United States · Licensing examHow do you qualify for an electrician license in Virginia?
For the journeyman exam, the July 1, 2026 application accepts one of these:
- 4 years of practical experience and 240 hours of formal vocational training
- 5 years and 160 hours
- 6 years and 80 hours
- 7 or more years and 40 hours
- An associate degree or a certificate from a two-year program in a related field, plus 2 years of practical experience
- A bachelor's degree in a related engineering field, plus 1 year of practical experience
- 8 years of practical experience, verified by people who saw your work
- A current journeyman or master license from outside Virginia
For the master exam: 1 year as a licensed journeyman, or 9 years of verified practical experience, or a current master license from outside Virginia.
The exam and fees
You need the board's approval before you can sit the exam. PSI tests in Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, Vienna and Virginia Beach, and also in Johnson City, Tennessee and Salisbury, Maryland. DPOR's page doesn't list the number of questions or the pass mark, and points to PSI's candidate bulletin for exam details.
| Item | As of October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application (licensure by exam) | $171.75, not refundable |
| Journeyman exam (paid to PSI) | $100 |
| Master exam (paid to PSI) | $125 |
Contractor work is a separate license
The tradesman license lets you work in the trade. DPOR's form says anyone doing work over $1,000 must contact the Board for Contractors about a Virginia contractor license as well.
Sources: Virginia DPOR and 1 more. Checked October 2026.
- Virginia DPOR: Tradesman Program (Board for Contractors) ↗
- Virginia DPOR: Tradesman Exam and License Application (form A501-2710EXLIC, July 1, 2026) ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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