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United States · Licensing exam

How to become an electrician

You need a high school diploma or equivalent, several years of paid, supervised training, and in most states a license exam to become an electrician. BLS says most electricians train through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship. The exact hours and the license come from your state, and sometimes your city.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Steps to become an electrician

  1. Get a high school diploma or GED. BLS lists it as the entry requirement.
  2. Start training: an apprenticeship, or a technical school first.
  3. Register as an apprentice if your state requires it (see Apprenticeship).
  4. Log every work hour. States count supervised hours, and Texas wants each supervising master electrician to sign for them.
  5. Apply to your state board, and once it approves you, pass the license exam.
  6. Keep your license current. BLS notes that continuing education may be required to renew.
Electrician apprenticeships →Apply for the exam →

How long does it take to become an electrician?

Usually 4 to 5 years, the length BLS gives for most apprenticeships. For a journeyman license, Texas, California and Washington each ask for 8,000 hours of experience.

Journeyman electrician requirements by state →

What a licensed electrician is

After an apprenticeship, BLS calls electricians journey workers. They can work on their own, subject to state or local licensing. BLS says most states require electricians to pass a test and be licensed, and that the tests cover the National Electrical Code and state and local codes.

Who needs the license differs by state. California, for example, requires anyone working as an electrician for a C-10 licensed contractor to be certified.

The electrician license exam →

Do you need a degree to be an electrician?

No. BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the entry requirement. A degree can count toward experience in some states: Virginia's journeyman application accepts an associate degree or a two-year certificate in a related field plus 2 years of practical experience.

Virginia's full list of options →

Where you live changes the rules

There are pages for Virginia and New York City, and the guide covers Texas, California and Washington. Licensing is local, so start with your state board's own pages.

Virginia electrician license →New York City electrician license →
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics · TDLR · Washington L&I and 5 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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