How to Renew Your Virginia Electrician License

Who has to renew

This guide covers Virginia electricians holding a license in one of these classes: Electricians (Tradesmen), Continuing education. Requirements are set by Virginia Board for Contractors (Tradesmen Program), Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

When to renew

Virginia electricians licenses renew every 3 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency50/chapter30/section120/)

The continuing education Virginia requires

Virginia Board for Contractors (Tradesmen Program), Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) requires 3 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:

• Changes to the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) currently in force in Virginia — at least 3 hours
• Applicable building code changes (electrical) — at least 3 hours

How to renew, step by step

1. 1

   Confirm your license class and renewal date

   Virginia sets electricians requirements by license class (Electricians (Tradesmen), Continuing education). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

2. 2

   Complete 3 hours of board-approved continuing education

   Virginia Board for Contractors (Tradesmen Program), Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) requires 3 hours every 3 years, including Changes to the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) currently in force in Virginia, Applicable building code changes (electrical). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

   See the Virginia electricians course
3. 3

   Save your certificate of completion

   Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

4. 4

   Make sure your hours reach the board

   In Virginia, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

5. 5

   Renew with Virginia Board for Contractors (Tradesmen Program), Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)

   Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

   Go to Virginia Board for Contractors (Tradesmen Program), Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)

Online courses for Virginia electricians

• Virginia Electricians 3-Hour Continuing Education$28

Virginia electrician renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Virginia electricians need?

Virginia electricians must complete 3 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Virginia Board for Contractors (Tradesmen Program), Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

Which license classes does the Virginia electricians CE requirement apply to?

The 3 hours requirement applies to: Electricians (Tradesmen), Continuing education.

What topics are required for Virginia electricians continuing education?

Virginia Board for Contractors (Tradesmen Program), Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) requires coverage of: Changes to the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) currently in force in Virginia (3 hours); Applicable building code changes (electrical) (3 hours).

Can Virginia electricians complete continuing education online?

Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Virginia requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources

• Virginia Board for Contractors (Tradesmen Program), Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) — official board site
• Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 6, 2026
• Virginia Electricians continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class