I want to . . .
- Become an apprentice
- Find an apprenticeship program
- Train my employees through apprenticeship
- Contact DAS
- Attend an event/meeting
- Use apprentices on public works projects
- See if an apprentice is registered with the State of California
- Find out where consultants will be in the field
- Find out about the California Apprenticeship Council
- Become a certified electrician
- See how apprenticeship can change lives
Who is required to be certified?
What do I need to know about certification?
Can you tell me about the application process?
I am already certified, but I have questions.
I am a trainee and have questions.
I have questions about the test.
What if I fail the test?
Renewal Certification Questions
Enforcement Questions
Who is required to be certified?
Is it true that licensed electrical contractors themselves are not required to obtain the certification?
If you are a licensed C-10 contractor licensed by the Contractors' State License Board, then you do not need to be certified. However, if you have employees that work under you then they need to get certified. Please visit our website for more information about certification at http://www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/ElectricalTrade.htm. Note that if you are a licensed C-10 contractor but working under another C-10 contractor's license as an employee you must be certified.
Who is required to be certified by deadlines set forth in the CAC December meeting?
3099.2 (b)
Certification is required only for those persons who perform work as electricians for contractors licensed as class C-10 electrical contractors under the Contractors' State License Board Rules and Regulations. Certification is not required for persons performing work for contractors licensed as class C-7 low voltage systems or class C-45 electric sign contractors as long as the work performed is within the scope of the class C-7 or class-45 license, including incidental and supplemental work as defined in Section 7059 of the Business and Professions Code, and regardless of whether the same contractor is also licensed as a class C-10 contractor.
3099 (6)(c)
As used in this section, "electricians" includes all persons who engage in the connection of electrical devices for electrical contractors licensed pursuant to Section 7058 of the Business and Professions Code, specifically, contractors classified as electrical contractors in the Contractors' State License Board Rules and Regulations. This section does not apply to electrical connections under 100 volt-amperes. This section does not apply to persons performing work to which Section 7042.5 of the Business and Professions Code is applicable, or to electrical work ordinarily and customarily performed by stationary engineers. This section does not apply to electrical work in connection with the installation, operation, or maintenance of temporary or portable electrical equipment performed by technicians in the theatrical, motion picture production, television, hotel, exhibition, or trade show industries.
In a short answer, who is required to be certified?
All electricians who make connections of greater than 100 volt amps who work for C-10 Contractors
I have a C-10 license; do I have to be certified?
No, sole owners who have a license in their own name need not be certified.
I am a foreman for a contractor and sometimes I work with the tools for that work. Do I have to be certified?
Yes.
I work for a school district or a plant as an electrician, do I need to be certified?
No, only employees of C-10 Contractors.
I am an electrician moving to California from out of state, do I need to be certified? Is there a grace period for obtaining certification when moving to the state?
Yes, out of state electricians need to be certified before they can start working in California, there is no grace period.
What if I'm only coming into California to work for a short time as an electrician on one job?
All electricians working for C-10 licensed contractors should be certified regardless of the length of the project.
If I have a license from another state, do I have to be tested and certified?
Yes. Your electrician's license acquired from other states will make you eligible to sit for the test.
What do I need to know about certification?
What are the qualifications to apply for certification?
Please refer to Title 8 CCR 291.1Eligibility for Certification
What is the deadline to be certified?
The California Apprenticeship Council took action at its May 5, 2006 meeting concerning the deadline for certification requirements in California:
For more details...
I missed the December 30, 2005 deadline to submit my application, can I still be certified?
Yes. You should act promptly. Fill out an application form and mail it along with the necessary payment to the address that is on the form. Applications are processed in the order that they are received.
What was the advantage to having an application in before December 30, 2005?
If the application was in by the December 30th deadline it, in effect, qualifies the applicant for a grace period until Jan. 1, 2007 to take and pass the certification exam.
What work can I perform if I am not certified and didn't apply by December 30, 2005?
Under Labor Code Section 3099.2 uncertified persons may not perform work for which certification is required. Labor Code Section 3099 and 3099.2 set out some specifics as to the work for which certification is required along with exceptions. For example, generally the connection of electrical devises of 100 volt amperes or higher is work for which certification is required. There are some specific exceptions, for example for temporary power in the motion picture industry. Please see the statute for complete details. In addition the certification deadline has been extended to 1/1/2007 for voice data video installation and for lighting technician work.
How many classifications are there for certification and testing?
There are five classifications with corresponding exams: General Electrician; Residential Electrician; Fire/Life Safety Technician; Voice, Data, Video Technician; and Non-residential Lighting Technician.
What if I don't have enough hours of on the job experience?
If you do not have enough hours to qualify you to sit for the test, you have to register with the division as an electrician trainee. In order for your registration to be complete, you must show proof of enrollment in a state approved school.
Can you tell me about the application process?
How do I apply for the certification?
The application form is available in 
pdf version to download and complete off-line. Please refer to Title 8 section 291.1 Eligibility for Certification.
I missed the December 30, 2005 deadline to submit my application, can I still be certified?
Yes. You should act promptly. Fill out an application form and mail it along with the necessary payment to the address that is on the form. Applications are processed in the order that they are received.
What is the cost for the application and test?
A fee of $75 per application and a fee of $100 for to sit for an examination is required and must accompany the application. A check or money order MUST accompany the application, payable to: DIR-Electrician Certification Fund.
I sent in my application but haven't received a response, how can I check on it's status?
You may check your application status at electrician certification .
What if I lose my certification card?
A certified electrician who loses his card needs to fill out a request for a replacement card form 
and mail it to the address printed on the form . The cost is $30.00.
What if I have a change of address?
Please submit the address change form or you can send us a letter stating your new contact information.
I am already certified, but I have questions.
I am a certified electrician but my certification expiration date is near. When do I have to renew my electrician certification?
"California Labor Code 3099.2 (a) (3) For purposes of any continuing education or recertification requirement, individuals who become certified prior to the deadline for certification shall be treated as having become certified on the first anniversary of their certification date that falls after the certification deadline."
Example for 'General' and 'Fire Life Safety' Electrician Certification:
Passed exam on: 12-17-2002
Certification card expires: 12-17-2005
First anniversary that falls after the (1-1-2006) deadline: 12-17-2006
Extended expiration date: 12-17-2009
Example for 'General' and 'Fire Life Safety' Electrician Certification:
Passed exam on: 3-1-2003
Certification card expires: 3-1-2006
First anniversary that falls after the (1-1-2006) deadline: 3-1-2006
Extended expiration date: 3-1-2009
Example for 'Residential' Electrician Certification:
Passed exam on: 12-17-2002
Certification card expires: 12-17-2005
First anniversary that falls after the (1-1-2007) deadline: 12-17-2007
Extended expiration date: 12-17-2010
Example for 'Residential' Electrician Certification:
Passed exam on: 3-1-2003
Certification card expires: 3-1-2006
First anniversary that falls after the (1-1-2007) deadline: 3-1-2007
Extended expiration date: 3-1-2010
Note - New certification cards will not be issued. Enter the Certification Number from your card in the Search field at [ http://www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/ElectCert/ElectCertSearch.asp ] and click through to print the Verification statement to show the extended expiration date, which will also appear on the revised listing of California Certified Electricians on the DAS-Electrician Certification Program web site.
How often do I have to be re-certified or tested?
Certification is valid for three years. You must renew before the expiration or you have to retake the test.
As a certified electrician am I required to obtain continuing education to maintain my certification?
You are required to obtain 32 hours of continuing education and present proof of it to renew your certification.
What if I lose my certification card?
A certified electrician who loses his card needs to fill out a request for a replacement card form and mail it to the address printed on the form . The cost is $30.00.
I am a trainee and have questions.
Can I register as a trainee and what are my rights as a trainee?
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the certification test, you may register as an electrician trainee. You may continue to work only under constant supervision of a certified electrician.
I have questions about the test.
What is the cost for the application and test?
A fee of $75 per application and a fee of $100 for to sit for an examination is required and must accompany the application. A check or money order MUST accompany the application, payable to: DIR-Electrician Certification Fund.
What happens if I miss the date I'm scheduled to take the test?
An applicant who misses the test date will forfeit all fees he/she has paid. He/she needs to fill out a retest form and pay both the application fee ($75.00) and examination fee (100.00)
Where are the testing sites located?
There are currently twenty-four test sites. Please refer to www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/DAS_test_sites.pdf for locations and directions.
Is the test a written exam?
No, the test is on a computer. Little to no experience is needed to operate the computer. A short practice lesson is given prior to the test. For more information on preparing for the test go to http://www.experioronline.com/caconstruction.htm.
Is the test true/false, multiple choice, fill in the blank or essay?
All questions are multiple choice.
What is the content of the exam?
For examination content outline, please refer to Examination Content outline page.
Is this an open-book test?
Yes. Materials are provided at the test site.
What should I study in preparation for the exam?
The test is based on the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, 2002 Edition.
How many questions are on the test?
There are 100 questions on the General Electrician test and you have 4 hours to complete the test. There are 75 questions on the Residential Electrician exam and you have 3 hours to complete the exam. There are 50 questions on the Fire/Life Safety Technician Exam and you have 2 hours to complete the exam. There are 50 questions on the Voice, Data, Video Technician exam and you have 2 hours to complete it. There are 50 questions on the Non-residential Lighting Technician exam and you have 2 hours to complete it.
Are there any sample questions available?
Yes, at test taking information.
Is the test available in languages other than English?
The test is also available in Spanish.
What identification is required for certification?
A valid state issued photo identification or driver's license is required.
If you present yourself at the test site with an expired identification, you will be turned away and forfeit all fees you have paid.
When will I receive my certification card?
A temporary statement will be issued to you at the exam site upon completion of the exam if you pass. A plastic card will be mailed to you within 2-4 weeks after the test.
We also intend to respond to each certification applicant or trainee registration applicant in writing.
What happens if I fail the test?
A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the test. If you don't pass the first time you can take it again 60 days from the date of the last exam.
If I don't pass the test how soon can I take it again?
60 days from date of last exam
If I don't pass the test do I have to pay to take it again?
Yes. You have to pay the exam fee of $100 per exam.
We thank you for your interest in this matter. Please refer to this website periodically for updated information.
Renewal Certification Questions
Important Note: Please be informed that neither the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) nor the Electrician Certification Curriculum Committee (ECCC) reviews or approves continuing education for electrician certification renewal purposes. Nor does DAS post a list of continuing education providers on its website. The list of education providers on the website is of those approved by the Electrician Certification Curriculum Committee to provide curriculum for electrician trainees, not continuing education for certified electricians.
When do I have to renew?
A: To renew the certification, an electrician must do so before expiration to ensure certification does not lapse. Certification expires three years from effective date. However, if the electrician became certified before it was mandatory, then the certification is treated as having become valid on the first anniversary of the certification date that falls after the certification deadline. For example, for those who were certified prior to the Dec. 31, 2005 deadline, say Dec. 30, 2005, his/her deadline to renew is Dec. 30, 2009.
What do I need to do to renew?
A: A certified electrician must work 2,000 hours in the industry and take 32 hours of continuing education relevant to your category of certification that is being requested in order to renew.
How do I apply for renewal?
A: To renew, fill out the application form found on the DAS Website (the application will not become available until fall of 2008). Submit application along with payment of $100 per Certificate being renewed. DAS accepts payment only by check or money order payable to: DIR - Electrician Certification Fund. Payment must be included for certification to be renewed. The form will be downloadable before the fall 2008 at www.dir.ca.gov/das.electricaltrade.htm. The electrician will also be able to call (415) 703-4919 to request the form be sent by mail.
Who can I take continuing education from?
A: A certified electrician may take continuing education from; a community college or public school district or public educational institution, or a state-licensed private post-secondary institution under contract with a public educational institution, community college or public school district that offers classes relevant to the certification category.
Who may offer continuing education?
A: Those who can offer continuing education include a community college or public school district or public educational institution, or a state-licensed private post-secondary institution under contract with a public educational institution, community college or public school district.
Is there a form to apply for certification renewal?
A: The form for renewal of electrician certification will be available fall 2008.
Must the continuing education provider be approved by DAS or the Electrician Certification Curriculum Committee?
A:No. Neither the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) nor the Electrician Certification Curriculum Committee (ECCC) reviews or approves continuing education for electrician certification renewal purposes. Nor does DAS post a list of continuing education providers on its website. The list of education providers on the website is of those approved by the Electrician Certification Curriculum Committee to provide curriculum for electrician trainees, not continuing education for certified electricians.
What courses qualify for my continuing education requirement?
A: Courses that are relevant to the category of electrician certification that is being requested to be renewed.
What kind of proof do I need to show I met the requirement of working 2,000 hours in the industry
A: On the application form there will be a box to check stating you acquired 2,000 hours in the industry and signing under penalty of perjury.
What kind of proof do I need to show that I met the requirement of completing 32 hours of continuing education?
A: On the application form there will be a box to check stating you acquired 32 hours of continuing education and signing under penalty of perjury.
What agency checks the electricians and enforces the law on job sites?
The Statute does not currently provide for state enforcement.
What is the penalty when an electrician is found working without a valid certification?According to our Regulations 294.0 - any person who displays a certificate, or otherwise claims to be certified, who is not certified shall be prohibited from taking the test for certification for a period of five(5) years.
If there is fraud - The Chief DAS may for good cause suspend or revoke the person's certification if the person has committed gross negligence or fraud, or engaged in repeated acts of negligence during the performance of activities subject to the certification or if the person obtained certification through mistake, misrepresentation or fraud. - Regs. 293.0(b).