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Anyone who is interested in becoming licensed as a residential or general electrician in the state of California must pass exams and prove that they have copious amounts of experience and insurance. However, renewing a professional electrical license in California isn’t nearly as complex.

Prior to each renewal, the electrician must have 2,000 hours of work experience and have completed 32 hours of continuing education. The continuing education courses must be approved by the state and must cover specific topics in order to be valid.

Renewing Your CA Electrician License

California professional electrical licenses expire on the original date of licensure every three years. The 32 hours of continuing education can be obtained online as long as it’s through an online provider that is approved by the state. 

Most people find it best to go with an online provider like RocketCert that offers a wide variety of benefits like:

• 24/7 access to the materials
• Lifetime access to the courses
• Instant certificate of completion
• Accessibility on any device
• Exceptional customer service
• Expertly written material

As an added perk, if professionals find a better price for the courses they need for renewal, RocketCert will beat that price by 20%.

Steps to Renewing Your California Electrical License

You’ll need to submit your application for renewal, which you can do within the year prior to the expiration date of your license. The application should be received by the state board 30 days before the end of the certification period. 

They still accept renewal applications that are postmarked up to the expiration date, but the renewal approval will be delayed. You also won’t be able to work until your renewal is approved.

Once you have proof you’ve taken your continuing education courses, you’re in possession of records indicating that you have 2,000 hours of work experience, and you’ve completed your renewal application, submit all three of these to the board.

There is a $100 renewal fee that you must pay to the DIR. It typically takes about 30 days for the DIR to respond to your renewal application, which is why it’s so important that you submit it early.

If you completely miss the California certification expiration date, you will be required to retake the certification licensure exam. In addition, you will need to fill out and submit the certification retest form with the option for “expired certification” marked. The fee for submitting this application and taking the certification exam is $200.

Continuing Education Courses for Electrical Contractors in CA

When renewing your electrician license in California, the 32 required hours of educational courses cover specific topics and subjects. 

These subjects and topics are designated by the state licensing board and include 24 hours that must be directly focused on the National Electric Code (NEC) and 8 hours on professional development and safety.

Completing your continuing education is a breeze with RocketCert! We offer the best state-approved courses that are available 24/7 on any device. Sign up with RocketCert to renew your electrical license in California today — we’ll notify the state of your completion for you!