How to Become an Electrician in Virginia

Complete requirements, licensing steps, and career outlook for electricians in Virginia

Quick Facts

Median Salary: $58,540/year
Job Outlook: 9% growth (2024-2034)
Licensing Required: Yes
Continuing Ed: 3 hours/triennial (3 years)

✓ Information verified from official sources (Last updated: 2025-01-27)

⚠️ Important Note for Virginia

Virginia licenses electricians through DPOR; local permits still required

Electrician License Requirements in Virginia

Licensing Authority

Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)

Phone: (804) 367-8500

Website: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/

Official Source: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/

License Types & Requirements

Apprentice Electrician

  • Exam Required: No
  • Application Fee: $35
  • Requirements: Must register and work under licensed electrician

Journeyman Electrician

  • Required Hours: 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Requirements: 8,000 hours experience, pass journeyman exam

Master Electrician

  • Required Hours: 12,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $100
  • Requirements: 4,000 hours as journeyman, pass master exam

Electrical Contractor

  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $150
  • Requirements: Must hold master license or equivalent, pass business exam

Path to Becoming an Electrician in Virginia

Step 1: Complete High School Education

Earn a high school diploma or GED. Focus on math (especially algebra and trigonometry), physics, and shop classes if available.

Step 2: Enter an Apprenticeship Program

Apply to an apprenticeship program through a union (IBEW) or independent electrical contractor. In Virginia, you'll typically need 8000 hours of on-the-job training.

Step 3: Complete Required Hours

Work under supervision while logging your hours. Most apprenticeships in Virginia take 4-5 years to complete.

Step 4: Pass Licensing Exam

Study for and pass the PSI journeyman electrician exam.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

Submit your application to Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) with proof of hours, exam scores, and fees.

Electrician Salary in Virginia

Entry Level: $40,620/year
Median Salary: $58,540/year
Experienced: $77,180/year

Source: BLS May 2024

License Reciprocity

Virginia has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

  • Maryland
  • West Virginia
  • North Carolina

This means if you're licensed in one of these states, you may be able to obtain a Virginia license with reduced requirements.

Major Cities Hiring Electricians in Virginia

  • Virginia Beach
  • Norfolk
  • Chesapeake
  • Richmond
  • Newport News

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your electrician license in Virginia, you must complete 3 hours of continuing education every triennial (3 years).

Start Your Electrician Career in Virginia

Contact the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for application details and approved training programs.

Visit Licensing Board

Recommended Resources

📘
NFPA 70: NEC 2026 Required for most exams
📗
Ugly's Electrical References Quick reference guide
🔧
Klein Tools Apprentice Tool Set Essential hand tools

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