Electricians repair, install, and maintain electrical systems for homes and businesses. They always have and always will, implying that the electrical sector will continue. When you add that you may work in a fast-paced, hands-on setting, it’s easy to see why electricians like their profession. However, you already know a lot of it, so you’re looking for information on how to work as an electrician in Virginia. We’ve outlined everything you’ll need to know to get started on becoming a certified electrician in the sections below.
Let’s get started…
Attend an electrical training program. Community colleges and technical institutions provide electrical training programs.
Table of Contents
Requirements for a Journeyman Electrician’s License
Electrical systems are repaired and installed by journeyman electricians, and they examine transformers, cables, and circuit breakers as part of their duty. The following are the prerequisites for journeyman electrician certification.
- Permission to take the journeyman test
- Take a test and pass it.
- A high school diploma or GED is required for two years of on-the-job electrician training.
- A two-year electrical program at a community college or trade school that has been completed
- Evidence of job experience and education is required.
You’ll need one of the following items in particular:
- 240 hours of formal occupational training and four years of experience
- Five years of experience in the industry and 160 hours of formal education
- Six years of working experience and 80 hours of formal education
- Seven years of work placement and 40 hours of traditional skills courses are required.
- An associate’s degree or certificate of completion from a recognized community college or technical college in an electrician-related discipline, as well as two years of professional experience
- A bachelor’s degree or certificate of completion in an engineering program relating to the electrician profession from an approved institution or university, as well as one year of practical experience
- Ten years of experience in the field
Requirements for a Master Electrician License
Master electricians are skilled in repairing, maintaining, and installing complex electrical systems. Apprentices and journeymen electricians are frequently under their supervision. To become a master electrician, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old to participate.
- Complete the exam
- At least one year of experience as a journeyman electrician
- ten (10) years of experience as an electrician (for those without a journeyman license)
- Job experience verification
Both the journeyman and master licensing tests require at least 70% to pass. It’s an open-book test that covers, but isn’t restricted to, the following topics:
- Electromagnetic Signs and Outlines Electrical Signs and Outlines Electrical-Electronic Services Lighting Electrical-Electronic Basics
- Connections and Cables Are Grounded and Bonded
- Enclosures and Conduits
- Unique occupations
- Unique technology
- Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
- Control and Engines
- Equipment to be used
- Brightness
- Undervoltage Requirements in General
- System of Communication
- Electrical Installation Requirements
Programs for Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with one-on-one technical teaching. This is necessary to prepare for the increasing requirements of the electrical profession.
As part of the learning process, the program matches candidates with experienced electricians and assigns modest projects to the trainees. While some classroom work is required, the duties primarily focus on on-the-job training.
The best aspect is that participants get compensated hourly, and their hours are usually counted against state licensure requirements. Getting into an apprentice program can be difficult and time-consuming. Because waitlists are familiar, do some research before enrolling in a program.
General steps to becoming an electrician in Virginia
Let’s take a quick look at the stages involved in obtaining your DPOR electrician license:
Get the requisite education/experience: As we discussed, both Virginia electrical license types demand substantial education and on-the-job experience. To achieve this need, consider vocational training, apprenticeship programs, or associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs.
Fill out the DPOR application completely. You’re ready to take the DPOR Board of Contractors TRADESMAN EXAM & LICENSE APPLICATION if you’ve completed the appropriate education/experience. You’ll also need basic information like your name and address and verification of your knowledge and education (the DPOR Experience Verification Form might assist). You must also record and explain any felony or misdemeanor convictions to the Board.
Take the exam and master it. You can take either the journeyman or master electrician exam once the DPOR has reviewed and approved your registration. PSI is in charge of administering this test. The journeyman test has 70 questions and lasts three and a half hours. To pass, you must get 49 correct (score 70 percent or above). The master exam has 90 questions and lasts four and a half hours. To pass, you must earn 63 correct or a 70% score. PSI publishes an exam candidate bulletin to assist you in studying for your exam.
The DPOR will send your license to you once you complete the course.
Renewal/continuing education
All electricians must take ongoing education every two years to keep their licenses current. Virginia requires you to complete at least 3 hours of training every two years and only approved providers’ programs are counted.
You must complete hours of electrician continuing education each year (which you may do online) and submit your license renewal to the DPOR. You may renew your license online using the DPOR’s Online Registration Services. Keep track of your renewals on your calendar to ensure that your license remains current.
License Reciprocity in Virginia
It’s good news. The Virginia DPOR Board of Contractors has reciprocal relationships with several other jurisdictions, which means your license will be valid in those states. You can lawfully undertake electrical work in Virginia if you have a Virginia electrician license.
- Alabama
- Kentucky, Washington, D.C.
- Maryland
- West Virginia is a state in the U.S.
- North Carolina is a state in the United States.
You could decide that acquiring your journeyman or master’s license is well worth it after you have a request that permits you to work in Virginia and the surrounding states.
Salary of Electricians in Virginia
Do you want to know how much money an electrician in Virginia may make? According to federal government statistics, electricians earn an average hourly income of $24.97 and an average annual wage of $54,690. This is the national average for electricians in Virginia. Having said that, you can start your own business and perhaps earn far more income.
In the state of Virginia, all electrical professionals must be licensed. The following are the top three reasons why it is critical.
It protects the safety of both employers and clients. Virginia law mandates that you keep your certification current. National, municipal, and state laws are constantly changing. Certification ensures that electricians are aware of the changes.
Insurance for Electricians in Virginia
General liability insurance is necessary for electrical experts working in Virginia, and some electrical licenses are covered by their employers or unions. If you’re a self-employed master electrician, make sure you have the necessary public liability insurance to safeguard yourself and your profits.
Final verdict
You want to be sure you’re entering a booming business if you go through the trouble of earning a Virginia electrician license. The electrical sector in the United States is worth more than $163 billion. Even though COVID-19 has significantly impacted the construction sector, it is only seeing a slight reduction. In reality, “the industry has reported rather good revenue growth during the five years through 2020, underpinned by new building activity and an upswing in renovations,” according to the report.