Electrician License Requirements in California
License RequiredLast verified March 9, 2026
Agency And Exam
Issuing agency: California Department of Industrial Relations, Electrician Certification Unit
Official licensing agency website
Exam provider: PSI
Reciprocity And License Levels
License levels
General ElectricianResidential ElectricianFire/Life Safety TechnicianVoice Data Video TechnicianNonresidential Lighting Technician
Reciprocity states
None listed
Notes
California requires persons performing electrician work under a C-10 licensed contractor to hold state certification through the Electrician Certification Unit. Current state materials identify certification categories including general electrician, residential electrician, fire/life safety technician, voice data video technician, and nonresidential lighting technician, and the candidate bulletin routes approved applicants to PSI. Verified against California DIR electrician certification materials on 2026-03-09.