How to get a Electrical license in Virginia

The full Virginia electrical licensing path — experience hours, required exam, fees, and where to apply. Verified 6/12/2026.

Career prep, not a license.

Prep for the Virginia Electrical exam

Electrical 101 — Start Here (Free) — self-paced lessons, practice exam, certificate of completion.

Start prep
License details

Virginia Tradesman — Electrician (Journeyman / Master)

Verified 6/12/2026
Experience required
Journeyman: 4 yrs (8,000 hrs) + 240 hrs vocational training. Master: 1 additional yr as Journeyman + total 6 yrs experience.
Required exam
Virginia Master Electrician Exam (NEC + VA USBC + business law) (PSI Services)
Notes & fees
VA Tradesman card is required to perform regulated electrical work; the Class A/B/C Contractor license is separate and required to bid jobs ($1k+ for Class C, $10k+ for B, $120k+ for A). Tradesman exam ~$110, license $90/2yrs. Reciprocity with NC, WV, KY for Journeyman.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a electrical license in Virginia?

You need journeyman: 4 yrs (8,000 hrs) + 240 hrs vocational training. master: 1 additional yr as journeyman + total 6 yrs experience.. Then pass the Virginia Master Electrician Exam (NEC + VA USBC + business law) administered by PSI Services. Applications go through the Virginia DPOR — Board for Contractors / Tradesman Section.

What exam do I need to pass?

Virginia Master Electrician Exam (NEC + VA USBC + business law) — administered by PSI Services.

How much experience do I need?

Journeyman: 4 yrs (8,000 hrs) + 240 hrs vocational training. Master: 1 additional yr as Journeyman + total 6 yrs experience.

What about fees, insurance, and continuing education?

VA Tradesman card is required to perform regulated electrical work; the Class A/B/C Contractor license is separate and required to bid jobs ($1k+ for Class C, $10k+ for B, $120k+ for A). Tradesman exam ~$110, license $90/2yrs. Reciprocity with NC, WV, KY for Journeyman.

Other electrical licensing guides

Browse by state or trade.