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How to get an electrician license in West Virginia

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for West Virginia, pulled from official WV sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: West Virginia State Fire Marshal, Regulatory and Licensing Division
  • State journeyman license: Yes (The State Fire Marshal licenses master, journeyman and specialty electricians statewide (103CSR5, effective May 1, 2024).)
  • Journeyman Electrician: One of: at least 1 year as an assistant/helper doing electrical work under a master or journeyman electrician; a completed U.S. Department of Labor registered electrical apprenticeship; or a West Virginia Board of Education electrical vocational program of at least 1,080 hours with an instructor's affidavit. You must be 18.
  • Exam: see below, via West Virginia State Fire Marshal
  • Code edition: Not confirmed. 103CSR5 says exams come from the National Electrical Code but does not name the edition.

Requirements by license

Journeyman Electrician

ExperienceOne of: at least 1 year as an assistant/helper doing electrical work under a master or journeyman electrician; a completed U.S. Department of Labor registered electrical apprenticeship; or a West Virginia Board of Education electrical vocational program of at least 1,080 hours with an instructor's affidavit. You must be 18.Source: firemarshal.wv.gov · as of · 103CSR5 section 4.2.
ExamWest Virginia State Fire Marshal. Questions come from the National Electrical Code; 70% to pass. Apply at least 10 working days before an exam date. 2026 exams are in Charleston, Beckley, Clarksburg, Martinsburg and Wellsburg.Source: firemarshal.wv.gov · as of · Dates and locations: firemarshal.wv.gov
Fees
  • Application review (non-refundable): $25
  • License (per year): $50
Source: firemarshal.wv.gov · as of
RenewalEvery year. All electrician licenses expire June 30. Renew for 1 to 3 years at $50 per year. Late within the licensure year: $50 plus a $50 penalty. Within 5 years of your last renewal you can renew without retesting by paying double the fee.Source: firemarshal.wv.gov · as of · 103CSR5 section 7.
CE to renewNot confirmed. The electrician licensing rule (103CSR5) lists no CE hours for renewal; ask the State Fire Marshal.Not confirmedSource: firemarshal.wv.gov · as of

Master Electrician

Experience2 years of experience as a journeyman electrician, broad enough to show you can do all types of electrical work and direct journeymen and helpers.Source: firemarshal.wv.gov · as of · 103CSR5 section 4.1.
ExamWest Virginia State Fire Marshal. Questions come from the National Electrical Code; 70% to pass.Source: firemarshal.wv.gov · as of
Fees
  • Application review (non-refundable): $25
  • License (per year): $50
Source: firemarshal.wv.gov · as of
RenewalEvery year. Same June 30 expiration and $50-per-year renewal.Source: firemarshal.wv.gov · as of
CE to renewNot confirmed; same as the journeyman license.Not confirmedSource: firemarshal.wv.gov · as of

License types in West Virginia

  • Journeyman Electrician
  • Master Electrician
  • Specialty Electrician
  • Electrician's Assistant/Helper (works under direct supervision)
Source: firemarshal.wv.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

The State Fire Marshal can license electricians from jurisdictions with a formal reciprocal agreement without the written exam (copies of the agreements are kept at its office). West Virginia residents licensed for at least 1 year in another state with similar requirements can also apply under the state's universal recognition rules.Source: firemarshal.wv.gov · as of · 103CSR5 sections 6.3 and 9.

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Does West Virginia have a state journeyman electrician license?

Yes. The State Fire Marshal licenses journeymen after 1 year as a helper, a registered apprenticeship, or a 1,080-hour vocational program, plus an exam.

What score do you need on the West Virginia electrician exam?

You need 70% or better.

How much does a West Virginia electrician license cost?

The application review fee is $25 and the license is $50 per year.

How do you become a master electrician in West Virginia?

You need 2 years of experience as a journeyman, then pass the master exam.

Already licensed? See West Virginia electrician license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.