Licensing

Electrician Licensing in Washington

Washington licenses electricians statewide. The journeyman-level credential is the General Journey-Level Electrician—01, issued by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program. It requires at least 8,000 hours of experience.

Source: Washington State Legislature (RCW 19.28.161), checked 2026-10-07

Before you start: You need this state credential before you start electrical work in Washington.

Credential: Electrical training certificate
Issued by: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Fee: Not confirmed in our records.

Official source · Checked 2026-10-07

Page last reviewed 2026-10-01 against official sources; credential requirements checked 2026-08-10. Confirm with the issuing authority before applying.

Licensed in another state? See reviewed routes into Washington.

How electrical licensing works in Washington

Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) regulates electrical trainees, electricians, master electricians, administrators, and electrical contractors. The state uses a general 01 category and numerous specialty categories, including residential, pump and irrigation, signs, limited energy, HVAC/refrigeration, maintenance, appliance or equipment repair, and door or gate systems. The category printed on a credential determines the work it authorizes.

Credential-specific requirements

Requirements differ by credential. Expand any credential for the work or business activity you plan to perform. Issued by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program unless noted.

Electrical Trainee Certificate Supervised training certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May learn and perform electrical work only within the category being trained for while supervised by an appropriately certified electrician on the same jobsite and within the applicable ratio. The supervisor must ordinarily be onsite at least 75 percent of each working day; 2,000-hour specialties begin under 100-percent supervision.
Experience or qualification: Be at least 16, hold a valid Social Security number, obtain the certificate before work, and report qualifying experience. The ordinary certificate is not divided into separately issued work-category credentials.
Examination: No examination for the ordinary trainee certificate. Category-specific experience and education must later be completed before an electrician examination or final specialty certificate.
Initial fee: $48.10 for an original online application or $56.00 by mail, fax, or in person.
Renewal: Renew on a two-year cycle. Renewal requires 48 hours of approved basic classroom instruction; current renewal is $59.20 online when the affidavit conditions are met or $67.90 by mail/in person. An expired certificate authorizes no work.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Six-Month Unsupervised Electrical Training Certificate—01 Candidate Temporary unsupervised training certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: Temporarily authorizes a qualifying near-completion 01 trainee to perform 01 work without trainee supervision while remaining employed by a licensed electrical contractor with an appropriate certified electrician.
Experience or qualification: Document more than 7,000 credited hours, including the required commercial/industrial experience, and satisfy the approved apprenticeship or school-program relationship and employment conditions on the current form.
Examination: No separate examination produces this certificate, but the applicant must be approaching the 01 examination and have no prior 01 examination failure.
Initial fee: $33.50 nonrenewable unsupervised training-certificate fee.
Renewal: Valid for six months and nonrenewable. It ends at expiration and does not substitute for the final 01 certificate.
Official application: Apply / forms →

General Journey-Level Electrician—01 General journey-level electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May perform all phases and types of electrical and telecommunications installations and the limited minor-plumbing work authorized by RCW 18.106.150. May supervise trainees within the 01 ratio.
Experience or qualification: For a current Washington trainee, complete an approved 8,000-hour electrical-construction apprenticeship, including at least 4,000 hours of new industrial/commercial work. No more than 4,000 hours may come from 4,000-hour specialties; shorter specialties do not count. The former non-apprenticeship Washington transition application deadline expired July 1, 2026.
Examination: Obtain L&I examination approval and pass every required PSI section with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. The only current published reciprocity is the Oregon route to this same Washington 01 certificate; it does not issue a Washington Master certificate.
Official application: Apply / forms →

General Journey-Level Master Electrician—01 General Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: Retains full 01 installer authority, may use the tools of the trade, may supervise trainees, and may be assigned as the qualifier for one general or specialty electrical contractor.
Experience or qualification: Hold a valid Washington 01 General Journey-Level Electrician certificate for at least four years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category electrician certificate; the holder does not carry both for 01.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

General Electrical Administrator—AD01 General contractor-qualifier certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May be assigned to one general electrical contractor or any specialty electrical contractor and is responsible for the firm's compliance. This certificate does not authorize installation or use of the tools of the trade unless the holder is separately certified as an electrician.
Experience or qualification: No education, experience, or age prerequisite is stated for the Administrator examination. An assigned Administrator must be a member or qualifying full-time supervisory employee of the firm and may qualify only one contractor at a time.
Examination: Register directly with PSI; pass every AD01 section with at least 70 percent within one year, then submit passing reports and the certificate fee to L&I within 90 days of the last passing score.
Initial fee: $160.00 original Electrical Administrator certificate fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned.
Official application: Apply / forms →

General Electrical Contractor—01 General business contractor license

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: Authorizes the firm to advertise, bid, and contract for all electrical and telecommunications installations. Individual installation work must still be performed by appropriately certified electricians and trainees.
Experience or qualification: Maintain Washington business/UBI requirements; an original $4,000 surety bond or permitted security substitute; and evidence of Washington workers' compensation coverage through the applicant's L&I account, the applicant's self-insurer number, qualifying other-state or Canadian-province coverage under an applicable agreement, or the statutory UBI substitution when the firm has no Washington employees. The assigned General Master or General Administrator must be a member or full-time supervisory employee of the firm, available during working hours, and assigned to only that contractor. General liability insurance is encouraged but is not an electrical-contractor licensing requirement.
Examination: No contractor trade examination. The assigned Master or Administrator must satisfy the relevant individual examination and assignment requirements.
Initial fee: $353.90 initial 24-month contractor license plus the $53.00 qualifier assignment fee; bond/security is separate.
Renewal: Renew every 24 months: $353.90 by mail/in person or $306.20 online. No contractor CE; maintain bond/security and a valid qualifier assignment.
Official application: Apply / forms →

0% Supervision Modified Electrical Training Certificate Specialty-specific transitional training certificate family

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: A separately issued, noncombination certificate for one of these eight specialties: 03A, 06B, 07A, 07B, 07C, 07D, 07E, and 10. After passing the matching specialty examination, it authorizes work without supervision only in that named specialty while the holder completes the remaining experience for the final electrician certificate.
Experience or qualification: Examination thresholds are 720 directly supervised hours for 03A, 07A, 07B, 07D, and 10, and 1,000 directly supervised hours for 06B, 07C, and 07E. Every final specialty certificate requires 2,000 total hours and 24 classroom hours.
Examination: Pass the matching specialty electrician examination after L&I verifies the initial directly supervised hours. Each required section must score at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $102.20, including the trainee-hours update and modified-certificate processing fee; PSI examination fee is separate.
Renewal: Nonrenewable and valid for no more than two years. Before it expires, complete 2,000 hours and apply for the final specialty certificate or follow the 75% pathway where L&I confirms it applies.
Official application: Apply / forms →

75% Supervision Modified Electrical Training Certificate Specialty-specific transitional training certificate family

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: A specialty-specific follow-on certificate requiring an appropriate electrician on the same jobsite at least 75 percent of each working day while the holder completes remaining experience. Target classifications are 03A, 06B, 07A, 07B, 07C, 07D, 07E, and 10; no combination certificate is issued.
Experience or qualification: Examination thresholds are 720 directly supervised hours for 03A, 07A, 07B, 07D, and 10, and 1,000 directly supervised hours for 06B, 07C, and 07E. Every final specialty certificate requires 2,000 total hours and 24 classroom hours. Official-source ambiguity: Table 945-1 applies the 0%-then-75% sequence to all eight categories, while WAC 296-46B-942 parenthetically describes the modified process as 720-hour categories and current L&I materials expose no separately titled 75% form. Confirm the route with L&I, especially for 06B, 07C, and 07E.
Examination: The matching specialty examination was passed before the 0% certificate. L&I does not identify a new examination for the 75% follow-on stage.
Initial fee: $67.90 75% modified training-certificate fee under the current fee rule.
Renewal: Temporary follow-on authority only; complete 2,000 total specialty hours and apply for the final specialty electrician certificate. Confirm issuance procedure and duration with L&I.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Residential Specialty Electrician—02 Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May perform telecommunications, low-voltage, and line-voltage wiring in qualifying one- and two-family dwellings and specified Type III, IV, and V multifamily construction, with detailed occupancy, story, common-area, wiring-method, ancillary-structure, pool, water, septic, site-lighting, and Type I/II exclusions in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(a).
Experience or qualification: Complete 4,000 hours in the 02 specialty and 48 hours of approved basic classroom instruction. Ordinary trainee work requires an appropriate certified electrician on the same jobsite at least 75 percent of each working day.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Pump and Irrigation Specialty Electrician—03 Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May install circuits, feeders, controls, low-voltage wiring, related telecommunications, and services supplying covered domestic/public water systems and irrigation pumps. This scope expressly includes all Domestic Pump 03A work.
Experience or qualification: Complete 4,000 hours in the 03 specialty and 48 hours of approved basic classroom instruction under the ordinary 75-percent onsite-supervision rule.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Domestic Pump Specialty Electrician—03A Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May extend a branch circuit supplied and installed by others to signals, motor controls, and pumps not exceeding 7.5 hp, 250 V AC, and single-phase input, solely for covered residential potable-water or sewage-disposal systems. The scope does not include 03 feeder or service authority.
Experience or qualification: Complete 720 hours under 100-percent supervision before the specialty examination, 2,000 total specialty hours, and 24 hours of approved basic classroom instruction through the modified-certificate sequence.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Signs Specialty Electrician—04 Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May place and connect signs and outline lighting, related supply and control wiring, and associated circuit extensions; may install one remote-sign-only service not exceeding 60 A, 120/240 V, single phase, plus the maintenance and retrofit work expressly listed by rule.
Experience or qualification: Complete 4,000 hours in the 04 specialty and 48 hours of approved basic classroom instruction under the ordinary 75-percent onsite-supervision rule.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Energy System Specialty Electrician—06 Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May install, repair, replace, and maintain signaling and power-limited low-voltage systems in all occupancies, including telecommunications, fire/intrusion signaling, HVAC/R low-voltage controls, automation, lighting controls, and sound systems, subject to narrow line-voltage limits inside cabinets. An 06 contractor may perform all telecommunications work.
Experience or qualification: Complete 4,000 hours in the 06 specialty and 48 hours of approved basic classroom instruction under the ordinary 75-percent onsite-supervision rule.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

HVAC/Refrigeration Specialty Electrician—06A Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May perform HVAC/R controls and specified internal line-voltage component, whip, raceway, replacement-disconnect, and bonding work under the detailed occupancy, height, classified-location, external-controller, feeder, service, and panel limitations in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(f).
Experience or qualification: Complete 4,000 hours in 06A and 48 classroom hours under the ordinary 75-percent onsite-supervision rule. A completed 2,000-hour 06B certification may contribute 2,000 hours toward 06A but not toward 01.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

HVAC/Refrigeration—Restricted Specialty Electrician—06B Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May perform the restricted HVAC/R work specified by rule where the primary connection does not exceed 250 V, single phase, and 120 A. Additional conduit, occupancy, external-equipment, and classified-location limits apply; no classified-location work is authorized.
Experience or qualification: Complete 1,000 hours under 100-percent supervision before the specialty examination, 2,000 total specialty hours, and 24 classroom hours through the modified-certificate sequence.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Nonresidential Maintenance Specialty Electrician—07 Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May maintain, repair, and replace like-in-kind existing nonresidential electrical equipment and conductors and perform specified temporary load-test work up to 600 V. This scope expressly includes 07A, 07B, 07C, 07D, and 07E work.
Experience or qualification: Complete 4,000 hours in the 07 specialty and 48 hours of approved basic classroom instruction under the ordinary 75-percent onsite-supervision rule.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Nonresidential Lighting Maintenance and Lighting Retrofit Specialty Electrician—07A Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May repair, service, maintain, and retrofit components inside existing nonresidential luminaire housings. The credential does not authorize new luminaires or branch circuits, luminaire relocation, or branch-circuit alteration.
Experience or qualification: Complete 720 hours under 100-percent supervision before examination, 2,000 total specialty hours, and 24 classroom hours through the modified-certificate sequence.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Residential Maintenance Specialty Electrician—07B Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May maintain, repair, and replace like-in-kind residential utilization equipment within the covered occupancies, generally not exceeding 250 V, 60 A, single phase. May handle specified whips but no external conductors, raceway, conduit, or regulated plumbing.
Experience or qualification: Complete 720 hours under 100-percent supervision before examination, 2,000 total specialty hours, and 24 classroom hours through the modified-certificate sequence.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Restricted Nonresidential Maintenance Specialty Electrician—07C Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May perform restricted like-kind nonresidential maintenance, excluding circuit-breaker repair or replacement. Lighting branches are limited to 277 V and 20 A; other circuits are limited to 250 V and 60 A. Classified-location and external-wiring restrictions apply. This scope expressly includes 07A and 07B.
Experience or qualification: Complete 1,000 hours under 100-percent supervision before examination, 2,000 total specialty hours, and 24 classroom hours through the modified-certificate sequence.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Appliance Repair Specialty Electrician—07D Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May service, maintain, repair, and replace specified self-contained appliances and utilization equipment connected as one unit to one source not exceeding 250 V, 60 A, single phase, with narrow whip and outlet-conversion authority. Service, feeder, panel, disconnect, raceway, classified-location, and plumbing work is excluded.
Experience or qualification: Complete 720 hours under 100-percent supervision before examination, 2,000 total specialty hours, and 24 classroom hours through the modified-certificate sequence.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Equipment Repair Specialty Electrician—07E Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May service, maintain, repair, and replace specified listed or approved factory-standardized utilization equipment supplied from one source up to 600 V, plus an optional control source up to 250 V, with narrow internal-component and whip authority. Remote wiring, distribution equipment, and most classified-location work are excluded.
Experience or qualification: Complete 1,000 hours under 100-percent supervision before examination, 2,000 total specialty hours, and 24 classroom hours through the modified-certificate sequence.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Door, Gate, and Similar Systems Specialty Electrician—10 Specialty electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May install, service, maintain, repair, and replace electrical operator wiring and equipment for doors, gates, windows, awnings, partitions, curtains, and similar systems, with limited panel-originating circuits up to 600 V and 20 A and specified six-foot reconnect authority. Supply services, feeders, panels, disconnects, and classified-location work are excluded.
Experience or qualification: Complete 720 hours under 100-percent supervision before examination, 2,000 total specialty hours, and 24 classroom hours through the modified-certificate sequence.
Examination: Obtain L&I approval and pass every required section of the matching category examination with at least 70 percent within the one-year examination period.
Initial fee: $114.60 original certificate/application fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $106.40 by mail/in person or $92.60 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status with no work authority. No current specialty reciprocity agreement was identified; out-of-state experience review is an examination-eligibility route, not reciprocity.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Residential Master Electrician—02 Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May perform telecommunications, low-voltage, and line-voltage wiring in qualifying one- and two-family dwellings and specified Type III, IV, and V multifamily construction, with detailed occupancy, story, common-area, wiring-method, ancillary-structure, pool, water, septic, site-lighting, and Type I/II exclusions in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(a). As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 02 specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Pump and Irrigation Master Electrician—03 Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May install circuits, feeders, controls, low-voltage wiring, related telecommunications, and services supplying covered domestic/public water systems and irrigation pumps. This scope expressly includes all Domestic Pump 03A work. As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 03 specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Domestic Pump Master Electrician—03A Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May extend a branch circuit supplied and installed by others to signals, motor controls, and pumps not exceeding 7.5 hp, 250 V AC, and single-phase input, solely for covered residential potable-water or sewage-disposal systems. The scope does not include 03 feeder or service authority. As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 03A specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Signs Master Electrician—04 Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May place and connect signs and outline lighting, related supply and control wiring, and associated circuit extensions; may install one remote-sign-only service not exceeding 60 A, 120/240 V, single phase, plus the maintenance and retrofit work expressly listed by rule. As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 04 specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Limited Energy System Master Electrician—06 Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May install, repair, replace, and maintain signaling and power-limited low-voltage systems in all occupancies, including telecommunications, fire/intrusion signaling, HVAC/R low-voltage controls, automation, lighting controls, and sound systems, subject to narrow line-voltage limits inside cabinets. An 06 contractor may perform all telecommunications work. As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 06 specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

HVAC/Refrigeration Master Electrician—06A Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May perform HVAC/R controls and specified internal line-voltage component, whip, raceway, replacement-disconnect, and bonding work under the detailed occupancy, height, classified-location, external-controller, feeder, service, and panel limitations in WAC 296-46B-920(2)(f). As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 06A specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

HVAC/Refrigeration—Restricted Master Electrician—06B Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May perform the restricted HVAC/R work specified by rule where the primary connection does not exceed 250 V, single phase, and 120 A. Additional conduit, occupancy, external-equipment, and classified-location limits apply; no classified-location work is authorized. As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 06B specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Nonresidential Maintenance Master Electrician—07 Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May maintain, repair, and replace like-in-kind existing nonresidential electrical equipment and conductors and perform specified temporary load-test work up to 600 V. This scope expressly includes 07A, 07B, 07C, 07D, and 07E work. As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 07 specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Nonresidential Lighting Maintenance and Lighting Retrofit Master Electrician—07A Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May repair, service, maintain, and retrofit components inside existing nonresidential luminaire housings. The credential does not authorize new luminaires or branch circuits, luminaire relocation, or branch-circuit alteration. As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 07A specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Residential Maintenance Master Electrician—07B Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May maintain, repair, and replace like-in-kind residential utilization equipment within the covered occupancies, generally not exceeding 250 V, 60 A, single phase. May handle specified whips but no external conductors, raceway, conduit, or regulated plumbing. As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 07B specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Restricted Nonresidential Maintenance Master Electrician—07C Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May perform restricted like-kind nonresidential maintenance, excluding circuit-breaker repair or replacement. Lighting branches are limited to 277 V and 20 A; other circuits are limited to 250 V and 60 A. Classified-location and external-wiring restrictions apply. This scope expressly includes 07A and 07B. As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 07C specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Appliance Repair Master Electrician—07D Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May service, maintain, repair, and replace specified self-contained appliances and utilization equipment connected as one unit to one source not exceeding 250 V, 60 A, single phase, with narrow whip and outlet-conversion authority. Service, feeder, panel, disconnect, raceway, classified-location, and plumbing work is excluded. As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 07D specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Equipment Repair Master Electrician—07E Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May service, maintain, repair, and replace specified listed or approved factory-standardized utilization equipment supplied from one source up to 600 V, plus an optional control source up to 250 V, with narrow internal-component and whip authority. Remote wiring, distribution equipment, and most classified-location work are excluded. As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 07E specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Door, Gate, and Similar Systems Master Electrician—10 Specialty Master electrician certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May install, service, maintain, repair, and replace electrical operator wiring and equipment for doors, gates, windows, awnings, partitions, curtains, and similar systems, with limited panel-originating circuits up to 600 V and 20 A and specified six-foot reconnect authority. Supply services, feeders, panels, disconnects, and classified-location work are excluded. As a Master, the holder may still work as an installer and may be assigned to qualify one contractor carrying the matching specialty.
Experience or qualification: Hold the matching Washington 10 specialty electrician certificate for at least two years. Out-of-state work does not replace this Washington certification period.
Examination: Pass the matching category-specific Master examination. When issued, the Master certificate replaces the same-category specialty electrician certificate; both are not carried for that category.
Initial fee: $204.60 Master examination application, including the original certificate, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned. No specialty Master reciprocity route is published.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Specialty Electrical Administrator Classification-bearing contractor-qualifier certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: Qualifier-only authority in the specialties passed: Residential (02); Pump and Irrigation (03); Domestic Pump (03A); Signs (04); Limited Energy System (06); HVAC/Refrigeration (06A); HVAC/Refrigeration—Restricted (06B); Nonresidential Maintenance (07); Nonresidential Lighting Maintenance and Lighting Retrofit (07A); Residential Maintenance (07B); Restricted Nonresidential Maintenance (07C); Appliance Repair (07D); Equipment Repair (07E); Door, Gate, and Similar Systems (10). L&I may issue one combination specialty Administrator certificate displaying multiple qualified classifications. It does not authorize installation or tool work unless the holder is separately certified as an electrician; telecommunications 09 cannot be combined.
Experience or qualification: No education, experience, or age prerequisite is stated for a specialty Administrator examination. A subspecialty certificate is not issued when the holder already carries its expressly broader specialty, and one person may qualify only one contractor at a time.
Examination: Pass each requested specialty Administrator examination with at least 70 percent; submit passing reports and the certificate fee within 90 days of the last passing score.
Initial fee: $160.00 original Electrical Administrator certificate fee for the combination certificate, plus separately contracted PSI examination fees. Multiple displayed specialties do not multiply the L&I certificate fee.
Renewal: Renew every three years on the holder's birthday. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 8 hours of code update and 4 hours of chapter 19.28 RCW/WAC review. Current renewal: $202.20 by mail/in person or $175.70 online; late renewal within 90 days costs double. Timely renewal without CE creates inactive status and ends assignment until L&I validates the education and the holder is reassigned.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Specialty Electrical Contractor Classification-bearing restricted business contractor license

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: Authorizes contracting only in the displayed specialty classifications: Residential (02); Pump and Irrigation (03); Domestic Pump (03A); Signs (04); Limited Energy System (06); HVAC/Refrigeration (06A); HVAC/Refrigeration—Restricted (06B); Nonresidential Maintenance (07); Nonresidential Lighting Maintenance and Lighting Retrofit (07A); Residential Maintenance (07B); Restricted Nonresidential Maintenance (07C); Appliance Repair (07D); Equipment Repair (07E); Door, Gate, and Similar Systems (10). L&I may issue one combination specialty contractor license showing multiple codes; telecommunications 09 cannot be included. Individual work remains limited to matching certified workers.
Experience or qualification: Maintain Washington business/UBI requirements; one $4,000 bond or permitted security substitute for the combination license; and evidence of Washington workers' compensation coverage through the applicant's L&I account, the applicant's self-insurer number, qualifying other-state or Canadian-province coverage under an applicable agreement, or the statutory UBI substitution when the firm has no Washington employees. The matching specialty or General Master/Administrator must be a member or full-time supervisory employee of the firm, available during working hours, and assigned to only that contractor. General liability insurance is not an electrical-contractor licensing requirement.
Examination: No contractor trade examination. Each displayed specialty must be supported by an appropriately scoped assigned Master or Administrator who satisfied the matching examination requirements.
Initial fee: $353.90 initial 24-month combination contractor license plus the $53.00 qualifier assignment fee; displayed specialties do not multiply the license fee or bond.
Renewal: Renew every 24 months: $353.90 by mail/in person or $306.20 online. No contractor CE; maintain the one combination bond/security and appropriately scoped qualifier assignment.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Telecommunications Administrator—09 Telecommunications contractor-qualifier certificate

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: May be assigned to one Telecommunications Contractor and is responsible for telecommunications-law compliance. It does not authorize installation or tool work and cannot be combined with electrical Administrator specialties.
Experience or qualification: No education, experience, or age prerequisite is stated for the examination. The assigned Administrator must satisfy the statutory relationship and one-contractor limit.
Examination: Register directly with PSI, pass each 09 section with at least 70 percent, and submit passing reports and the original certificate fee within 90 days.
Initial fee: $106.40 original Telecommunications Administrator certificate fee, plus the separately contracted PSI examination fee.
Renewal: Renew every two years on the holder's birthday; no continuing education is required. Current renewal is $134.70 by mail/in person or $116.10 online. More than 90 days late requires examination and recertification.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Telecommunications Contractor—09 Telecommunications business contractor license

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: Authorizes the firm to engage in covered telecommunications contracting. Washington does not issue or require an individual telecommunications installer certificate; installer work remains subject to the contractor's compliance duties. General 01 and Limited Energy 06 contractors may perform telecommunications within their broader authority without a separate 09 license.
Experience or qualification: Maintain Washington business/UBI requirements; a $4,000 bond or permitted security substitute; evidence of Washington workers' compensation coverage through the applicant's L&I account, the applicant's self-insurer number, qualifying other-state or Canadian-province coverage under an applicable agreement, or the statutory UBI substitution when the firm has no Washington employees; and liability coverage of at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury/death to one person, and $100,000 injury/death to more than one person per occurrence, with the required cancellation notice. The assigned 09 Telecommunications Administrator must be a member or full-time supervisory employee of the firm, available during working hours, and assigned to only that contractor.
Examination: No contractor trade examination; the assigned 09 Telecommunications Administrator must pass the qualifying examination.
Initial fee: $353.90 initial 24-month contractor license plus the $53.00 qualifier assignment fee; bond and insurance are separate.
Renewal: Renew every 24 months: $353.90 by mail/in person or $306.20 online. No contractor CE; maintain bond/security, insurance, and the 09 Administrator assignment.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Temporary Electrician Permit Temporary out-of-state work permit

Issuing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Program →
Scope of work: Temporarily authorizes work only within the journey-level or specialty category for which a qualifying out-of-state electrician applied while L&I processes the application and examination result. It is not a permanent certificate and does not create broader scope.
Experience or qualification: Be an electrician coming to Washington from another state, file the Washington certificate/examination application, and furnish the evidence required by RCW 19.28.181 showing equivalent qualifications under RCW 19.28.191. Those qualification pathways can include documented out-of-state or military experience; RCW 19.28.231 does not separately require a current foreign-state credential.
Examination: The permit bridges a pending Washington application and examination; the applicant must complete the requested Washington examination unless a current reciprocal route applies.
Initial fee: No distinct current fee line was identified for the temporary permit; pay the applicable certificate/examination application fees and confirm any permit charge with L&I.
Renewal: Ordinarily valid only while the qualifying application and examination result are pending. If the holder fails the examination, RCW 19.28.231 permits continued work for 90 days only when the holder is enrolled in a journey-level electrician refresher course and shows evidence that the holder has not missed any classes; after completing the course, the person may retake the examination at the next scheduled time. This statutory continuation is not ordinary renewal or permanent certification.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Licensed in another state?

Washington has a reviewed application route for some licenses from 1 state. A route can waive an exam or some experience; you still need the Washington credential before you work. Expand a state for the routes and their requirements.

Oregon Reciprocity · 2 routes

If you hold: Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license (Oregon Building Codes Division, ORS 479.610 et seq., OAR 918-282), exam-obtained after an 8,000-hour apprenticeship
You can apply for: Washington (01) General Journey Level Electrician certificate by reciprocity (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Electrical Program; ch. 19.28 RCW, WAC 296-46B)

To apply:

possess a current, active Oregon license 'with no violations or conditions attached within the past three years'
have obtained the reciprocated credential through an Oregon examination ('no one is allowed to reciprocate a license not obtained through exam')
complete Part B of form F500-148-000; Part C license verification is completed by the Oregon Building Codes Division (fax 503-378-2322, [email protected]; Oregon charges no verification fee)
mail the application with the $114.60 application fee ($44.20 non-refundable after submission) to L&I Electrical Licensing & Certification, PO Box 44460, Olympia WA 98504-4460 (no online or email submission)
never have held a Washington (01) General Journey Level Electrician Certificate of any kind, or failed to pass an exam for one, in the last two years
not be disqualified by any conditions in WAC 296-46B-940(20)
have completed an Oregon 8,000-hour apprenticeship requiring at least 576 classroom hours of education ('Washington reciprocal certificates are generally available to those who obtained their Oregon general journeyman electrician (J) licenses after completing 8,000-hour Apprenticeships requiring at least 576 classroom hours of education and passing Oregon exams')

Limits:

an Oregon license gained through reciprocity or endorsement rather than Oregon examination is NOT eligible
'Washington Master (01) General Journey Level Electrician Certificates cannot be obtained through reciprocity'
the OR-WA reciprocal agreement covers only the general journey level: 'No other reciprocal agreements exist covering any other electrical specialties' (L&I news release 20-030; corroborating only)
Oregon limited classifications and non-exam licenses follow Washington's standard examination pathway (out-of-state applicants use form F626-009-000)

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Checked 2026-09-29.

If you hold: Oregon General Supervising Electrician (S) license (Oregon Building Codes Division, ORS 479.610 et seq., OAR 918-282), exam-obtained
You can apply for: Washington (01) General Journey Level Electrician certificate by reciprocity (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Electrical Program; ch. 19.28 RCW, WAC 296-46B)

To apply:

possess a current, active Oregon license 'with no violations or conditions attached within the past three years'
have obtained the reciprocated credential through an Oregon examination ('no one is allowed to reciprocate a license not obtained through exam')
complete Part B of form F500-148-000; Part C license verification is completed by the Oregon Building Codes Division (fax 503-378-2322, [email protected]; Oregon charges no verification fee)
mail the application with the $114.60 application fee ($44.20 non-refundable after submission) to L&I Electrical Licensing & Certification, PO Box 44460, Olympia WA 98504-4460 (no online or email submission)
never have held a Washington (01) General Journey Level Electrician Certificate of any kind, or failed to pass an exam for one, in the last two years
not be disqualified by any conditions in WAC 296-46B-940(20)

Limits:

an Oregon license gained through reciprocity or endorsement rather than Oregon examination is NOT eligible
'Washington Master (01) General Journey Level Electrician Certificates cannot be obtained through reciprocity'
the OR-WA reciprocal agreement covers only the general journey level: 'No other reciprocal agreements exist covering any other electrical specialties' (L&I news release 20-030; corroborating only)
Oregon limited classifications and non-exam licenses follow Washington's standard examination pathway (out-of-state applicants use form F626-009-000)
the Oregon General Supervising (S) credential maps to the WA (01) journey-level certificate only — there is no Washington master-tier reciprocation

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Checked 2026-09-29.

Oregon licensing →

Reviewed and found no reciprocity or exam-waiver agreement for licenses from these states. You can still apply through the standard route:

Utah (source 1, source 2, source 3, checked 2026-09-17)

Taking your Washington license elsewhere

Reviewed routes for Washington licensees, with requirements on each receiving state's page:

Oregon: Washington (01) General Journeyman Electrician certificate obtained by examination (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; RCW 19.28 / WAC 296-46B) → Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license by reciprocal agreement (Oregon Building Codes Division, Department of Consumer and Business Services; ORS 670.380, OAR 918-030-0045) (reciprocity)
Oregon: Washington master electrician certificate (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; RCW 19.28 / WAC 296-46B) → Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J) license by reciprocal agreement (Oregon Building Codes Division, Department of Consumer and Business Services; ORS 670.380, OAR 918-030-0045) with the experience and education requirements of the agreement's Section II.A deemed met (reciprocity)

Workers, qualifiers, and businesses

An Electrical Trainee certificate allows work under the supervision rules that apply to the trainee and type of work. Certified electricians may install only within their category’s scope. Master Electricians may perform installation work and may qualify one appropriately scoped electrical contractor.

Electrical Administrators serve as contractor qualifiers and are responsible for compliance, but an administrator certificate alone does not authorize the holder to use the tools of the electrical trade. Electrical Contractor licenses authorize businesses to advertise, bid, and contract within the license scope; the business license does not replace the certifications required for individual workers.

General and specialty categories

Washington issues permanent electrician and master-electrician certificates in the general 01 category and in multiple specialty categories. Specialty administrator and contractor credentials may carry more than one specialty classification on the same certificate or license. Applicants should compare the exact category code, work scope, experience, examination, and renewal rules rather than assuming similarly named specialties are interchangeable.

Telecommunications and temporary pathways

Washington does not issue an individual 09 telecommunications-installer certificate. It does issue separate Telecommunications Administrator and Telecommunications Contractor credentials. General 01 and Limited Energy 06 authority may also include telecommunications work within their defined scopes.

The ordinary trainee certificate requires supervision. Six-month unsupervised 01 training authority, modified 0% or 75% supervision certificates, and temporary electrician permits are limited pathways with their own eligibility and expiration rules. Official materials contain an ambiguity about the 75% follow-on process for some specialty categories with a 1,000-hour examination threshold, so applicants in those categories should obtain guidance from L&I before relying on that pathway.

Before you apply

Confirm the current category, application form, fees, examination references, supervision rules, and renewal requirements with L&I. A credential in one category does not automatically authorize work assigned to another category. This page was re-verified against lni.wa.gov on October 1, 2026.

View Application Information → Washington L&I License & Contractor Search →

Cite this page

Title: Electrician Licensing in Washington
URL: https://tradesdir.com/electrical/licensing/washington
Information checked: 2026-10-01

Suggested citation: Electrician Licensing in Washington. Trades Directory. https://tradesdir.com/electrical/licensing/washington (information checked 2026-10-01).

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