An NEC code update class is a continuing education (CE) course on what changed in the newest National Electrical Code (NEC). NFPA publishes a new edition every three years: 2020, 2023, 2026. Several states require code-change or NEC hours to renew an electrical license. The state table below shows the hours and links each state's rule.
| Quick facts | NEC code update classes |
|---|---|
| What they cover | The NEC sections that changed between editions, usually for the edition your state adopted |
| CE hour | An hour of class time a state board approves toward license renewal. JCR's course titles call these CEUs. |
| Who requires them | 5 of the 7 states in the table require code-change hours. The other 2 require general NEC hours. |
| How many code hours | Code-change minimums run from 3 to 8 hours per renewal in the states JCR checked |
| JCR CE classes | $230 for 8 hours, in person or live on Zoom, plus a bonus 8-hour video course. JCR's CE is approved in 20+ states. |
Which states require NEC code update hours?
These states set code hours for journeyman electricians and other licenses. Each state name links its rule or CE page.
| State and license | CE to renew | Code part |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia journeyman and master electricians | 3 hours every 3 years | All 3: courses must cover the current NEC, including its changes (18VAC50-30-220) |
| Montana electrical licensees | 16 hours each renewal cycle. Licenses renew by July 15 of even years | At least 8 on NEC updates |
| Washington master electricians, administrators and electricians | 8 hours for each year of the certificate period | At least 8 on changes in the adopted NEC, plus 4 on Washington's electrical law and rules |
| Colorado master, journeyman and residential wireman | 24 hours every 3 years | At least 4 on NEC changes |
| New Mexico journeyman electricians | 16 hours every 3 years | 8 on code changes |
| Nebraska electrical licenses | 12 hours by January 1 of each odd year | At least 6 studying the NEC (any part) |
| Texas master, journeyman and other electrician licenses | 4 hours before each yearly renewal | Must address the NEC plus Texas electrician law and rules |
Colorado skips the requirement for your first renewal after passing the license exam. Texas electrical contractors need no CE.
Renewing soon? Each JCR CE class gives 8 hours for $230, in a classroom or live on Zoom, plus a bonus 8-hour video course. JCR's CE is approved in 20+ states, and JCR CE classes are approved by Virginia DPOR.
What does an NEC code update class cover?
The sections that changed from one edition to the next. States tie the class to the code they adopted:
- Washington credits changes in the "currently adopted code." A code update class loses its approval when the state adopts a new NEC.
- Virginia requires courses on the current edition of the building code, including any changes. For electricians, that's the NEC.
Do JCR CE classes count for Virginia electricians?
Yes. JCR CE classes are approved by Virginia DPOR, which licenses tradesmen through its Board for Contractors.
- Provider number: DPOR's approved provider list (October 6, 2026) shows JCR Productions as 2730-000093, approved for electricians (ELE).
- Reporting: providers send completions to the Board within 7 days (18VAC50-30-230). DPOR says posting takes about two weeks.
- Renewal fee: $160 for the tradesman license.
Full details: Virginia electrical license renewal, or see Virginia CE dates.
What about North Carolina CE?
NC requires 8 hours a year for Limited, Intermediate, Unlimited and SP-SFD (single-family detached home) licenses, and 4 for the other special restricted classes. There is no code-change minimum (NCBEEC rule .1101). Courses must cover the current NEC, NFPA 72, NC electrical licensing law and rules, or other board-approved subjects.
At least half of your hours must be classroom hours. JCR's live Zoom classes count as NC classroom credit. More: NC electrical continuing education requirements.
NEC code update classes: common questions
What is an NEC code update class?
A continuing education class on what changed in the newest National Electrical Code. NFPA publishes a new edition every three years.
Which states require code update hours for electricians?
Virginia, Montana, Washington, Colorado and New Mexico, among the states in this guide. Nebraska and Texas require NEC hours without a code-change minimum.
How many CE hours does a journeyman electrician need?
It depends on the state: 3 hours every 3 years in Virginia, 16 every 3 years in New Mexico, 24 every 3 years in Colorado and 4 a year in Texas.
Can I take an NEC code update class online?
Often, if your state approved the provider for that format. DPOR's Virginia provider list shows whether each one teaches in a classroom, by correspondence or online.
Do JCR CE classes count in Virginia?
Yes. JCR CE classes are approved by Virginia DPOR, which lists JCR Productions as an approved electrical CE provider.
NEC continuing education with JCR
JCR CE classes run 8 hours for $230 in Raleigh, Asheville and Mooresville (Charlotte area), or live on Zoom in two 4-hour sessions on back-to-back days. A bonus 8-hour video CE course comes with each class.
Related guides: Electrical CE online by state · NEC adoption by state · NFPA 70E refresher training
Sources
- NFPA 70: editions and development
- 18VAC50-30-120: Virginia renewal and CE
- 18VAC50-30-220: Virginia CE courses
- 18VAC50-30-230: Virginia course reporting
- Code of Virginia § 54.1-1133
- DPOR: Approved tradesman CE providers (Oct. 6, 2026)
- Montana State Electrical Board: Continuing education
- WAC 296-46B-970: Washington continuing education
- Colorado DPO: Electrical CE
- New Mexico CID: Continuing education
- Nebraska State Electrical Division: Continuing education
- TDLR: Continuing education for electricians
- NCBEEC: Section .1100, continuing education
JCR checked every rule above against these sources on October 21, 2026.