California Electrician License Cost
Every fee the state charges, what training adds on top, and what the same licence costs in other states.
The fees, itemised
These are the state's own charges. Training is the big variable and is listed separately where the state sets a requirement.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $75 | |
| Exam fee | $100 | |
| Renewal fee | $100 | |
| Total | $175 | before exam retakes |
The state fees are fixed. Training is the part that moves: community college, private trade school and employer-sponsored apprenticeship can differ by thousands of dollars for the same licence.
Renewal
Renewal costs $100 every 3 years. Over ten years that is about $333 in renewals alone.
Cost in other states
| State | State fees | Time | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $175 | 46.2 mo | $84,330 |
| Florida | $683 | — | $52,380 |
| Texas | $30 | 46.2 mo | $56,350 |
Cheapest route we found: Texas at $30. Highest median pay: California at $84,330 — the two are rarely the same state, which is the whole decision.
Sources
- https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ECU/ElectricalTrade.html“Existing law requires that persons performing work as electrician under a C-10 licensed contractor be certified”
- https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ECU/EleCat.html“General electrician ... You have on the job experience of at least... 8,000 hours”
- https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ECU/ElectricalTrade_Fees.html“The fee for initially applying for certification is $75.00. The fee for taking or retaking the examination is $100.00. The fee for renewal of certification is $100.00.”
- https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ECU/DIR-ECU_Candidate-Information-Bulletin.pdf“You will need to renew your certificate every 3 years. You must complete 32 hours of continuing education prior to the renewal”
- https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ECU/ECU_Stats.htm“Exams taken to date 146,660 Exams passed to date 79,525”
- https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ECU/DIR-ECU_Candidate-Information-Bulletin.pdf“Before you can take the examination, you must apply and be approved by DLSE.”