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How to get a Journeyman Electrician license in West Virginia

West Virginia licenses electricians statewide through the Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM).1 For the Journeyman Electrician license you need at least 1 year2 of experience and a passing score on the Journeyman Electrician examination2. The board lists $25 for the application2 and $50 for the initial license2, each a separate charge. You renew every year2.

Last checked · 22 official sources

Who issues it

Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM)

Training and experience

Experience: at least 1 year2

Exam

Journeyman Electrician examination2

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $252
Initial license fee: $502

Renewal

Every year2

From another state

License by endorsement, Universal license recognition and Exam waiver324 Details

On this page
  1. West Virginia electrician licenses
  2. Rules shared by several license levels
  3. Who needs a Journeyman Electrician license
  4. Requirements for a Journeyman Electrician license
  5. How to apply
  6. Renewal and continuing education
  7. Temporary master or journeyman electrician license
  8. Specialty Electric Sign Electrician (SP-ES)
  9. Specialty Elevator Electrician (SP-EL)
  10. Specialty Low Voltage Electrician (SP-LV)
  11. Specialty Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Electrician (SP-PH)
  12. Specialty Single Family Residential Dwelling Electrician (SP-SFD)
  13. Master Electrician
  14. Electrical Contractor
  15. City and county rules
  16. Check a license or report a problem
  17. Laws and rules
  18. Common questions
  19. Electrician licenses in other states

West Virginia electrician licenses

West Virginia issues 9 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
Temporary master or journeyman electrician license (one time, nonrenewable, 90 days)A 90-day license at master or journeyman level issued without exam to apprenticeship or vocational-program graduates.2Experience 1 year2No2$502
Journeyman ElectricianInstalls wires, conduits, apparatus, equipment and fixtures under a master’s supervision; may not design electrical systems; may supervise up to three helpers.2Experience 1 year2Yes2$252
Specialty Electric Sign Electrician (SP-ES)Wiring directly related to electric signs and isolated from the building wiring system, as an incident to a sign business.2Experience 1 year2Yes2$252
Specialty Elevator Electrician (SP-EL)Wiring that is an integral part of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks and personnel hoists, beyond the disconnect.2Experience 1 year2Yes2$252
Specialty Low Voltage Electrician (SP-LV) (Fire and Burglar Alarm Communication Systems)Low-voltage wiring of 80 volts or less (fire/burglar alarm and communication systems) and directly related wiring.2Experience 1 year2Yes2$252
Specialty Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Electrician (SP-PH)–Experience 1 year2Yes2$252
Specialty Single Family Residential Dwelling Electrician (SP-SFD)Electrical wiring and devices in or on a detached single-family home and its outbuildings (garage, shed, barn, pump house, yard lighting).2Experience 1 year2Yes2$252
Master ElectricianMay design electrical systems (layout and load calculations) and instruct and supervise journeymen and helpers.2Experience 2 years2Yes2$252
Electrical Contractor (Contractor Licensing Board classification)Business license for contracting electrical work (install, repair, alter wiring, fixtures, apparatus, raceways and conduit for light, heat, power or communications). The workers doing the electrical work must hold State Fire Marshal electrician licenses.5–Yes6$907

Rules shared by several license levels

These rules are the same for several of the West 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 except Electrical Contractor (Contractor Licensing Board classification)

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old2
Background check
The SFM may refuse a license for a conviction only if it directly and specifically relates to the work; it weighs seriousness, time passed, relevance and rehabilitation, and may not disqualify after five conviction-free years for a non-violent, non-sexual offense.3
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply3
Social Security number
The applicant’s Social Security number must be recorded on the application.3
Business requirements
A firm or corporation holding an electrician license does not exempt its electricians from holding individual journeyman or master licenses.2

How to apply

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Veterans with a military electrician (or electrician’s mate) rating and an honourable discharge may apply with copies of the training certificate and discharge and sit the same exam; extra training may be required if the course was more than 30 years ago.9

2. Every license level except Temporary master or journeyman electrician license (one time, nonrenewable, 90 days)

Renewal

How often
Every year210

3. Every license level except Temporary master or journeyman electrician license (one time, nonrenewable, 90 days) and Electrical Contractor (Contractor Licensing Board classification)

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$252SFMNot refundable. Effective May 1, 2024
Initial license fee$502SFMThe. Effective May 1, 2024
License verification to another state$2511SFMWritten confirmation of a license (e.g. for another state). Effective June 1, 2005

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.

How to apply

  1. Pay the non-refundable $25 application review fee at least 10 working days before the exam date you want.2
  2. Pass the NEC-based exam with at least 70%, then pay the $50 license fee to receive the license; post a copy on every job site.2

Renewal

When it expires
Every electrician license expires on 30 June each year; renewal can be for one year or up to three years, and the licensee must request it.2
Renewal fee
$502 (Per year of the renewal period (1–3 years))
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $502 (renewed after 30 June but within the same licensure year, in addition to the $50 license fee)
If it expires
No electrical work may be done while the license is expired.2
A former licensee can renew without retesting within five years of the last renewal (if not revoked) by paying double the current fee.12

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Where another jurisdiction licenses electricians, the SFM must grant the same or equivalent class without the written exam on proof that the applicant can work safely and competently and is in good standing everywhere licensed, plus the fee.3
Conditions
Applicant supplies a written statement from the home jurisdiction certifying a current license, files the SFM reciprocity application, and pays the annual license fee.2
Not available to anyone who failed the West Virginia exam or let a WV electrician license lapse without renewing.2
Reciprocal licenses expire 30 June and are not renewed if the agreement lapses.2
Fee
$502
Route
Universal license recognition
What the board says
West Virginia residents licensed for at least one year in another state with similar requirements, in good standing and with no disqualifying record or pending complaint, are issued a license under universal recognition; people from states that do not license may qualify with two years’ work experience.2
Conditions
The SFM may require a West Virginia law (jurisprudence) exam.2

4. Every license level except Journeyman Electrician, Temporary master or journeyman electrician license (one time, nonrenewable, 90 days), Master Electrician and Electrical Contractor (Contractor Licensing Board classification)

Requirements

Experience
At least 1 year2
At least one year of experience in the specialty area; up to one year may come from educational programs.2
Substitute: Up to one year may be obtained through educational programs.2
Exam
Specialty Electrician examination2
Given by: West Virginia State Fire Marshal (state-scheduled exam sessions)2
Passing score: 70%2
When you can take it: After 1 year in the specialty.2
Questions are drawn from the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).2
Retakes: No-shows forfeit the exam fee unless they give 24 hours’ notice and must pay again to re-sit; a candidate who does not qualify for the level applied for can switch to a lower level without a second review fee.2

5. Journeyman Electrician and Master Electrician

From another state

Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
A former West Virginia licensee who obtained an equivalent license elsewhere and moves back as a permanent resident may be relicensed as a journeyman or master without the application or exam requirements, when permitted by rule.4

Who needs a Journeyman Electrician license

Installs wires, conduits, apparatus, equipment and fixtures under a master’s supervision; may not design electrical systems; may supervise up to three helpers.2

Work that does not need this license:

  • No license is needed by someone assisting a licensed journeyman or master on supervised work (an electrician’s assistant/helper); a master or journeyman may supervise no more than three helpers on a job site.2
  • Exempt: work on property owned or leased by the person or their immediate family.4
  • Exempt: employees doing electrical work at the manufacturing plant or industrial establishment that employs them.4
  • Exempt: retail appliance sellers’ employees installing or repairing appliances sold by the employer.4
  • Exempt: public utility employees furnishing utility service, and government employees working on government property.4

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • Low-voltage work (80 volts or less, with directly related wiring) needs only a specialty license.4

Requirements for a Journeyman Electrician license

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

Experience
At least 1 year2
One year as an assistant/helper electrician under the direction of a master or journeyman.2
Supervision: Under the direction or instruction of a master or journeyman electrician.2
Substitute: Completion of a U.S. Department of Labor registered electrical apprenticeship.2
Exam
Journeyman Electrician examination2
Given by: West Virginia State Fire Marshal (state-scheduled exam sessions)2
Passing score: 70%2
Questions are drawn from the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).2
Retakes: No-shows forfeit the exam fee unless they give 24 hours’ notice and must pay again to re-sit; a candidate who does not qualify for the level applied for can switch to a lower level without a second review fee.2

How to apply

  1. Check you meet the experience for the journeyman level, then open an account in the State Fire Marshal online license portal and submit the exam application with your experience history.2 sfm-permit-public.wvoasis.gov8

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

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

Temporary master or journeyman electrician license

A 90-day license at master or journeyman level issued without exam to apprenticeship or vocational-program graduates.2

Requirements

Experience
At least 1 year2
The board's words

“has at least 2 and 1 year respectively years of experience in performing electrical work”

Exam
Not required2

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$502SFMEffective May 1, 2024

How to apply

  1. Apply to the State Fire Marshal (online portal) with proof of completing the registered apprenticeship or approved vocational program and your experience, and pay $50.2 sfm-permit-public.wvoasis.gov8
  2. Use the 90 days to sit the regular journeyman or master exam; the temporary license cannot be renewed.2

Renewal

How often
Every 90 days2
When it expires
One-time, non-renewable; valid 90 days.2

From another state

Route
No reciprocity

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

Specialty Electric Sign Electrician (SP-ES)

Wiring directly related to electric signs and isolated from the building wiring system, as an incident to a sign business.2

How to apply

  1. Check you meet the experience for the specialty-sp-es level, then open an account in the State Fire Marshal online license portal and submit the exam application with your experience history.2 sfm-permit-public.wvoasis.gov8

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

Specialty Elevator Electrician (SP-EL)

Wiring that is an integral part of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks and personnel hoists, beyond the disconnect.2

How to apply

  1. Check you meet the experience for the specialty-sp-el level, then open an account in the State Fire Marshal online license portal and submit the exam application with your experience history.2 sfm-permit-public.wvoasis.gov8

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

Specialty Low Voltage Electrician (SP-LV)

Low-voltage wiring of 80 volts or less (fire/burglar alarm and communication systems) and directly related wiring.2

How to apply

  1. Check you meet the experience for the specialty-sp-lv level, then open an account in the State Fire Marshal online license portal and submit the exam application with your experience history.2 sfm-permit-public.wvoasis.gov8

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

Specialty Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Electrician (SP-PH)

How to apply

  1. Check you meet the experience for the specialty-sp-ph level, then open an account in the State Fire Marshal online license portal and submit the exam application with your experience history.2 sfm-permit-public.wvoasis.gov8

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

Specialty Single Family Residential Dwelling Electrician (SP-SFD)

Electrical wiring and devices in or on a detached single-family home and its outbuildings (garage, shed, barn, pump house, yard lighting).2

How to apply

  1. Check you meet the experience for the specialty-sp-sfd level, then open an account in the State Fire Marshal online license portal and submit the exam application with your experience history.2 sfm-permit-public.wvoasis.gov8

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

Master Electrician

May design electrical systems (layout and load calculations) and instruct and supervise journeymen and helpers.2

Requirements

Experience
At least 2 years2
Two years of experience as a journeyman electrician, broad enough to show competence in all types of electrical work and to direct journeymen and helpers.2
Supervision: Experience is gained as a journeyman electrician.2
License you must hold first: Journeyman-level experience (2 years as a journeyman).2
Exam
Master Electrician examination2
Given by: West Virginia State Fire Marshal (state-scheduled exam sessions)2
Passing score: 70%2
When you can take it: After 2 years of experience as a journeyman.2
Questions are drawn from the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).2
Retakes: No-shows forfeit the exam fee unless they give 24 hours’ notice and must pay again to re-sit; a candidate who does not qualify for the level applied for can switch to a lower level without a second review fee.2

How to apply

  1. Check you meet the experience for the master level, then open an account in the State Fire Marshal online license portal and submit the exam application with your experience history.2 sfm-permit-public.wvoasis.gov8

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

Electrical Contractor

Business license for contracting electrical work (install, repair, alter wiring, fixtures, apparatus, raceways and conduit for light, heat, power or communications). The workers doing the electrical work must hold State Fire Marshal electrician licenses.5

Requirements

Exam
Contractor Licensing Act Exam (replaced the Business & Law exam effective 02/02/2026)5
Given by: Prov, Inc. (ProV)13
90 questions, 180 minutes, open book5
Retakes: No limit on attempts, but after a failed attempt the candidate must wait 30 days before retesting (the Contractor Licensing Act exam is not in the bulletin's no-waiting-period list).5
Time limit: Exam scores do not expire, but can be used at most three times.6
Exam waived: Reciprocity states, NASCLA scores and other accredited national exam scores may be accepted in place of trade exams.6
Exam
Electrical Contractor trade exam5
Given by: Prov, Inc. (ProV)13
Passing score: 70%7
75 questions, 180 minutes, 70% to pass, open book; open-book references are NFPA 70 National Electrical Code 2023 and the American Electrician's Handbook, 17th edition.5
Retakes: No limit on attempts; after a failed attempt the candidate must wait 30 days before retesting (Electrical is not in the bulletin's no-waiting-period list).5
Exam waived: The Electrical classification is granted on a current WV State Fire Marshal Master Electrician license instead of the trade exam (the Contractor Licensing Act exam is still required); North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee electrical licenses are accepted by reciprocity.6
Social Security number
Social Security number required on the application.14
Insurance
Proof of workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation coverage for employees working in West Virginia.15
Insurance
General liability insurance is listed on the Board’s apply page.13
Business requirements
An officer of a firm must hold the license; the license is held on behalf of one business entity at a time.16
Business requirements
The qualifier who passes the exams must be in responsible management or a full-time employee (30+ hours/week).7
Business requirements
If a qualifier leaves, a replacement must be named within 45 calendar days.7
Business requirements
WV Business Registration Tax Number required (8-digit account number on the application).17
Business requirements
Corporations, LLCs, LLPs, LPs and PLLCs submit their WV Secretary of State certificate of authority.17
Also required
Adding a classification to an existing license costs nothing beyond the exam fee: pass the exam and send the score report to the Board.6
Also required
A written contract is required for work of $10,000 or more.18

Fees

You pay CLB (3 fees) and Prov, Inc. (exam fee).

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$907CLBAll other electrical contractors. Effective May 1, 2022
Initial license fee$207CLBThe annual fee. Sole proprietorship doing only electrical contracting whose owner holds an SFM electrician license. Effective May 1, 2022
Exam fee$595Prov, Inc.Per exam (the Contractor Licensing Act exam and the Electrical Contractor exam each list $59.00). Effective October 31, 2026
Duplicate or replacement license$107CLB–

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. Email the Board ([email protected]) a description of your scope of work; the Board replies in writing with the classification(s) and exam(s) you need.15
  2. Have a qualifier (an owner/officer/member/manager or a full-time employee) pass the Contractor Licensing Act exam and the trade exam(s) with Prov, Inc.; full-time employees need proof of employment.15
  3. Get a West Virginia Business Registration Tax Number from the State Tax Department.15
  4. Register the business with the WV Secretary of State if required.15
  5. Obtain workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation coverage (or proof of your home-state coverage if exempt).15
  6. Complete the Wage Bond Status Affidavit; commercial contractors with employees confirm wage bond status with the Division of Labor.15
  7. Submit the notarized application/affidavit online or on paper with the $90 fee.15 wvclboard.wv.gov13
Apply online
wvclboard.wv.gov13
Application form
wvclboard.wv.gov13
Temporary or provisional license
No temporary licenses; a conditional bid-only license exists for out-of-state contractors.6
Processing time
Fully completed applications are processed and the license issued and mailed within 24 hours (immediately for walk-ins).6

Renewal

When it expires
Expires 12 months from the date of issuance; renewal notices are mailed about 45 days before expiration.6
Renewal fee
$907 ($90; $20 for an electrical-only sole proprietor who holds an SFM electrician license)
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $257 (renewal received more than 15 calendar days after expiration)
If it expires
A license lapsed 90 days or more cannot be renewed; it may qualify for re-application/reactivation, and grandfathered licenses may need re-examination.6
Renewal requires good standing with the WV Tax Department, Secretary of State, workers’ compensation and unemployment.6
Renew online
wvclboard.wv.gov19

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
The Board has electrical-classification reciprocity with North Carolina and Ohio (in effect since 2000, including their business and law exams) and Tennessee (since December 17, 2020); workers must still hold SFM electrician licenses.6
States on West Virginia's list
North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee6
This is the list of states whose licenses West Virginia accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a West Virginia license.
Conditions
Use the Board’s state-specific reciprocity application (North Carolina, Ohio or Tennessee electrical).6
Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
The Board accepts NASCLA and other accredited national exam scores at its discretion.6

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

City and county rules

Electrical Contractor (Contractor Licensing Board classification)Cities and counties may not require an additional contractor competency license from a state licensee, but building permit offices must see proof of the state license (or an affidavit of exemption) before issuing a permit.18

Journeyman ElectricianElectrician licensing is statewide (State Fire Marshal). Cities and counties may not require their own electrician license or competency proof from an SFM licensee; local building permits and inspections are a separate matter not covered here.20

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license
wvclboard.wv.gov21
File a complaint
wvclboard.wv.gov22

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Journeyman Electrician license in West Virginia?

The rules set at least 1 year2 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 West Virginia?

SFM publishes these routes for the Journeyman Electrician license: license by endorsement3, universal license recognition2 and exam waiver4. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Journeyman Electrician license in West Virginia?

Every year2. The renewal fee is $502.

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. W. Va. Code 29-3B-2West Virginia LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  2. 103CSR5 Electrician Licensing Rules (eff. May 1, 2024)Office of the State Fire MarshalDated May 1, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  3. W. Va. Code 29-3B-4West Virginia LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  4. W. Va. Code 29-3B-3West Virginia LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  5. Candidate Information Bulletin (WV CIB 2026.10.31)WV Contractor Licensing BoardDated October 31, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Frequently Asked QuestionsWV Contractor Licensing BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  7. Title 28 Legislative Rule Series 2 - WV Contractor Licensing ActWV Contractor Licensing BoardDated May 1, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Regulatory and Licensing Division | Office of the State Fire MarshalWest Virginia Office of the State Fire MarshalChecked November 7, 2026
  9. W. Va. Code 29-3B-4aWest Virginia LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  10. W. Va. Code §30-42-8WV Legislature - West Virginia CodeChecked November 7, 2026
  11. 103CSR2 Fees for Licenses, Permits, Inspection, Plans Review & Other Service RenderedOffice of the State Fire MarshalDated June 1, 2005Checked November 7, 2026
  12. W. Va. Code 29-3B-6West Virginia LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  13. Apply for License - A Step By Step GuideWV Contractor Licensing BoardDated October 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  14. W. Va. Code §30-42-7WV Legislature - West Virginia CodeChecked November 7, 2026
  15. A Step by Step Guide for obtaining a Contractor LicenseWV Contractor Licensing BoardDated July 7, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  16. W. Va. Code §30-42-6WV Legislature - West Virginia CodeChecked November 7, 2026
  17. Packet InstructionsWV Contractor Licensing BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  18. WV Code Chapter 30, Article 42 - WV Contractor Licensing ActWV Contractor Licensing BoardDated July 24, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  19. RenewalWV Contractor Licensing BoardDated July 31, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  20. W. Va. Code 29-3B-9West Virginia LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  21. Contractor License SearchWV Contractor Licensing BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  22. Request for Investigation / Consumer ComplaintWV Contractor Licensing BoardChecked November 7, 2026