How much is electrical certification in California?

Roy Bartholomew Sonora CA
3 min readMay 15, 2023

The cost of electrical certification in California varies depending on the certification type you seek. The following are the costs for the most common types of electrical certification in California:

Residential Electrician Certification

The cost of residential electrician certification in California is $75 for the application fee and $100 for the exam fee. You must have at least 4,800 hours of on-the-job training and 480 hours of classroom instruction to be eligible to take the exam.

Commercial Electrician Certification

The cost of commercial electrician certification in California is $75 for the application fee and $100 for the exam fee. You must have at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 480 hours of classroom instruction to be eligible to take the exam.

General Electrician Certification

The cost of general electrician certification in California is $75 for the application fee and $100 for the exam fee. You must have at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 480 hours of classroom instruction to be eligible to take the exam.

Electrician Contractor License

The cost of an electrician contractor license in California is $330 for the application fee and $200 for the license fee. You must have at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 480 hours of classroom instruction to be eligible to apply for a license.

In addition to the application and exam fees, you may also be required to pay for other expenses, such as:

  • Social Security Administration Employment History Report: $29.00
  • Background Check: $79.00
  • Drug Screening: $50.00

The total cost of electrical certification in California can vary depending on the certification type you seek and the additional expenses you may incur. However, the cost of certification is a worthwhile investment that can help you to advance your career and earn a higher salary.

How to Become an Electrician in California

To become an electrician in California, you must complete the following steps:

  1. Earn a high school diploma or GED.
  2. Take electrical courses at a trade school or community college.
  3. Complete an apprenticeship program.
  4. Pass the state licensing exam.

Earn a high school diploma or GED

The first step to becoming an electrician is to earn a high school diploma or GED. This will give you the basic knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the electrical trade.

Take electrical courses at a trade school or community college

Once you have earned your high school diploma or GED, you can take electrical courses at a trade school or community college. These courses will teach you the skills you need to be an electrician, such as electrical theory, wiring, and troubleshooting.

Complete an apprenticeship program

An apprenticeship program is the best way to learn the skills needed to be an electrician. Apprenticeship programs typically last four years and combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training.

Pass the state licensing exam

Once you have completed your apprenticeship program, you must pass the state licensing exam. This exam will test your knowledge of electrical theory and safety.

If you want to become an electrician, I encourage you to follow these steps. Becoming an electrician can be a rewarding career with good pay and benefits.

Benefits of Becoming an Electrician in California

There are many benefits to becoming an electrician in California. Some of the benefits include:

  • High pay: Electricians earn good wages in California. The average annual salary for an electrician in California is $65,000.
  • Good benefits: Electricians typically receive excellent benefits, such as health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement plans.
  • Job security: The demand for electricians is expected to grow in the coming years, making this a relatively secure career choice.
  • Variety of work opportunities: Electricians can find work in various settings, from residential and commercial construction to industrial maintenance.
  • Opportunities for advancement: Electricians can advance their careers by becoming licensed, certified, or starting their businesses.

Becoming an electrician in California is a great option if you are looking for a rewarding career with good pay and benefits.

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Roy Bartholomew Sonora CA

Roy Bartholomew (Roy Bartholomew Sonora CA) is the Director of Engineering for Modesto, California-based On Guard Security Systems Inc.