State license

Washington, DC Journeyman Electrician License

Written by a licensed IBEW journeyman electrician

Last updated:

Washington, DC licenses journeyman electricians. The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection issues the license after you pass an exam. You need at least 8,000 hours as an apprentice electrician over at least 4 years, plus a class on DCMR Title 12C or equivalent. The 2022 PSI bulletin lists 80 multiple-choice questions; confirm the current exam with DLCP.

The facts, from the source

Who licenses
DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) (dlcp.dc.gov)
Exam (questions/time)
80 multiple-choice questions. Single exam: 307 Washington DC Journeyman Electrician. Computer-based. Figures are from the PSI bulletin updated 8/25/2022. (test-takers.psiexams.com)
Open book / references
Open book. Ugly's Electrical Reference (any edition) is listed, along with the National Electrical Code. (test-takers.psiexams.com)
Experience required
Worked as an apprentice electrician for at least 8,000 hours over at least 4 years, plus a class on DCMR Title 12C (or equivalent) completed within 2 years before applying (D.C. Code 47-2853.92(b)). Alternative: an electrical engineering degree plus 2 years of practical experience certified by a licensed master electrician. The Board may accept an equivalent combination. A certificate from a national certifying organization is accepted in place of the exam. (code.dccouncil.gov)
Fees
Exam $52 (2022 PSI bulletin; computer-based, updated 8/25/2022). Journeyman license $110. Application $65.00. (dlcp.dc.gov)

What’s on the exam

Percent of exam: General Knowledge 6%; Services and Service Equipment 11%; Feeders 4%; Branch Circuits and Conductors 19%; Wiring Methods and Materials 26%; Equipment and Devices 13%; Control Devices 4%; Motors and Generators 6%; Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions 11%.

Confirm these with the board

  • NEC edition: official sources disagree; confirm with the board
  • Time limit: not published in the materials we checked
  • Passing score: the bulletin lists pass or fail only
  • Reciprocity: ask DLCP whether your license from another state qualifies

DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) ↗

Partly verified October 24, 2026: some items couldn’t be confirmed from official sources and are listed above

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Facts on this page trace to primary sources or first-hand IBEW Local 134 experience — see sources & methodology.

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