How to get a Electrical license in Washington
The full Washington electrical licensing path — experience hours, required exam, fees, and where to apply. Verified 5/26/2026.
Career prep, not a license.
Prep for the Washington Electrical exam
Electrical 101 — Start Here (Free) — self-paced lessons, practice exam, certificate of completion.
Electrical Administrator + Electrical Contractor (01 General / 02–08 Specialty)
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a electrical license in Washington?
You need administrator: 8,000 hrs as 01 journeyman within last 10 yrs (or equivalent education credit). Then pass the Washington Electrical Administrator Exam (open-book, NEC + WAC 296-46B) administered by Washington L&I. Applications go through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
What exam do I need to pass?
Washington Electrical Administrator Exam (open-book, NEC + WAC 296-46B) — administered by Washington L&I.
How much experience do I need?
Administrator: 8,000 hrs as 01 journeyman within last 10 yrs (or equivalent education credit)
What about fees, insurance, and continuing education?
Contractor bond $4,000 + $250K liability insurance. UBI registration required. License fee $363/2 yrs. 24 hrs CE every 3 yrs for electricians (8 hrs NEC update). Reciprocity with several states for journeyman certification (OR, ID, MT, UT, WY, AK, AR, ME, NM, NH, ND, SD).
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