Virginia electrician license & renewal

The Board for Contractors regulates individual tradesmen who engage in the trades of electrical; plumbing; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); gas fitting; water well construction; elevator mechanics; backflow prevention; and building energy analysis.

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Tradesmen Program

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Tradesman Exam and License Application Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Gas Fitting For individuals , not business entities

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(Although the term "certified" is used, state certification of these trades is mandatory, not optional.) Individual tradesmen may also be subject to local ordinances, laws, or other requirements imposed by other state agencies, courts, or certain localities.

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B. An individual who successfully completes an apprenticeship program approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement as outlined in § 54.1-1131 A 3 of the Code of Virginia, as evidenced by providing a certificate of completion or other official document, is exempt from the journeyman examination.

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Original tradesman, liquefied petroleum gas fitter, or natural gas fitter provider license by examination $150 Original tradesman, liquefied petroleum gas fitter, or natural gas fitter provider license without examination $150

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Technology Fee: Effective July 1, 2026, certain fees include a separate Technology Fee of $7.25 per year, pursuant to 2026’s House Bill 30. This fee will remain in place through June 30, 2030

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The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

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B. An applicant for examination to be licensed as a journeyman electrician, plumber, or HVAC tradesman must furnish evidence that one of the following experience and education standards has been attained: Education Experience Bachelor's degree in an engineering curriculum related to the trade One year of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is desired Associate degree or a certificate of completion from at least a two-year program in a tradesman-related field Two years of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is desired 240 hours of formal vocational training in the trade Four years of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is desired 160 hours of formal vocational training in the trade Five years of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is desired 80 hours of formal vocational training in the trade Six years of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is desired 40 hours of formal vocational training in the trade Seven years of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is desired None Eight years of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is desired

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2. Having held a valid journeyman license in the trade for which licensure is desired for a minimum of one year; or 3. Nine years of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is desired.

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Fees (paid directly to PSI) Journeyman Tradesman $100 Master Tradesman $125

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Licenses issued under this chapter to electricians, gas fitters, liquefied petroleum gas fitters, natural gas fitter providers, HVAC tradesmen, or plumbers will expire three years from the last day of the month in which they were issued as indicated on the license.

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Licenses issued under this chapter to electricians, gas fitters, liquefied petroleum gas fitters, natural gas fitter providers, HVAC tradesmen, or plumbers will expire three years from the last day of the month in which they were issued as indicated on the license.

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C. As a condition of renewal or reinstatement and pursuant to § 54.1-1133 of the Code of Virginia, all individuals holding tradesman licenses with the trade designations of plumbing, electrical, and heating, ventilation, and cooling must satisfactorily complete three hours of continuing education for each designation, and individuals holding a license as a liquefied petroleum gas fitter, a natural gas fitter provider, or a gas fitter, one hour of continuing education, relating to the applicable building code changes, from a provider approved by the board.

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C. As a condition of renewal or reinstatement and pursuant to § 54.1-1133 of the Code of Virginia, all individuals holding tradesman licenses with the trade designations of plumbing, electrical, and heating, ventilation, and cooling must satisfactorily complete three hours of continuing education for each designation, and individuals holding a license as a liquefied petroleum gas fitter, a natural gas fitter provider, or a gas fitter, one hour of continuing education, relating to the applicable building code changes, from a provider approved by the board.

Verified 2026-10-24