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District of Columbia journeyman electrician license
Journeyman license: what DLCP asks for once you're logging hours.2
How many hours do you need for the journeyman license in District of Columbia?
8,000 hours of supervised work, about 4 years full time.1
- Journeyman license
- 8,000 hrs4 years / 8,000 work hours, plus an NEC code class taken within 2 years
- Master license
- 16,000 hrs8 years / 16,000 work hours, plus an NEC code class taken within 2 years (DC Code requires at least 4 years as a journeyman)
Keep your own record of hours, employers and pay stubs. DLCP can ask for proof when you apply.
What is the District of Columbia electrician exam like?
You take the state exam once the board approves your hours. PSI; exams are scheduled online at psiexams.com or by phone. Code book: National Electrical Code (the 2011 edition is listed in the board's application instructions). Open book: you bring your own copy of the code book.12
How much does the journeyman license cost?
DLCP lists these fees.2
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $65 |
| Apprentice license | $110 |
| Journeyman license and renewal | $110 |
| Master license | $120 |
| Master renewal | $155 |
| Contractor license | $120 |
| Contractor renewal | $180 |
| Late renewal | $50 |
How do you renew it?
Every 2 years; electrician licenses expire November 30 of odd-numbered years.2 Continuing education: none. D.C. Code lets the Board of Industrial Trades set continuing education for renewal, but the Board has not set any for electricians, and the District's electrical licensing rules (17 DCMR chapter 2) contain no continuing education section.3
Does a license from another state count in District of Columbia?
Journeyman and master electricians licensed by exam in Maryland or Virginia can be licensed by reciprocity without an exam.2
License levels in District of Columbia
Apprentice, Journeyman and Master (low voltage and regular voltage), plus Electrical Contractor.
Applications, exam booking and hour forms are on DLCP's site.
More for electricians in District of Columbia
Sources
- District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades: exam (dlcp.dc.gov, 2026-10-27)
- District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades: exam provider (dlcp.dc.gov, 2026-10-27)
- District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades: continuing education (code.dccouncil.gov, 2026-10-28)