Electrical Certification Program
You have probably heard a variety of rumors surrounding the new Electrical Certification Program. The program is under the control of the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) not the CSLB.
The program's goal is to establish minimum standards for the competency of employees of electrical contractors. DAS has finally answered some questions to get a clear picture of the program requirements.
The Basics:
There are 3 different certifications: General Electrician, Residential Electrician, and Fire/Life Safety Technician. Each certification has a different requirement and examination.
Licensed C-10 Contractors who work under their own license will not need to be certified. (Anyone with an inactive license, or working under another's C-10 license will still need to be certified.) This is a great reason to get your C-10 Electrical Contractor's License!
The deadline for certification is January 1, 2005.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following FAQs are from the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards. For more information you can visit the DAS website at www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/ElectricalTrade.htm
1. Who is required to be certified?
One who performs work for an electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining any electrical system that is covered by the National Electric Code, is required to be certified as a General Electrician.
One who performs work for an electrical contractor installing, constructing, or maintaining any electrical system that is covered by the National Electrical Code in single family homes and multi-family units, including hotels and motels, where the primary occupancy of the building is considered residential and the maximum voltage received from a utility company is a 3 phase, 4 wire, 120/208 or 120/240 volts, is required to be certified as a Residential Electrician.
One who performs work installing the required panel boards and feeders for commercial tenant space in a multi-family/multi-use occupancies falling under subsection (1) above, where less than 50 percent of the first floor level is used for commercial tenant space, but not performing any tenant improvement for these spaces, is required to be certified as a Residential Electrician.
One who performs work for an electrical contractor involving the installation, construction or maintenance of systems as covered in Article 760 of the National Electrical Code, is required to be certified as a Fire/Life Safety Technician.
2. I have a C-10 license; do I have to be certified?
If you are the holder of a valid C-10 license and are working under that license, certification is not required. However, if you are performing covered electrical work not under your own valid license - for example, if your license is not in effect for some reason, or you are working under someone else's C-10 license - certification is required.
3. I am a foreman for a contractor and sometimes I work with the tools for that work. Do I have to be certified?
Yes.
4. What are the qualifications to apply for certification?
Please refer to Title 8 section 291.1 Eligibility for Certification
5. What is the deadline to be certified?
All employees of C-10 contractors (with the exception of apprentices enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs) must be certified by January 1, 2005.
6. Where are the testing sites located?
There are currently seven test sites. Please refer to DAS maps for maps and locations.
7. How many classifications are there for certification and testing?
There are three classifications with corresponding exams: General Electrician; Residential Electrician; and Fire/Life Safety Technician.
8. How many questions are on the test?
There are 100 questions on the General Electrician test and you have 4 hours to complete the test. There are 75 questions on the Residential Electrician exam and you have 3 hours to complete the exam. There are 50 questions on the Fire/Life Safety Technician Exam and you have 2 hours to complete the exam.
9. What is the content of the exam?
For examination content outline, please refer to Examination Content outline page.
10. Is the test true/false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, or essay?
All questions are multiple choice.
11. How do I apply for the certification?
You may download an application from the following address Electrical Certification Form. Please refer to Title 8 section 291.1 Eligibility for Certification
12. Is the test a written exam?
No, the test is on a computer. Little to no experience is needed to operate the computer. A short practice lesson is given prior to the test. You may also practice on a virtual computer online by going to Experior online. This will help you familiarize yourself with the computer and type of test you will actually use at the test facility.
13. What is the cost for the application and test?
A fee of $75 per application and a fee of $100 for to sit for an examination is required and must accompany the application. A check or money order MUST accompany the application, payable to: DIR-Electrician Certification Fund.
14. How often do I have to be re-certified or tested?
You only have to be tested once so long as you do not let your certification expire. The certification must be renewed every three (3) years. To be eligible for renewal you must provide proof under penalty of perjury of 32 hours further electrical education relevant to the type of certification, and must certify under penalty of perjury that you have worked in the industry for 2000 hours within the previous three (3) years. An individual who allows certification to lapse will be required to re-take the certification exam.
15. If I have a license from another State, do I have to be tested and certified?
Yes, there is no reciprocity between states. However, where an applicant holds a license as an electrician in another state and it is determined by the Chief of the DAS that the requirements for experience to hold a license in that state are comparable to California's experience requirements to sit for the exam, the Chief may deem the applicant to have the required experience.
16. When will I receive my certification card?
A temporary statement will be issued to you at the exam site upon completion of the exam if you pass. A plastic card will be mailed to you within 2-4 weeks after the test.
17. I am an electrician. I will be
taking my test in 2003. I understand the mandatory date for all electricians to
be certified is January 1, 2005.
When will my renewal date be?
Currently, the renewal date is three years from the date your certificate was issued. However, the Division of Apprenticeship Standards will commence rulemaking on AB 1087 by Fall, 2003. We anticipate that during AB 1087 rulemaking regulations will be proposed that provide an extension of the expiration date for all electricians who have tested prior to December 31, 2004. Under this proposal, the three-year expiration date would commence on January 1, 2005 for all electricians. For all those electricians who have received their certification prior to 1/1/05, the expiration would then be their anniversary date in the year 2008.