Who issues electrician licenses in Virginia?

The Virginia Dept. of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) — Tradesman Program ((804) 367-8511). See https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Tradesmen.

How much experience do you need for an electrician license in Virginia?

4 years of practical experience + 240 hours of vocational training (education can substitute for some experience).

Who administers the Virginia electrician exam?

The exam is administered by PSI.

Electrician License Requirements in Virginia

Last reviewed July 2026

To work as a licensed electrician in Virginia, you'll apply through the licensing authority, meet an experience requirement, and pass a licensing exam based on the National Electrical Code. Here's how it breaks down.

Virginia has a tradesman track (apprentice → journeyman → master) that licenses you as an individual electrician, plus a separate contractor license (Class A/B/C) for your business.

Licensing authority

Virginia Dept. of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) — Tradesman Program
Phone: (804) 367-8511
Website: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Tradesmen

License types & experience

License	Experience required	Exam
Journeyman Electrician Tradesman — journeyman	4 years of practical experience + 240 hours of vocational training (education can substitute for some experience)	70 questions, 3.5 hours, 70% to pass
Master Electrician Tradesman — master	At least 1 year as a Virginia-licensed journeyman	90 questions, 4.5 hours, 70% to pass

The exam & fees

Testing vendor

PSI

Fees

Initial costs roughly $175–$445 (application, exam, issuance); a $7.25/yr technology fee applies from July 1, 2026

Renewal & continuing education

Licenses renew every 3 years ($135) with 3 hours of continuing education per cycle.

Studying for the Virginia electrician exam?

The exam is NEC-based — practice with 1,394 questions and worked solutions in the Electrical Exam Prep app.

⚠ Licensing requirements and fees change. This page is a summary, not legal advice — always confirm current requirements directly with Virginia Dept. of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) — Tradesman Program before applying.

Sources: Virginia DPOR — Tradesmen (official)