In order to gain a license as a contractor in the state of Virginia, an individual must prove they have a minimum level of experience, send in an application, take the necessary exams, and pay the associated fees. Individuals who already have an electrical license in Virginia must renew their license every two years. In addition to Journeyman and Master licenses, Virginia also offers Class A, B, and C licenses for electrical contractors.
Which class of license a contractor needs is dependent on the cost of the projects they intend to work on.
- Class A License: $120,000 for individual jobs or more or a minimum $750,000 over the course of a year
- Application Fee: $265
- License Fee: $200
- Renewal Fee: $165
- Class B License: From $7,500 to $120,000 for individual jobs or $150,000 to $750,000 over the course of the year
- Application Fee: $240
- License Fee: $175
- Renewal Fee: $150
- Class C License: From $1000 to $7500 for individual jobs or less than $150,000 over the course of the year
- Application Fee: $175
- License Fee: $150
- Renewal Fee: $110
Virginia Electrical License Reciprocity
The following states have reciprocity agreements for electrical licensing with the state of Virginia:
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- West Virginia
- North Carolina
Electrical contractors from these states must submit an application for reciprocity, as well as proof of their existing license. More in-depth information about reciprocity agreements with each of these states and how they work can be obtained through inquiries to the Virginia Board for Contractors.
Virginia Master Electrical License Requirements
A master electrical license allows an electrician to not only work independently, but also oversee large-scale electrical projects. The following are the major steps for acquiring a master electrical license in Virginia:
- Proof of at least one year of work as a journeyman electrician in the state of Virginia AND proof of ten years working in the trade;
- Submission of an application which must be printed out, signed, and sent by mail to the address provided on the form ($90);
- Examination through PSI;
- Renewal every two years, which requires 3 credits of continuing education and a fee of $40.
Master Electrical License Exam
Examination for a master electrical license in the state of Virginia is conducted through PSI. This examination is actually two distinct tests; the first consists of 80 questions and has a time limit of 4 hours, while the second consists of 10 questions and has a time limit of 30 minutes. The examination fee is $120.
Virginia Journeyman Electrical License Requirements
An electrical journeyman is an electrician who is licensed to work independently, but doesn’t have the credentials for oversight of large-scale projects that master electricians do. The following are the major steps for acquiring a journeyman electrical license in Virginia:
- Proof of EITHER two years experience in the field along with 2 years of training in an approved program OR 4 years of experience in the field along with 240 hours of training in an approved program OR 5 years of experience in the field along with 160 hours of training in an approved program OR 6 years experience in the field along with 80 hours of training in an approved program OR a Bachelor’s degree along with 1 year in an approved program OR 10 years of experience in the field;
- Submission of an application which must be printed out, signed, and sent by mail to the address provided on the form ($90);
- Examination through PSI;
- Renewal every two years, which requires 3 credits of continuing education and a fee of $40.
Electrical Journeyman Exam
Examination for a journeyman electrical license in the state of Virginia is conducted through PSI. This examination is actually two distinct tests, the first covers general electrical knowledge, consists of 60 questions, and has a time limit of 3 hours, while the second covers electrical regulations, consists of 10 questions, and has a time limit of 30 minutes. The examination fee is $100.
Virginia Electrical Insurance Requirements
The state of Virginia requires electricians to have general liability coverage. If you’re employed by a company, you may be covered under your employer’s policy. If you own your own electrician business, you are responsible for coverage.
Use the tool below to request a FREE insurance quote:
Electrician Apprenticeship Requirements
Virginia has a registered apprenticeship program through the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Contracting apprentices in this state simply need to be accepted by one of 58 approved training programs offered in the state. These are offered through community colleges, technical schools, and independent union and non-union agencies. Prospective apprentices must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Following acceptance, the individual must register as an electrical apprentice with the state by calling (540) 248-9280.
Virginia Electrical Apprentice Jobs
There are both union and non-union jobs/programs available for apprentices in Virginia, in addition to school programs. These can be found on job posting websites, or through the Virginia Department of Labor.
Electrical Trade Schools in Virginia
The following are a selection of community colleges and trade schools in Virginia which offer electrical education programs:
Blue Ridge Community College
Location: 1 College Lane, Weyers Cave, VA 24486
Contact Information: (540) 234-9261
Tuition: $5,132 (in-state tuition)
Type: Public
Central Virginia Community College – Lynchburg
Location: 3506 Wards Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502
Contact Information: (434) 832-7600
Tuition: $4,598 (In-state tuition)
Type: Public
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College
Location: 1000 Dabney Drive, Clifton Forge, VA 24422
Contact Information: (540) 863-2820
Tuition: $4,478 (In-state tuition)
Type: Public
Danville Community College
Location: 1008 S Main St, Danville, VA 24541
Contact Information: (434) 797-2222
Tuition: $4,455 (In-state tuition)
Type: Public
Virginia Technical Institute
Location: 201 Ogden Road, Altavista, Virginia 2451
Contact Information: (434) 369-8200
Tuition: $700 (Level 1) $1,400 (Level 2-4)
Type: Public
Richmond Technical Center
Location: 2020 Westwood Ave, Richmond, VA 23230
Contact Information: (804) 780-6272
Tuition: Approximately $425/class
Type: Public
Virginia Professional License Search
Because contractors are required by law to be licensed to do their work in any given state, the state’s offer means of verifying that a contractor is appropriately licensed. For the state of Virginia, a licensee lookup tool is available on the Official Site of The Commonwealth of Virginia.
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 Virginia, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
- Virginia General Contractor License Requirements
- How to Become a Plumber in Virginia
- Virginia Handyman License Guide
- Virginia Welding Schools and Career Guide
- How to Get an HVAC License in Virginia
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