Do you need a Virginia electrical license to be an electrician?
Yes, in most cases. To ensure public safety, Virginia requires most electricians to be licensed. The specific license you need depends on the type of electrical work you plan to do.
- Journeyman electrical license: This license allows you to perform a wide range of electrical work under the supervision of a master electrician.
- Master electrical license: This license allows you to work independently and supervise other electricians.
- Electrical contractor license: This license is for business entities (including sole proprietors) and not individuals. There are three classifications for a contractor license: Class A, B, and C.
Electrical contractor license types are distinguished by contract or project value.
- Class C license: Required when a single contract or project is $1,000–$10,000, or the total value within 12 months is less than $150,000.
- Class B license: Required when a single contract is $10,000–$120,000, or the total value within 12 months is $150,000–$750,000.
- Class A license: Required when a single contract or project is $120,000 or more, or the total value within 12 months is above $750,000.
There may be exceptions for small, specific electrical jobs, but it’s always best to check with your local building department or the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), which oversees state licensure.
Insurance requirements for a Virginia electrical license
Protecting your growing electrical business with the right business insurance is essential. The types of coverage you’ll need can vary based on whether you’re self-employed or running a small business with employees. Here are some key policies to consider for your Virginia business:
Workers’ Compensation insurance
Businesses with two or more employees in Virginia must carry workers’ compensation insurance. This policy helps cover costs related to work-related injuries, illnesses, lost wages, and medical expenses.
Learn more about workers’ compensation for contractors.
General Liability insurance
Although not a licensing requirement, general liability insurance is vital for covering slip-and-fall incidents and property damage involving non-employees. It also protects against advertising injuries, such as defamation and harm to your reputation.
Learn more about general liability insurance for contractors.
Commercial Property insurance
Commercial property coverage helps protect your business property, including the physical locations you own or rent, as well as your inventory and equipment.
Business Owner’s Policy
A business owner’s policy, or BOP insurance, provides broad coverage of general liability and commercial property policies combined in a single, cost-efficient bundle. It can help cover damage that you or your employees may accidentally cause to another person’s property and help protect your business equipment in the event of a fire or other covered event.
Tool and Equipment insurance
This coverage helps cover repairing or replacing tools and equipment that may be damaged, lost, or stolen on the job site.
Commercial Auto insurance
If you use a vehicle for work, commercial auto insurance is necessary to cover accident-related costs, including repairs and towing. Personal auto policies often do not extend to work-related activities.
In Virginia, minimum coverage is:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury ($50,000 after Jan 1, 2025)
- $60,000 per incident ($100,000 after Jan 1, 2025)
- $20,000 for property damage ($25,000 after Jan 1, 2025)
How to get a Virginia electrician license
Becoming a licensed electrician opens up various business opportunities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the tradesman licensing process.
1. Meet the education and work experience requirements
To get your state of Virginia electrical license, you must fulfill specific educational and experience prerequisites. These requirements vary depending on the type of license you are pursuing. Here’s a breakdown:
High school diploma or GED
Your path begins with a basic education. A high school diploma or GED is essential. This foundational knowledge prepares you for the technical aspects of electrical work, such as mathematics, physics and basic electrical theory.
Apprenticeship or vocational training
Gaining hands-on work experience is critical. This can be achieved through an apprenticeship program or vocational training courses.
Apprenticeship programs typically last 4–5 years. During this time, you’ll work under the supervision of a licensed electrician while completing classroom instruction. Apprenticeships combine practical training with theoretical knowledge.
Alternatively, you can enroll in a vocational training program through trade schools or community colleges. These programs may vary in length and usually offer a more focused curriculum, covering the fundamentals of electrical work, hands-on training and preparation for the licensing exams.
License-specific requirements
All experience must be submitted through the Experience Verification Form.
To qualify for the journeyman electrician license, you typically need:
- Experience: At least 4 years (or 8,000 hours) of on-the-job training as an apprentice.
- Education: Completing a state-approved apprenticeship program or at least 240 hours of classroom training in electrical theory and safety.
This is a common path, but there are other pathwaysthe Board for Contractors may accept. Generally, the more years of practical experience you have, the less formal classroom training you’ll need.
For the master electrician license, you need:
- Experience: One year (or 2,000 hours) of experience working as a journeyman electrician in Virginia.
You’ll need a contractor license to run your own business. The requirements for this license include:
- Education: Applicants for all class types must complete eight hours of pre-license education. This introductory business course covers regulations, statutes and requirements for business owners.
- Experience: The business’ Qualified Individual meets the minimum years of experience depending on the license type: 2 years for a Class C License, 3 years for a Class B License and 5 years for a Class A License.
2. Apply for your license and exam
To apply for your license and get approved to take the exam, fill out the license application form provided by the DPOR. Confirm you’ve fulfilled the requirements and have all requested documents:
Additionally, if you are applying for an electrical contractor license, you’ll need:
3. Pass the licensing exam
After completing your education and gaining the necessary experience, the next step is to pass the licensing exam administered by PSI. To sit for the exam, you must get pre-approval from the Board.
The exam evaluates your knowledge in key areas, including:
- Electrical theory: Principles of electricity and circuits.
- Codes: National Electrical Code (NEC) and Virginia-specific regulations.
- Safety practices: Standards for safe installations and maintenance.
- Practical skills: Problem-solving and troubleshooting techniques.
All exams are open-book. Passing scores vary by test.
License renewal requirements
Once you hold an electrical license in Virginia, it’s essential to stay compliant with renewal requirements.
Journeyman and master licenses must be renewed every three years to remain valid. According to Virginia’s administrative code, licenses expire on the last day of the month in which they were issued. So, if you got a license in October 2024, your license would expire at the end of October 2027.
To renew your license, you need to complete three hours of continuing education by a Board-approved provider.
Electrical contractor licenses expire every two years on the last day of the month in which they were issued.
The renewal process typically involves submitting an online application and paying the renewal fee. Be mindful of deadlines to avoid any lapses in your licensing status.
Virginia electrical license reciprocity
Virginia’s Board for Contractors has reciprocity agreements and exemptions with the following states:
- Alabama
- District of Columbia
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- West Virginia
- North Carolina
Check with the licensing Board for specific requirements and details available for transferring your license.
Bond requirements for an electrical contractor license
The Board for Contractors does not require a bond to apply for an electrical contractor license. However, if an applicant cannot provide adequate proof of the required net worth, they must submit proof that they have obtained a contractor bond for $50,000 as an alternative.
This doesn’t apply to Class C contractor license applicants, who don’t need to meet any minimum net worth requirements.
