Apprentice Electrician License in West Virginia
Quick Answer
To become a Journeyman Electrician in West Virginia, you need 1 year (2,000 hours) of experience or completion of an approved apprenticeship, then pass the $25 NEC-based exam. License fee is $50/year. West Virginia recognizes reciprocity with ALL 50 states. Master requires 2 years/4,000 hours. Total estimated costs are approximately $175.
- Exam
- WVSFMO Electrical Exam (based on 2020 NEC)
- Total Cost
- $175 (est.)
- Timeline
- 1-4 years
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 1 year (expires June 30)
Requirements
Apprentice Electrician license in West Virginia
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $50
- Exam Fee
- $25
- Renewal Fee
- $50
- Total Estimated Cost
- $175
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Apprentice Electrician license in West Virginia. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the West Virginia licensing board.
Apprentice Electrician Salary in West Virginia
Entry Level
$38,340
Median
$63,850
Experienced
$88,960
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Apprentice Electrician in West Virginia.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
No educational requirements
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — WVSFMO Electrical Exam (based on 2020 NEC)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$50.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 1-4 years.
Apprentice Electrician Licensing in West Virginia: What to Know
West Virginia provides very detailed licensing information. Journeyman requires 1 year (2,000 hours) experience or completion of DOL apprenticeship or 1,080-hour vocational program. Master requires 2 years (4,000 hours). Specialty licenses (Electric Sign, HVAC, Low Voltage, Single Family Dwelling) require 2 years/4,000 hours in the specialty area. Exam fee is $25 (non-refundable). License fee is $50 annually. Expired license renewal is double fee ($100) within a 5-year grace period. The open-book exam is based on the 2020 NEC, with 4 hours allowed. Walk-ins are not authorized. West Virginia recognizes reciprocity with ALL 50 states. Apprentices no longer require licensure as of June 16, 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Apprentice Electrician license cost in West Virginia?
- The estimated total cost is $175, including application fees, exam fees ($25), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Apprentice Electrician license in West Virginia?
- The process typically takes 1-4 years, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Apprentice Electrician license in West Virginia?
- You need to pass the WVSFMO Electrical Exam (based on 2020 NEC). State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Apprentice Electrician requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.