules.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9, group 12 and group 13 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Limited energy system specialty electrician

Specialty scope: Limited to the installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance of signaling and power limited circuits and related equipment.¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“Limited energy system certificate (06) 4,000 (3) 4,000”

Supervision: Supervised by an electrician certified in that specialty or a journey level electrician at least 75% of the time.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶

Exam

Washington Limited energy system (06) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply only after the hours and classes are on your record; L&I approves then PSI schedules.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9, group 12 and group 13 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit specialty electrician

Specialty scope: Limited to working within the housing of existing nonresidential luminaires¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“Nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit certificate (07A) 720 (1)(2) 2,000 (6)”

Supervision: Supervised 100% of the time until the exam is passed.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶

Exam

Washington Nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit (07A) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply with form F500-097-000 after the minimum supervised hours; pass the exam, then work under a 0% supervision certificate until certification hours are met.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 10 and group 11 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Nonresidential maintenance specialty electrician

Specialty scope: Limited to maintenance, repair and replacement of like-in-kind existing electrical equipment and conductors.¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“Nonresidential maintenance certificate (07) 4,000 (3) 4,000”

Supervision: Supervised by an electrician certified in that specialty or a journey level electrician at least 75% of the time.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶

Exam

Washington Nonresidential maintenance (07) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply only after the hours and classes are on your record; L&I approves then PSI schedules.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9, group 12 and group 13 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Pump and irrigation specialty electrician

Specialty scope: Limited to the electrical connection of circuits, feeders, controls, low voltage, related telecommunications, and services to supply: Domestic water systems and public water systems¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“Pump and irrigation certificate (03) 4,000 (3) 4,000”

Supervision: Supervised by an electrician certified in that specialty or a journey level electrician at least 75% of the time.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶

Exam

Washington Pump and irrigation (03) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply only after the hours and classes are on your record; L&I approves then PSI schedules.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9, group 12 and group 13 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Residential specialty electrician

Specialty scope: Limited to the telecommunications, low voltage, and line voltage wiring of one- and two-family dwellings, or multifamily dwellings of types III, IV or V construction when there are not more than six stories¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“Residential certificate (02) 4,000 (3) 4,000”

Supervision: Supervised by an electrician certified in that specialty or a journey level electrician at least 75% of the time.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶

Exam

Washington Residential (02) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply only after the hours and classes are on your record; L&I approves then PSI schedules.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9, group 12 and group 13 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Residential maintenance specialty electrician

Specialty scope: This specialty is limited to residential dwellings as defined in WAC 296-46B-920 (2)(a)¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“Residential maintenance certificate (07B) 720 (1)(2) 2,000 (6)”

Supervision: Supervised 100% of the time until the exam is passed.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶

Exam

Washington Residential maintenance (07B) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply with form F500-097-000 after the minimum supervised hours; pass the exam, then work under a 0% supervision certificate until certification hours are met.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 10 and group 11 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Restricted nonresidential maintenance specialty electrician

Specialty scope: This specialty may maintain, repair, or replace (like-in-kind) existing electrical utilization equipment, and all permit exempted work as defined in WAC 296-46B-901 except for the replacement or repair of circuit breakers.¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“Restricted nonresidential maintenance certificate (07C) 1,000 (1)(2) 2,000 (6)”

Supervision: Supervised 100% of the time until the exam is passed.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶

Exam

Washington Restricted nonresidential maintenance (07C) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply with form F500-097-000 after the minimum supervised hours; pass the exam, then work under a 0% supervision certificate until certification hours are met.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 10 and group 11 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Signs specialty electrician

Specialty scope: Limited to placement and connection of signs and outline lighting, the electrical supply, related telecommunications, controls and associated circuit extensions thereto.¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training⁶

The board's words

“Signs certificate (04) 4,000 (3) 4,000”

Supervision: Supervised by an electrician certified in that specialty or a journey level electrician at least 75% of the time.¹
Substitute: An appropriate two-year registered apprenticeship in the specialty also qualifies.⁶

Exam

Washington Signs (04) specialty electrician examination²
Given by: PSI²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Apply only after the hours and classes are on your record; L&I approves then PSI schedules.²
Retakes: Wait at least 14 days between attempts; after three failures of the exam or a section within a one-year exam period, wait 90 days between all attempts. Only failed sections need retaking within the period.²
Time limit: One year from the date of the L&I exam approval letter; after that, reapply for approval and retake all sections.²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9, group 12 and group 13 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Electrical administrator

Responsible for an electrical contractor's compliance with electrical laws and rules; not a certificate to do electrical work.¹²

Requirements

Exam

Washington electrical administrator examination (general or specialty)¹²
Given by: PSI¹²
Passing score: 70% or greater on each section.²
When you can take it: Schedule directly with PSI, no L&I pre-approval.²
Retakes: 14 days between attempts; 90 days after three failures in a one-year period; no limit on attempts.²
Time limit: Pass all sections within 1 year of the first attempt, then send score reports and fee to L&I within 90 days of the last pass.¹²

Fees

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. Create a PSI account and schedule the administrator exam (general AD01 or a specialty).¹²
2. Mail all passing score reports with the fee shown on the latest score report to L&I within 90 days of the last pass.¹²
3. To be the administrator for a contractor, file the Change Assignment form F503-009-000 with $53.²⁰ Form (PDF, lni.wa.gov)²⁰

Processing time

Certificate sent within 8-10 weeks after L&I receives score reports and fee.¹²

Renewal

When it expires

Expires on the holder's birthday every three years; the first certificate runs 25 to 36 months depending on the approval date and birthdate.¹²

Required topics

8 hours on currently adopted NEC changes⁹
4 hours on RCW 19.28 / WAC 296-46B⁹
Up to 4 hours of behavioral health and wellness training may count.⁹
Pump and irrigation / domestic pump specialty administrators may take CE combining electrical and plumbing education.⁷

If it expires

Late renewal or missing CE separates you from the contractor; reassignment needs a new form and fee.¹²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 5, group 10 and group 14 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Journey level master electrician

Requirements

Experience

At least 4 years¹³
Certified as a Washington general journey level (01) electrician for at least 4 years.¹³
License you must hold first: Certified as a Washington general journey level (01) electrician for at least 4 years.¹³
Substitute:

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 9, group 14 and group 16 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Specialty master electrician

Requirements

Experience

At least 2 years¹³
Certified by L&I in the specialty for at least 2 years.¹³
License you must hold first: Certified by L&I in the specialty for at least 2 years.¹³
Substitute:

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 9, group 14 and group 16 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Electrical contractor license

Business license to engage in the electrical construction trade; general (01) covers all types, specialty contractors only their WAC 296-46B-920(2) category. All work by certified electricians.¹⁴

Requirements

Experience

Must have a certified, assigned electrical administrator or master electrician.¹⁴
License you must hold first: Assigned administrator or master electrician (full-time supervisory employee or member of the firm).⁷

Surety bond

$4,000¹⁴ (Cash deposit/assignment of savings allowed instead)

Business requirements

Valid UBI number (Department of Revenue or Secretary of State) and a workers' compensation account if hiring employees.¹⁴

Business requirements

Liability insurance encouraged but not tracked by L&I; non-electrical work may also need contractor registration.¹⁴

Fees

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

How to apply

1. Get a UBI number, a $4,000 bond (or savings assignment) and, if hiring, a workers' comp account; line up an assigned administrator or master electrician.¹⁴
2. Mail the Application for Electrical or Telecommunications Contractor License (F500-018-000) with all forms and $406.90 in one envelope, or apply at an L&I office.¹⁴ Form (PDF, lni.wa.gov)¹⁵

Processing time

L&I acts on the application within 8-10 weeks.¹⁴

Renewal

When it expires

Expires two years from its effective date.¹⁴

Renewal fee

$353.90⁴ (By mail/in person ($306.20 online))

Late renewal

Renewal fee: $306.20⁴ (online renewal)
Reinstatement fee: $71.50⁴ (after suspension (e.g. bond lapse, no administrator))

If it expires

Expired more than 90 days: cannot renew online; contact L&I.¹⁴

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 2, group 3, group 7 and group 15 under Rules shared by several license levels.

City and county rules

Electrical administrator (general AD01 or one of 14 specialties)State-issued only; cities that run their own electrical inspection programs enforce the state license and certificate requirements locally.⁷

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license

secure.lni.wa.gov¹

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

• RCW 19.28 (Electricians and electrical installations)
• WAC 296-46B-920 (license/certificate types and scopes)
• WAC 296-46B-940, -942, -945 (certificates of competency, training certificates, qualifying for exams)
• WAC 296-46B-970 (basic trainee classes and continuing education)
• WAC 296-46B-909
• RCW 19.28.161 (training certificates, supervision ratios)

Rule changes since January 2024

• July 1, 2026: Fees increased (WSR 26-10-060); temporary non-apprenticeship path to the 01 exam closed for applications received on or after July 1, 2026.⁴

Common questions

Electrician licenses in other states

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