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To become a licensed electrician in California, there are several steps and requirements to consider:
- C-10 License: To legally perform electrical services in California, you need a C-10 license issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board.
- Electrician Trainee Registration: You must be registered as an electrician trainee with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. This involves either passing California’s Electrician Certification Exam or being enrolled in an approved Electrician Trainee Program and registered as an ET in California, or being enrolled in a California or federally approved Electrical Apprenticeship Program.
- Work Experience: To apply for the general electrician certification exam, you need 8000 hours of work for an electrical contractor, installing, constructing, or maintaining electrical systems covered by the National Electrical Code. The hours must cover work in various specific areas with a set maximum credit for each.
- Types of Licenses: California offers several types of electrician licenses including Residential, Fire/Life Safety Technician, Voice, Data, Video Technician, Non-residential Lighting Technician, and General Electrician.
- Reciprocity Agreements: California has reciprocity agreements with Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, but specific requirements must be met, including having held a valid and active license for the past five years in the reciprocal state.
- License Renewal: Once you have your California electrical license, it needs to be renewed every three years. To be in good standing for renewal, you must have worked at least 2000 hours in the period.
- Exam Details: The exam for a general electrician license consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, based on NEC standards, and is open book. You have 2 1/2 hours to complete it and must score at least 70% to pass.