A Comprehensive Guide to Earning Your Virginia Master Electrician License

  • Posted by Melanie Klag
    A Comprehensive Guide to Earning Your Virginia Master Electrician License

    Navigating the path to becoming a Master Electrician in Virginia requires understanding the state’s regulatory framework, meeting strict experience and education prerequisites, and successfully completing a rigorous examination process. This guide will walk you through each step—from eligibility criteria to exam content, fees, and the long-term benefits of holding a Master Electrician license in the Commonwealth.

    Understanding the Master Electrician Classification

    In Virginia, a Master Electrician is defined as an individual “who possesses the necessary ability, proficiency and qualifications to plan and lay out the details for installation and supervise the work of installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems” under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

    Master Electricians are the only tradesmen authorized to pull electrical permits and oversee journeyman electricians on projects.

    Eligibility Requirements

    To qualify for the Virginia Master Electrician examination, applicants must first meet the state’s general licensure criteria: they must be at least 18 years of age and submit a completed application along with government-issued photo identification and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.

    Experience Prerequisites

    Beyond these baseline requirements, candidates must demonstrate substantial hands-on experience in the electrical trade. Candidates must demonstrate one of the following to qualify for the Master Electrician exam:

    • At least one year of practical experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician in Virginia.
    • 10 years of documented experience in the electrical trade under any combination of supervision, education, or training.

    Alternative pathways, such as:

    • Nine years of verified trade experience, or
    • A relevant bachelor’s degree plus one year of practical electrical experience (dpor.virginia.gov).

    Tip: All experience must be verified via the Individual Experience Verification Form, endorsed by supervisors or instructors who have observed your work.

    • VA Master Electrician Application Process
    • Obtain the Tradesman Exam & License Application from the DPOR website (Board for Contractors → Tradesmen) or by calling (804) 367-8511.
    • Complete the application form, selecting “Master Electrician” under Methods of Licensure.
      • Attach required documentation:
        • Experience Verification Form(s)
        • Proof of journeyman license (if applicable)
        • Official transcripts or degree certificates (for education-based eligibility)
        • Government-issued ID copy
    • Submit the package with the $130 application fee payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.
    • Await DPOR approval, at which point you will receive your authorization to test via email.

    Examination Details

    The Master Electrician examination in Virginia is administered by PSI Services LLC and must be scheduled online through the PSI portal or by calling their registration line.

    Applicants pay a non-refundable $125 exam fee, which remains valid for one year from the date of payment. The test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as:

    • The National Electrical Code
    • Grounding and bonding
    • Services and feeders
    • Raceways and boxes
    • Motors and controls
    • Low-voltage systems

    Candidates are allotted 270 minutes (4.5 hours) to complete the exam and must achieve a score of at least 70% to pass. All exams are open-book—candidates may bring bound reference materials (tabbed or highlighted but without any handwritten notes) but must adhere strictly to PSI’s policies on permitted and prohibited items.

    Study Resources

    To prepare effectively, reference the following books and materials:

    • Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations (18 VAC 50-30)
    • National Electrical Code (NEC) NFPA 70, 2020 edition (effective May 1, 2025)
    • American Electricians’ Handbook, 16th ed.
    • Manufacturer’s installation manuals and trade-specific code supplements

    Consider enrolling in a targeted Master Electrician Exam Prep Course to review key topics, practice sample questions, and develop test-taking strategies.

    Benefits of Becoming a Master Electrician

    Earning your Master Electrician license in Virginia elevates you to the highest skilled level in the trade, granting you the exclusive authority to pull electrical permits and supervise journeyman electricians on projects—responsibilities reserved by regulation for Master Electricians only.

    Financially, Master Electricians in Virginia command an average annual salary of $79,700 (approximately $38.30 per hour), significantly outpacing journeyman pay and reflecting the advanced expertise required for planning, layout, and supervision of complex electrical installations (salary.com).

    Beyond increased earnings, the license empowers you to operate independently or start your own contracting business, opens doors to leadership roles in commercial and industrial sectors, and enhances your professional credibility with employers and clients alike.

    Ready to Take the Next Step?

    Earning your Virginia Master Electrician license is an investment in your future. With the right preparation, documentation, and determination, you’ll join the ranks of highly skilled professionals who keep Virginia’s homes, businesses, and communities powered safely and efficiently.

    For expert guidance and a structured study plan, consider our Virginia Master Electrician (ELE) Exam Prep Package—designed by licensed professionals to help you pass on your first attempt!

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