How to Get an Electrical License in California

Like many states, California has its own set of rules when it comes to getting licensed as an electrician. Generally, you’ll register as an electrical training, attend a state-approved training or apprenticeship program, work as an apprentice to gain the on-the-job experience required, take and pass an exam, and apply for licensure. The process takes time, but in the end, you will have a solid career in a growing profession.

The field is expected to grow 11% nationwide in the next decade, and California is one of the top five states with the highest demand for electricians. Before you dive head-first into becoming an electrician in California, it’s a good idea to understand the different license types and the procedures for obtaining each.

Types of Electrical Licenses in California

California has one license and five certifications. Any electrician who works for a licensed electrical contractor—someone with a class C-10 license—is required to become certified. There are five certifications in the state. Each level requires work experience under a certified or licensed electrician and a passing score of at least 70% on the California electrical exam. The work you’re permitted to do depends on the certification you have.

Electrical apprentice

While this is not a certification type, it does require registration with the state. All apprentices must register with the state each year during their apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you will work under a certified electrician to reach the number of on-the-job training hours required for the certification type you want.

Non-residential lighting technician

A non-residential lighting technician works on lighting systems in commercial properties, including businesses. Certification requires 2,000 hours of training and passing the appropriate exam.

Voice, data, and video technician

An electrician holding this certification works on security systems, communication devices, and other electrical networking systems. A total of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training is required along with passing the necessary exam.

Fire, life, and safety technician

Similar to voice, data, and video technician, you’re required to have 4,000 hours of work experience and a passing score on the exam to get your certification. These technicians work on safety systems primarily in business settings.

Residential electrician

To become a certified residential electrician, you’re required to complete 4,800 hours of training under a licensed electrical contractor and pass the exam. Residential electricians are the relative equivalent of journeyman electricians in other states. They install, construct, and maintain electrical systems in single- and multi-family homes.

General electrician

After 8,000 hours of experience of supervised training under a licensed electrical contractor you can take the California electrical exam. General electricians work on residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Independent electrical contractors

General electricians who wish to work for themselves or supervise other electricians can become electrical contractors by obtaining a C-10 license issued by the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Licensed electrical contractors do not need to be certified unless they are working as an employee under another licensed electrical contractor. Electrical contractors design, maintain, and install complete electrical systems in all types of property.

Steps to Obtain an Electrician License in California

California has a five-step process to getting your license: registering with the state, getting an education, gaining experience, passing an exam, and paying the fee.

1. Register with the state

Before you can begin work as an apprentice or electrical trainee, you’re required to register with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). Registration renewal is required every year, and you must work under constant supervision of a certified electrician.

2. Get an education

The state requires 180 hours of classroom and lab-based technical training for each year you are an apprentice, or a total of 720 hours for your general electrician certification. You must enroll in a state-approved union or non-union educational program. The California Department of Industrial Relations maintains a database of approved providers.

3. Gain work experience

In addition to classroom hours, you’ll have to meet the specific supervised training requirements for the certification you seek. Most apprenticeship or technical training schools include both the classroom hours and work experience as part of their program.

Fewer hours are required to become certified technicians compared to residential or general electricians. Some electricians may choose to use the technician certifications as stepping stones. However, since the work experience component is paid, many find it useful to obtain the residential electrician certification and then continue to get the additional work experience for a general electrician certification.

4. Take and pass an exam

Each certification type requires its own open-book exam with a passing score of at least 70%. Before taking the exam, you must apply and be approved by the DLSE by providing verification of work experience and requisite education.

The non-residential lighting technician, voice, data, and video technician, and fire, life, and safety technician exams are 50 questions each with a two-hour and 15-minute time limit to complete the exam.

The residential electrician exam has 80 questions and a three and a half hour time limit. Lastly, the general electrician exam has 100 questions with a four and a half hour time limit.

The residential and general electrician exams include questions on safety, electrical system requirements, installation, maintenance, and repair. The other three certification exams include questions on safety, preparation, installation, termination, testing and troubleshooting, and specific questions related to each certification such as fire alarm systems, telecommunication, sound, and audiovisual systems, or lighting systems.

5. Apply for certification and pay the fee

You’re required to apply and be approved by DLSE before taking the exam. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certification. California requires that you renew your certification every three years.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

To renew your certification, you’re required to work at least 2,000 hours in the field and complete 32 hours of continuing education (CE). The CE course you choose must be relevant to your certification and taken from an approved CE provider. The state maintains a list of approved CE providers. You will submit proof of completion on your renewal application.

If you fail to meet the CE or work requirements or if your certification expires, you’re required to retake the exam.

CA Electrician License FAQs

What happens if I take a break during the process?

If you take a break during your training, your status changes to inactive. The school can also send a notice of non-attendance to the state, effectively withdrawing your registration.

What are the main differences between the different certification types?

In California, there are five certification types, each requiring their own level of experience and education to obtain. To become a non-residential lighting technician requires the least amount of training with just 2,000 hours required, compared to becoming a certified general electrician, which requires 8,000 hours of training.

Regardless of the certification type, you’re required to attest to 2,000 hours of work and complete 32 hours of CE to renew your certification every three years.

Can I skip the certification process and go straight for my electrical contractor’s license?

Yes. You do not need to obtain your certification if you intend to get your contractor’s license. However, you can only work for yourself or hire employees to work under you. If you work for another licensed electrical contractor, you will need to become certified.

To become a licensed electrical contractor, you need four years of experience and to pass the electrical contractors exam. If you decide to get your electrical contractor’s license, explore our California contractor’s exam prep course. It’s your complete toolkit to passing the exam.

What should I look for from an exam prep training program?

When you’re looking for exam preparation courses, there are three important considerations:

1. What is the school’s track record? You want an industry leader with proven results in helping contractors pass their exam. Don’t be afraid to ask for their pass rate and references.

1. What experience do they provide? Studying for your exam takes more than reading and taking a few practice tests. You want a prep course designed by electrical contractors who worked in the trenches and passed the exam.

1. Does the training center offer a “done-for-you" package? The Contractor Training Center’s test preparation courses give you everything you need to pass the exam, including tabbed and highlighted study guides that you can bring to the open book exam.

Conclusion

Electrical workers are in demand in California, creating excellent opportunities in the field. The process includes registering with the state, getting the appropriate education and experience, taking and passing your electrical exam, and paying the appropriate fees. While it takes time to become a certified electrician, you can start making money the minute you get your feet wet. 

For more information about taking the next step in your career, explore our NASCLA Residential Electrical courses. If you have questions, we’re happy to help. Reach out today to get started in this exciting and sustainable career.

Learn more about our California contractors license exam prep offerings or find out find out how to earn any CA contractor license.