How to Become an Electrician in California
Updated April 18, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Thinking about becoming an electrician in California? You're in the right place. Whether you're fresh out of high school or switching careers, the Golden State is a powerhouse for electrical work — thanks to tech, housing, and clean energy growth.
This guide gives you everything you need — backed by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)1, Contractors State License Board (CSLB)2, and U.S. Department of Labor3.
⚡ Electrician License Options in California
California issues electrician certifications (not contractor licenses) through the DIR. If you plan to start your own business or work independently, you’ll also need a C-10 Electrical Contractor License through the CSLB.
| Credential | Purpose | Issued By |
|---|---|---|
| General Electrician Certification | Required to work under a contractor on job sites | California DIR1 |
| C-10 Contractor License | Required to run your own electrical business | California CSLB2 |
“Electricians performing work for C-10 contractors must be certified by DIR.” — CA Dept. of Industrial Relations1
🔧 Types of Electrician Certifications
| Certification Type | Required Experience | Description |
|---|---|---|
| General Electrician | 8,000 hours | Residential, commercial, and industrial work |
| Residential Electrician | 4,800 hours | Single-family and multi-family dwellings |
| Voice Data Video Tech | 4,000 hours | Low-voltage systems: phone, internet, security |
| Fire/Life Safety Tech | 4,000 hours | Fire alarms and safety systems |
| Non-Residential Lighting | 2,000 hours | Lighting systems in commercial settings |
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Become an Electrician in California
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be eligible to work in the U.S.
- Pass a criminal background check4
2. Enroll in a State-Approved Apprenticeship Program
This is the most common and recommended path. You’ll earn while you learn.
| Program Type | Duration | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Union (IBEW/NECA) | ~5 years | California Apprenticeship Coordinators |
| Non-Union (IEC, WECA) | 4–5 years | Independent programs approved by DIR |
“To become certified, workers must complete an apprenticeship or accumulate the required on-the-job hours with proof.” — California DIR1
3. Register as an Electrician Trainee (ET)
Before you begin work (outside of a formal apprenticeship), you must register as a Trainee.
- Apply via DIR ET Registration
- Must attend a state-approved school
- Renew annually
4. Complete On-the-Job Experience
Each certification requires a specific number of hours in the field:
| Certification | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| General | 8,000 |
| Residential | 4,800 |
| VDV/Fire | 4,000 |
| Lighting | 2,000 |
Document hours through your employer or apprenticeship provider. These will be submitted when applying for your certification exam.
5. Pass the California Electrician Certification Exam
| Exam Provider | Exam Topics | Passing Score | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSI Exams | Electrical Code, Safety, Trade Math | 70% | Computer-based, multiple choice |
- Register and schedule exam at PSI Exams
- Bring photo ID and proof of experience
6. Apply for a C-10 Contractor License (Optional)
Want to be your own boss? You’ll need to apply through the CSLB.
- Show at least 4 years of journeyman-level experience
- Pass Law & Business + C-10 trade exam
- Carry a contractor bond and liability insurance
Learn more: https://www.cslb.ca.gov
💰 Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Trade School / Apprenticeship | $0–$15,000 |
| Trainee Registration | ~$25 annually |
| Electrician Certification Exam | ~$175 |
| Tools, Books, Materials | $300–$1,000 |
| CSLB Contractor License (if needed) | ~$500+ |
| Total Estimated Cost | $500–$16,500+ |
📈 Salary & Job Outlook for California Electricians
| Role | Average Salary3 | Job Growth (2024–2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $38,000–$45,000 | High |
| Journeyman | $65,000–$85,000+ | Very High |
| Master Electrician | $90,000+ | Very High |
“Electricians in California earn a median annual wage of $76,880 — among the highest in the country.” — BLS3
➡️ Want to see what electricians earn at each stage? Check California salary data →
🔗 Explore More Trades in California
- HVAC Technician in California
- Plumber in California
- Welder in California
- Solar Installer in California
- Carpenter in California
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be certified to work as an electrician in California?
Yes, unless you're in a registered apprenticeship or are working as a trainee enrolled in school.
What’s the fastest path to becoming an electrician in CA?
Joining a union or non-union apprenticeship program. You earn while you learn.
Is California’s electrician license valid in other states?
Not automatically. Most states require re-testing or have limited reciprocity.
Can I get financial aid for trade school?
Yes — Pell Grants, Cal Grants, GI Bill, and WIOA funding may apply.
📚 Citations
-
California Department of Industrial Relations – Electrician Certification Unit: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ecu/ecu.html ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
-
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB): https://www.cslb.ca.gov ↩ ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Electricians: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm ↩ ↩ ↩
-
California Department of Justice – Background Checks: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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