Washington D.C. Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Washington D.C. electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Washington D.C..
NEC Edition Notice: Washington D.C. currently tests on NEC 2014. Questions on this platform are based on NEC 2023. Some provisions added in 2023 (like expanded GFCI/AFCI requirements) may not appear on your exam. Heads up: a state's building code can adopt a different NEC edition than the one its licensing exam tests on, so if this page mentions both, the exam edition shown here is the one that matters for test prep. Always confirm the current exam edition with the Washington D.C. licensing board before your exam date.
Quick Answer
For the Washington D.C. electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 240 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2014. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $65. Washington D.C. electricians earn about $87,430 per year ($42.03 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Washington D.C. Licensing Board
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$65
- 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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Washington D.C. Electrician License Overview
Washington D.C. licenses electricians through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration (OPLA). Unlike neighboring Maryland and Virginia, D.C. operates as a single unified jurisdiction, there are no county-level licensing variations. The D.C. electrical market is dominated by commercial and government work: federal buildings, embassies, data centers, transit infrastructure (WMATA), and high-rise commercial construction. Electricians in D.C. often hold licenses in all three D.C.-metro jurisdictions (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) to maximize their marketability in the region.
Washington D.C. Electrician License Types
Journeyman Electrician
Licensed to perform electrical work under the supervision of or in conjunction with a master electrician in Washington D.C.
Requirements: Approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job electrical experience (roughly four years of full-time work). Must pass the PSI journeyman exam (80 questions, 240-minute time limit, 70% passing score, open-book, NEC 2020). Application through DLCP OPLA with employer-verified OJT documentation.
Master Electrician
Licensed to perform and supervise all electrical work in D.C. Required to pull permits.
Requirements: Must hold an active D.C. journeyman electrician license. Typically 2–4 years of journeyman-level experience. More comprehensive examination covering advanced load calculations, service design, and business law. Application through DLCP.
Electrical Contractor License
Business license required for companies performing electrical contracting work in D.C.
Requirements: Must have a licensed master electrician designated as responsible for the work. Individual journeymen and masters working as employees do not need a contractor license.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
Approximately 8,000 hours of verified on-the-job electrical experience, roughly four years of full-time work. Hours must be documented and verified by the employer. Experience must be in the electrical trade.
Master Requirements
Must hold an active D.C. journeyman electrician license. Typically 2–4 years of journeyman-level experience after obtaining the journeyman license before qualifying for the master exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
IBEW Local 26 (headquartered in Lanham, MD) is the primary union apprenticeship program serving the D.C.-metro area, covering D.C., Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland. The program runs approximately 5 years. Non-union paths through ABC or independent programs are also accepted with proper documentation.
Education
No formal education degree required. D.C. qualifies candidates through verified OJT hours. Apprenticeship programs typically include related technical instruction (RTI) covering electrical theory and NEC code.
License Reciprocity
Washington D.C. has partial reciprocity with Maryland and Virginia in some cases, reflecting the tri-jurisdictional D.C.-metro labor market. Many electricians in the region hold licenses in all three jurisdictions. Contact DLCP directly at dlcp.dc.gov to verify current reciprocity terms and any examination waivers before applying.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
2 years (biennial)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at dlcp.dc.gov
Renewal Fee
Approximately $65 biennial renewal (verify current fees at dlcp.dc.gov)
Important Notes
D.C. electrical licenses are renewed biennially through the DLCP portal. Continuing education requirements apply. Verify current CE hour requirements and renewal fees directly with DLCP, as requirements are subject to change.
Washington D.C.Electrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$87,430/year
$42.03/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $54,200 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $119,600 (90th percentile)
Washington D.C. has one of the highest average electrician wages in the country, reflecting the high cost of living and the concentration of commercial, government, and data center work. Federal agency buildings, embassy row, transit infrastructure, and a dense commercial downtown all drive consistent demand. The ongoing data center expansion in the broader DMV region adds additional demand for industrial and commercial electricians.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with PSI
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Washington D.C.-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Washington D.C. Electrician License FAQ
Who issues electrician licenses in Washington D.C.?
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration (OPLA) issues all electrician licenses in Washington D.C. You can apply through the DLCP portal at dlcp.dc.gov.
What exam is required for the D.C. journeyman electrician license?
Washington D.C. uses PSI Services as its exam provider. The journeyman exam is 80 questions, open-book (NEC permitted), with a 240-minute (4-hour) time limit and a 70% passing score. The exam covers NEC code requirements, electrical theory, wiring methods, grounding, load calculations, and motors.
How many OJT hours are required for the D.C. journeyman license?
Washington D.C. requires approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job electrical experience, about four years of full-time work. Experience must be documented and verified by your employer before DLCP will approve your application.
Does D.C. have reciprocity with Maryland or Virginia?
Washington D.C. has partial reciprocity with Maryland and Virginia in some cases. Given the tri-jurisdictional D.C. metro market, many electricians hold licenses in all three jurisdictions. Contact DLCP directly to verify current reciprocity agreements before applying.
What NEC edition does Washington D.C. use for its exam?
Washington D.C. currently tests on NEC 2020. Always verify the current adopted edition with DLCP before your exam, as adoption schedules can change.
How much do electricians make in Washington D.C.?
D.C. electricians earn some of the highest wages in the country. The average is approximately $87,430/year ($42.03/hour), and experienced electricians in the 90th percentile earn over $119,000/year. The concentration of federal, commercial, and data center work drives wages well above the national average.
Common Questions About the Washington D.C. Electrician License
How much does the Washington D.C. electrician license exam cost?
The Washington D.C. electrician exam fee is $65, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Washington D.C. electrician license exam?
The D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) oversees electrician licensing in Washington D.C., and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Washington D.C.?
Washington D.C. electricians earn about $87,430 per year ($42.03 per hour). Entry level pay is around $54,200 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $119,600 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Washington D.C.?
Approximately 8,000 hours of verified on-the-job electrical experience, roughly four years of full-time work. Hours must be documented and verified by the employer. Experience must be in the electrical trade.
Does Washington D.C. have electrician license reciprocity?
Washington D.C. has partial reciprocity with Maryland and Virginia in some cases, reflecting the tri-jurisdictional D.C.-metro labor market. Many electricians in the region hold licenses in all three jurisdictions. Contact DLCP directly at dlcp.dc.gov to verify current reciprocity terms and any examination waivers before applying.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Washington D.C.'s electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
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.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Washington D.C. exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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