Journeyman and master electrician license and test requirements in Washington — what the state requires, who gives the exam, which NEC edition it is written on, the fees, and how to sign up. Free — no account needed.
General (01) journey level: at least 8,000 hours as an electrical trainee under a certified journey-level electrician (at least 4,000 in commercial/industrial). As of July 1, 2023 Washington uses an apprenticeship-based model. Apply on L&I Form F626-001-000; pass the open-book EL01 exam (about 77 questions, 3 hours, NEC + WAC, 70%) through PSI.
Master electrician certification requires being certified as a general (01) journey-level electrician by L&I for at least 4 years. Apply on L&I Form F500-088-000 and pass the master exam through PSI.
Kevin's Electrical Prep Course is built by a licensed master electrician, instructor and electrical inspector: 630+ practice questions with every math problem worked out step by step, timed practice exams, video lessons and drive-along audio. Both code books included — NEC 2023 and NEC 2026. So you study the edition Washington actually tests on — the NEC 2023. $200 for 6 months, and a pass guarantee.
See the course & take 15 free sample questions → Get 6-month access — $200Washington uses PSI as its testing provider. Licensing is handled by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) - Electrical Program.
2023 NEC (L&I/PSI electrician exams; NEC + Washington Administrative Code)
General journey level (EL01, PSI): about 77 questions, 3 hours, open book (NEC + Washington Administrative Code + theory), 70% to pass. Master: PSI exam; requires 4 years as an L&I-certified 01 journey-level electrician first.
Electrician certificate application ~$160.60 (triennial); Master ~$192.10
General (01) journey level: at least 8,000 hours as an electrical trainee under a certified journey-level electrician (at least 4,000 in commercial/industrial). As of July 1, 2023 Washington uses an apprenticeship-based model. Apply on L&I Form F626-001-000; pass the open-book EL01 exam (about 77 questions, 3 hours, NEC + WAC, 70%) through PSI.
Master electrician certification requires being certified as a general (01) journey-level electrician by L&I for at least 4 years. Apply on L&I Form F500-088-000 and pass the master exam through PSI.
Journeyman: General (01) journey level: at least 8,000 hours as an electrical trainee under a certified journey-level electrician (at least 4,000 in commercial/industrial). As of July 1, 2023 Washington uses an apprenticeship-based model. Apply on L&I Form F626-001-000; pass the open-book EL01 exam (about 77 questions, 3 hours, NEC + WAC, 70%) through PSI. Master: Master electrician certification requires being certified as a general (01) journey-level electrician by L&I for at least 4 years. Apply on L&I Form F500-088-000 and pass the master exam through PSI.
Reciprocity for the 01 general journey-level certificate with Oregon only (obtain either state's general journeyman by exam/apprenticeship, then apply without re-testing, Form F500-148-000). No master reciprocity - master requires 4 years as a Washington journeyman. No Idaho agreement. link
Fully statewide through L&I; exams delivered by PSI (schedule at test-takers.psiexams.com/walaborind or 855-834-8751). Apply/get experience verified with L&I first, then schedule. Certificates renew every 3 years with 24 hours CE. Electrician exams billed by the hour; master/administrator exams a flat rate (set by PSI/L&I).
Everything above is kept current, but Washington can change a fee, a form or an exam provider at any time — and the state's own site is always the live answer. Before you register, click through and confirm:
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