California electrician license renewal & CE requirements
When to renew, how many continuing-education hours you need, which topics are required, and where to find approved courses. Checked October 23, 2026.
- Certified General Electrician: Every 3 years. 32 hours of CE per 3-year certification period.
- C-10 Electrical Contractor (CSLB): Every 2 years. CE requirements set locally or not confirmed.
- Licensing body: California Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE), Electrician Certification Unit; contractors licensed by CSLB
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Renewal rules by license
Certified General Electrician
| Renewal | Every 3 years. Renewal must be postmarked on or before the expiration date on your card (regulation says 30 days before the end of the period to avoid a lapse). Apply up to 1 year early. A lapsed certification requires retaking the exam ($200).Source: dir.ca.gov · as of October 23, 2026 · Regulation: dir.ca.gov |
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| CE hours & topics | 32 hours per 3-year certification period
Also certify 2,000 hours of industry work in the previous 3 years. Proof of the 32 hours must be submitted. Source: dir.ca.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
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C-10 Electrical Contractor (CSLB)
| Renewal | Every 2 years. Active licenses expire every two years. Active timely renewal (sole owner) is $470 for C-10 contractors; $720 non-sole owner.Source: cslb.ca.gov · as of October 23, 2026 · Fees: cslb.ca.gov |
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| CE hours & topics | We did not confirm a CSLB CE requirement for C-10 renewal.Not confirmedSource: cslb.ca.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
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Approved CE provider lists (official)
- DLSE approved continuing education providersas of October 23, 2026
What we couldn't confirm yet
We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items are still open, so check them with the board:
- NEC edition used on the certification exam.
- CSLB exam provider/format for C-10.
- Whether CSLB requires CE for C-10 renewal.
FAQ
How many CE hours does a California certified general electrician need?
32 hours of CE per 3-year certification period. Required: Electrical education relevant to your certification category (no fixed NEC-hour split found).
How many CE hours does a California c-10 electrical contractor (cslb) need?
CE requirements set locally or not confirmed.
When is the California renewal deadline?
Certified General Electrician: Renewal must be postmarked on or before the expiration date on your card (regulation says 30 days before the end of the period to avoid a lapse). Apply up to 1 year early. A lapsed certification requires retaking the exam ($200). C-10 Electrical Contractor (CSLB): Active licenses expire every two years. Active timely renewal (sole owner) is $470 for C-10 contractors; $720 non-sole owner.
Where do I find approved CE courses in California?
Use the official list: DLSE approved continuing education providers (https://dir.ca.gov/dlse/ECU/continuingeducation.html).
Not licensed yet? See how to get an electrician license in California.