Electrician license requirements in California — experience, exams, fees, reciprocity, and salary data from California Contractors State License Board.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Work Experience | 8,000 hours (48 months) |
| Exam Name | California Journeyman Electrician Exam |
| Format | 80 multiple choice questions |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | 2023 NEC |
| Open Book? | Yes — codebook permitted |
| Application Fee | $100 |
Practice with real exam-style questions based on the 2023 NEC.
Start Practice Exam →| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $100 |
| License Renewal | $450 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 32 hours (16 hrs code + 16 hrs elective) |
| Contractor License | |
| Surety Bond | $15,000 |
| Insurance | Required — general liability + workers' comp |
Electricians in California earn less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | 68,940 in California |
| National average | $65,280 |