How to Become a Electrician in Washington
In Washington, a Electrician license typically requires 96 hours of pre-license education, a 60-question national plus 17 state questions, a 70% passing score.
Installs and repairs electrical systems. Journeyman licenses are issued by state or municipal boards; most require an apprenticeship and a state exam. Requirements change — always confirm with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program before paying.
Licensing steps in Washington
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age 18.
- 2Complete pre-license education
96 hours of approved training is the documented requirement in Washington.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is administered by PSI with a 240-minute time limit; you need 70% to pass.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
application $107.6 · license $160.6
- 5Stay current
License renews every 3 years with 24 hours of continuing education.
Electrician requirements — Washington at a glance
| Education hours | 96 hrs |
| Exam vendor | PSI |
| Questions (national/state) | 60 / 17 |
| Passing score | 70% |
| Exam fee | — |
| Application fee | $107.6 |
| License fee | $160.6 |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | 14 days between retakes; after 3 failures wait 3 months |
| Renewal | every 3 years · 24 CE |
| Reciprocity | Yes — Oregon only, for the 01 General Journey Level certificate (bilateral) |
Official source: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program ↗
Transferring a Electrician license between states
No electrician compact — licensure is state or local. Electrician licences do not transfer through a national compact. Licensing sits with state boards and, in many places, with cities and counties, so the authority and the requirements change as you cross a state line.
Identify the actual licensing authority for your destination — it may be a city, not the state — and ask about local reciprocal agreements. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Electrician license in Washington?
After completing 96 hours of education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the Electrician exam in Washington?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by Washington; check the state board.
What does the Electrician license cost in Washington?
the application fee is $107.6, and the license fee is $160.6
Can I transfer my Electrician license to Washington?
No electrician compact — licensure is state or local: Electrician licences do not transfer through a national compact. Licensing sits with state boards and, in many places, with cities and counties, so the authority and the requirements change as you cross a state line. For Washington specifically, our dataset notes: Yes — Oregon only, for the 01 General Journey Level certificate (bilateral).
Plan your Electrician licensing in Washington
Work the road in order — check what Washington requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the Electrician exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and Washington reciprocity.
Electrician tools for Washington
Every step of the Washington Electrician road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program (retrieved 2026-08-20).