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How to get an electrician license in Washington

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for Washington, pulled from official WA sources and checked October 23, 2026.

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program
  • State journeyman license: Yes
  • General Journey Level (01) Electrician: 8,000 hours of supervised experience (at least 4,000 commercial/industrial) plus 96 hours of basic classroom instruction. After June 30, 2026, candidates must complete the education and work requirements of a registered (01) electrical apprenticeship.
  • Exam: open book, via PSI
  • Code edition: L&I's exam page tells candidates to bring the 2020 NEC.

License types in Washington

  • Electrical trainee
  • General journey level (01) electrician
  • Specialty electricians (e.g., 02 residential, 06 limited energy, 06A HVAC/R)
  • Master electrician
  • Electrical administrator
Source: lni.wa.gov · as of October 23, 2026

Requirements by license

General Journey Level (01) Electrician

Experience8,000 hours of supervised experience (at least 4,000 commercial/industrial) plus 96 hours of basic classroom instruction. After June 30, 2026, candidates must complete the education and work requirements of a registered (01) electrical apprenticeship.Source: lni.wa.gov · as of October 23, 2026 · Also see lni.wa.gov
ExamPSI. Open book. Pass each section with 70%+. Bring the NEC (2020 per L&I page), printed RCW 19.28/WAC 296-46B in a 3-ring binder, and original copyrighted references; no handwritten notes or removable tabs.Source: lni.wa.gov · as of October 23, 2026
Fees
  • L&I exam application: $114.60 ($44.20 nonrefundable)
  • PSI exam: not listed (Billed by the hour; see PSI bulletin)
Source: lni.wa.gov · as of October 23, 2026
RenewalEvery 3 years. Certificate expires on your birthdate. Renewal fees double after expiration; not renewable if expired more than 90 days (retest required).Source: lni.wa.gov · as of October 23, 2026 · Fees from L&I renewal form lni.wa.gov
CE to renew24 hours per 3-year certification period
  • 8 hours: currently adopted NEC changes
  • 4 hours: RCW 19.28 / WAC 296-46B (electrical laws & rules)
  • 12 hours: other approved courses
Same class can't be credited twice in a cycle. Max 4 hours of behavioral health/wellness training counts as industry-related CE.
Source: lni.wa.gov · as of October 23, 2026

Master Electrician (journey level)

ExperienceMust have held an active Washington journey level electrician certificate for 4 years before taking the master exam.Source: lni.wa.gov · as of October 23, 2026 · Confirmed via official page summary; re-check before publishing.
ExamPSI. Open book. Flat-rate PSI exam; 70% on each sectionSource: lni.wa.gov · as of October 23, 2026
Fees
  • On-time master renewal: $202.20
Source: lni.wa.gov · as of October 23, 2026
RenewalEvery 3 years. Same 24-hour CE rule as electricians.Source: lni.wa.gov · as of October 23, 2026
CE to renew24 hours per 3-year period
  • 8 hours NEC changes
  • 4 hours RCW/WAC
  • 12 hours other approved
Source: lni.wa.gov · as of October 23, 2026

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Washington's official reciprocal agreement for the 01 general journey level certificate is with Oregon (Oregon general journeyman). Other out-of-state experience may count toward exam eligibility, but you still test.Source: lni.wa.gov · as 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:

  • PSI hourly exam fee (not taken from an official L&I page).
  • Whether WA's installation code is newer than the 2020 NEC listed for exams.
  • Master electrician application/exam fees.

FAQ

Does Washington have a state journeyman electrician license?

Yes. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program issues it. 8,000 hours of supervised experience (at least 4,000 commercial/industrial) plus 96 hours of basic classroom instruction. After June 30, 2026, candidates must complete the education and work requirements of a registered (01) electrical apprenticeship.

Is the Washington electrician exam open book?

General Journey Level (01) Electrician: open book (PSI). Master Electrician (journey level): open book (PSI).

How often do you renew in Washington?

General Journey Level (01) Electrician: Every 3 years; 24 hours of CE per 3-year certification period. Master Electrician (journey level): Every 3 years; 24 hours of CE per 3-year period.

Does Washington have electrician license reciprocity?

Washington's official reciprocal agreement for the 01 general journey level certificate is with Oregon (Oregon general journeyman). Other out-of-state experience may count toward exam eligibility, but you still test.

Already licensed? See Washington electrician license renewal & CE requirements.