Obtaining your California electrical contractor license doesn't need to be difficult or hard, in fact it is actually quite simple and only requires 5 steps! Head over to https://www.dir.ca.gov/das/elecert/EleCertApps3.asp and fill out the necessary application. After you have completed the application, you only need to click on the submit button at the bottom of the application to automatically submit it to the California Department of Industrial Relations.
If you'd rather complete the application by hand, you must use a blue or red ink pen and you will need to mail the application to the following address.
California Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Apprenticeship Standards
455 Golden Gate Avenue, 8th floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
You can also reach them by phone at 415-703-4920 or fax at 415-703-5477.
Once you have applied for the exam and have been approved by teh DAS your application is then forwarded to the testing vendor, which is Experion Assessments. Experion Assessments then sends you the Candidate Information Bulletin. The bulletin will include important information regarding the upcoming exam, as well as give you the 800 number for your local area to schedule your exam, with the time and date as well as locations available. Please note that a test date is not automatically assigned to you.
There is also a $75 fee per application as well as a $100 fee for a sit time at the testing facility. It's required to pay via check or money order with it addressed to: DIR- Electrician Certification Fund. Currently there are eight testing centers available throughout California: San Diego, Fresno, San Francisco, Fremont, Van Nuys, Cerritos, Rancho Cordova and Colton.
If you have any questions regarding the test you may contact Experior directly at the following address:
Experior
1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
They can also be reached via telephone at 800-805-9123
Each applicant must have the following experience before being certified, as well as pass the examination test. An applicant can provide proof of experience by showing the following:
1. Complete an apprentice program that is approved by the California Apprenticeship Council, the federal Bureau of Apprenticeship training, or State apprenticeship council approved apprenticeship programs.
2. Job Experience: You must complete 8000 hours of work for an electrical contractor, including tasks such as installing, constructing or maintaining electrical systems covered by the National Electrical Code.
Keep in mind that there is absolutely no reciprocity between states. Although, there are allowances for transfers of licenses between states that are previously determined by the Chief of the DAS and that has similar qualifications and requirements.
Prepare by purchasing the proper books for your exam. To find out which documents you will need, refer to the list of documents and books listed on the state's exam page of their website. You must purchase these books in preparation of the exam.
Following the rules is crucially important, the test is a closed-book examination. There may be absolutely no reference materials during the exam. All materials brought to the exam must be left outside of the test. There will be some arithmetic computation, therefore a calculator is OK although it must be non-alpha programmable.
Begin studying now if you want to pass the first time, be sure to study all the required reading and documents, as well as any other materials they recommend. The amount of time that is required for preparation will vary from one person to the next. Make sure that you have enough time to study prior to the exam.
Finally, good luck! There are 100 tests in the general Electrician test and you have 4 hours to complete it. The test is administered on a computer, and the test is designed for those with very little computer experience. A short practice test is given prior to the actual test so that every one is familiar with the test. We suggest arriving 15 minutes prior to the exams start time. You must also bring one valid form of ID that has your name on it, a current photo, and a signature.
The Electrical C-10 Examination iis divided into 5 major sections.
1. System Evaluation and Design
- Existing System Valuation
- Material Section
- Code Requirements
- Plan and specification interpretation
2. Rough Wiring
- System layout
- Grounding and bonding
- Wire and equipment labeling
- Clearance and accessibility requirements
- Raceway and panel installation
3. Finish Wiring and Trim
- Finish device placement and installation
- Trims and sealants
- System energizing and testing
4. Troubleshooting and Repairing
- Selection and use of electrical testing equipment
- Location, repair, and replacement of inoperable electrical wires/components
