California Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the California electrician license — requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023 — the edition most states currently test on. The exam format details below are specific to California.
Information last verified: April 2026
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: California Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:100
- Time Limit:270 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$175
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Detailed Explanations
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How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the California Department of Industrial Relations - Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with PSI at https://candidate.psiexams.com/
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with California-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
California Electrician Exam Tips
State-specific guidance to help you prepare smarter for your California exam.
💡What You Need to Know About California
- California does NOT issue a statewide journeyman electrician license — licensing is handled by local city and county jurisdictions (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego each issue their own cards).
- Electrical contractors must obtain a C-10 Electrical Contractor license from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — this is separate from a journeyman card.
- Some jurisdictions (like Los Angeles) require a state-approved apprenticeship completion or equivalent hours before sitting for the journeyman exam.
- Always verify requirements with your specific city or county, as exam vendors, fees, and hour requirements vary significantly across California.
NEC Adoption & State Amendments
California adopts the California Electrical Code (CEC), which is based on NFPA 70 (NEC) with California-specific amendments. The CEC is part of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Check with the California Building Standards Commission (https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC) for the current edition and any state amendments.
⚠️Common Mistakes on the California Exam
- Assuming a California state journeyman license exists — there is no single statewide card; candidates must apply through their local jurisdiction.
- Confusing the CSLB C-10 (contractor license) with a journeyman card — they are issued by different agencies for different purposes.
- Not verifying California-specific CEC amendments that modify standard NEC rules, especially around energy efficiency (Title 24 Part 6 often intersects with electrical work).
Compare Exam Requirements
See how California's electrician exam compares to other popular states:
Exam Prep Guides
California Electrician License: C-10 Requirements & Exam Guide
CSLB C-10 requirements, closed-book exam, fees, and reciprocity.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
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