StateLicensed

Electrician License Requirements in District of Columbia

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
8000 hrs
Upfront cost
$227
Exam
Washington D.C. Journeyman Electrician Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) — Board of Industrial Trades

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Meet the eligibility requirements set by the issuing board. D.C. Code § 47-2853.92 (electrician-specific eligibility criteria) does not specify a minimum age or a criminal-history/background-check requirement, unlike some other DLCP-regulated licenses (e.g. Home Improvement Contractors, which require a Clean Hands certificate). [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 8000 hours of training. Standard path is 8,000 work hours over at least 4 years as a registered apprentice electrician under a licensed master electrician. Alternative path: a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering plus 2+ years of practical experience certified by a licensed master electrician, or a Board-approved equivalent combination of education/experience. All applicants must also complete a class on Title 12C DCMR (DC electrical code) or equivalent within 2 years prior to application. [1]

  3. 3

    Washington D.C. Journeyman Electrician Examination

    Pass the Washington D.C. Journeyman Electrician Examination (fee: $52). 80 multiple-choice questions, open-book, 4-hour time limit, computer-based Exam is waived for applicants who submit proof of completion of a nationally-certified apprenticeship program, and for Maryland/Virginia licensees applying via reciprocity. [2]

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) — Board of Industrial Trades with the $65 application fee. [3]

  5. 5

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) — Board of Industrial Trades issues your Journeyman Electrician License (Low and Regular Voltage) for District of Columbia.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $65
License fee [3] $110
Renewal fee [3] $110
Washington D.C. Journeyman Electrician Examination [2] $52
Exam fee (PSI, per attempt) [3] $52
Late renewal fee [3] $50
Temporary journeyman license (up to 60 days) [3] $110

Figures shown are for the Journeyman Electrician tier specifically. Master and Contractor tiers carry higher license/renewal fees ($120 license; $155-$180 renewal).

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years.

No continuing education hours are required for electrician license renewal. DLCP's fee schedule and Electrician.pdf application instructions describe only fee payment before the license's biennial expiration — all Electrician licenses expire November 30 of odd-numbered years, regardless of when they were issued.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Formal reciprocity (exam waiver) is limited to Journeyman and Master Electricians currently licensed by examination in Maryland or Virginia; applicants must submit a letter of good standing/verification from the MD or VA board confirming the license was obtained by exam. Electricians licensed elsewhere must apply through the standard experience/exam pathway.

Cost calculator

  • $65
  • $110
  • $52
Total$227

Frequently asked questions

Is there a study guide for the DC Journeyman Electrician exam?

Yes — the DLCP-approved references are the National Electrical Code (2011 edition) and Ugly's Electrical Reference; the exam is open-book.

What do I need before I apply?

A 2x2 passport-style photo, a government-issued ID, a debit or credit card to pay application/exam/license fees, and employment verification letters (or apprenticeship enrollment/letter of good standing) documenting your qualifying hours.

Can I waive the Journeyman exam?

Yes — applicants who complete a nationally-certified apprenticeship program may waive the Journeyman exam, and DC also waives the exam for Maryland and Virginia licensees applying through reciprocity.

Does my Maryland or Virginia electrician license transfer to DC?

Yes, through reciprocity — but only if you obtained your MD or VA license by examination (not by another state's reciprocity) and hold it in good standing; submit a letter of good standing from your home state's board.

How often do I need to renew my DC Journeyman Electrician license?

Every 2 years — all Electrician licenses expire on November 30 of odd-numbered years, regardless of when they were issued.

Sources

  1. [1] code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/47-2853.92 — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/5574 — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-industrial-trades1 — accessed 2026-07-11
  4. [4] dlcp.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/DLCP/publication/attachments/Electrician.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11