In California, electricians fall into three experience level categories; apprentice electrician, residential electrician, and general electrician. There are also fire/life safety technicians, voice data video technicians, and non-residential lighting technicians. Electricians who wish to operate as independent entities — self employed or as a business — are required to also become certified contractors in California with a C-10 classification.
California Electrical License Reciprocity
California requires that all electricians get a certification before they can work in the state, and doesn’t recognize certifications from other states.
California does not allow contractors to practice without a California issued license, however they do have limited reciprocity with the states of Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, and Utah. If you hold an electrical contractor license from one of those states, you may be able to skip the trade portion of the California C-10 contractor license application. A contractor wishing to make use of this reciprocal agreement must have had a valid license in good standing with one of these states for five years.
While the trade portion of the exam is waived for reciprocal licenses, other portions of the examination, and all related fees, must still be completed. This includes the examination application fee ($300), the initial license fee ($200), and the fingerprint processing fee ($49). Other fees may apply depending on the circumstances.
California Electrical Journeyman License Requirements
California electrical certifications don’t necessarily use terms like “journeyman” and “master.” Instead, the state classifies licensed electricians as “non-residential lighting technician,” “residential electrician,” or “general electrician.” Other more specialized certifications are “fire/life safety technician,” “voice data video technician,” and “non-residential lighting technician.”
Residential Electrician Requirements
In order to take the exam to become a residential electrician, you can meet any one of these requirements:
- 4800 hours work under a licensed electrical contractor doing applicable work in residential electrics.
- A certificate for the completion of a valid electrical apprenticeship program.
- A license from another state can serve as proof that you have enough experience to take the exam.
An initial fee of $75 is required for submitting the form to request an examination.
General Electrician Requirements
In order to take the exam to become a general electrician, you can meet any one of these requirements:
- 8000 hours work under a licensed electrical contractor doing applicable work in industrial and residential electrics.
- A certificate for the completion of a valid electrical apprenticeship program.
- A license from another state can serve as proof that you have enough experience to take the exam.
An initial fee of $75 is required for submitting the form to request an examination.
Non-residential Lighting Technician
A non-residential lighting technician examination has the fewest requirements, and is a good first step for trainee and apprentice electricians. The certification only requires 2000 hours of on the job experience and 180-240 hours of supplemental instruction. Once you’ve achieved that, you can take the examination, as long as you’re registered with a state recognized trade school.
Fire/Life Safety Technician
To take the exam to become a fire/life safety technician, the requirements are similar to other roles, except that you are required to possess 4000 hours in very specific job roles related to safety procedures and installation.
Voice Data Video Technician
To take the exam to become a voice data video technician, the requirements are similar to other roles, except that you are required to possess 4000 hours in very specific job roles related to voice data and video skills and their related electrical systems.
California Electrical Insurance Requirements
The state of California requires electrical contractors to obtain worker’s compensation insurance. It is also highly recommended to also obtain general liability insurance. If there are five or fewer employees in your company, you’ll need coverage of at least $1 million.
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Electrician Apprenticeship Requirements
If you don’t possess the apprentice certificate or work hours necessary to take an electrician certification exam, you can apply to become an electrician trainee, in order to work under a contractor and gain the experience necessary.
Electrician trainees must be enrolled in a state approved trade school, and must be under the supervision of a certified electrician. In order to become a trainee, you should submit an application or proof of enrollment, along with a $25 fee.
Electrical Trade Schools in California
There are 189 schools in California that are approved by the state to offer electrician curriculums. Not all of the schools are approved to offer all of the curriculums — some are approved for residential electrician only, or for general electrician only.
Detailed list of approved trade schools with contact information.
California Professional License Search
You can use the California Department of Consumer Affairs website to validate your own, or another business’ license and credentials.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become an Electrical Contractor in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in California, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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