Virginia Electrical License Requirements
Virginia uses a "tradesman card" system for individual electricians, administered by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Here are the license types and requirements.
Registered Apprentice
Register with VA DOLI
Must register with Virginia Department of Labor and Industry to begin apprenticeship
Journeyman Tradesman
8,000 hours + 240 vocational + exam
Statewide tradesman card; alternative paths include 5 years + 160 hours vocational
Master Tradesman
1 year as JW or 10 years exp + exam
Advanced tradesman card allowing supervision and more complex work
Electrical Contractor (Class A/B/C)
License + insurance + bonding
Required to contract work; different classes based on project value limits
Virginia's Tradesman Card System
Virginia refers to individual electrician licenses as "tradesman cards" rather than journeyman licenses. The system offers multiple pathways to qualification, recognizing both formal apprenticeship training and experience gained on the job. IBEW Local 26, which covers Northern Virginia and the D.C. metro area, operates one of the largest training programs in the country.
Apprenticeship Programs in Virginia
Virginia offers excellent apprenticeship options through IBEW JATCs, ABC chapters, and community colleges from Northern Virginia to Hampton Roads.
JATC Local 26
Manassas, VA
Training center serving Northern Virginia and D.C. metro - one of the largest in the nation
Richmond Electricians JATC
Richmond, VA
IBEW Local 666 apprenticeship program for Central Virginia
Tidewater JATC
Norfolk, VA
IBEW Local 80 training serving Hampton Roads and coastal Virginia
ABC Virginia Chapter - Dulles
Sterling, VA
Merit shop training center serving Northern Virginia contractors
ABC Virginia Chapter - Richmond
Richmond, VA
Central Virginia apprenticeship and journeyman training
ABC Virginia Chapter - Hampton Roads
Virginia Beach, VA
Training for Tidewater region contractors and apprentices
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Multiple Campuses
Electrical technology programs and apprenticeship partnerships
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA
Electrical trades and industrial maintenance programs
Reynolds Community College
Richmond, VA
Pre-apprenticeship and electrical fundamentals coursework
IBEW Locals in Virginia
Virginia has strong IBEW representation with locals covering every region, including Local 26 which serves the high-demand Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. market.
IBEW Local 26
Washington, D.C.
Northern Virginia including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William
IBEW Local 666
Richmond
Central Virginia and Richmond metro area
IBEW Local 80
Norfolk
Hampton Roads and Tidewater region
IBEW Local 1340
Newport News
Virginia Peninsula and shipyard work
IBEW Local 50
Richmond (Utility)
Utility and power generation work across Virginia
Required OJT Hours in Virginia
Virginia offers multiple pathways to your journeyman tradesman card. Here are the primary requirements for the standard path:
8,000 OJT Hours
Practical experience documented and verified by your employer or program
240 Hours Vocational Training
Formal classroom instruction (160 hours with 5 years experience alternative)
State Tradesman Exam
Pass the Virginia journeyman electrician exam administered by DPOR
3 Hours CE for Renewal
Continuing education required each renewal period, focused on NEC updates
How to Track Hours in Virginia with SparkShift
Whether you're working data centers in Northern Virginia, commercial in Richmond, or shipyard projects in Hampton Roads, SparkShift helps you document every hour toward your tradesman card.
GPS-Verified Hours
Clock in from any Virginia jobsite with automatic location verification
DPOR-Ready Reports
Generate PDF reports that meet Virginia tradesman card documentation requirements
Track All Categories
Log hours across all 12 IBEW work categories for comprehensive experience documentation
Virginia Electrical Board Contact Info
Official contact information for Virginia's electrical licensing authority.
Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR)
DPOR handles tradesman cards (journeyman/master), contractor licensing, and exam administration. For apprentice registration, contact the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI).
FAQ for Virginia Electricians
Common questions about electrical licensing and apprenticeships in Virginia.
What are the requirements for a Virginia journeyman electrician license?
Virginia issues 'tradesman cards' rather than traditional licenses. For a journeyman electrical tradesman card, you need 8,000 hours of practical experience plus 240 hours of formal vocational training, then pass the state exam. Alternative paths exist: 5 years of experience with 160 hours of vocational training, or other combinations. All paths require passing the Virginia tradesman exam.
How do I register as an electrical apprentice in Virginia?
In Virginia, apprentices must register with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI). You can register through a registered apprenticeship program (JATC, ABC, etc.) or as an individual apprentice working for a licensed contractor. Registration must occur before you can accrue hours toward your tradesman card.
Which IBEW locals serve Virginia?
Virginia is served by five IBEW locals: Local 26 (Washington D.C. - covers Northern Virginia), Local 666 (Richmond - Central Virginia), Local 80 (Norfolk - Hampton Roads), Local 1340 (Newport News - Peninsula), and Local 50 (utility work statewide). Each offers apprenticeship programs through their JATC.
Does Virginia have reciprocity with other states?
Virginia has reciprocity agreements with several states including Maryland and North Carolina for contractors. For tradesman cards, out-of-state electricians may qualify through experience verification and exam. Check with DPOR for current reciprocity status, as agreements can change.
What continuing education is required in Virginia?
Virginia requires continuing education for tradesman card renewal. Journeymen and master tradesmen must complete 3 hours of CE based on NEC updates every renewal period. Contractors have additional CE requirements. All CE must be through DPOR-approved providers.
How do I track my apprentice hours in Virginia?
SparkShift is the easiest way to track your Virginia apprenticeship hours. The app provides GPS-verified time logging, tracks all 12 work categories, allows digital supervisor sign-offs, and generates PDF reports that meet DOLI and DPOR requirements. Whether you're working in Northern Virginia, Richmond, or Hampton Roads, SparkShift keeps your hours organized for your tradesman card application.
