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Washington · Electricians · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Washington Electrician License

Washington electricians must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program rule on September 6, 2026.

CE hours
24 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Washington electricians holding a license in one of these classes: electrical trainee training certificate, electrician, master electrician, electrical administrator, Continuing education. Requirements are set by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program. Hours differ by class — 48 hours for electrical trainee training certificate; 24 hours for electrician, master electrician, electrical administrator, Continuing education.

When to renew

Washington 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. (WA Electricians: expires on your birthdate, 3-yr cycle (lni.wa.gov) - per-licensee)

The continuing education Washington requires

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program requires 24 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • National Electrical Code (NEC) — at least 8 hours
  • electrical theory
  • RCW 19.28 and WAC 296-46B — at least 4 hours
  • Changes in the currently adopted National Electrical Code — at least 8 hours
  • Industry related / elective — at least 12 hours
  • Code update (changes in the currently adopted NEC) — at least 8 hours
  • Other approved / industry-related courses — at least 12 hours
  • NEC code update (8 hrs)
  • Industry-related approved CE (12 hrs, no repeats)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Washington sets electricians requirements by license class (electrical trainee training certificate, electrician, master electrician, electrical administrator, 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 24 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program requires 24 hours every 3 years, including National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical theory, RCW 19.28 and WAC 296-46B, Changes in the currently adopted National Electrical Code and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Washington electricians course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records; Washington audits can reach back several years.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Washington, the provider uploads a completion roster to the board, within 7 days of completion. You can confirm your hours are on file in the reporting system linked below.

    Check your hours on file
  5. 5

    Renew with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program

    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 Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program

Online courses for Washington electricians

Washington electrician renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Washington electricians need?
Washington electricians must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program.
Which license types have different CE requirements in Washington?
Requirements differ by license class in Washington: 48 hours for electrical trainee training certificate; 24 hours for electrician, master electrician, electrical administrator, Continuing education.
What topics are required for Washington electricians continuing education?
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program requires coverage of: National Electrical Code (NEC) (8 hours); electrical theory; RCW 19.28 and WAC 296-46B (4 hours); Changes in the currently adopted National Electrical Code (8 hours); Industry related / elective (12 hours); Code update (changes in the currently adopted NEC) (8 hours); Other approved / industry-related courses (12 hours); NEC code update (8 hrs); Industry-related approved CE (12 hrs, no repeats).
How are completed CE hours reported to Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program?
Completed hours are reported by the provider via roster upload to the board within 7 days of completion. You also receive a certificate of completion for your records.
Can Washington electricians complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Washington requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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