State Certification

STATE CERTIFICATION

All “Electricians” as defined by the Business and Profession Code are required to be certified by the State of California. Prior to performing work as a Journeyman Electrician under a C-10 licensed contractor, apprentices MUST receive certification according to the standards established by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.

When enrolled in the JATC, apprentices are registered with the State and are exempt from certification. However ALL APPRENTICES MUST TAKE and PASS the test before “turning out” from the apprenticeship program.

State Electrician Certification Program
Electrician pulling wires through a junction box.

How do I apply for Certification?

All applications are sent directly to the State of California’s Department of Industrial Relations. For the latest instructions and application, please visit: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ECU/ElectricalTrade.html

What is the fee?

As of October 2023, the fee for the initially applying for certification is $75.00. For the most up to date fee information. Please visit: https://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE/ECU/ElectricalTrade_Fees.html

How many questions are there and how much time for each category?

There are 100 questions for the general electrician exam and they split into the following categories:

  • Safety – 6%
  • Determination of electrical systems – 22%
  • Installation – 66%
  • Maintenance and Repair – 6%

The total time given to take the test is 4 hours and 30 minutes.

For more exam information, please visit: https://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE/ECU/ECU_TestInfo.htm

What is a passing score on the exam?

You must have a minimum of 70% in order to pass. When you pass, your certification card will be mailed to you within two weeks from the date of your exam.

For all exam information, please visit: https://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE/ECU/ECU_TestInfo.htm