How many hours do I need to be a certified electrician in California?

8000 hours for a C-10 contractor for general electrician, or 4800 hours for residential electrician (Title 8, Section 291.1).

How much does the California electrician exam cost?

$175: a $100 exam fee and a $75 administration fee, not refundable.

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California electrician certification types, hours and fees

Source: California Electrician Help (californiaelectricianhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.

The Labor Commissioner keeps separate certifications for general electrician, fire/life safety technician, residential electrician, voice data video technician and nonresidential lighting technician (Labor Code 108.2). (source: California Legislature)

To qualify on work experience, a general electrician needs 8000 hours of work for a C-10 contractor, and a residential electrician needs 4800 hours (Title 8, Section 291.1). (source: California Department of Industrial Relations)

The application and test fee is $175: a $100 exam fee and a $75 administration fee, not refundable.
Certification expires three years from the effective date. To renew you need 2,000 hours of work in the industry and 32 hours of continuing education.
Without enough hours to take the test, you can register as an electrician trainee and work only under constant supervision of a certified electrician. Trainee cards are renewed every year.
Electricians moving from another state must be certified before they start working in California. There is no grace period.

(source: California Department of Industrial Relations, Labor Commissioner's Office)

Exams taken on or after June 1, 2026 are scheduled under new procedures and given by CPS HR Consulting. Certification and exam applications can be made online. (source: California Department of Industrial Relations, Labor Commissioner's Office)

Questions go to the Labor Commissioner's Electrician Certification Unit at (510) 286-3900. (source: California Department of Industrial Relations, Labor Commissioner's Office)

On this site: California electrician license and certification rules · California electrician certification types, hours and fees · How to check a California electrician and complain · Do I need an electrical permit in California? · Electrical panel upgrade permits in California · EV charger permits in California · Who can install solar in California: C-10 or C-46 · Which electrical code does California use? · Electrical work that needs no permit in California cities · Electrical permit costs in California cities · Can I do my own electrical work in California? · When does a California contractor need a license? · California home improvement contract and payment rules · Cities · FAQ · Sources

Sources

California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Labor Code 108.2 (electrician certification) (checked November 2, 2026)
California Department of Industrial Relations: Title 8, Section 291.1 Eligibility for Certification (checked November 2, 2026)
California Department of Industrial Relations, Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE): Electrician Certification FAQs (checked November 2, 2026)
California Department of Industrial Relations, Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE): Electrician Certification Test Taking Information (checked November 2, 2026)
California Department of Industrial Relations, Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE): Electrician Certification Program (checked November 2, 2026)

Last updated: November 2, 2026