How to get an electrician license in California
Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for California, pulled from official CA sources and checked October 23, 2026.
- Licensing body: California Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE), Electrician Certification Unit; contractors licensed by CSLB
- State journeyman license: Yes (California calls it a certified General Electrician; required to work for a C-10 contractor.)
- Certified General Electrician: 8,000 hours working for a C-10 contractor across two or more work areas (with caps per area, e.g., residential max 3,000; commercial max 6,000), or completion of an approved apprenticeship.
- Exam: open book, via CPS HR Consulting, scheduled through Pearson VUE (for exams on or after June 1, 2026)
- Code edition: Exam is based on the NEC and references in the content outline (edition not confirmed here).
License types in California
- General Electrician
- Residential Electrician
- Fire/Life/Safety Technician
- Voice Data Video Technician
- Non-Residential Lighting Technician
- Electrician Trainee
- C-10 Electrical Contractor (CSLB)
Requirements by license
Certified General Electrician
| Experience | 8,000 hours working for a C-10 contractor across two or more work areas (with caps per area, e.g., residential max 3,000; commercial max 6,000), or completion of an approved apprenticeship.Source: dir.ca.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Exam | CPS HR Consulting, scheduled through Pearson VUE (for exams on or after June 1, 2026). Open book. Open book; DLSE FAQ says materials are provided at the test site.Source: dir.ca.gov · as of October 23, 2026 · Open-book answer from dir.ca.gov |
| Fees |
|
| 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 |
| CE to renew | 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 |
C-10 Electrical Contractor (CSLB)
| Experience | At least 4 years of journey-level (or higher) experience in the classification; up to 3 years can be credited for apprenticeship/education.Source: cslb.ca.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Exam | CSLB (Law & Business + trade exam). Not confirmed hereNot confirmedSource: cslb.ca.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
| Fees |
|
| 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 |
| CE to renew | We did not confirm a CSLB CE requirement for C-10 renewal.Not confirmedSource: cslb.ca.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)
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.
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FAQ
Does California have a state journeyman electrician license?
Yes. California Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE), Electrician Certification Unit; contractors licensed by CSLB issues it. 8,000 hours working for a C-10 contractor across two or more work areas (with caps per area, e.g., residential max 3,000; commercial max 6,000), or completion of an approved apprenticeship.
Is the California electrician exam open book?
Certified General Electrician: open book (CPS HR Consulting, scheduled through Pearson VUE (for exams on or after June 1, 2026)).
How often do you renew in California?
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.
Does California have electrician license reciprocity?
No reciprocity for electrician certification was found. DLSE says out-of-state electricians must be certified before working for a C-10 contractor in California, with no grace period.
Already licensed? See California electrician license renewal & CE requirements.