Electrician License Guide 2026
Electrician licensing in 2026 is regulated state-by-state: verified pre-license education ranges from 96–720 hours, the exam is most commonly administered by PSI, and published first-attempt pass rates are not consistently published. A background check is required in 3 of 12 states with verified data.
By The LicenseFig Editorial Team · independent editorial research project
Installs and repairs electrical systems. Journeyman licenses are issued by state or municipal boards; most require an apprenticeship and a state exam.
National overview — Electrician at a glance
| States with verified data | 12 of 51 |
| Pre-license education | 96–720 hrs |
| Most common exam vendor | PSI |
| Exam passing score | 70–75% |
| National pass-rate reference | not published |
| Published state pass rates | not published |
| Exam fee | $78–100 |
| Application fee | $30–107.6 |
| Common renewal cycle | every 3 years |
| Background check | 3 of 12 states |
State-by-state essentials (top verified states)
California
Full guide ↗- Education
- 720 hrs
- Exam vendor
- Pearson VUE
- Exam
- 100N · 70%
- Exam fee
- $100
- Application fee
- $75
- Renewal
- 3 yrs · 32 CE
Texas
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- PSI
- Exam
- 59N / 26S · 70%
- Exam fee
- $78
- Application fee
- $30
- Renewal
- 1 yrs · 4 CE
Washington
Full guide ↗- Education
- 96 hrs
- Exam vendor
- PSI
- Exam
- 60N / 17S · 70%
- Application fee
- $107.6
- Renewal
- 3 yrs · 24 CE
Michigan
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- PSI
- Exam
- state exam · 75%
- Exam fee
- $100
- Renewal
- 1 yrs
How to get a Electrician license — step by step
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age is 18 in every state with a published figure. A criminal background check is required in 3 of 12 verified states.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Approved training hours run from 96–720 hours across verified states. Choose a state-approved program; your school reports completion to the licensing authority.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is most often administered by PSI, with a 70–75% passing score. Schedule through the vendor portal after your education is reported.
- 4Pay fees and submit your application
Expect an exam fee of $78–100 and an application fee of $30–107.6. Submit any required background check results with your application.
- 5Maintain your license
The most common renewal cycle is every 3 years. Track continuing-education deadlines so your license never lapses.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of education do I need to become a Electrician?
Verified requirements range from 96–720 hours across states. Check your state's exact figure before enrolling — hours are set by each state board.
How hard is the Electrician exam?
Most states do not publish first-attempt pass rates — check your state board.
What does a Electrician license cost?
Exam fees run $78–100 and application fees run $30–107.6, not counting education or fingerprinting.
Who administers the Electrician exam?
The most common vendors are PSI (7 states), Pearson VUE (2 states). Your state chooses one vendor — confirm on your state's licensing page.
Can I transfer my Electrician license to another state?
Reciprocity for Electrician licenses is decided state-by-state and is not uniformly published. Contact both state boards before moving to confirm whether your license transfers or requires an exam.
Dig deeper into Electrician licensing
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with your state licensing board (data retrieved 2026-08-20).